“Cloning And Conflict”
September 21st, 2007 by Peter
A year ago we noted a powerful Courant op-ed about the ethical concerns on the disbursement of state funds for embryo destroying research. Last Friday this story appeared in the Courant regarding the state’s best known stem cell scientist:
STORRS – Internationally known cloning expert Xiangzhong “Jerry” Yang violated conflict of interest policies when he didn’t disclose that he was running a private company at the same address as his University of Connecticut laboratory, a university audit has found.
Running both operations out of the university blurred the line between the two, compromised open bidding standards and raised questions about whether he complied with conditions of federal research awards, the audit found.
The audit found that Yang failed to keep the activities carried out by faculty members working in his lab separate from those of researchers working in Evergen, a private company he founded on campus…
UConn officials say the problems are being addressed. There are no investigations underway and no disciplinary action has been taken against Yang, they say.
The violations found by the audit appear not to be directly related to Yang’s work on human embryos–or, at least, there’s no mention of that aspect of his work in the Courant’s story.
Nevertheless, it’s full speed ahead for publicly-funded embro destruction in Connecticut:
ROCKY HILL, Conn. – Connecticut’s stem cell research program is drawing a flurry of interest in its second year, with universities and small firms lining up for the $10 million that is available in the latest round of funding.
The program has received 87 preliminary requests seeking nearly $45 million for research projects based in the state, up from 75 last year when $20 million was awarded, the Connecticut Stem Cell Research Advisory Committee learned Tuesday…
The program, approved by the legislature and Gov. M. Jodi Rell in 2005, set aside $100 million for Connecticut-based embryonic and adult stem cell research through 2015. After awarding the $20 million last November, the committee will be handing out $10 million a year for the next eight years…
On the federal government level, President Bush has vetoed two bills in the past two years that would have allowed federal funding of embryonic stem cell research, saying he could not support the deliberate destruction of human embryos…
Researchers say embryonic stem cells are vital to finding cures for diseases because they can develop into all types of tissue. But many are opposed to the research because embryos must be destroyed to harvest human embryonic stem cells.
Reagan was right. The scariest words ever uttered were, “I’m from the government and I’m here to help!”
This is simply bad public policy, bordering on corporate welfare.
Doling out millions of free coin for “research” and attracting shisters is like leaving out rancid meat to watch the insect feast.
Government should support medical research by removing some of the over legislated, fiscal and regulatory obstacles without actualy funding it, but discretion should also be exercised with regard to both the ethical and moral aspects of the research, as well as its feasability for success, and prudent management of the people’s money, or in other words, “more bang for the buck.”
Of course there is hope for cure for embrionic stem cell research. There is nothing but hope because thus far, it has cured nothing, much unlike adult stem cell research which has already had proven results, and without taking human life.
The crux of the whole controversy regarding Catholic hospitals dispensing the Plan B pill is also because of state funding. (So much for “separation of church and state”!)
At what point do we wake up and say, “Thanks but no thanks!” when the cradle to grave Nanny state runs amok and starts writing checks on our dime, willy-nilly? Let us never forget that those who write the checks also dictate the terms. Likewise, big government that can give more can also take more….human life included!
Considering the state is aparently so much awash in surplus revenue, perhaps its focus would be better applied to actual functions of state government, like fixing dangerous bridges and cutting some of our exhorbitant fees and taxes. Less taxes equates to more liberty. More liberty equates to less government dependence. Legitemate researchers with more of their own money to burn will do so more responsibly and without inane and intrusive Draconian government mandates and conditions.
There are sound reasons why the private sector often excels at many more levels than government, such as striving for profit for hard work and facing accountability for screw-ups.
Medical research seemed to progress quite well before we all woke up one day and looked upon government as our perpetual ATM! Newsflash: there is no such thing as a “free lunch”!
Let the scientists do what they do best, research and development; and let government continue to do what it does best, um…..
Doug