Supporting Stem Cell Research Is “Establishment”
Stem cell research is establishment, and this man should be imprisoned if Bernie was an effective legislator.
The post I wrote the other day has been criticized by various people for simplifying Bernie’s Congressional record and his beliefs. I want these things to be public and I appreciate them being broadcast to a larger audience.
Obviously there are people who will be difficult to deal with, but maybe that’s on me. I probably need to figure out a better way to talk to them. Whether it’s my fault or not, I take it upon myself to find ways to argue respectfully with people.
We don’t need to attack to make our point. We can honor voices and opinions while respectfully disagreeing with them.
I want to be part of a revolution that honors the work of people like John Lewis, Gloria Steinem, and Dolores Huerta. One of my intellectual heroes, Angela Davis, supports Bernie Sanders. This does not lower her in my eyes at all and I do not feel the need to tear her down to disagree with her. While we may have disagreements on approaches I hope we agree with all the people listed and other activists on the goals. If we tear each other apart what will be left after?
Concerning Bernie’s record, every vote is apparently easily explained away. How does legislation get passed with this attitude? Bills always have amendments and riders attached onto them as the “Amendment King” knows, and purists who refuse to compromise often get nothing done.
Stem Cell Research
For example, Bernie voted against stem cell research, advocating jailing the researchers. He cites as his reasoning not wanting biotech companies to get more money.
Now I don’t have any particular interest in the profits of biotech companies, but I do have serious interest in advancements in therapeutic stem cell research. How will advancements with stem cells happen if biotech companies aren’t allowed to make money from such research? Are we so against profits and capitalism that we would rather not find a cure to Parkinson’s then allow biotech companies to make a profit in doing so? I don’t understand this thinking.
Is Bernie advocating switching from a capitalist economy to a communist one that will limit profits? While corporate greed is an important issue and certainly hurts many people, are we subordinating sick people in order to curb profits?
Mia Brett is a PhD candidate in criminal legal history at Stony Brook University. She has a degree in American Studies from Barnard College.
