Siding With Stem Cells

Stem Cell research has been a huge struggle for the biotech industry ever since the technology was discovered. Republicans have strong feelings about the treatment of embryos. One could simply assume that since republicans are pro-life (against abortion), they are also against the use of embryos for stem cell research. I side with the democrats on this issue because I see stem cell research as an opportunity to save lives. Some also argue that the tiny blastocysts that are being used have no human features. Republicans make their rebuttal claiming that anything that has the potential to have a life should be considered an individual with the same rights as us all. One of the toughest aspects of this debate is that it is hard to tell where the line is drawn between life and nonexistence. This matter doesn't seem to be addressed in the constitution. In an article discussing the pros and cons of stem cell research, it is stated that:

"Advocates of embryonic stem cell research claim new human lives will not be created for the sole purpose of experimentation."

Besides tampering with potential human life, opposers are concerned for the animals being tested on.

"Others argue against such research on medical grounds. Mice treated for Parkinson's with embryonic stem cells have died from brain tumors in as much as 20% of cases."

I understand that it is unfair to the animals, but we must accept that this is a part of scientific research. In order to make any advancements scientists have to take risks and make sacrifices.
Depending on which party has the majority, scientists have either been denied money for research or have been given more. This article explains that:

"In the summer of 2006 President Bush stood his ground on the issue of stem cell research and vetoed a bill passed by the Senate that would have expanded federal funding of embryonic stem cell research. Currently, American federal funding can only go to research on stem cells from existing (already destroyed) embryos."

This article explains that after Obama was elected, his democratic qualities caused him to do the exact opposite.

"President Barack Obama said Monday he is allowing federal taxpayer dollars to fund significantly broader research on embryonic stem cells because "medical miracles do not happen simply by accident," and promised his administration would make up for the ground lost under his predecessor."

I think that stem cell research is a key area of science that deserves an adequate amount of federal funding.

 

 

Less Government for the Grand Ole Party

The Republican party or the GOP (Grand Ole Party) is known for its conservative qualities and want of lower taxes and decreased government involvement. Republicans are very much pro capitalist and prefer the government to let the people rule themselves.

"Republicans believe individuals, not government, can make the best decisions; all people are entitled to equal rights; and decisions are best made close to home. These basic principles are as true today as they were when the Party was founded. For all of the extraordinary leaders the Party has produced throughout its rich history, Republicans understand that everyday people in all 50 states and territories remain the heart and soul of our Party."

To read more about the history of the Republican party click here to visit the website.
Although Republicans have strong feelings about Capitalism they still hold the opinion that everyone should be equally taxed. While they would like taxes to be lowered in general, they want the rich to be taxed the same as the middle class and the poor. Here are some reasons for the Republican's beliefs:

"The most important distinction between Republicans and the leadership of today’s Democratic Party concerning taxes is not just that we believe you should keep more of what you earn. That’s true, but there is a more fundamental distinction. It concerns the purpose of taxation. We believe government should tax only to raise money for its essential functions."

Abraham Lincoln established the Republican party and is most widely regarded for his efforts in abolishing slavery. Although the republicans still look to him as hero the party's qualities and strategies have evolved quite a bit over the years. This link will show you more of the Republican party heros.

Where Do You Stand?

Every young adult in America is given the opportunity to make a choice about what political party they feel most closely associated with. It's not too difficult to understand the key differences between both parties yet some still struggle to figure out what they truly believe rather than be influenced by their parents and teachers. I found this quiz to be particularly helpful in that it addressed each category of politics and offered multiple political stances rather than just democrat or republican.
Here are my results:

Anger Drives Citizens to Vote

An article titled, "Who's upset over the economy? Everybody, everywhere" by Jane Sasseen, discusses the difference in attitude between Republicans and Democrats. She also goes on to explain how these attitudes effect the poles. Apparently Republicans tend to be more angry which causes them to vote more and Democrats are just dissatisfied giving them less motivation to head to the voting booths. Not only is there a difference in attitude between the political parties, but there are differences between generations. The article explains that:

"While many Americans middle-aged and up have lost jobs, seen the value of their homes collapse and their retirement savings eviscerated, younger adults, despite the drab job market and daunting levels of college debt, probably feel they have more time to wait out the downturn."

"Millennials have not lost as much in the downturn, so they have less to be angry about," says Michael Cornfield, an adjunct professor at the Graduate School of Political Management at the George Washington University. Moreover, he adds, "They don't have as high expectations from government as boomers do."

Sasseen summed up the end of the article by making clear why an angry person is more likely to vote than someone who is just dissatisfied.

"Everyone is unhappy today, but when you get the higher level of intensity, those people are more motivated to vote than those who are just dissatisfied," says Cornfield. Republican voters, along with an increasing number of independents, don't like what the government has done; they're eager to put a stop to policies they see as both intrusive and ineffective. Democrats, on the other hand, are unhappy with the pace of change but think the administration deserves more time to right the economy. "If you're a Democrat, you're in favor of waiting," he adds. "But waiting doesn't get you to the polls."