Thumbs Up: Obama reverses stem-cell research ban
This week, President Barack Obama reversed the George W. Bush administration position that barred the federal government from investing in research that used embryonic stem cells. This decision was no doubt a good one; it takes embryos that would otherwise simply be destroyed and allows them to potentially save lives for thousands, if not millions, of people. We hope that we can catch up with medical researchers in other countries and move past these last few lost years of research in a breakthrough that might be the most important discovery in medicine since antibiotics or vaccines.
Thumbs Down: OSPIRG proposes, and withdraws, vague ballot measure
While we appreciate OSPIRG’s passion for the ASUO-funded student voice, we feel the whole controversy that erupted in ASUO politics over its proposed ballot measure only further demonstrates why the organization might need to dramatically change if it is to be justified as a worthwhile place to spend student money. OSPIRG should not only have been aware, as prospective actors in the policy arena, of the implications its ballot measure might have had for other student-funded programs, but it also should develop the ability to use direct language to more effectively and honestly address the issues of concern to its advocacy.
Thumbs up: Congress passes $410-billion spending bill
Congress passed a $410-billion spending bill Thursday, after weeks of debate of earmarks and general partisan squabbling. The Senate voted 62-35 to end the debate and pass the bill, which will fund our government through 2010. Before signing the bill, Obama mentioned he thinks the bill is “imperfect,” but is necessary to keep our country running. While the bill may be bloated with more than $7 billion in earmarks, this decision to cease the debate and get work done represents the first step toward the change we were promised. Hopefully, the next steps come more quickly.
Thumbs down: Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir rejects International Criminal Court arrest
After the International Criminal Court just last week ordered Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir’s arrest on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity in Darfur, al-Bashir refused to acknowledge the court’s authority and has apparently told reporters that any attempt to prosecute him will have “no value.” In addition, U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon said Thursday it’s possible that al-Bashir could avoid international prosecution if his own country takes legal action, which so far hasn’t happened. The murdering, raping, torturing and forcible transferring of Darfur’s population will hopefully end soon, as those countries that have signed up to the court now have a solid stepping stone against al-Bashir, and the hope now is that they will enforce his arrest and bring an end to the atrocities and suffering.
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