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In an effort to restore luster to the "world's greatest deliberative body", sometimes known as the United States Senate, Sam Brownback has introduced legislation to ban the creation of centaurs and mermaids. The Senator, (and former Presidential candidate..God help us) managed to get nineteen of his esteemed colleagues to co-sponsor this urgently needed legislation. In response, Tom Hanks and Darryl Hannah announced the formation of NAPM the National Association for the Protection of Mermaids. Spokespersons for the centaur lobby have yet to make themselves heard.
Seriously, in the midst of the biggest economic crisis to hit the U.S in decades, fully 20% of the Senate is willing to do battle against the creation of mythical creatures. Jefferson, Madison, and Adams would be so proud.
Is it any wonder that science education in the United States continues to suffer? Legislation such, as this continues the proud anti-science philosophy of the Bush administration. Coupled with the notably fact free op-ed by Sarah Palin which completely ignores the scientific fact of climate change, the Republican war on science is still going strong.
Now, there are scientific experiments being conducted that do combine human and animal material. The experiments are designed to help discover new approaches to treatment of diseases, like Parkinson's. They are not trying to be modern day Dr. Frankenstein's.
As a country, we need to be encouraging scientific research and development. I am not advocating unfettered research, but please let's not look at these research projects through a religious prism. These researchers are not playing God, but trying to make our lives better and healthier.
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