americanmale's blog

It seems i am the only one outraged over the extraction of those two journalists from North Korea.

I want to know why we negotiated with terrorists for the release of Fat Al's minions. I mean really, this was a commercial venture by Fat Al's Current TV. Yes, his investigative journalists got caught. But why do we the people have to elevate this to back channel communications by the administration, send an ex-president and a full staff compliment, pay for his secret service detail, pay for fighter escort of the "Private" jet, and all the other elements that go along with travel to an "axis of evil" country....

So now that they are released, Fat Al's probably making deals with Time to publish their story. The Oprah appearance has been booked, and what do we get for it....Nothing.

We have a mechanism by which we get "badly behaved" americans back to the states...it's called the consulates. Why was this woefully planned commercial venture given such high priority. Those journalists should have stewed a while until we got to them in their rightful order.

The Stem Cell Debate

The Stem Cell debate is going to take center stage almost immediately after Obama takes office. In fact, as of December 20th, 2008, he has filled his scientific staff with not only experts on climate change, but also with experts in the field of genetics. Thus, it behooves the republican party to have a thorough understanding of the issue...and more importantly, to form on a position consensus.

Definition Of Stem Cells

According to the National Institute Of Health (NIH), Stem cells have two important characteristics that distinguish them from other types of cells. First, they are unspecialized cells that renew themselves for long periods through cell division. The second is that under certain physiologic or experimental conditions, they can be induced to become cells with special functions such as the beating cells of the heart muscle or the insulin-producing cells of the pancreas.

Scientists primarily work with two kinds of stem cells from animals and humans: embryonic stem cells and adult stem cells, which have different functions and characteristics. Scientists discovered ways to obtain or derive stem cells from early mouse embryos more than 20 years ago. Many years of detailed study of the biology of mouse stem cells led to the discovery, in 1998, of how to isolate stem cells from human embryos and grow the cells in the laboratory. These are called human embryonic stem cells.

Human Embryonic Stem Cells have unique characteristics in that they are unspecialized, they are capable of dividing and renewing themselves for long periods, and that they can give rise to specialized cells through a process called differentiation. It is this differentiation process that can be used to create specialized cells which form the basis for replacement or regenerative therapies.

The Issue

It is widely believed by the scientific community that theoretically, Human Embryonic Stem Cells can be used to form the basis in providing cures to many of the advanced ailments of the human condition. The problem politically however, is that the only way to obtain Human Embryonic Stem Cells is through extraction of a fertilized embryo from a woman's utereus; in other words, through Abortion. And we, as republicans, are adamantly against this.

However, one cannot ignore the great healing potential that the Stem Cell approach could offer. So much so, that if successful, Stem Cell therapy can literally be categorized as something that contributes to the betterment of mankind...right up there with penicillin, the Polio vaccine, the Malaria vaccine, and all the other great medicinal breakthroughs.

So on one hand, we have an abortion...and on the other hand, we have the potential to cure that little kid with bone cancer, or that father of four who was paralyzed due to Multiple Schlerosis. Which do we choose? The saving of a life or the taking of a life for the betterment of humanity.

Indications And Current Perception

The 2008 election has indicated that the majority of the citizenry is for Stem Cell research simply through election of a candidate who has stated in no uncertain terms that he is adamantly in support of such research. The issue was clearly not a disqualifier for the majority of the electorate. And because of this, it can also be deduced that anyone, or any group that opposes Stem Cell research will be regarded as against the betterment of humanity.

By being against stem cell research, we, the republican party risk being seen as the ones who don't want the Michael J. Fox's to stop experiencing those violent tremors. We'll be seen as the ones who don't want the Christopher Reeves and others with devastating spinal cord injuries to get up and walk. And we'll be seen as the ones who don't want to help the young experiencing the leukemias and other life threatening diseases. In other words, we'll become the party of the cruel. And that alone will turn others off to our message both now and in the future; especially if success is achieved with Stem Cell reasearch.

Can We Ever Get On Board With Stem Cell Research?

Being against the eradication of the ravages of disease is not a popular position. Since elections are all about popularity, it might behoove our party to find ways to get on board with Stem Cell research.

It is widely understood that the conservative christian component of our party is the most vocal and the most adamantly opposed to Stem Cell research. In their mind, Stem Cell research is an abortion, plain and simple...and they are right. It is the taking of a life. But could this issue be reframed such that it can at least get an important part of our party to open up to the idea; if only for a limited but not full time basis?

Sacrifice For The Betterment Of Mankind. Does That Thought Process Make Stem Cell Research Viable?

The bible has taught the concept of sacrifice through the story of Abraham in the old testament and most definitely through the story of Jesus in the New Testament. The bible also teaches the concept of healing and also answers the question as to whether or not we should be messing with this advanced stuff through the parable of the ten talents. So does this thought process open up some wiggle room on this issue for our conservative christian friends?

If so, then the issue further breaks down into an issue of ratios. i.e. what is the acceptable number of lives that can be positively affected / saved by the taking of a single life that exists within that fertilized human embryo?

Guarding Against The Pitfalls Of Supply And Demand

Since Stem Cell research is going to take place, what I believe we all can agree on is that we don't want the number of abortions that are going to take place to become a function of supply and demand. That is, we don't want all these research firms to be offering huge sums of money for the fertilized embryos. We don't need a bidding war and we don't want abortions to become like the modern day practice of giving blood for a fee. That should be non-negotiable. And, I believe there is a good moral basis for this in the minds of everyone whether pro or con on the abortion issue.

Furthermore, Stem Cell research is still just a theory. We need to loudly remind everyone of that. This might buy us some temporance on the abortions performed to "stock" the research shelves. Being the moral majority on the issue might hold water in the minds of all. The opposition knows our position. They'll understand our watchdog mentality on the issue. In fact, they'll expect it. Transparency of the research MUST be provided.

Publicly Stating We're On Board....For Now....

Is it better to be included than excluded from the process. If we're seen as divisive on this issue, we'll be excluded and we won't get any say. We need voice and thus we need to be perceived as part of the solution. I personnaly believe that we can't afford to be marginalized on this issue.

The abortion issue is clearly at a stalemate in todays political landscape. The issue needs a jolt such that it resumes it's place at the forefront of political thought. To get this issue going again, I recommend that the GOP repositions itself in defense of the belief that it is a:

COUPLE'S RIGHT TO CHOOSE.

Scientifically, i think we have a real shot at this. If you look at the logic that the sum of the parts equals the whole, one can emphatically state that a woman's body, during the gestation period, is not only her's but of the male donor's as well.

To understand this, one looks to genetic testing (not available during Roe vs. Wade). If one looks at the genetic makeup of the fertilized embryo, one can easily determine that the embryo contains both female and male genetic markers. And thus, the embryo is created by both male and female and thus is owned by both male and female.

The "choice" argument of course will be that it is a woman's body and thus it should be her choice...but not so fast. If one applies the sum of the parts equals the whole principle....the minute that embryo attaches itself to the wall of the utereus, the female body is comprised of male parts too...and thus she is no longer the sole owner...at least for the gestational period. To deny this would be to deny the science of genetics...and of course that would render the stem cell argument null and void.

Note that the whole goal of this is require complete unanimity in order to pull the kill switch.

REAL ACTION BY THE PASSIONATE

It's time for true leadership on the issue. No laws, no picketing, just plain action. With regards to abortion, GOD doesn't want a law, a judge, or some other legal decree. He simply wants the life saved. PERIOD. It's been my observance over oh so many years that the conservative movement has lost sight of the true goal; TO SAVE THE UNBORN'S LIFE. Instead, they've replaced the true goal with off target goals such as getting judges elected, getting referenda on the ballots, lobbying, etc....all because it is felt that judicial action is a necessary prequisite to stop the occurance of abortions. POPPYCOCK!

It's time for real action...and real sacrifice such that abortion becomes the exception, not the rule. It's critical that the most passionate about this lead on this issue. It is imperative that every passionate person / family offer a mother considering abortion:

• That the person/family will raise the child. We'll pay for the childs upbringing. we'll feed the child, clothe the child, educate the child, etc. Either on a part time or full time basis. This is the ultimate committment.

That the family won't adopt the child. Rather, the child will be brought up knowing that the birth mother is the child's mother (if is the mothers desires). If the birth mother wants to be part of the childs life. GREAT. If the birth mother wants to give up the child for adoption, then that is ok too.

That if the mother ever wants to take an active roll in the child's life, or begin to raise the child herself, then the family, will give the child back. NO QUESTIONS ASKED. No reward, no check, no accolade, no nothing. After all, the true reward is that the child's life was saved.

Of course we all know that mothers who have had abortions have "what if" thoughts. Wouldn't it be wonderful if we could give a real answer. Give her an opportunity to "turn the clock" back. And best of all, wouldn't it be wonderful if she in turn, now more mature if young at the time of birth, would cath the fever and do the same for another mother. You know, a "pay it forward" type deal.

It's understood that the personal finances required to do this would be extraordinary. They would never work out on paper. But nothing real is ever easy. However, it can work. It just takes sacrifice. It would be an example. If enough light was shown on the actions, It would actually start a movement. After all, those celebrities adopt overseas, and they're revered as beloved saviors. Imagine if a nation was doing it for real.

I realize this is the ULTIMATE ASK. Biological children of families which embark down this path probably won't get to go to the "best" colleges. They probably won't get the best clothes. They won't have the latest iphone, etc. But they can be taught the art of sacrifice for a greater good. Mom's and Dad's won't have the best clothes either. They're retirements might not be funded to the fullest (if any). Bills will probably be late...but it can be done. I'm sure if it becomes "COOL TO SAVE A LIFE" then funding will find it's way to those who have sacrificed and those who have sacrificed won't be alone for long. Movmements Work.

LIFE OFFICES IN ALL PLANNED PARENTHOODS

President Bush did a great thing. He legitimized faith based organizations. And the majority of the country agrees. Having Life Offices in every planned parenthood and clinic can act as centers for information; and can function as access points to a life support network. Tons and tons of stuff can be done here.

EDUCATION, PUBLIC AWARENESS

Pro Choice has managed to purvey the notion that once a young girl gets pregnant, her life is basically over. They have young pregnant girls believing that they won't be successful, they won't get to finish their education, and that if they go through with the pregnancy, they'll miserably embark upon parenthood instead of living a "normal" teenage life. And, of course, it is these fears that, in the mind of a young pregnant girl, make abortion a viable option.

I believe there needs to be a strong message contrary to that belief. If there are cultural issues that make carrying full term an issue (and there are), they should be removed using the vehicle addressed in Item 2 of this post. The whole idea being to take every reason off the table which makes abortion a viable option. The Life Offices addressed in section 3 of this post can be used as source points for this cultural campaign.

We can look to the governor from alaska and her child as an example. You know, maybe Palin wasn't supposed to be the Vice President. Rather, she might be destined for a much greater role, an abassador for life.

I think we need to treat "Life" as a product. Get Madison Avenue involved. Instead of paying the lobbyist, pay the advertiser. You know, the Gardasil commercial comes to mind. Snappy, up-tempo, fresh, current. I think the same can be done for the product of "Life". No more boring PSA's.

MOVEMENT VS. LAW

History has shown that laws pertaining to divisive issues always are preceeded by cultural movements. Civil Rights is the most obvious example. We've tried the law route for the last 35 years. It's time for a new approach.

If you're looking at the minority element, take for example the hispanic population. Most a devoutly catholic. If you look at the Southern Baptist constituency, then you'll find a significant portion are African American. A positive spin on this issue will garner support and re-capture those constituents which some say we lost in the last election.

CONCLUDING

To me, the above is a framework, i.e. something to work for. However, it is understood that it is vastly different than the current mantra of our party. I submit the above simply to go on the record, entice thought, and to invite argument. I look forward to response.

In my opinion, there is only one solution to the gay marriage issue...and that is to remove both the Married Filing Jointly, and Married Filing Separately boxes off of IRS Form 1040.

This immediately removes marriage from the national stage and puts it back into the church where it belongs. Let the issue be argued at the church level.....where discrimination is not an argumentative factor.

Second, this action falls right in line with the republican centerpiece of taxes. The removal of Marriage from the 1040 can be seen as a simplification of the tax code. Head Of Household and Single filing statuses can suffice just fine. Again, the goal being to remove marriage from the national stage. States who have income taxes will follow suit.

Third, by removing the marriage debate from the national stage, it removes it as an extremely visible point of contention. If a particular party is seen as denying anyone of anything, then they are perceived as the evil oppressors. The GOP needs to shed that image with regards to the gay marriage debate. The GOP can't afford being seen as a dictatorial entity. In essence, GOP shouldn't eliminate the opponent in the battle. Rather, it should eliminate the battle itself.

Just some rambling thoughts at 3:00 am.

The Next Right Must Be An Oscillating Center.  The Next Right should be the next "right" answer, not the next right as defined in settled definitions of political position. 

Introducing myself. I am a 45 year old white male, married, 2 daughters, own a modest house, have a cat, a dog, and am a  software engineer by trade.  I'm a college graduate, and have done time in the US Air Force as an enlisted man...where I received a commendation medal for exemplary service.  In business, I work with all types of industry.

Just a brief introduction in hopes of securing healthy dialog in at best, a questionable time in the existence of the American culture.