The Props: NO on 71 -- Stem Cell Research

An issue that shouldn't be decided by referendum, but here it is. The initiative would create $3 billion in bonds to fund stem cell research that has been stalled by the religious fanatics in the White House and Republican-controlled Congress. Government, through publicly funded research by public and private institutions, is the best mechanism to encourage pure research, but matters like this should be decided by the legislative and executive branches and shouldn't be locked in place by humungous bond issues. Prop 71 commits the California taxpayer to costly spending even if stem cell research turns out quickly to be a dead end scientifically or if the most promising avenues of research turn out to run through Toronto or New Jersey. A NO doesn't put an end to exploration into the potential benefits residing in stem cells, just kicks the decision-making back to the governor and legislature and -- after next Tuesday, it is to be hoped -- to the federal government where responsibility belongs. Vote NO, then write a note to your representatives telling them that you want stem cell research to proceed.