In her blog entry, "Stem Cell Battle", Shannon argues in favor of stem cell research. The author believes that the states should accept and distribute government funding and adjust their policies to allow research facilities to operate. She makes a logical argument when comparing stem cell research to organ donation. The author also makes a moral argument when asking the rhetorical question, "How is it humane to deny patients to have a better life and potentially keep others from developing life altering diseases?" Also, she disputes the position of the Christian Right on stem cell research when stating, "The embryo hasn't developed any particular organ yet, but they say it has a soul."
My views on this subject are concurrent with the author's. When people let their dogma inhibit the progress of science and medicine they are doing a disservice to their fellow man.
The author uses well formulated arguments supported by common facts and a well-informed opinion to convey her position in this opinion piece.
Friday, April 24, 2009
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Lifting the Cuban Embargo is Good for Everyone
With the Summit of the Americas coming up next week, the U.S. government's trade embargo against Cuba is being widely discussed. As promised during his campaign, President Obama plans to allow Cuban-Americans to travel to Cuba more freely and frequently than during the Clinton and Bush years (the embargo was codified into law in 1992 during Clinton's first term). It seems that U.S./Cuban relations may be improving. Many people are calling for the embargo to be lifted. In fact, it looks like the Republicans and Democrats can finally agree on something; the Republicans can't wait to capitalize on trade with Cuba and the liberals believe trade will help the impoverished Cuban people. However, the second part of Obama's campaign promise was to keep the embargo intact until the end of the Castro regime and/or when Cuba is taking steps towards insuring human rights for their people. Given the political pressure and the state of the U.S. economy I think it will be difficult for Obama not to break this part of his promise.
Opening trade with Cuba could provide a much needed boost to the U.S. economy. Actually, we've already been trading with Cuba, utilizing loopholes in laws passed for humanitarian aid; 4% of Cuba's imports come from the U.S., including Coca-Cola. Canada and many European nations already trade with Cuba and have noticed economic growth in Cuba as a result.
The embargo was originally designed to put economic pressure on Cuba in order to force them to establish a democratic government. On this front, the fifty-year-old embargo has failed. In fact, it may have helped Castro stay in power by suppressing print media from the U.S. and limiting internet availability to Cubans. The Cuban upper class who are in positions of power have not been affected by these sanctions. It is the common people who have suffered as a result of the embargo.
One group of embargo supporters is the Cuban-American population living in Florida. The fact that these people had to deal with human rights violations first hand and flee to Florida as refugees makes one sympathize with their stance. Politicians in Florida tend to support this large group of voters on this topic. However, it may be time for them to set aside their grievances for the good of their relatives remaining in Cuba.
Some hardliners still think of Cuba as a national security threat to the U.S., even labeling Cuba as a terrorist nation. They also believe that the U.S. has taken a moral stance supporting human rights in Cuba. The U.S. military does not see Cuba as a threat. Also, an embargo could be argued to be immoral in nature and nullifies their position on the moral high ground. Human rights organizations would probably find it easier to affect change if U.S./Cuba tensions were not so high.
The U.S. needs a new policy that works. If we wait too long we may miss our opportunity to have a good diplomatic and commercial relationship with the future administration of Cuba, whatever incarnation it may take.
Opening trade with Cuba could provide a much needed boost to the U.S. economy. Actually, we've already been trading with Cuba, utilizing loopholes in laws passed for humanitarian aid; 4% of Cuba's imports come from the U.S., including Coca-Cola. Canada and many European nations already trade with Cuba and have noticed economic growth in Cuba as a result.
The embargo was originally designed to put economic pressure on Cuba in order to force them to establish a democratic government. On this front, the fifty-year-old embargo has failed. In fact, it may have helped Castro stay in power by suppressing print media from the U.S. and limiting internet availability to Cubans. The Cuban upper class who are in positions of power have not been affected by these sanctions. It is the common people who have suffered as a result of the embargo.
One group of embargo supporters is the Cuban-American population living in Florida. The fact that these people had to deal with human rights violations first hand and flee to Florida as refugees makes one sympathize with their stance. Politicians in Florida tend to support this large group of voters on this topic. However, it may be time for them to set aside their grievances for the good of their relatives remaining in Cuba.
Some hardliners still think of Cuba as a national security threat to the U.S., even labeling Cuba as a terrorist nation. They also believe that the U.S. has taken a moral stance supporting human rights in Cuba. The U.S. military does not see Cuba as a threat. Also, an embargo could be argued to be immoral in nature and nullifies their position on the moral high ground. Human rights organizations would probably find it easier to affect change if U.S./Cuba tensions were not so high.
The U.S. needs a new policy that works. If we wait too long we may miss our opportunity to have a good diplomatic and commercial relationship with the future administration of Cuba, whatever incarnation it may take.
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About Me
- Daniel K. McCallum
- Austin, TX, United States
- I'm a returning student at ACC Austin with intent to transfer to St. Edwards. I'm a liberal democrat, and have been voting since the first Clinton term. I'm taking U.S. Government to broaden my scope on American politics. I hope to learn in detail how the system works and what I can do personally to affect change.
