Recently, I had the opportunity to introduce myself to this community and talk a little bit about who I am, where I come from, and what I have accomplished as an elected official in New York. I want to thank everyone who took the time to
read my post as well as those who took the extra step of providing feedback concerning some vital issues. Your insights and comments are important to me and provide me with a window into the issues that people really care about. I know that there is far more on the minds of Americans than the Republican wedge issues designed to fracture public opinion and polarize our nation.
In the midst of the escalating violence in the Middle East, one issue with the potential to affect millions of Americans was all but shut out of the news last week: stem cell research.
With over 70 percent of the American public in support of stem cell research and its potential benefits in curing ailments such as Parkinson's Disease, ALS, diabetes, Alzheimer's, multiple sclerosis, paralysis, and countless others, our President has once again disregarded the will of the American people and made good on his promise to veto the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act (
HR 810).
I find it simply appalling that any elected official, let alone the President of the United States, would oppose the exploration of new forms of medical treatments with such tremendous indifference to the will of the people. His immoral stance against this groundbreaking process speaks volumes about where his priorities truly lie. That the President of the United States himself would deny hope to countless families across this country is simply inexcusable.
Peter King stands firmly with President Bush, voting against the majority of his colleagues--both Republican and Democrat--to reject the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act. Though his initial vote failed to kill the bill, Peter King got what he wanted when the House failed to override the President's veto. Both of these "no" votes were cast in the face of the overwhelming majority of Long Island -- and American --families who support stem cell research.
Once again, Peter King proves he has forgotten where he comes from, and put his loyalty to the Bush Administration before his obligation to his constituents in New York, showing a staggering disregard for the people of his own district. King is more concerned with cozying up to the Republican leadership and the Bush administration than giving hope to those suffering from debilitating illnesses. He was elected to protect these people, and once again, he has failed miserably.
Stem cell research is not a Democratic or Republican issue. It is a matter of life and death. If we truly value human life, we must explore new methods of treating illnesses that, to this point, we have considered incurable. We must not be afraid to embrace new ideas, and we must not let our elected officials put their political ideology before science.
"Progress is a nice word," Robert Kennedy once said. "But change is its motivator. And change has its enemies." It is unfortunate that President Bush and Peter King have chosen time and time again to stand in opposition to progress. The status quo will never be good enough, because we can always do better. When I am elected to Congress, I will fight for the changes that will make a difference to the people who need it most. The people of this district deserve nothing less.
Dave Mejias
Democratic Candidate for Congress, NY-03
Nassau County Legislator, 14th LD
www.daveforamerica.com
Cross posted at MyDD.
PS - Thanks to Kossacks Tod Westlake, Jonah in NYC, Stuffed Tiger, DavidNYC, Sidinny, Steve Singiser, Beet, Cohenzee, PhiloTBG, Jiacinto, Mindoca, empathy, and Rosi in NJ for joining in the discussion of my last diary.