I highly commend US president Barack Obama on his decision on ending his government's repression on embryonic stem cell research. This is a big victory for science, which I believe should not be dictated by advocates of religion and political idealists in the first place.
As history shows, science evolves with breakthroughs and new boundaries of knowledge when it is left free to develop on its own. It is only natural that moralists and evangelicals panic to stop science because they believe that it goes against their core values and vested interests.
In regards to stem cell research, the embryos will no longer go straight to the garbage as they had during the years of president George W. Bush. Instead, they will be studied carefully and pave the way for new cures that will help people who are disabled or are suffering from major illnesses like diabetes and Parkinson's Disease to name a few. Stem Cell Research (SCR) can also help paralyzed people stand up and walk again. Even the dreaded cancer can be cured.
When I think of SCR, I also think about our fellow Cebuanos dying from the mentioned illnesses and disabilities. They can be cured and SCR is the key to their problems. Banning SCR only means more suffering and painful deaths for them. All of our scientists and leaders should consider this.
Let us not forget that the late Christopher "Superman" Reeve died fighting not only for the controversial research but also for the future of disabled people and sufferers all over the world.