President Bush’s State of the Union Address -- Part Two of Two

Pro-life President George W. Bush was in fine form last night and pro-lifers could hardly be happier about what he had to say about our issues in his final State of the Union Address. [You can read a transcript of the President’s full remarks at www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/01/28/sotu.transcript

Let me cite the operative sections and then make a brief comment:

“On matters of science and life, we must trust in the innovative spirit of medical researchers and empower them to discover new treatments while respecting moral boundaries.  In November, we witnessed a landmark achievement when scientists discovered a way to reprogram adult skin cells to act like embryonic stem cells.  This breakthrough has the potential to move us beyond the divisive debates of the past by extending the frontiers of medicine without the destruction of human life.  So we are expanding funding for this type of ethical medical research.  And as we explore promising avenues of research, we must also ensure that all life is treated with the dignity it deserves.  So I call on the Congress to pass legislation that bans unethical practices such as the buying, selling, patenting, or cloning of human life.” …

“On matters of justice, we must trust in the wisdom of our Founders and empower judges who understand that the Constitution means what it says.  I have submitted judicial nominees who will rule by the letter of the law, not the whim of the gavel.  Many of these nominees are being unfairly delayed.  They are worthy of confirmation, and the Senate should give each of them a prompt up-or-down vote.”

The mystique that surrounds embryonic stem cell research will not be easily broken. Since his first year in office, President Bush has labored to teach a fundamental truth. Look to ethical sources of stem cells. They are there, as we have discussed dozens of times in this space.

It is very encouraging that Mr. Bush continues to use high-profile forums such as the State of the Union to remind all Americans there is a better way.

Likewise, unless you follow these things closely, you wouldn’t know that consideration of many of President Bush’s judicial nominees is being blocked by the usual senators. Why?

Because they are not comfortable with nominees who “will rule by the letter of the law, not the whim of the gavel.” In fact, the willingness to free-lance in order to come up with the results they want is a quality judicial activists admire in their judges and justices.

A fine speech, on many fronts, but especially on matters of deep concern to pro-lifers.

If you have any comments, please send them to daveandrusko@hotmail.com.

Part One