Saxton, LoBiondo Let New Jersey Down

Last year, the state of New Jersey passed legislation funding stem-cell research in response to the needs and wishes of its citizens. Yet, recently, Reps. Frank LoBiondo, R-2nd, and James Saxton, R-3rd, both voted against federal legislation supporting stem-cell research in defiance of the will of the people.

In 2004, 80 Nobel Prize winners urged President Bush to support the funding of new embryonic stem-cell research that could alleviate human suffering in millions of people. If this research had not been blocked 20 years ago by President Reagan, the spinal-cord injuries of our soldiers in Iraq today would most likely be treatable along with several other major diseases.

Scientific facts are stubborn things. Whatever the personal beliefs, wishes or passions of LoBiondo or Saxton, they cannot ignore or alter the state of scientific facts and vote against the people as they have done.

It was their duty to support the majority, and they both let us down. We need representatives with imagination and foresight. Their indifference will cause them to lose our respect and support.

MURRAY GEGNER

Margate

Letter published in Atlantic City Press, June 11, 2005

http://www.pressofatlanticcity.com/news/columns/061105LETTERSJUNE11.cfm