Living and Breathing Science: Advancing Basic Scientific Research Despite The Will Of The Skeptics

Today on Face The Nation, CBS News’ Chief Washington correspondent, Bob Schieffer, articulated a passionate and effectual argument in support of basic research (http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2010/08/29/ftn/main6816315.shtml). Aware that basic research has led to therapies that offer hope of recovery to his friends that have recently been diagnosed with cancer, Mr. Schieffer commented on the restraints being placed on stem cell research. He likened the inability of many to recognize that there is knowledge to be gained from embryonic stem cell research to those that refused to look through Galileo's telescope, convinced that they already knew what they would see based on their doctrines and traditions. Where would we be now if the will of such skeptics had prevailed?