Orwellian Stem Cell Research?
Science News Article | Reuters.com 
Romney, who might be running for President next time around, has restricted stem cell research, saying that the he wants to stop an Orwellian future.
I’m all for stem cell research – I honestly do believe that understanding the developmental mechanisms in our cells will help us better understand cellular and biochemical processes and may lead to cures for diseases.
However, I am a bit torn about the creation of embryos for research purposes. Is that really necessary? Are there better ways? I have not taken a look at this issue in a while (stupid work!) but I think the entire stem cell controversy deserves a closer look. I disagree that stem cells are the ‘new abortion’ as stated in the article. However, I don’t know how I feel about creating embryos in the lab to further research.
What do you think?
I would really like to hear how he thinks “Stem Cells” will usher in an Orwellian era?
Nevermind, actually reading the article linked to sorta helps.
“I believe it crosses a very bright moral line to take sperm and eggs in the laboratory and start creating human life,” Romney told reporters. “It is Orwellian in its scope. In laboratories you could have trays of new embryos being created.”
It’s funny that an administration and party that have been described as Orwellian would then choose to say that they are stopping things that would lead to an Orwellian state.
Orwellian. One definition is:
Manipulation of language for political ends. Most significantly by introducing to words meanings in opposition to their denotative meanings.
That is sorta the funny approach.
Seriously I think he meant to use this definition:
Orwellian is also used to describe oppressive political ideas, and the use of euphemistic language in political discourse to camouflage morally outrageous ideas and actions. In this latter sense, the term is often used as a means of attacking an opponent in political debate, by branding his or her policies as Orwellian.
In which case I can see why he would use it..but there are so many other definitions of Orwellian not covered.. really he should have chosen a different term probably.