MU
student reaction to Amendment 2
Amy Dunlap, posted Nov. 13, 2006
Election
Day is over and it is time for people to take down their candidate
support signs, and maybe question removing bumper stickers
that support a candidate.
This
election had very important issues for Missouri voters to
decide on. One of the most talked about issues on the ballot
this year was Amendment 2, the stem cell research and cures
initiative. According to the Sectary of State, Robin
Carnahan’s Web site, Amendment 2 passed with 51.1
percent yes votes and 48.9 percent no votes.
What
are MU student’s reactions following such a slim margin
vote winning the amendment? Carman Johnson, and MU student,
said, “I was excited to hear that the amendment passed.
In my biology class we are learning about all the great things
that stem cell research can do. I hope that the research will
be able to cure diseases like Parkinson’s. I also hope
that this Amendment will help the passing of other amendments
that could help other scientific research for the curing of
diseases.”
Others
were not so sure about the passing of the amendment. Bobby
Power, a recent MU graduate, said, “I was disappointed
with the result of the election. I do like the idea of adult
stem cell research, but not embryonic stem cell research.
It saddens me that Missouri citizens passed the amendment.”
Andrea
Putnam, an MU student, said, “I am actually really glad
that it passed. It opens up a great opportunity to help people
in Missouri and across the country. My grandpa died of Parkinson's
disease and after watching him suffer from a very painful
disease, I think that stem cell research is very important
and could lead to some amazing discoveries. As a biochemist,
I realize the significance of what the initiative is allowing
and it isn’t allowing human cloning, it actually bans
it and I think it is definitely a step in the right direction
with finding cure for various diseases. I think this will
also open a lot of jobs in science in Missouri.”
Ashley
Onstott, an MU student, said, “I am upset the amendment
passed because I don’t understand how people can agree
with something that would kill live embryos. It really makes
me sad.”
For more
information about Amendment 2, visit Robin
Carnahan's Web site.
