Bush's shameful veto

President Bush's veto of the stem cell research bill is more than a political loss for Republicans. It was a move of ignorance, selecting darkness over light and squashing the dreams of those with debilitating illnesses and their loved ones.

After threatening many times to veto legislation over the past five years plus, Bush selected this issue for his first veto. What a shame. A strong majority of the American people is in favor, and even some conservative Republicans, including Majority Leader Sen. Bill Frist, backed the measure. No matter to the president.

The administration backs the troubled space program with tens of millions of taxpayer dollars. The rewards from space exploration are fairly limited now, but there's no hesitation to move forward.

However, Bush turns his back on those seeking medical breakthroughs with embryos that are to be destroyed. The opponents call it murder, but it is nothing of the sort. Another logical reason is to shore up support from the screams of fundamentalists who are running out of patience with Bush on some pet issues.

Turning to the political side, Democrats should go after those GOP-ers in the Senate and House who are in tough races this fall. Make them explain themselves for lining up against research that could lead to discoveries to save lives or ease suffering. Ask Nancy Reagan, who seeks more research for Alzheimer's disease, which afflicted her husband.

In the Senate, Republicans Jim Talent of Missouri, Conrad Burns of Montana, George Allen of Virginia, and Jon Kyl of Arizona should be called on to defend their votes against stem cell funding. Let's start with their callous disregard for medical discoveries that could end the pain of their constituents.

When even GOP Sens. Orrin Hatch of Utah and Trent Lott of Mississippi support an issue of this kind, you know it has merit.

Republican leaders keep wasting time by bringing issues like flag burning and same-sex marriage to the floor in hopes of embarrassing Democrats. The defeat of this issue is an outrage.