Just Say NO to Dick and YES to Jen - Reason #15

(Today's post is dedicated to my grandfather who lost his fight yesterday with an illness that could have been prevented through stem cell research. A man who served his country in WWII, a leader in his church, proud of the family he raised in Detroit, he worked hard for every penny he earned, and was just as proud of his state as I am.
I was humbled to know that one of his final acts before succumbing to his illness was to vote by absentee ballot. He told my mother to make sure that I knew that Governor Granholm had his vote because he knew that she was the only one fighting for the real people of Michigan.
Despite my immense grief and loss, I know that this list and this fight must continue because of people like my grandfather, who believe in this state, and the power of what we can become if we continue to fight for the people, and not for special interests. To my grandfather, one of the greatest men I ever knew.)

In Michigan, over 1.3 million of us were hospitalized in 2004 for various illnesses, that left many of us with expensive medical bills/insurance co-pays. (Michigan Dept. of Community Health)
There are thousands and thousands of Michiganians that suffer from illnesses that could be prevented and or cured by stem cell research.
Stem cells offer the possibility... to treat a myriad of diseases, conditions, and disabilities including Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases, spinal cord injury, stroke, burns, heart disease, diabetes, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. National Institutes of Health
Stem cell research could create more jobs in Michigan and offer more hope for all of us.
But Amway Guy still doesn't think this is a good idea for Michigan.
Why not?

Just Say NO to Dick because...
15. Dick DeVos opposes embryonic stem cell research, but he's afraid to talk about why. Dick DeVos opposes embryonic stem cell research. (Detroit News, June 23, 2006)
“When asked to clarify his position on embryonic stem cell research, he said it ‘presents significant challenges. (Gongwer, July 31, 2006)

Just Say YES to Jen because...
15. Governor Granholm supports stem cell research because of its multi-facted power to help Michgian's citizens. “Stem cell research holds the power to improve the lives of thousands of Michiganians,” Granholm said. (Weekly radio address 10/6/06)
Granholm launched an online petition asking the state Legislature to ease stem cell research in Michigan and is currently supporting bills in both the state House and Senate.