Doctor, Heal Thyself

By Paul Jacob

Senator Bill Frist got in the news the other day. He changed his mind.

On stem cell research. He broke ranks with the president and with many of his fellow Republicans who have opposed this research on the grounds that some stem cells come from aborted fetuses.

Most of the resultant controversy, so far, has focused on the abortion issue. Stem cells, though not themselves organisms that could become fully human, do border on the deep and divisive issue of abortion.

Frist's previous position, the 2001-enacted law, prohibited the federal government from funding such research, but allowed private individuals and institutions to continue.

Now, he says, the "truly magnificent, truly remarkable properties" of stem cells are just too good for the government to pass up. "The limitations put in place in 2001 will," he said, "over time, slow our ability to bring potential new treatments for certain diseases" to market. Well, maybe. But last year, at least nine outfits were doing the research in the U.S.; there are more now.

Apparently, Frist today insists that it's the government's job to speed up every possible good.

Well, that'd be good, I guess, if in the meantime tax dollars grew on trees. But under Frist's leadership, federal spending has ballooned and debt is accumulating like maggots on a corpse.

When Frist put aside his doctoring biz to become a senator, he put the country's welfare above that of his own business. It's time for him to remember that, and give up on his new crusade, which -- more certain than a cure -- will lead to higher taxes.

This is Common Sense. I'm Paul Jacob.

Common Sense is published by Americans for Limited Government. Their website can be visited at www.limitedgov.org.