Reagans Cheer Obama Stem Cell Order -- But Not Invited To Ceremony

Monday's White House ceremony lifting the ban on embryonic stem cell research marked a major departure from the Bush administration and a turning point in the intersection of science and politics.

With the stroke of a pen, the president pledged, in his own words, to "lift the ban on federal funding for promising embryonic stem cell research," "vigorously support scientists who pursue this research," and "aim for America to lead the world in the discoveries it one day may yield."

But two of the main principles who have long fought for the lifting of the ban, Ron Reagan and his mother, former first lady Nancy Reagan, were not in attendance. Their absence was noted by at least one observer who wondered whether the non-inclusion of such fierce proponents of stem cell research -- Ron called the country to arms on the issue during his Democratic National Convention address in 2004 -- constituted a "diss."

In an email to the Huffington Post, Ron confirmed that he and his mother were "not invited" to the event and added that his mother, at 88 years-old, "doesn't do much traveling" anyways. Nevertheless, the former first family had high praise for the president's actions, with Nancy Reagan's office issuing the following statement:

"I'm very grateful that President Obama has lifted the restrictions on federal funding for embryonic stem cell research. These new rules will now make it possible for scientists to move forward. I urge researchers to make use of the opportunities that are available to them, and to do all they can to fulfill the promise that stem cell research offers.

Countless people, suffering from many different diseases, stand to benefit from the answers stem cell research can provide. We owe it to ourselves and to our children to do everything in our power to find cures for these diseases - and soon. As I've said before, time is short, and life is precious."

Added Ron, when asked for his reaction to Monday's decision: "Yes [I'm] pleased -- though, as the New York Times points out, the larger issue of research using embryos is being left to Congress. One point that never seems to be brought up is the distinction between IVF embryos -- unique genetic entities created by introducing sperm to egg -- and the 'embryos' created in a lab -- a skin cell placed in a donor egg, the nucleus of which has been removed to create a cellular clone of the skin cell donor. Somehow, many members of Congress have been induced to assign greater moral value to the latter. This makes little sense. Just goes to show that scientific illiteracy among elected officials can be problematic."

Comments

[Ron1951]

If any one person should have been invited to this signing ceremony, it's Nancy Reagan. She has fought her own party selflessly and tirelessly to forward this policy, despite repug comments and attacks. Also, it would have let the dems assume the mantle of Reagan fro just long enough to really piss off the repugs who claim to idolize him.

[grf67]

Well, this is untidy for the fundamentalist zealots. The Godfather's family diasagrees with you. At least there is one family with brians in the GOP.

[JMBrodie]

Why do I feel like singing that Thomas Dolby song?

(young folks, don't bother. ahead of your time.... :-))

[GeorgeP922]

Common Sam, really, in between excellent reports you try to muck rake beefs that aren't there.

Or have we gotten used to revolutionairy political theatre where every detail is followed for every signing.

Thats what we are saying here.

Also, was Michael J Fox there? He did alot, if he wasn't there, we should write another article........ get it?

Sam I love you man, but this is beneath you.

[FloridaEvans]

I'd guess it was a scheduling/logistics issue, i.e., picking a day to do the signing where it would get the most publicity and not shuffling around all of his other meetings, briefings and everything else taking precedence (the economy, two wars, etc.) probably didn't coincide with getting Ron (with his own schedule) and Nancy (still recuperating from hip surgery a few months back and in really, really frail health) on a plane and comfortably situated for a mere15-minute appearance.

Also, it's worth noting that stem cell research isn't "just" Nancy Reagan's cause - President Obama's mother died of cancer - he's still very much affected by how quickly she was taken from him, recognizes the possibilities in SCR and will do everything he can to pave the way for a cure. It's his cause, too, and providing this type of research is a tremendous start.

[Trittydi]

Ron Reagan - thanks for a coherent and responsible response and for your work on this issue. Yet we can be diligent and help our scientifically "illiterate" congress persons to understand that the work is not done yet.

Nancy didn't belong there. In consideration of the "lead, follow or get out to the way" axiom -- she chose to get IN the way.

She did not support Obama for president despite the obvious moral bankruptcy and pandering from her party on this critical issue. She could have chosen to lead and come out in favor of Obama's presidency. This would have been a better tribute to her Alzheimer's stricken husband than voting re-thuglic in faithful ignorance. Ron was better left off the list in that case - to help avoid drawing negative attention to Nancy's absence.
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[AZterritory]

While the media tries to stir the 'diss' into a frenzy, the Reagans respond with class. Too bad they can't give some lessons to the current bunch of thugs who absconded with their party.

[Cogs]

What's Michael Reagan got to say about all this?

[Letterman]

Who cares?

[Mayoyo]

It's a start....
Mrs reagan is 88 who cares what she thinks

[JMBrodie]

I do. She's been on the right side on this one. Besides, it takes more than youth to be relevant.

[mudbones]

Non issue, why invite them? Ok, so they are for lifting the ban and that has been noted.

[wanked]

If ronnie hadnt had alzheimers she probably wouldnt have given stem cell research a second thought.

[pascaljim]

Like being absent on the HIV front....

[ErinBerin84]

I like Ron Reagan a lot. That being said, does he seem to think he was snubbed? It doesn't sound like it. Seems more like the Huff Post trying to start a controversy over nothing.

[momof3inGA]

My sentiments exactly.

[Trittydi]

Someone certainly is. And it's stupid.
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[LucieLee]

I don't think there is any controversy here. Mrs. Reagan, as her son said doesn't do much traveling, which is something the White House must have known in advance.....anyway...no biggy!! She is more pleased with the lifting of the ban, than being there to watch it.

[Pupster]

Yeah, isn't it interesting that the Reagans became vehement supporters of stem cell research and scientific funding, and Eric Cantor was on TV over the weekend demagogueing the issue. Even though they bring up Reagan every two seconds. Oh, the irony!! Cafeteria Reaganism for the Republican leadership.

[SteveDenver]

What a splendid observation. Every time someone brings up the Reagan myth, I'm going to add this to the conversation.

I wish the Reagans had been invited, it would have been a nice addition, but I'm not upset by it.

And I continue to be impressed by President Obama. Republicans like to try and judge his presidency by how he is doing cleaning up the mess they created. There's a lot more going on here. The pattern of intellect over ideology continues to emerge, but Republicans can't see it.

[JMBrodie]

Oh, they see it. They just don't have a counter for it.

[Trittydi]

The re-Thuglic party has made no secret of the fact that they have no interest in any Reagan except for the following:

a) endorsements for their candidates from Nancy every four years

b) Michael Reagan - the adopted re-Thuglic son.

Otherwise - they have no use for them AT ALL. You don't need to like the family to blindly worship the father.
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[LilGlow]

Mr Stein, you seem to go our of your way to try and find controversy to pin on President Obama. It's getting old and I have to wonder what is your problem?

btw alot of people that support stem cell research but wasn't there. Does that mean their were dissed too?!

[serindipity803]

I always thought Ron jr. was a LIBERAL of the highest order--also why would he care that he was NOT invited to the Whie House--he was and is an ADVOCATE and there is a long list of advocates who are on their knees - grateful stem cell research can finally go forward.