Bush should get ahead of the stem-cell gold rush.

• Author: Safire, William
• Position: Opinion - Brief Article

Californians voted in November to pour $300 million a year for a decade into embryonic stem-cell research, in hopes of finding treatments or cures for a variety of diseases. The state will become the global center for such advanced research. Wisconsin and New Jersey are also investing money in the industry. This state activity tells us that the stem-cell controversy is being leapfrogged, and that such research is openly under way. [Contrary to perception, stem-cell research has not been federally banned, only restricted.] This troubles people who fear it will lead to...