Blocking Progress

"At birth the brain and spinal cord essentially contain their full measure of nerves, each fiber like a strand of gold in a bank that permits only withdrawals."

I think that's a potent metaphor for the human body's inability to regrow nerve cells. It's from Gen LaGreca's novel, Noble Vision, which I'm reading at the moment.

In real life we have a possible lead on a way to restore lost nerve cells: the use of stem cells. And we have some South Korean researchers who are hot on the trail.

They are pursuing the lead
At full speed:

"South Korean researchers reported Thursday they have created human embryos through cloning and extracted embryonic stem cells, the universal cells that scientists expect will result in breakthroughs in medical research." (From CNN.)

If American researchers chased down this path.
They would face the government's wrath.

Here in the U.S., we severely limit stem cell research. It seems that the U.S. Congress is now thinking about freeing it up somewhat. But one man stands in the way.

"PRESIDENT BUSH vowed yesterday to halt surprise new moves in Congress to lift the White House curbs on stem-cell research." (From Times Online.)

I hope the polls will give a downward push
To Mr. Bush.
And I hope he rethinks
A rule that stinks.