frist ISN'T the devil

granted, bush is the devil (i'm kidddddding). but frist WAS getting there, what with his proclamations of "Good" and "Bad" and such. senator bill frist (R-TN), a staple amongst republican senators since i lived in tennessee, wasn't exactly on top of my list of "most admired men" -- the resume posted on his senate website still lists his awards from high school -- gimme a break! a certified surgeon and senator, with whispers of running for the 2008 presidential race, frist is a solid conservative, the Senate Republican leader, an avid supporter of the christian faith in politics, (and not terribly cute), and one of bush's "men". in other words, he wasn't getting my vote.

but today, i'm impressed. in a speech to the Senate this glorious gray morning in DC, frist announced that he would support a bill to expand -- not limit -- federal funds for stem cell research. this action is in complete contrast with bush's 2001 policies of limiting money and research. frist is a leader among republicans, and showing that he will stand with his ideals, even if they're in opposition with the president's, is admirable. it makes a difference. stem cell research is important, no matter how controversial; it has huge potential to help us understand and treat chronic, presently-uncurable diseases. so despite his religious beliefs and moral standings, frist is going with his science side today. congrats, and thanks. let's just hope that the white house doesn't succeed with a veto...

veering from bush, frist backs funding for stem cell research