Letters

As a retiree of U-M, I welcome the University Record as one of the ways I keep in touch with school events. The page 2 article "Hope for stem cell research is focus of new documentary" (March 10) caught my attention, especially because of the subject and the pointed title of the documentary. I didn't have to go far beyond the first paragraph before suspecting that the title of the document might have been misleading. The research, as I view it, would depend on the destruction of living cells.

The article says "the film seeks to explain the issue from four different perspectives, the people, the politics, the science and the hope" but no mention is made of the perspectives of ethics or morality. Perhaps these added perspectives were addressed during the Q-and-A session, but I am skeptical considering the names of the participants for the session as well as those appearing in the film come from the pro-choice side of the larger issues of life at all stages.

I hope the documented successes of "ordinary" stem cell medical achievements as opposed to untried embryonic stem cell applications were given some recognition following the film premiere and discussion last week. That, too, should be part of educating "... the public about the complex issues surrounding embryonic stem cell research."

Robert W. Schneider
East Lansing
Retired faculty 1994, College of Engineering

The University Record welcomes letters from members of the University community. Those on topics of broad University interest will be given preference for publication. Letters should be no more than 500 words and must be signed. The editorial staff reserves the right to reject any letter and to edit and/or condense letters for publication. The staff also reserves the right to limit the number of letters submitted by the same individual. Letters may appear in small type. Organizations submitting material must include the name and address of an appropriate officer. Letters must be received by noon Wednesday to receive consideration for publication in the next issue.

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