How many people railing about Bush and stem cell research have done either of two things:

- Checked to see what the actual policy is, and what it actually restricts.

- Done any research on the actual potential of stem cell research of the specific type addressed by the policy.

I already know how fast and loose the Democrats have treated this subject. I would bet hard money that two-thirds of average citizens would tell you they believe Bush has made all stem cell research illegal.

How about some facts? A good place to start is here.

And as far as stem cell research and Alzheimer's, try this article.

For the record, I don't agree with Bush's religious stance on this. From a philosophical standpoint, I do agree that the Federal government has no business paying for it, but that's not why Bush has taken his position.

But I don't like the mythology that has developed around this either. I understand that the average leftist feels that nothing of value can happen unless the almighty Federal Government does it. The idea that private research, or even perfectly legal research at state and local levels might accomplish something, doesn't even register on some people.