Dear Michael:
Every Democratic home has a special hero to thank today. In our home, that hero is you. My husband and I will be forever grateful for your tremendous effort on behalf of candidates who support embryonic stem cell research. The victory of the Missouri initiative is another step forward.
The Grace with which you conducted your campaign for science will never be forgotten. It is a lasting lesson of Dignity in the face of Adversity. Despite some ugly bullyism, you held your head and your tongue -- refusing to be cast aside. You have forced America to confront the effects of deteriorating or fatal illnesses. In so doing, you have enlightened all to the Beauty and Wonder of the Life Force.
Indeed, for investors, you also seem to have given an unexpected surpise. According to
Bloomberg,
Nov. 8 (Bloomberg) -- Advanced Cell Technology Inc., Geron Corp. and other stem cell companies rallied as Democratic wins in the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate raised hope for increased government funding for research.
Geron, based in Menlo Park, California, rose as much as 5 percent, and Alameda, California-based Advanced Cell rose as much as 17 percent. Aastrom Biosciences Inc., based in Ann Arbor, Michigan based rose as much as 11 percent.
President George W. Bush restricted funding for research on human embryonic stem cells in 2001, saying he was against the destruction of human embryos. Missouri voters countered by passing a constitutional amendment yesterday to protect stem- cell research, and Democrats in other states campaigned against the restrictions, pointing to stem cells' promise in treatments for diabetes, Parkinson's disease, and other disorders.
The physical toll of this struggle must have been difficult for you. It is now time to return to your family. Rest well, Good Soldier. For the moment, your work is done. Our gratitude for it is eternal.
Warmest regards.
(To Kossacks: Sorry to tie up the tubes during election time, but it had to be said. Add any comments of your own. I will be sending a link to the Michael J. Fox Foundation.)