The LA Times discusses developments in the stem cell debate, including the President's threats to veto a bipartisan bill to expand federal funding.
Two things come to mind, putting aside an ultimate opinion on the substance of the matter. (1) This reaffirms my argument that science policy is a compelling reason to be troubled (or supportive, if that is your inclination) by this administration.
(2) A disputed moral matter of this type should at the very least be left to Congress overall. I question the consistency of the President's stance (see article), but even if it was defensible, it is quite open to argument. If a majority of Congress, even many "pro-life" members, support a change, a veto would be ill-advised. Yes, he has the power, but this does not mean it is well used.
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On another issue of life and death, this blog entry provides some interesting links and such on the ongoing debate and litigation over lethal injection protocols. Of special note, four justices would have accepted the review of one state's protocols, agreeing with the dissent below that argued (internal quotes omitted):
It is undisputed that substantial pain and suffering can occur when the inmate receives an inadequate dosage of sodium pentothal and therefore retains consciousness and sensation during the injection of the second and third chemicals. ...
Missouri is using a combination of chemicals they knew or should have known would cause an excruciating death when they were telling the public it was like putting a dog to sleep, when their own veterinarians would lose their licenses for using the same chemicals on a stray. ...
The state's failure to counter Brown's medical evidence leaves Brown's evidence uncontroverted.
As one article linked noted, "in May, the U.S. Supreme Court unanimously agreed to permit a prisoner on Alabama's death row to challenge lethal injection. The prisoner, a longtime intravenous drug user, claims that cutting a path through his flesh to embed a chemical drip would cause excessive pain."
Other problems raised by the practice of lethal injection, in the eyes of Justice Stevens and others seen as the only non-cruel method of capital punishment, is involvement of medical personnel (raising ethical problems), and the overall distaste raised by such a "medicinal" model of death that is akin to putting animals to sleep. [Then, again, to some the executed are animals.]
Brown was executed ... five justices required for a stay of execution.