Wednesday’s American Morning received comments surrounding the stem cell story, as viewers remarked that experimental treatments in the U.S. must be paid for by patients, and that the U.S. would be far more advanced on such research had Al Gore been in office.
- Carli: I just watched your report on stem cell treatments in foreign countries. The comment that really upset me was that these treatments are experimental and there should be no charge for them. Right here in the good old USA "experimental treatments" are used to treat patients every day and people have to pay for them. No health insurance company would pay for an "experimental" treatment" but that is how new treatments are developed. The insinuation that because they are asking for payments makes it a scam is upsetting. 25 years ago my father was diagnosed with cancer which was treatable by an "experimental treatment" at his expense. Currently, that treatment that was experimental is the standard of care for the type of cancer he had. He had to pay for the treatment that extended his life. So just because there is not enough data to say something works and there is a request for payment to use that treatment, does not mean it is a scam.
- Marlin: I do not know whether these treatments are authentic or not . I do know had Al Gore assumed the presidency in 2000 (as rightfully elected) this country would be at the forefront of stem cell research instead of people going to foreign countries to receive treatment. Had an administration been in power during the Clinton -Gore years I will assure you we would never had been where we were at in the computer and cyber world. This is the difference between a forward looking administration and one who was married to the religious right and therefore made little progress in stem cell research. The same can be said for all infrastructure progress. Tax cuts for the wealthy and borrow money from China to finance our wars. That was their policy for 8 years.
How do you feel about stem cell research? Do you know someone suffering from a debilitating disease who could benefit from experimental treatments?
The reception line for President Obama’s visit to Saudi Arabia perplexed viewers when those in the line did not offer to shake the President’s hand.
- Glenda: He [President Obama] made the choice that makes sense. Saudi Arabia represents the group he wants to reach. Going to a more democratic Muslim country creates a self-centered perception to Muslims. I am sure he put much thought into where to go.
- Bob: I was watching the reception line this morning and I noticed that almost everyone in the greeting line, refused to shake the hand of President Obama. Every time he put his hand up, the person would ignore him and shake the hand of the King. What was up with that!!!!
Joan: What about the four Saudi Princes alleged involvement with 9/11 and the Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act that Obama petitioned the Supreme Court to honor on their behalf?
How do you feel about President Obama’s trip to Saudi Arabia? Do you believe his attempt at mending relations with the Muslim world will enable Americans to feel safer as a result of his outreach? How do you think his approach to the Arab nations will affect the U.S. relationship with Israel and Prime Minister Netanhayu?