Trading Embryos for Jobs

Wisconsin's Catholic governor has rebuffed the bishops over his support of embryonic stem cell research, acknowledging the deep moral economic dimension of the issue:

Gov. Jim Doyle broke with Wisconsin's two most prominent Catholic bishops on Wednesday, bluntly telling them he would not rethink his strong support of embryonic stem cell research.

"While I appreciate your thoughts on this important issue, I also feel a responsibility to promote vital research which holds the potential to save countless lives and bring thousands of jobs to our state," Doyle, a Catholic, wrote in a letter to Milwaukee Archbishop Timothy Dolan and Madison Bishop Robert Morlino.

Finally, a politician who's willing to speak with some candor: yes, we'd like to save lives, but when it comes down to it, embryonic research is just another job creation package.  The gold rush continues.

Rob