This is only the beginning

Some people will read about how researchers have made stem cells out of skin cells, and conclude that the effort of theocratic conservatives to block scientific progress have failed. Maybe that's right. But the fact remains that conservatives did successfully stand in the way of a line of research. Political will in this country was not strong enough to override Bush's ban.

The fact that scientists found a way around the barrier is good, but not very comforting as regards the future relationship between science and politics in America. Encouraged by this political success, conservatives will undoubtedly press for more and bigger blocks on research. I have a feeling this is only the beginning.