 |
|
Working 2 Walk 2007-News and Legislative Update!
 Dear Friends,
With the clock ticking and less than 2 weeks until Working 2 Walk
2007, the biggest cloud on the Working 2 Walk horizon seems to be a
literal one-the weather has been snowing-on-the-cherry-blossoms
crazy! Remember to check the DC weather
here
as you pack for your trip!
At this time of year
Unite 2 Fight Paralysis
reminds you of the crucial nature of logistical information when
traveling. We encourage you to print maps, write down important
addresses, and generally prepare to ensure a safe and successful
visit to the Capitol City. There are details you need to have handy,
and they can all be found at the
Working 2 Walk 2007 website.
We ask you to pay special attention to the sections
Schedule
and
Transportation/Maps.
You'll be glad you did!
Please remember that you need a photo ID to enter the Ronald
Reagan International Trade Center and to move about Capitol Hill on
Rally Day.
Critical immediate legislative update: The current version of
the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act (S. 5) and a proposed
alternative bill (S. 30) should go to a vote April 11 or 12-THIS
WEEK! It is very important that we contact our legislators the
next few days. You can find your Senator's names and contact info by
typing your zip code in the white box
here.
Individuals may reach any Senate office by calling the Capitol
switchboard at 202-224-3121.
The debate commenced this morning, Tuesday, April 10. S. 5 is a
bill that seems clearly desirable to most paralysis advocates, but
the facts are less clear to many other citizens and the folks that
represent them. The bulletin issued Monday by the Coalition for
Advancement of Medical Research,
Myths and Facts About the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act,
may answer some questions for you. U2FP hopes you will check it out,
and consider forwarding to your email list.
Even more problematic than S. 5 is another stem cell bill
sponsored by Sen. Johnny Isakson, (R)-GA and Sen. Norm Coleman,
(R)-MN. Known as S. 30 (`Hope Offered through Principled and Ethical
Stem Cell Research Act' or the `HOPE Act'), this bill initially
appeared innocuous to some advocates. Increasingly, advocates are
chiming in with warnings. Presented as an alternative for those that
oppose embryonic stem cell research,
S. 30 could actually block federal funding for new embryonic stem cell lines-forever.
Read premier ESC advocate
Don Reed's blog StemCellBattles
and the
text of S. 30
to draw your own conclusion. Whatever you decide, please convey that
conclusion to your 3 legislators NOW!
We all know that we must work together, be active, proactive and
ever-vigilant, to accomplish our dream of a cure for paralysis. Ours
is a lofty goal, one which mankind has never before dared to
seriously consider. We live in exciting times, with the privilege and
obligation to make a difference. Please, whether you go to DC with
Working 2 Walk, contact your legislators, or donate to your chosen
research group-do what you can, and do your best. If we each do that,
we are bound to make an important difference.
Sincerely,
Your Friends at
Unite 2 Fight Paralysis
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Support "Working 2 Walk" by publishing your story in the newspaper.