It's Not All About Cures

In today's National Review Online David Freddoso asks "If embryonic research is so promising, why do its backers need to lie?" Some of these motivations have been discussed here previously. However, it essentially boils down to the fact that for many backers "finding cures" is cover for the greater goal of promoting a new societal paradigm. One that places scientists and other privileged elite at the helm such that all questions, issues and decisions are formulated, reviewed and resolved by them and them alone. They seek to remove all other authority, moral or otherwise, from influencing their utopian vision. These are not just the usual targets of religious faith and family, but indeed our constitutional government "We the people..." and the Judeo-Christian underpinnings of society which were understood by the framers and implicit in their work. The 20th Century, if nothing else, showed the world what atheist totalitarian regimes are capable of when left unchecked. Undoubtedly American citizens should value our scientific and technical prowess and continue to invest so that we remain preeminent in the world. Nevertheless, one should not be deluded into thinking that these experts and practitioners have any particular insight into questions of morality or societal good. In fact, it can be argued that pressure to legitimize their expertise in order to maintain their funding streams and professional standing creates bias and potential conflicts of interest. Therefore, when science interfaces with morality, particularly when public support and resources are in question, the church, the family, and review by the citizenry are indispensable counterbalances.