Stupid question of the day:

If Stem cell research is so promising, why aren't other countries [way] ahead of us [the U.S.A.] and leading the way?

In all honesty, I've had that discussion a bit with my wife and she mentioned that I must have missed some recent news flash that talked about some break thru research where scientists were able to replicate a body part thanks to some stem cell research.

Now, I should clarify things here a bit and point out that my question relates primarily to embryonic stem cell research, not so much adult stem cell research.  In case readers aren't aware, there really are no roadblocks or restraints on adult stem cell research in the U.S.A.

Let me repeat that: there really are no roadblocks or restraints on adult stem cell research in the U.S.A.

I might be ignorant of some restraints that some researchers would be crying about, but to the best of my knowledge, there really are no complaints about adult stem cell research.  The complaints come in over embryonic stem cells, and then the complaint is primarily over the definition of a life.  Pro-life supporters point to the embryos and belief that each represents a life and that each life should be respected.  Others point out that embryos are unfertilized cells that are not a viable life form in and of themselves.

Either way, the subject of embryonic stem cell research is a very touchy one here in the U.S.A., but is that the case elsewhere?

I ask those that feel that embryonic stem cell research is a turning point issue in the current elections to please speak up a bit and educate me here.  If you support embryonic stem cell research at all, please speak up here.  Tell me why you feel that the U.S.A. should be leading the way and why shouldn't we in the U.S.A. cede leadership to say France, Canada, Sweden, Germany or any other country in the world?  Are there restrictions in those other countries that are tougher than those here in the U.S.A.?  More money available there?  Less money available there, or something else?

Further, if embryonic stem cell research is so promising, can someone please tell me why we don't have large drug companies and other corporate interests involved in the fight lobbying hard for less restrictions and more research dollars to help line their pockets with?

I know, I'm full of questions today, hopefully not really that stupid.  Either way, please educate me as best you can, thanks!