My crummy local state rep sent out a mailing the other day that included a "survey" of constituents' opinions.
I throw those scare quotes around "survey" because unlike a well-made survey instrument, the form was plainly designed to elicit approval for the rep's positions, the "Yes" answers in each case. It gives me a special feeling to have cheap politicians insult my intelligence at my own expense.
One of the agree/disagree items was: "It is important for the state to fund stem-cell research." (Disclaimer: I don't have it here in front of me.)
Now, what's the correct answer for this? Technically, one could answer "Yes" because if the state funds immoral stem-cell research, that certainly is an important matter. But one should answer "No" because you and I know very well how they meant it.
And that's where Senator Lurch comes in and wins my gratitude today. He made it possible to explain to the rep in the Additional Comments space:
Stem cell research must be conducted within the proper ethical limits. As Sen. Kerry said, life begins at conception.There. And who says I never have a good thing to say about Democrats?
:)