Does the word alchemy mean anything to you? It was the effort back in history to turn base metals into gold. It didn’t work.

Do you know the alchemy of the 21st century? Trying to turn embryonic stem cells into cures of certain medical conditions. It isn’t working either.

It seems two of the frontiers being explored today are the uses of stem cells in finding medical cures for illness. Stem cells are divided into two main categories: “embryonic” and “adult.” Embryonic stem cells can be gathered only by doing some high-tech cannibalism from a newly formed human being between the ages of 5 and 7 days. Adult stem cells can be obtained from a variety of sources without putting the life of a donor in jeopardy.

Want to know the results from the research from each source of stem cells? (From the Nebraska Coalition For Ethical Research):

* Benefits from embryonic stem cells — zero.

* Benefits from adult cells — 72.

It seems clear to me: In spite of the millions and millions and millions of dollars poured into embryonic stem cell research, we are killing people and not curing anyone … while with adult stem cell research we are curing people and not killing people.

So, tell me: Why is the University of Nebraska Medical Center wanting to continue research on embryonic stem cells? Abortion by any other name still results in the killing of a person.

Allen Ostdiek, Lawrence

Liberal Hagel

Senator Betrayer (formerly Hagel) should register as a Democrat; he is a regular liberal. The terrorists really love liberals. 

During World War II, his kind was held for treason. 

Maggie Seeman, Lincoln

Support for Hagel

I would like to respond to Sandra Heinz’s letter on Jan. 25, as well as other letters I have seen recently.

I would like to let Sen. Chuck Hagel know that he has support for his actions opposing the Bush administration’s plans for the continuation of the Iraq war. This administration has blundered in every aspect of the war in Iraq, and it is time that thinking, responsible people voice their opinions on a better plan to solve the crisis.

Hagel’s actions may align him with some Democrats, but there are a lot of Republicans and others that feel that way also. I would be surprised if there were not a lot of Nebraska Republicans who also supported Hagel.

So, Senator Hagel, continue to show courage in working for better solutions in Iraq.

Jerry Wiggle, Bennet

March for Life

Monday, Jan. 22, saw what many would deem to be a remarkable event in the current divisive political climate. People from different political parties, religious beliefs, ethnic backgrounds and sexual orientations came together in a massive demonstration on the Mall in Washington, D.C., for the March for Life. Several congressmen, including Nebraska’s Rep. Jeff Fortenberry and Kansas’ Sen. Sam Brownback, addressed the crowd.

I was very disappointed at the lack of media attention surrounding this event. Considering the size and diversity of the demonstrators, especially in such a media-obsessed venue as Washington, one would expect more than a few lines buried in the back pages of our national newspapers. Even outlets that some consider “right-biased,” such as Fox News or the online Drudge Report, gave little more than lip service to the presence and message of these marchers.

Sadly, this superficial coverage will further disincline media consumers to trust that they are indeed being given an objective, complete account of the news — either broadcast or in print.

Richard Fountain, Lincoln