I am afraid Joan is correct on this one, she has been pretty disgusted with our C-in-C lately...On the other, let me repost the relevant portion of the transcript:
In the new century, innovations in science and technology will be the key not only to the health of the environment but to miraculous improvements in the quality of our lives and advances in the economy.
Later this year, researchers will complete the first draft of the entire human genome -- the very blueprint of life. It is important for all Americans to recognize that your tax dollars have fueled this research -- and that this and other wise investments in science are leading to a revolution in our ability to detect, treat, and prevent disease.
For example, researchers have identified genes that cause Parkinson's disease, diabetes, and certain types of cancer -- and they are designing precision therapies that will block the harmful effects of these faulty genes for good. Researchers are already using this new technique to target and destroy cells that cause breast cancer. Soon, we may be able to use it to prevent the onset of Alzheimer's disease. Scientists are also working on an artificial retina to help many blind people to see and microchips that would directly stimulate damaged spinal cords and allow people who are now paralyzed to stand up and walk.
Science and engineering innovations are also propelling our remarkable prosperity. Information technology alone now accounts for a third of our economic growth, with jobs that pay almost 80 percent above the private sector average. Again, we should keep in mind: Government-funded research brought supercomputers, the Internet and communications satellites into being. Soon, researchers will bring us devices that can translate foreign languages as fast as you can speak, materials 10 times stronger than steel at a fraction of the weight and molecular computers the size of a teardrop with the power of today's fastest supercomputers.
To accelerate the march of discovery across all disciplines of science and technology, my budget includes an unprecedented $3 billion increase in the 21st Century Research Fund, the largest increase in civilian research in a generation. These new breakthroughs must be used in ways that reflect our most cherished values.
Given the soporific effect of listening to Clinton for any length of time, I suppose Vaughn can be forgiven an imprecise recollection of the nature of the therapy alluded to. The quote does seem to imply that a breakthrough is imminent, although it does not state that the technology is yet fully developed. And it is not merely an example of "our tax dollars at work", but part of the prelude to a huge spending initiative.......Seems to me a "draw"..... |
