Dear TMN,

What is up with that bullshit piece by James McManus? It’s one thing to point out the inconsistencies between a person’s not supporting stem-cell research and the fact that her father might have been helped by that very research. Point taken, although it’s also notable to point out that it’s only interesting because she’s the first lady. Just as Nancy Reagan’s equally unscientific comments only matter because she was the first lady once. Last I checked, Nancy was an out-of-work actress.

All of that is fair game, I suppose. But to say that the Bush family would be “elbowing, or more likely bribing, their way to the front of the line at the clinic” comes out of nowhere. I was glad that McManus at least came to some sort of a point near the end, no matter how asinine. At least it was a point, and indeed, it was asinine.

The whole piece could be summed up as “Laura Bush and her husband are opposed to stem-cell research, which is ironic, considering that her father might have been helped by developments that stem-cell research might bring.” And yes, it’s as boring in summary as it was in a longer form.

The story about her high school accident has no relevance to the point being made. To go so far as to make a mockery of her grief just seems to be in very poor taste. A little editorial oversight might have been in order. (And I only say that because everything else I see on your site, whether I like it or dislike it, agree or disagree, is always top-notch.)

Sincerely,
Eric Wrisley