It grieves me to see educated people cite limited evidence in an argument to prove a point. I am referring to the Rev. Thomas King III's letter "Embryonic Stem Cells [July 2]. The Rev. King's evidence appears to come directly from an article in National Review Online (www.nationalreview.com/comment/smith200405130858.asp), dated May 13, 2004, over three years ago.

Much research has been donein that three years, largely in countries ahead of the U.S. in embryonic stem cell research, such as Australia, Britain, Israel, Singapore and South Korea, among others.

Among other things that research shows embryonic stem cell genes may play a role in the development of tumors, particularly in treatment of breast cancer and testicular cancer.

The next step, according to some researchers is to determine the function of those genes in the cells of the tumors. Remember, this is research and while some research leads to a dead end, other research hits the jackpot. Even dead-end scientific research increases our knowledge.

The Bush administration has stated that there are enough strains of embryonic stem cells to allow research to be done.

A report by an international team of scientists in 2005 shows that the embryonic stem cells, over time, accumulate a significant number of mutations, several of which could cause tumors. Concerned scientists have called, to no avail, on the Bush Administration to allow federal funds to create new stem cell colonies that will allow research for cures and treatments of all types of cancers, Parkinson's disease, ALS, Alzheimer's and even spinal cord injuries, and other conditions.

Bush has been adamant about destroying embryos in such research. So, instead of allowing use of embryos that fertility clinics will destroy anyway in the course of their business, the U.S. remains in the backwaters of medical research.

JOHN McARTHUR