To the editor:

The Journal-World editor urged Lawrence and the whole state of Kansas, in an April 16 article, to take a leadership role in the area of biosciences. This includes stem-cell research. He reminded us that with successful leadership, this growing field will not only provide cures for people but bring thousands of dollars and thousands of jobs to the state of Kansas. I urge the editor to lead by example and ensure that the Journal-World not only reports on embryonic stem-cell research but also on the positive successes of adult stem-cell research.

The truth is that there are thousands of documented cures already taking place using adult stem cells. These are not random cures. They have been successfully duplicated. The media as a whole has not been reporting on these adult stem cell successes because: 1) adult stem-cell research is not as controversial, and 2) because there is more opportunity for ownership and profit of embryonic stem-cell lines by the research companies who are creating much of the hype about embryonic stem-cell research.

I urge the Journal-World to do all it can to inform us, the voting public, of all sides of this highly controversial topic. As the editor stated, “without strong effective visionary leadership, the chances of success are severely handicapped.” But I remind you, without being properly informed our chances of strong leadership are impossible.

John Rasmussen,

Lawrence