Dean Barnett, RIP

I did not know Barnett but I admired his smart, witty writing immensely.

Prayers for his family at this time…

this is one of my favorites of his pieces:

I am 37 years old and have cystic fibrosis. I’m at a stage in my life where finding a cure or control for CF is a matter of some urgency. Nonetheless, I do not support embryo cloning for stem-cell research. Creating life for the purpose of destroying it, as Governor Romney put it on Sunday, is on the other side of “a very bright ethical line” that we should not cross.

The central issue in the debate on human cloning for stem-cell research should be when life begins or what exactly constitutes life. If you hold the views of the typical NARAL activist, the issue would be rather easily resolved: A cloned embryo is nothing more than a clump of cells and certainly wouldn’t warrant enough concern to curb the pursuit of a promising area of medical research.

If you believe, however, as George W. Bush does, as Mitt Romney does, as John Kerry does, as I do, and as much of America does that life begins at conception, then the morality of the matter is rather stickier. The Romney middle road that proposes using “leftover” frozen embryos for research purposes is probably appealing to some such individuals, certainly repugnant to others. Perhaps Romney’s position should prompt a potentially difficult conversation regarding a process that leaves “leftover” embryos in the first place.

A first-rate thinker and writer. He’ll be missed.

Vanderleun has Barnett, in his own words

See also:
Hugh Hewitt’s moving tribute
Ace
Fausta