Stem-cell plan is poorly written

To the editor:

Even if you support embryonic stem-cell research, which most people view as unethical, do not vote for Amendment 2. It is legally poorly written, contradicts itself in several places, gives researchers permission to do anything that is not specifically banned by federal law and removes the state's and individual's right to seek recourse in the courts in the event of harm, since civil and criminal liabilities are prohibited.

This amendment would be financed by our taxes. No known cures have yet been discovered from embryonic stem-cell research. Adult stem-cell research is already legal without this amendment. Therefore, wouldn't it seem more financially sound to put the money toward continued adult stem-cell research, which has already provided a number of cures?

The stem-cell initiative is an amendment to the Missouri Constitution and would void any and all laws interfering with it. Look at the entire amendment as printed in the newspaper to verify this. Don't be fooled by the shortened version that appears innocent on the ballot and make a huge mistake. A candidate can be voted out at the next election, but this would be nearly impossible to repeal once enacted.

When you go to vote, remember that this is the most important issue on the ballot and vote no on Amendment 2.

JACOB and CHARLENE URHAHN, Jackson