President Bush is a man who sticks to his word and is afraid to offend the religious right. His first veto, opposing the use of embryonic stem cells slated for destruction for research, is a denial of what many Americans favor. His veto is another raspberry at common sense, demonstrating how his personal religious beliefs can control the government.

These are cells that will not be used, and the parents have to give permission for their destruction. Additionally, a majority of the parents have given permission to use the cells for research.

This setback for federally funded stem-cell research leaves a substantial hole in the future for curing diseases that threaten millions. As scientists try other methods with stem cells allowed by the law, the frustration of those who could benefit from the regenerative properties of stem cells continues.

This veto has also caused a schism in the Republican Party, as more members are aging and realize how important embryonic stem-cell research is. The baby boomers are crying for Bush to change his mind, as they, too, are beginning to suffer from diseases and traumas that stem cells might cure.

But those of us who have been living with disabilities have been waiting much longer. When federal funding for stem-cell research was given the green light, there was hope that certain diseases and spinal-cord injuries would be a thing of the past.

But that hope soured as scientists realized the stem-cell lines Bush approved weren't nearly enough to do the kind of research they'd hoped for. Many scientists already knew the existing lines were tapped out and began searching for alternate ways to accomplish medical breakthroughs that embryonic stem cells offered.

Nearly half the Republican Party is having a cow, because it's re-election time in just four short months, and this issue could be the linchpin of its success - or disaster. Democrats are rubbing their hands like little flies, hoping Bush will make another selfish decision, or at least make another religious-based goof at a political shindig. Democrats are using this veto and the debacle of the Terri Schiavo right-to-die case to show Republicans have no regard for the rights of the living and that Republicans' dedication is to the religious right. Democratic Rep. Edward Marky of Massachusetts summed up Bush's veto this way: "This will be remembered as a Luddite moment in American history."

The founding fathers made a point that church and state should never meet in the creation of federal laws. Bush ignores this openly, spouting religious rhetoric in defense of his lack of vision and courage.

Changing one's mind can be a sign of strength, not weakness. Bush is wrong, and the sick and disabled will continue to suffer for it.

McKee, a wheelchair user, is a freelance writer and producer. You can e-mail her at chairgrrl@chairgrrl.com.