It has been interesting to read the opinions of columnists and letter writers about the Amendment 2 stem-cell issue. Most of the writers appear to be deeply concerned with the religious or medical implications of stem-cell research, and I do respect their line of reasoning. However, these writers do seem to be missing the main point of the amendment. It's not if the research will occur, because it is already being performed at several research centers around the world, but simply if some limited stem-cell research will flourish in Missouri. So, the main question is this: Do we want these potential high-paying jobs and businesses to develop in Missouri, or are we ready to ship a bright future in life sciences to others?