Stem Cell Breakthrough!

Now here is some great news from the medical community...

Three teams of scientists say they have produced the equivalent of embryonic stem cells, at least in mice, without taking the controversial step of destroying embryos. Their procedure makes ordinary skin cells behave like stem cells. If the same can be done with human cells — a big if — the procedure could lead to breakthrough medical treatments without the contentious ethical and political debates surrounding the use of embryos. Embryonic stem cells can give rise to all types of tissue, so experts believe they might be used to create transplant therapies for people who are paralyzed or have illnesses ranging from diabetes to Parkinson's disease.

Now a few points.
1) Funny how the author of this story chose to insert the phrase, "a big if" in regards to this procedure possibly working in humans. I wonder if he/she would have used the same phase in regards to using present embryonic stem cells to cure anything? Ever seen the following sentences in a major media story on stem cells, "Billions of dollars in federal and state funding are being thrown at scientists working on cures using embryonic stem cells. If these scientists can find cures for many of today’s debilitating diseases-a big if-every penny will have been worth it"
2) If and when this procedure is found to work with human stem cells, are we taxpayers to expect a return of the monies wasted on embryonic stem cell research?
3) Does anyone really believe that this breakthrough will stop or even slow those who are invested in the destruction of embryos? If, in fact it does not, will it then be apparent that these people are more interested in protecting the ‘right to choose’ to destroy an embryo than in any way curing disease?
Ah, but I should not be so dour. This is a huge breakthrough and one that needs all the attention we can give it.