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[R]ecent experience has shown that even the most formidable lobbyists — Christopher Reeve

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"[R]ecent experience has shown that even the most formidable lobbyists cannot derail legislation that has bipartisan and public support. The NRA was not successful in repealing the ban on assault weapons. The American public watched in disbelief as a dozen tobacco company executives testified at a Senate hearing that nicotine is not addictive and denied allegations that nicotine levels were being raised in cigarettes in order to increase addiction. Now we are witnessing the demise of the "Marlboro Man" and "Joe Camel". There are lawsuits in virtually every state by individuals demanding punitive damages against the tobacco companies. Just this week, thousands of government workers petitioned the President to ban smoking in government buildings. I sincerely doubt that the tobacco lobby will be able to stop this initiative. The religious right led by Pat Robertson, Pat Buchanan and the Christian Coalition tried twice unsuccessfully (in 1992 and 1996) to hijack the Republican Party and failed in both attempts. Here again, was a case when a supposedly powerful lobby did not succeed in promoting their agenda."
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Christopher Reeve
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Christopher Reeve
Christopher Reeve
author1978–1987

Christopher D'Olier Reeve was an American actor, activist, director, and author. He amassed many stage and screen credits in his 34-year career, including playing the title character in the Superman film series (1978–1987). He won a British Academy Film Award, an Emmy Award, a Grammy Award and a Screen Actors Guild Award. He was also known for his activism.

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"The key word for me on him is "inspiration." He is a leader by inspiration. He sets an example. Its quite important that people realize that I dont see him as a glad-handing show-off, a one-man vigilante force who rights every wrong. Basically, hes a pacifist, a man who comes along and says, What can I do to help? He stands on the sidelines until there is real trouble. He does not want to get involved unless its absolutely necessary because he thinks people should learn to make their own decisions."
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"In 1984, the government spent zero dollars on AIDS research, because AIDS was thought to be a death sentence, and the virus was far too complicated to deal with. Today, the government spends annually $1.8 billion a year on research, and people who would have been dead four or five years ago now have the virus virtually undetectable in their bloodstream, and theyre living normal lives. That was something thought impossible until we put money and talent together and aimed it toward a problem."
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Christopher Reeve
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"The budget of the National Institute of Health in 1998 was 12 billion dollars. However, due to Congress and also got pressure applied by a number of disease groups, the budget for fiscal 2003 will be 27.2 billion dollars. And human ... HHS Secretary Thompson has said there is plenty of money available for the kind of research. Doubling the budget of the NIH and more within five years has been an extraordinary accomplishment. So to say that there isnt ... I mean, more money would be nice, but to say theres not enough money to do research into therapeutic cloning is a false statement."
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Christopher Reeve