America as a nation has been at the forefront of most scientific and engineering achievement. However, our lead is diminishing. Over a broad spectrum of all science, America is the current leader. But if you look at each field individually, foreign competition is either leading certain fields or catching up very quickly. The field I found most disappointing in stem cell research.

Stem cells can be induced to act like any cell in the body, such as a beating heart. These cells may provide the cure for Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and heart disease.

I say "may" because the government is not allowing funding to find out. While America argues about when life actually begins, the rest of the world is researching.

The advancement of medicine is being halted because the subject is taboo. I believe religion is important, but saving people's lives is more important than when life actually begins.

Stem cell research will not "make or break" the future of American competitiveness. However, I feel it is an important issue to monitor.

Most research occurs in privately owned companies with no government funding.

This makes working for private companies a better fiscal decision, as the government cannot pay for research in areas it has made illegal. The best scientists leave the government jobs, leaving lawmakers without skilled scientific advisors.

This cycle continues until private companies cannot fund large enough projects to compete with foreign research projects. I felt it was important to shed light on America's slow decline from scientific superiority.

It will not happen tomorrow, but if we do not act soon, one day Americans will be the ones assembling the toys for the rest of the world.