Mixed Views On Proposal 2

Handshakes were excitedly exchanged, while others lowered their heads in disbelief when the outcome of Proposal 2 was announced.

Michigan voters shared mixed views over one of the biggest controversial issues on the ballot, Proposal 2, embryonic stem cell research.

Tuesday evening, men and women of all ages gathered in Mt. Pleasant City Hall to watch the local, state, and national election unfold.

Whether or not Proposal 2 would pass remained in the hands of voters who chose ‘yes’ or ‘no’ on November 4th.

Shepherd resident Roger Trudell, the District 3 county commissioner, described himself as “very pro-life.” He voted against Proposal 2, but was not pleased when the updated results appeared on the overhead screen.

“I’m not happy,” Trudell said. “It looks like it’s going to pass.”

Proposal 2 was especially important to Mt. Pleasant resident, Rick Flaugher, because he suffers from multiple sclerosis.

“I voted yes and research shows great promises for diseases like mine,” Flaugher said. “I’m fairly confident it will pass.”

Central Michigan University senior Chase Dicken voted against Proposal 2 and crossed his fingers it would not pass.

“It’s inhumane and before you know it, cloning will be done,” Dicken said. “I hope it doesn’t get passed.”

CMU senior Jake Sproul voted yes on Proposal 2, but admitted it was not number one on his list of important issues.

“It seems promising in terms of research and the benefits it might yield,” Sproul said.

Michigan voters made their decision based on moral beliefs and personal views. Mixed reactions filled the room once the polls showed 52 percent voted yes, while the remaining 48 percent opposed it.