Speaking before the National Association of Evangelicals Convention in Colorado, President George W. Bush outlined the Christian agenda he has in mind for the nation in the upcoming years. This, according to Bush and his supporters, is evidence of his "compassionate conservatism" - as if merely labeling an agenda "Christian" also made it "compassionate."

The Mercury News reports:

Bush opened his address via satellite to the National Association of Evangelicals Convention in Colorado by lavishing praise on the group: "You're doing God's work with conviction and kindness," Bush said. ... "We're working to build a culture of life," he said, noting that he had taken "an important step" last November when he signed legislation outlawing certain late-term abortions.

An important "step"? That suggests that he has much, much more in mind when it comes to the legal issues around abortion. The NAEC would like to see abortion outlawed, and I suspect that Bush has the same goal in mind.

On another abortion issue, the president heralded the legislation he signed last year, which amends the legal definitions of "person," "human being," "child" and "individual" to include any fetus that survives an abortion procedure. Bush reiterated that he opposed the use of federal funds for the "destruction of human embryos for stem-cell research," and said he would pursue legislation for a "comprehensive and effective ban on human cloning."

A variety of conservatives will be opposing Bush's efforts to ban cloning and stem-cell research. Christians don't take a monolithic position against such research and a number of social conservatives would like to see further developments in medical technology. Still, Bush and his supporters might be able to create enough fear to get their way despite the opposition.

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