Twenty years ago, in the run-up to the 2004 election, Californians faced a vote on Proposition 71, the Stem Cell Research Initiative. The ballot measure promised life-saving cures and therapies for Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and other diseases through embryonic stem cell research.

“Seventy-one will support research to find cures for diseases that affect millions of people,” said actor Michael J. Fox in an ad, “including cancer, diabetes, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Please support the effort to find cures…. It could save the life of someone you love.” Christopher Reeve also got in the act.

“My foundation supports cutting-edge research. And we are proud supporters of Prop 71,” Reeve said in the ad. “Stem cells have already cured paralysis in animals. Stem cells are the future of medicine. Please support Prop 71. And, stand up for those that can’t. Thank you.” Also on board was Republican Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, whose father-in-law, Sargent Shriver, was afflicted with........

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