The Importance of Animal Testing

When I finished reading the essay "Chimeras in the Cross-hairs", I had really conflicting feelings. On one hand, I think it is imperative that we keep exploring the uses of cloning for the benefit of mankind. On the other hand, the price to find cures for the many diseases and conditions that plague, comes at the cost of animal lives. I know if it weren't for animal testing, many of us will not be here right now, and many medical problems will remain unsolved. Tens of millions of animals have probably died for our benefit, but that seems like its the price to pay to solve the endless medical problems we have. I really hope one day scientists can develop ways to cure diseases without the use of live beings. I know it is a long shot, but maybe in the future we'll be able to find cures for diseases just by using computer simulation.