Last Updated on October 29, 2016
Recently, actor Michael J. Fox appeared in campaign commercials in several states advocating candidates who supported stem cell
research. Fox, who suffers from Parkinson’s Disease, struggles in the campaign ads to stay still, but seems to weave back and forth.
Some Republicans quickly criticized the Democrats for trying to “take advantage” of the illness’s victims for their political gain. Radio personality Rush Limbaugh then decided to go one step further, suggesting that Fox intentionally refused to take his medication so that the effects of his illness would be more pronounced on camera, and then even suggested that he must be exaggerating and putting on a performance.
Tonight, the CBS Evening News with Katie Couric had the big exclusive: Fox and Couric sat down to talk about the controversy over stem cell research, Fox’s advocacy of same, and Limbaugh’s insensitive remarks. (The whole interview can be seen online at CBSNews.com.)
Fox said that he didn’t go without medication for the spots; if anything, he was in a period of dyskenisia, in which (as he explained it) his body was reacting to the medication kicking in too hard. As for going off his medication for dramatic effect, as in the scenario Limbaugh hypothesized, Fox suggested that Parkinson’s patients would love to have the coordination required to effectively mimic a more severe case.
Couric told Fox that when she called Limbaugh, he gave her this statement:
“I believe Democrats have a long history of using victims of various things as political spokespeople because they believe they are untouchable, infallible – they are immune from criticism.”
Fox was quick to respond:
“Well, first thing, he used the word ‘victim’ and [on] other occasions I heard you use the word ‘pitiable.’ Now understand, no one in this position wants pity. We don’t want pity. I could give a damn about Rush Limbaugh’s pity or anyone else’s pity and I am not a victim.”
It was painful to watch Fox at times, but worth it because of that statement and this one he made about those who do not support stem cell research:
“If they’ve prayed on it and they’ve thought about it and they can’t get their head around it or their heart around it, then great. I mean, fantastic. And I admire them and I respect them. All I say to them respectfully is, if there’s a majority that also prayfully and thoughtfully…and emotionally…and intellectually…and in every other way weighted this and came on the other side, and said you know, I think this is the right thing to do, to very carefully tread these waters to save these lives, then you have to respect that, too. And don’t resort to name calling or inflammatory language or mocking or whatever you need to do. Just have a discussion about it…and we’ll see what happens.”
Why is it that on this issue, the people who seem to think they have religion and morality on their side, seem to be acting the least like religious people?
I can’t stand the fact that celebrities use their fame to promote their own self-agenda. That being said, I support stem-cell research because I am an informed registered nurse and realize all the health benefits associated with this arena. :- De
I’m all for stemcell research… and that’s all i will say about it.
I, for one, AM praying. I’m in Missouri, and I have to make a decision. I wish I could read all the facts without anybody’s opinions clouding the waters.
I don’t know Patrick, but it’s something I’ve wondered for years. The other day I saw a car with a bumper sticker that read BEWARE: I Have God on my side.
My first thought was “why should I beware that?” I’m not afraid of God. He doesn’t hate me. He doesn’t hate anybody. Or so he told me last time I talked to him. And my God doesn’t take sides.
I just don’t get it.