Michael J Fox vs Rush Limbaugh

Michael J Fox has Parkinson's disease. This is a fact that has been known for quite some time. Michael has also been supporting political candidates (mostly Democratic) who have spoken out in favor of stem cell research, which holds great promise in finding an effective cure for Parkinson's disease and a host of other diseases.

He appeared in a political commercial for a candidate in Missouri, giving his support to her because of her stand on stem cell research. In the commercial he exhibited the most visible signs of the disease, namely uncontrollable shaking.

Rush Limbaugh, a radio talk show host, known for his conservative views, accused Michael of either acting (because of his pronounced involuntary movements) or neglecting to take his medication before taping the commercial. This accusation of course prompted a denial response from Michael J Fox. The sequence of events is portrayed in the video clip below:

[youtube="http://youtube.com/watch?v=XCa4-vGQQLs&mode=related&search="]

Stem Cell research is a hot political topic. President Bush authorized only limited federally sponsored research using existing stem cell lines. Opponents, convinced of the potential to cure numerous diseases, have advocated for greater government involvement in funding and the relaxation of rules restricting research in this area. For more information on this topic, check out the links below:

• What are Stem Cells?


• Glossary of Terms


• Stem Cell Research Foundation


• Center for Bioethics Human Dignity


• Discussions of the Issues Involved

Viedamour, who also suffers from Parkinson's disease, made this two-part video in response to the Michael J Fox controversy:

[youtube="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hdA19lj8XpA"]
[youtube="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lWiOZ50fOWo"]