LOL! The depths they'll sink to...

http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/story?id=2604633

I suppose Christopher Reeve was faking too?

I used to like listening to Limbaugh on occasion. But this is just ridiculous! To make fun of Fox / Parkinson's Disease is just lame! Perhaps he's just done that to be a media whore cause his own drug use is out of the spot light. LOL

Er. That's just wrong. Fox is suffering from a horrendous disease, and regardless of politics, I admire his tenacity to live as much of a normal life as he can.

I have heard before that he stopped taking his medication before he testified to Congress, so that Congress might see the full effect of the disease on his body. Which may or may not be true, but in either case, he's definitely not faking his illness.

Limbaugh should publicly apologize asap.

I read other stories on this, and they interviewed Fox after the comment made by Limbaugh.

Fox wouldn't respond to Limbaugh's charge, but he did allude to it when noting that his tremors were relatively under control at his appearance.

"It is ironic, given some things that have been said in the last couple of days, that my pills are really working well right now," Fox said. "We all have our own reaction to medication depending on whether it is warm or cold, or humid or not humid, or we ate too much protein or we didn't eat enough protein … In my case it is a wonderful thing because you let go of vanity, you just are who you are that day, and you carry on with the fight. And so as I said, today is a good day but it could go to hell."

So he's chalking the difference to the inconsistency of the reaction to the medication with Parkinson's. I'll need to research it more as to how patients react under the medication he's taking, but I must admit, I am shocked that after all this time that his medical team hasn't been able to stablize his dosage and diet to the point that he could display such a variance of symptoms. Unless he has already spent all his money, he should be fairly well off, given all the roles he had in the 80s and early 90s, so he should be able to afford decent medical care.

My sister's friend has Parkinson's and his variability from day to day is very extreme. Some days he can't function well enough to get out of bed or control his movement.

By coincidence, I heard that part of Limbaugh's show. He did not accuse Fox of faking his illness. He did question Fox's use (or lack thereof) of medication for media purposes. And, yes, he did later apologize.

Really, now, Limbaugh may be a blowhard, but he's not stupid.

"In this commercial, he is exaggerating the effects of the disease. He is moving all around and shaking. And it's purely an act," Limbaugh said.
By coincidence, I heard that part of Limbaugh's show. He did not accuse Fox of faking his illness.
Oh really?

I don't recall that particular quote since I heard that portion of the show too. What he did do was quote Michael J. Fox from his own book where he said he intentionally stopped taking his meds before testifying before Congress to stress the effects of Parkinson's. He then went on to say that based on that it is pretty safe to assume that hes doing the same for the commercials.

Sorry, but I believe what I actually hear or see instead of what the press prints.

P.S. Funny thing is he actually predicted this exact response in the press.

Yes, really. That quote is taken out of context.

Limbaugh was discussing how advocates will play on emotions by bringing out people with the worst symptoms of a disease. He then went on to say that Fox has admitted not taking his meds before testifying before Congress, and was questioning whether or not he had done the same for the ad under being discussed.

In context, it's a reasonable question.

Well, I am curious as to the context that absolves: "In this commercial, he is exaggerating the effects of the disease. He is moving all around and shaking. And it's purely an act," Limbaugh said.

Actually, getting more of the text it is even worse:
"He is exaggerating the effects of the disease," Limbaugh told listeners. "He's moving all around and shaking and it's purely an act. . . . This is really shameless of Michael J. Fox. Either he didn't take his medication or he's acting."

I'd love to see a transcript that explains this, in "context".

Really, now, Limbaugh may be a blowhard, but he's not stupid.
Not stupid? That's more than he deserves. I will give you though he is good at marketing himself towards those that make him look like a genius.

"Either he didn't take his medication or he's acting."

Implying that he does have the disease and is medicated for it, and questioning whether he did not take his meds prior to filming.

Quad erat demonstrandum.

It doesn't matter whether he's taking his medication or not in the adverts. The disease is a serious condition. Fox and his family have to live the effects. They have to live with the times the medication is ineffective. They have to live with any side effects. They have to live with the possibility of secondary illnesses or deterioration of his condtition.

If someone with a prosthetic leg appeared in a commerical without it then I don't think anyone would say 'he's not using his prosthetic so he's faking the problems".

Hey, I am on Fox's side, but it is/was easy for one to figure out that he stopped taking his meds to record his PSA's and stuff. Done in order to increase empathy for his/the cause.

I don't have any problem with him being off his meds in order to show what the actual effects of the disease are, either. Use all the tools you have at your disposal, that's fair - he's an actor with Parkinsons, he could have been acting a little, off his meds, or both, and it doesn't really matter to me. But when he starts endorsing Democrats who voted against stem cell initiatives over Republicans who are actually for it, he loses a bit of credibility, in my eyes.

Well if he did that, he is just stupid.

Hey, I am on Fox's side, but it is/was easy for one to figure out that he stopped taking his meds to record his PSA's and stuff. Done in order to increase empathy for his/the cause.

The fact that such political game playing is necessary in our nation is disturbing in and of itself.

A man shouldn't have to let his illness go untreated in order to elicit the appropriate sympathy for the cause of doing everything in our power to cure that disease.

I don't have any problem with him being off his meds in order to show what the actual effects of the disease are, either. Use all the tools you have at your disposal, that's fair - he's an actor with Parkinsons, he could have been acting a little, off his meds, or both, and it doesn't really matter to me. But when he starts endorsing Democrats who voted against stem cell initiatives over Republicans who are actually for it, he loses a bit of credibility, in my eyes.

Ah, a typical political jab. It belongs in a campaign ad ;)

It is regular gamesmanship (by both parties, especially if they have control) to propose a bill that sound great, such as, for instance, stem cell research funding...but then to add an amendment to the bill which you know the other side cannot and will not vote for. That way you can rail them for "voting against <fill in feel good issue>.

Like, Senator Aidon proposes a bill to provide Hannukah Gelt to all the little goyim k.i.d.d.i.e.'s (Hmm, will have to see if Rah has a reason for that being on filter..though sadly I can see why it would be) to spread secular holiday cheer (Hannukah Gelt, in the US these days, is simply those chocolate coins wrapped in gold colored foil). Its a nice friendly feel good bill. Then Senator Aidon calls up his good, but dark hearted and evil buddies, Senators Tudamorf and Fy'yr and ask them to ad an amendment that would kill the bill. So Tudamorf and Fy'yr sit down and ad an amendment banning the legal system and jurisprudance. Then they ad another one which attempts to clarify the 1st amendment to mean that the People are free to worship their religion, but only in their heads. Finally, they add a third one which cancels all welfare and all corporate taxes.

So, amendments made, Senator Aidon proposes the bill before the Senate and every member of the DUCK party votes "to help the children" and every member of the wholesome party votes against it because of the amendment...and then get targetted for "voting against help America's children" in his next campaign ;)

Poison pill amendments isn't it?

The fact that such political game playing is necessary in our nation is disturbing in and of itself.

A man shouldn't have to let his illness go untreated in order to elicit the appropriate sympathy for the cause of doing everything in our power to cure that disease.
I actually think it's stupid we need celebrities with the disease to get people interested in it, but there you go.

I also think if Rush Limbaugh thinks Parkinson's is such a cakewalk of a disease to deal with... he'd better hope Karma doesn't catch up with him.

Why do they allow or have amendments anyway? (I mean other than to make sure the bill wont pass)

People don't somehow attain sainthood from getting a disease.

And Fox's behavior should not be ignored just because he has an illness.

And it does not mean he needs to be off limits to criticism.

He is a guy, with a disease, that anyone can get. Nothing special about that.

And Fox's behavior should not be ignored just because he has an illness.

And it does not mean he needs to be off limits to criticism.

Not taking your medicine, so that people can see just how debilitating your condition can be, is not worthy of criticism. That is the truth. That is what family and friends see. That is what prevents him from working, driving, and all the other things that healthy people take for granted.

He is on benztropine and diphenhydramine all the time, except during the taping of the PSAs, and he does not mention that he stopped taking them to do the taping.

That deserves either a mention(in the ad), or criticism.

He does not get a pass for crass manipulation and mechinations, just because he is ill. I am on his side, and I know that.

It is crass and condescending. I know that it is effective, because it works and we are having this discussion. I appreciate it's effectiveness because his goal is my goal. But as a consumer, I call bull****.

I unlike most people have no problem criticizing people who are on my side. To me sticking up for the wrong actions of those who act wrong, just because they are on your team(only because of it) is sickening. Those who do that are robot mushheads.

All he needed to do was introduce the set up. "Hi, I am Michael J. Fox, I have stopped my anti-Parkinsonian medications to film this PSA in order to show you its effects, blah, blah, blah...."

I unlike most people have no problem criticizing people who are on my side. To me sticking up for the wrong actions of those who act wrong, just because they are on your team(only because of it) is sickening. Those who do that are robot mushheads.

Can I quote you on that? :)

Those who do that are robot mushheads.

Do robots have mushy heads? They're normally quite solid.

Can I quote you on that? :)

You just did.

Then Senator Aidon calls up his good, but dark hearted and evil buddies, Senators Tudamorf and Fy'yr and ask them to ad an amendment that would kill the bill.

Hehehehe I loved this part :) Dark hearted and evil buddies!! YEAH!

Fox says he was on his medication.

If I have to judge the veracity of contradictory statements between Rush Limbaugh...and well, just about anyone in America, including my cat, I'd believe the cat.

On a completely seperate note, how the hell did I manage to not type the second d in add three freaking times?

Madie laughs at all my funnies.

Can you cook Madie? If so I might marry yous.

On a completely seperate note, how the hell did I manage to not type the second d in add three freaking times?

You forgot to ad it in? :)

Madie laughs at all my funnies.

Can you cook Madie? If so I might marry yous.
Don't do it, you'll just end up having to iron his shirts too.

I do cook!! Unfortunately I do not iron :( nor am I Jewish.... /sigh tis the bane of my exsistance

*hugs Aidon*

Limbaugh Outfoxed

By William Saletan
Sunday, October 29, 2006; B02

I once had a friend who listened to Rush Limbaugh three hours a day. He was a Republican operative. He sat in my apartment, wearing headphones, while I worked. He swore that if I put on the headphones for 10 minutes, I'd be hooked. So I put them on.

Inside the headphones was another world. Everyone in this world thought the same way, except for liberals, and they were only cartoon characters, to be defeated as though in a video game. In the real world, my friend was unemployed and had been staying with me, rent-free, for two months. But inside the headphones, he could laugh about welfare bums instead of pounding the pavement.

I thought about that last week when Limbaugh went after his latest target: Michael J. Fox. The actor, who has Parkinson's disease, has been appearing in ads for candidates who support government-funded embryonic stem cell research. The ads promote such research as a potential cure for Parkinson's and other diseases.

On Monday, Limbaugh played one of the ads for his audience. "In this commercial, he is exaggerating the effects of the disease," he said of Fox. "He is moving all around and shaking. And it's purely an act. This is the only time I have ever seen Michael J. Fox portray any of the symptoms of the disease he has. . . . This is really shameless of Michael J. Fox. Either he didn't take his medication or he's acting, one of the two."

Where had Limbaugh seen Fox? "I've seen him on 'Boston Legal,' I've seen him on a number of stand-up appearances," he said. He pointed to Fox's autobiography. Fox "admits in the book that before a Senate subcommittee . . . he did not take his medication, for the purposes of having the ravages and the horrors of Parkinson's disease illustrated, which was what he has done in the commercials," Limbaugh charged.

In the book, Fox explains his life in the real world -- the world his body inhabits, as opposed to the make-believe world Limbaugh saw on television. Fox describes how, during "the years I spent promoting the fiction that none of this was actually happening to me," he learned "to titrate medication so that it kicked in before an appearance or performance. . . . I did everything I could to make sure the audience didn't know I was sick. This, as much as anything, had, by 1998, become my 'acting.' " When he came out of the Parkinson's closet, Fox recalls, he chose "to appear before the subcommittee without medication. It seemed to me that this occasion demanded that my testimony about the effects of the disease . . . be seen as well as heard."

Here we have two completely different notions of reality. Fox's job is to portray characters in movies and on television. For him, Parkinson's was an invasion of the fake world by the real one. The medication, designed to hide this from the audience, became part of the fiction. In going off his meds, he was dropping the act.

Limbaugh's life story has gone the other way. His job is to explain politics, a branch of nonfiction. But for him, the fake world has overtaken the real one. He thinks "Boston Legal" is reality. Anything that doesn't match this must be "acting." If you go off your meds, you're not revealing your symptoms. You're "portraying" them.

Radio, television and the Internet greased Limbaugh's descent into fantasy. Years ago, a profile described him "holed up in his New York apartment with Chinese takeout and a stack of rented movies." In another profile, he "complained that he has virtually no social life." Click the video links on his Web site, and you can peer into his world. He sits in a soundproof studio. He never has to go outside.

In Limbaugh's world, "there never was a surplus" under President Bill Clinton. AIDS "hasn't made that jump to the heterosexual community," and cutting food stamps is fine because recipients "aren't using them." Two years ago, he said the minimum wage was $6 or $7 an hour. Last year, he said gas was $1.29 a gallon.

Limbaugh has particular trouble distinguishing reality from entertainment. The abuse at Abu Ghraib "looks just like anything you'd see Madonna or Britney Spears do on stage," he told his listeners. Last month, he defended ABC's Sept. 11 movie against the document on which it purportedly relied: "The 9/11 commission report, for example, says, well, some of these things didn't happen the way they were portrayed in the movie. How do they know that?"

Last year, Limbaugh, who used a tailbone defect to get out of the Vietnam War draft, accused a Democratic candidate of having served in Iraq "to pad the resume." He charged veterans -- including former senator Max Cleland (D-Ga.), who lost his legs and an arm in Vietnam -- with trying "to hide their liberalism behind a military uniform . . . pretending to be something that they are not." When war is just a television show, a uniform is just a costume. Liberalism is real; losing your limbs is a pretense.

Which brings us back to stem cells. Limbaugh says Fox's ads dangle a prospect of imminent cures "that is not reality." He's right. But the ads convey another reality: a man dying of a disease that might be cured more quickly if the government dropped its restrictions on research funding. Limbaugh dismisses this as a "script" being followed by Fox's "PR people" and "the entertainment media." Script? Entertainment? This is life and death.

I have another friend. He has Parkinson's. I've seen him on good days and bad days. That's how I know Fox isn't faking. My friend doesn't see the destruction of embryos as a dangerous price to pay for stem cell research. I do. But if you worry about the embryos, you had bloody well better look into the eyes of the people dying of these diseases. You had better ask yourself whether slowing research that might save them is an acceptable price for your principles.

If you can't -- if all you can see is "acting" -- then you need more help than they do. Fox's disease can only take your body. Limbaugh's can take your soul.

I thought this (http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/10/27/AR2006102701475_pf.html) was particularly good.

He swore that if I put on the headphones for 10 minutes, I'd be hooked. So I put them on.
I've got a brother that said almost the exact thing to me. Yuck! I wasn't hooked, I was repelled.

I've got a brother that said almost the exact thing to me. Yuck! I wasn't hooked, I was repelled.

A world of independant thinking people who all believe they have the opportunity for success. And where disenfranchisement is something to move away from instead of holding on to and embracing. A world where normal every day to day class and race struggle is a thing of the opinion. And that anyone can do it, if they put their minds to it.

Ya, I can see where such a world would repel some people.

A world of independant thinking people who all believe they have the opportunity for success. And where disenfranchisement is something to move away from instead of holding on to and embracing. A world where normal every day to day class and race struggle is a thing of the opinion. And that anyone can do it, if they put their minds to it.

I'm confused - how does the segment on Michael J. Fox blend into these nice ten-dollar phrases exactly?

I'm confused
/smile

- how does the segment on Michael J. Fox blend into these nice ten-dollar phrases exactly?
There is nothing to blend.

I was responding to the quote from Panamah.

Limbaugh lives in a world that is color blind, class blind, and everyone has an equal opportunity, if one works hard for it. It is just as valid a world view as the opposite, where people are segregated by race, class, and no one has a real chance(which is touched on in the quoted piece). Neither one is more correct or accurate than the other. It is a schism in world view, is all. One is rose colored and positive, the other spray painted black and negative.

Anyway, back to stem cells...

When we are able to harness the ability to grow new tissues, or regenerate new tissues, a whole new world will be born. Being able to take an undifferentiated proto cell and shape it into any organ, any tissue, any bodily structure, well the promises are only limited by imagination.

Auto immune disease will be conquered, Lupus, DM, MG, asthma, arthritis, Epstien Barre, etc. Degenerative diseases, like MS, Parkinson, or Alzheimers, likewise. Chronic neuronal pain may even become a thing of the past. Burned tissue, will be easy.

Limbaugh lives in a world that is color blind, class blind, and everyone has an equal opportunity, if one works hard for it. It is just as valid a world view as the opposite, where people are segregated by race, class, and no one has a real chance(which is touched on in the quoted piece). Neither one is more correct or accurate than the other. It is a schism in world view, is all. One is rose colored and positive, the other spray painted black and negative.

I would think the negative and black would be a more valid world view to its counterpart.

I would like to know where in the world everyone is equal? So far I can say its not in California or Michigan. (I have a small experience with the big world around me so i'd like to know where this place where hard work means more then ethnicity, gender, looks or race.)

It's simple.

Optimist, or pessimist.

Opportunity, or insurmountable obstacle.

Victor despite circumstances, or victim despite circumstances.

Personal responsibility, or shared guilt.

Overcoming your shortcomings, or being overcome by them.


The phrases used above are trite, overused, and are so familiar as to be bland.
akes them not one bit less true.

Each one of us has been in each catagory. We have all been overcome by some flaw in our characters at one time, and have overcome others. None of us are perfect, after all.

And we are all equal in one respect. We all have the exact same 24 hours in which to do whatever we shall seek to accomplish. No one gets more hours in a day, no one less. (Except tonight, where we get 25 hours (though not really, we are just getting back the one we gave up last spring))

It's simple.

Optimist, or pessimist.

Really, you're over-simplifying. There's nothing "optimistic" about saying "hey, my toddler has the same chance of surviving the run across the highway as everyone else, off he goes", nor is there anything "pessimistic" about saying "you know, how about a bridge?"

And there's definitely nothing optimistic about saying "hey man, you have the same chance of climbing that hill as everyone else, so quit your whining about your asthma, everyone's equal here."

All examples figuratively of course, I'm sure you're able to tie it back into the subject at hand.

And there's definitely nothing optimistic about saying "hey man, you have the same chance of climbing that hill as everyone else, so quit your whining about your asthma, everyone's equal here."

Absolutely.

That is the big difference.

One world view strives for equality in success.
The other strives for success in equality.

Harrison Bergeron is dead. Shot in the head by the equalists, same as his ballerina girl friend.

Absolutely.

That is the big difference.

One world view strives for equality in success.
The other strives for success in equality.

Again confused - which side are those of us who just want the dumbass asthma cured on?

Strangely enough, Limbaugh might have actually done more good than harm for stem cell research advocates. His blow-hard pronouncements have caused a lot of publicity and the timing, just before an election, couldn't be better.

Thanks Rush. For once I'm actually glad you're such a miserable dick.

I found it interesting that the guy who got nailed for the pain pill addiction, the guy who got caught with the viagra script in someone else's name....that THIS guy is complaining about someone else NOT taking medications prescribed to HIM in HIS name.

aybe the real problem Rush had with the whole thing is that there isn't a doctor out there willing to prescribe anything stronger than ibuprofin to him anymore.

Are you saying Rush needs more meds? Hmmmm... I think you might be right.