Let me offer a source of information that may answer some of the questions being raised in the controversy (in the MO Senatorial race) between Rush Limbaugh and Parkinson disease victim Michael J Fox regarding embryonic stem cell research.
In April of 2003, we, www.cuttingedge-atalkshow.com covered the University of CA, San Diego, Division of Biological Sciences Symposium entitled “DNA and the Legacy of Molecular Biology.” During the Symposium we interviewed Eugene “Gene” Myers, Ph.D., famous for his work in human genome sequencing, Bruce Alberts, President of the National Academy of Science, Christine Guthrie, Ph.D., expert on RNA splicing, Cynthia Kenyon, Ph.D.,whose research includes extended lifespan and “cloning,” Paul Berg, Ph.D. 1980 Nobel Laureate in chemistry, and UCSD Dr. Ted Friedman who is known for his research in molecular genetics.
Having a close friend currently dealing with Parkinson’s I did ask about projected timing for cures of this disease among many others. You will need to watch the program and hear the answer for yourself.
Simply go to our web site www.cuttingedge-atalkshow.com where you can watch this cost and commercial free program 24/7. From the Home Page go the “archives,” scroll down until you see the 60 minute program entitled DNA at 50–Life & Death
Note: Human cloning and stem cell research is a slippery slope
Trivia.It required 247 attempts to get “Dolly”–fertilized egg– “Zygote” from Dorset sheep in Scotland.
There are 30,000 genes in the Human Genome and three billion units of DNA–base pairs.Larry Gilbert
So, Larry: was it acceptable for Limbaugh to accuse Fox of “faking” or exaggerating his symptoms?
Gila.
Let’s start off with Michael J Fox’s admission that he had not read the documentation which created this debate. I would also say that, in my opinion, he is not faking his illness. Back to the origin of this issue. His support of the research simply due to his illness.
Let me digress. How many politicians support others simply because they have an “R” or a “D” after their names. Have we the voters truly checked out the candidates voting records or credentials? Better yet, have the elected officials giving out endorsements, which appear on almost every incumbent candidates mailer, verified the candidates track record? When watching famous people on TV ads do they really use the products they are promoting? Do your homework. I am disappointed in seeing some of the misguided endorsements in our local races.
Let’s focus on Parkinson’s for a minute. We have a family friend who is trying to cope with Parkison’s Disease. What makes it challenging for him is that he is a high profile public speaker and industry leader.
I listened to Bill O’Reilly discussing the Fox/Limbaugh issue and appreciate his comment that Michael is truly a Parkinson’s victim.
Not following the MO. dialogue I sadly must remove myself from a direct answer to your question.
In our interview (at UCSD) with National Academy of Science President Bruce Alberts we discussed the differences between “adult” vs “embroyonic” stem cells. There are legal, ethical and scientific issues connected to this research which have raised concerns over the dignity and status of research involving the human embryo. In one of our interviews I recall asking the scientist for a timeline, if they could provide one, regarding a marketable drug to cure Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, Cystic Fibrosis and other diseases. Let me suggest that you, and the blog readers, view that “free” program and hear from the experts directly if your concern is a cure for the disease rather than a he-said she- said political issue.
http://www.cuttingedge-atalkshow.com
Larry
I lost both a parent and a grandparent to Parkinson’s. I fully understand that stem cell research offers no guarantee of a treatment or cure (of this or any disease).
My question is: was Limbaugh justified in claiming Fox was faking or exaggerating? Is making fun of a disease victim an acceptable rhetorical tool?
Gila.
Making fun of a disease victim is totally unacceptable, regardless of who is making the comment. Most of my waking hours of late have been devoted to the election. As such I did not see or hear Rush’s commentary or Fox exaggerating the extent of his illness either when it occured or on a re-broadcast.
Larry