Rush Limbaugh has found himself in hot water this week, following several insulting and… Rush Limbaugh has found himself in hot water this week, following several insulting and appallingly misinformed statements concerning Michael J. Fox, who has appeared in several political ads supporting candidates who favor stem cell research this year.
The shameless statements began when the conservative radio commentator mocked an ad endorsement by actor and Parkinson’s disease activist Fox — who also suffers from the chronic disorder — on his syndicated radio show.
According to Limbaugh, Fox’s movements in an ad endorsing Missouri Democrat and Senate hopeful Claire McCaskill were “exaggerating the effects of the disease.” He continued to mock Fox’s condition, stating, “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.”
The jabs didn’t stop there.
Limbaugh continued with his commentary on Fox, claiming,” This is the only time I’ve ever seen Michael J. Fox portray any of the symptoms of the disease he has. He can barely control himself.”
While Limbaugh’s definition of symptoms of Parkinson’s disease may prove to be valuable to some, we’ll stick with the professionals. And the professionals insist Fox’s movements were genuine.
“Anyone who knows the disease well would regard [Fox’s] movement as classic severe Parkinson’s disease. Any other interpretation is misinformed,” neuroscientist Elaine Richman reported to The Washington Post.
Following intense reactions by many to his insulting words, Limbaugh managed to apologize to Fox, but not without adding further political commentary, claiming, “Michael J. Fox is allowing his illness to be exploited and in the process is shilling for a Democratic politician.”
Rush Limbaugh is known for taking politics to the extreme, and to some extent, he is expected to. However, by not only mocking the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease but also going so far as to criticize Fox’s integrity, Limbaugh has crossed the line.
While it is true that Fox, who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 1991, has used his celebrity to promote awareness and to endorse stem cell research, it is not fair to pigeonhole him as only supporting Democrats.
Fox’s chief prerogative is to support candidates who support stem cell research, no matter what their political affiliation. While most of the politicians he has supported are members of the Democratic Party, Fox has worked with candidates on both sides of the aisle in the past, including Pennsylvania Republican Sen. Arlen Specter.
It is also unfair to insinuate that because he suffers from Parkinson’s disease, Fox is exploiting his illness. Countless political ads air during election season showing teachers calling for increased funding in the classroom, and union members asking for benefits. Fox’s endorsements are no different.
The most moving, if not frightening, conclusion to draw from Limbaugh’s remarks may not even be a political one. Limbaugh’s apparent shock at Fox’s symptoms show the devastation that Parkinson’s disease can truly have on a person, even someone as young as Fox.
And don’t forget, Mr. Limbaugh, Republicans can get Parkinson’s disease, too.
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