Quote:
Originally posted by nostatic
The other sad fact is that to get a response from people, you have to push the envelope. If MJF went off his meds for the shoot, is that being disingenuous? I suppose you can make that argument, but that in fact is the reality of his disease. When he's on the meds, it doesn't cure the disease. It merely masks the symptoms, making everyone more "comfortable." I think it is more honest in fact for him to be out in public off the meds. People should see what it is really like, and what it will be like in a few years even if he is on his meds. Such is the nature of the disease....
My reason for the original post was my dismay at the either abject cruelty (at worst) or lack of empathy (at best) displayed by Rush. One would think after his pain med debacle that he might have a bit of empathy towards others who suffer. But instead he goes out of his way to try and minimize MJF's symptoms/suffering. And one can tap dance all they want, but that is exactly what Rush did. MJF was not playing up his disease, but rather just showing what his life is like....
And if anyone has lived through the life and death of a loved one with a neurological disorder, I would be willing to bet that person is more interested in seeing how ESC research plays out, rather than be stymied by politcal foes with a "moral" agenda.
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Todd,
I understand the desire to see some benefit for PD patients from this technology, but it seems to me that the potential benefits have been way overplayed by the technology's proponents.
Fact is, very little in medicine is "curative". For the most part we have treatments to control bad outcomes, but we rarely "get rid of" the disease. To imply that Fox is much worse off (in terms of his daily symptoms) by presenting himself off appropriate drug therapy is at best grandstanding and climbs to the level of disingenuity IMO.
I also believe that no matter where one stands on abortion, there is a serious slippery slope that must be considered in this type (and a large number of other genetic material-based) research.
When you add in the fact that there are many other diseases out there which aren't "sexy" enough to get them noticed or have some celebrity face to put on them. I think Fox's involvement (while understanable) exemplifies what is wrong with the way we approach medical research and funding. We should be aiming the most dollars at what kills the most people and kids not at the disease with the latest celebrity spokesperson (politically correct). From my standpoint it is impossible to stage a heart attack and death on the House committee's floor, they have no idea how messy that can get, but if it ever did, they might reconsider the importance they ascribe to other more "popular" diseases.
EDIT: I didn't see the whole diatribe that Rush put forth (and am a little surprised that you saw/heard). He is obnoxious, no doubt, and no debate there. But I expect no less of Limbaugh (or Al Franken for that matter).