I want to dedicate a post to this because there are several items up for bid. I also think the question of stem cell research should not be political or even discussed; it’s an absolute that we pursue this science and determine if it can offer hope to millions around the world who suffer from diseases that are currently treatable only in minimal ways.
First, if you’ve not watched the Michael J. Fox advertisement in support of stem cell research, here’s your chance.
Now that you’ve seen it, let’s move on through today’s developments.
Jesus’ General reminds me Rush Limbaugh is the asshole who gave Janet Reno the nickname “Shakes Reno” in response to her increasing difficulty with Parkinson’s. In fact, the nickname is used widely by conservatives to refer to her despite how disgusting it is.
I really love Jon Swift’s sarcasm. You’ll love reading his most recent work. It’s about Rush Limbaugh and Michael J. Fox. Regrettably, Limbaugh continues to accuse Fox of exploiting his illness and intentionally acting worse than he is. You got it; it’s the drug addict and known criminal liar telling us that a disabled American is dishonest. Pathetic fat-ass bastard druggie. Specialists in Parkinson’s disease have already refuted Limbaugh’s claims and stated clearly why Fox is in the condition he’s in (it’s either accept the uncontrolled muscular movement from the medication or accept the rigid muscular freeze from not taking the medication).
The best for last: this is why Limbaugh and the right are fighting the ads with whatever disgusting ammunition they can come up with (including blatantly attacking someone who’s sick):
A new national study revealed that American voters’ support for stem cell research increased after they viewed an ad featuring Michael J. Fox in which he expresses his support for candidates who are in favor of stem cell research.
[. . .]
The participants included self-reported Democrats, Republicans and Independents. They were asked to view the ad and respond to pre-and post-viewing questions regarding their opinions and emotions concerning the ad.
Among the study findings:
* Among all respondents, support for stem cell research increased from 78% prior to viewing the ad, to 83% after viewing the ad. Support among Democrats increased from 89% to 93%, support among Republicans increased from 66% to 68% and support among Independents increased from 80% to 87% after viewing the ad.
* The level of concern regarding a candidate’s view on stem cell research increased among all respondents from 57% prior to viewing the ad to 70% after viewing the ad. Among Democrats, the level of concern increased from 66% to 83% and Republicans’ level of concern increased from 50% to 60%. Independents’ level of concern increased from 58% to 69%.
* The perception that the November election is relevant to the U.S. policy on stem cell research increased across all voter segments, with an increase of 9% among all respondents pre- and post-viewing from 62% to 71%. The Democrats’ perception increased from 75% to 83%, Republicans’ perception increased from 55% to 62% and Independents’ perception increased from 60% to 68% pre- and post-viewing.
* The advertisement elicited similar emotional responses from all responders with all voter segments indicating that they were “not bored and attentive” followed by “sorrowful, thankful, afraid and regretful.”
* The vast majority of responders indicated that the advertisement was believable with 76% of all responders reporting that it was “extremely believable” or “believable.” Among party affiliation, 93% of Democrats 57% of Republicans and 78% of Independents indicated it “extremely believable” or “believable.”
Respondents were asked to indicate what candidate they would vote for in the U.S. House of Representatives election if it was held today before and after viewing the ad.
# Republicans who indicated that they were voting for a Republican candidate decreased by 10% after viewing the ad (77% to 67%). Independents planning to vote for Democrats increased by 10%, from 39% to 49%.
The unfortunate truth for Republicans in general is that Americans support stem cell research by wide margins. Seeing someone like Fox suffer through the disease and ask for something as simple as hope (which is all stem cell research can offer) is a powerful message. Knowing conservatives have repeatedly belittled and made fun of those with Parkinson’s (among other diseases) doesn’t seem to help their cause for ensuring suffering and misery for so many who have ailments that could be treated by therapies developed from this science.