Accidental Blogger

Rush Limbaugh has a problem with Michael J. Fox’s condition. He thinks Fox is faking his illness.  Fox suffers from Parkinson’s disease, a progressive neurological disorder for which there is no known cure. He is endorsing political candidates who favor stem cell research, seen by some as the only possible hope for cure of Parkinson’s and many other chronic and progressive diseases. Fox has appeared in political TV ads in which he is seen in the full throes of his affliction. The tremors, writhing and uncontrollable contortions, all hallmarks of an advanced state of Parkinson’s, are visible on the ads. Limbaugh first accused Fox of faking his symptoms or appearing on the campaign commercials after foregoing his medication in order to exaggerate the symptoms.  When the reaction to his boorishness was angry and swift, even from some Republicans, he backtracked somewhat and claimed that Fox is allowing his illness to be exploited for political gain.

"Possibly worse than making fun of someone’s disability is saying that it’s imaginary. That is not to mock someone’s body, but to challenge a person’s guts, integrity, sanity.

To Rush Limbaugh on Monday, Michael J. Fox looked like a faker. The actor, who suffers from Parkinson’s disease, has done a series of political ads supporting candidates who favor stem cell research, including Maryland Democrat Ben Cardin

"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."

Limbaugh, whose syndicated radio program has a weekly audience of about 10 million, was reacting to Fox’s appearance in another one of the spots, for Missouri Democrat Claire McCaskill, running against Republican Sen. James M. Talent.

But the Cardin ad is similar. It is hard to watch, unless, for some reason, you don’t believe it. As he speaks, Fox’s restless torso weaves and writhes in a private dance. His head bobs from side to side, almost leaving the video frame.

"This is the only time I’ve ever seen Michael J. Fox portray any of the symptoms of the disease he has," Limbaugh said. "He can barely control himself."

Later Monday, still on the air, Limbaugh would apologize, but reaction to his statements from Parkinson’s experts and Fox’s supporters was swift and angry.

After his apology, Limbaugh shifted his ground and renewed his attack on Fox.

"Now people are telling me they have seen Michael J. Fox in interviews and he does appear the same way in the interviews as he does in this commercial," Limbaugh said, according to a transcript on his Web site. "All right then, I stand corrected. . . . So I will bigly, hugely admit that I was wrong, and I will apologize to Michael J. Fox, if I am wrong in characterizing his behavior on this commercial as an act."

Then Limbaugh pivoted to a different critique: "Michael J. Fox is allowing his illness to be exploited and in the process is shilling for a Democratic politician."

Exploiting an illness?  Shilling for politicians?  All cynical ploys, I agree. But coming from Limbaugh, it is more like the devil quoting the scriptures. It is important to note that while Parkinson’s disease plays havoc with the body, it does nothing to a patient’s mind. Michael J. Fox is fully in control of his mental faculties. He has undertaken the political campaign for stem cell research of his own volition and with considered judgement. He is not a witless shill for anyone. He is educating the public about the ravages of Parkinson’s disease through these ads, not exploiting it. Unlike the sad case of the helpless brain dead woman in Florida a year and a half ago, whose private suffering was beamed across TV screens all over the world by others. Republican politicians descended like vultures to gain political mileage out of her misery. I don’t remember Limbaugh crying foul on that egregious exploitation.

Limbaugh has one thing right. Going off prescription meds does magnify symptoms of chronic conditions, including the congenital tendency to be a tasteless jerk. I hope someone is able to slip Limbaugh some OxyContin without the Feds knowing. Perhaps that will calm him down and take the edge off his viciousness a bit. But I doubt it. Rush Limbaugh is beyond cure.

Note: Michael J. Fox’s campaign video for Claire McCaskill (D-MO) here.