ABC Feels, AT Facts

The Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) has a web article on the how Michael J Fox is being "hounded" by conservatives in the U.S. with respect to his political ad on stem cell research. However, I haven't noticed a prominent piece on the claims being made by Michael J Fox in his ad. Instead, they cover this ad with the following touchy-feely:

In a heart-wrenching TV commercial, the once fresh-faced Canadian-born star writhes and twitches, struggling to hold his head still to look into camera.

Controversy has been stirred as a result of conservative talk show host, Rush Limbaugh, claiming that Fox was faking while the ad was being recorded. He has since apologised. Needless to say, this sort of commentary is unhelpful.

However, this sort of commentary by a gynecologist and obstetrician published by the American Thinker is educational and does a much better demolition job of Fox's claims on embryonic stem cell research. For instance:

The plain fact is that embryonic stem cell research is proving to be a bust. There are currently 72 therapies showing human benefits using adult stem cells and zero using embryonic stem cells. Scientifically-minded readers can review this medical journal article on the status of adult stem cell research. Adult stem cell therapies are already being advertised and promoted while no such treatments are even remotely in prospect for embryonic stem cell research.

Read it all if the facts interest you. The ABC isn't interested in facts.

Update: The ABC story is largely sourced from AFP. Interestingly, the ABC excerpt snips the scant factual critique contained in the AFP article:

Limbaugh's fellow conservative talk-show host Sean Hannity told ABC's Good Morning America Wednesday Fox was fair game.

The actor, who also starred in political drama "Spin City" had "a right to speak up, but he also has a right to be criticised," Hannity said.

"What's unfortunate and deceiving about the ad is that this is about the federal funding of embryonic stem cells," Hannity said, arguing members of Congress had no jurisdiction over the issue.

ABC Feels, AT Facts

The Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) has a web article on the how Michael J Fox is being "hounded" by conservatives in the U.S. with respect to his political ad on stem cell research. However, I haven't noticed a prominent piece on the claims being made by Michael J Fox in his ad. Instead, they cover this ad with the following touchy-feely:

In a heart-wrenching TV commercial, the once fresh-faced Canadian-born star writhes and twitches, struggling to hold his head still to look into camera.

Controversy has been stirred as a result of conservative talk show host, Rush Limbaugh, claiming that Fox was faking while the ad was being recorded. He has since apologised. Needless to say, this sort of commentary is unhelpful.

However, this sort of commentary by a gynecologist and obstetrician published by the American Thinker is educational and does a much better demolition job of Fox's claims on embryonic stem cell research. For instance:

The plain fact is that embryonic stem cell research is proving to be a bust. There are currently 72 therapies showing human benefits using adult stem cells and zero using embryonic stem cells. Scientifically-minded readers can review this medical journal article on the status of adult stem cell research. Adult stem cell therapies are already being advertised and promoted while no such treatments are even remotely in prospect for embryonic stem cell research.

Read it all if the facts interest you. The ABC isn't interested in facts.

Update: The ABC story is largely sourced from AFP. Interestingly, the ABC excerpt snips the scant factual critique contained in the AFP article:

Limbaugh's fellow conservative talk-show host Sean Hannity told ABC's Good Morning America Wednesday Fox was fair game.

The actor, who also starred in political drama "Spin City" had "a right to speak up, but he also has a right to be criticised," Hannity said.

"What's unfortunate and deceiving about the ad is that this is about the federal funding of embryonic stem cells," Hannity said, arguing members of Congress had no jurisdiction over the issue.