Michael J. Fox and Wes Clark leading the battle for "ALL stem cell research"
Submitted by Knightrider on November 3, 2006 - 8:54am.
Ben Cardin | Embryonic Stem Cells | hESC | HR810 | Jim Webb | November 2006 Election | Parkinson's Disease | Wesley Clark
Who would ever imagine that a NATO 4-Star General of the Army and a Secretary of the Navy ally their "forces" in a major offensive for science, under the leadership of someone suffering Parkinson's Disease?
This is the major front for SCIENCE! This is the Fighting Dems battle for the 110th Congress!
Yesterday, I was fortunate to participate in 2 major campaigns led by Michael J. Fox, as he led back -to-back rallies for Senatorial candidates, Ben Cardin (D-MD) and James Webb (D-VA). And to assure victory, there our Gen'ral, General Wesley Clark to make that final charge! Each represent the spirit of our Fighting Dems, each champions for science. So, it should come as no surprise that their mission includes fighting to protect millions of Americans, who suffer from debilitating diseases, for their hopes for cures and hope for our country!
Cardin photos :: Ben Cardin with Michael J. Fox (Stem Cell Rally photos)
The first rally was held just a mile from America's prestigious science institute, the National Institutes of Health and US Naval Hospital in Bethesda. It started about hour late, at 3pm and an hour earlier it had already been filled to capacity with several hundred Cardin supporters and lots of media. I just learned of this event hours earlier through StemPAC, so I skipped my lunch break to attend this special event.
You see, as a scientist myself, I know that Ben Cardin has always known what this fight is about, afterall he co-sponsored the bipartisan bill to restore funding to human embryonic stem cell research, HR-810. While in contrast, his opponent Michael Steele said that he opposed this bill and its research. Cardin's leader for science in Congress and he's committed in his fight against the GOPs war on science. Cardin further warned that Michael Steele and his anti-cure and anti-science campaign staff have resorted to distortions and lies about the science and the issue, and produced a commercial comparing Cardin's support for ALL embryonic stem cell research with the killing of human babies. He called on Steele to to stop its unethical tactic of distortions and lies, and remove commercial from Maryland's airwaves.
For Marylanders and all pro-science advocates, Ben Cardin is committed to take this battle to the Senate.
After a moving speech from Josh, a paraplegic and stem cell advocate, who appealed for this research with his family, Ben Cardin introduced Michael J. Fox. He opened with a warning to everyone to stand away from the podium, otherwise they'd have to deal with his security (below the podium) 
.
What was truly inspiring, was how Fox projected an incredible inner strength throughout. Although his shaking was visibly apparent from Parkinson's Disease, I sensed that he took effort to control it. It was very moving and very heroic to witness. In fact, he mentioned that his campaign for human ESC research was "extremely moving", then jokingly added, "...no pun intended" ... and stated that he would "support for ANY candidate who supports ALL stem cell research".
Webb photos :: Jim Webb, Wes Clark with Michael J. Fox (Stem Cell Rally photos)
All 3 : ..to be continued:: but please enjoy the photos of this remarkable event.
Thanks for being there and giving us your first hand account; I hope you don't mind I sent it out to my email list; and thank you for promoting vital health care therapies from stem cell research.
I'm so proud of the three of them. One of the first things a Democratic congress needs to do is lift the ban on stem cell research.
...and just love the pictures.
Glad you were able to go.
This is not a time for a candidate who will offend no one; it is time for a candidate who takes clear stands and kicks ass.....Molly Ivins
Thank you for taking the time to attend these events, blog it for us, and provide the visuals!
Once in a while you get shown the light, In the strangest of places if you look at it right. - Hunter/Garcia
Great pic, and thanks for the report.
Stan Davis
Lakewood, CO
BE THE CHANGE you wish to see in the world.
If not us, WHO? If not now, WHEN?
Eagerly awaiting the continuation of your Tale!
Great report and wonderful pix--thanks so much!!
The General gets it right.
Competence--What a concept!
to provide the visuals of an event. And hey.....he even caught me in one of them! (First pic on the left, "Everybody say...." I'm front & center in the blue jacket.) Great work, as per usual, KR. I'm looking forward to the remainder of your report.
"COUNTRY before Party!" -- Wes Clark
Oh, no way!! You were right in front of me?? Sheessh! Btw:: that's Howard P. to your left with the "Firemen for Webb poster."
We were having a chat, earlier in the evening. I'm the one who gave him that sign to hold. He looks like a fireman, doncha think? HA!
Crazy as it might seem, I didn't realize you were there taking pictures of that "live" report from FOX 5 News. The lights that they had pointed in our direction made everything where you were standing appear to be in the dark.
"COUNTRY before Party!" -- Wes Clark
... in her next segment! The signs seemed to really mess up her spinmeisting towards millions of FAUXNews viewers. It probably provoked a major near-fatal cardiac arrythmia for KKK Rove or DICK Cheney! They probably screamed into her earphones to move the hell out of there, too! It shows in her face, fercripesake!
Great Job!! Hahaha!! :D
when I asked which network she was working for and she said FOX. I blurted out, "Oh, God no!" HA!
"COUNTRY before Party!" -- Wes Clark
..because of the federal ban to transform these living cells for potential cures. Who really favors the"culture of life"? ...
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YouTube: Think you know about those "frozen" embryos?
From9fp
Might wanna think again. These little things could be curing people.
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For the great report and photo's, I would have gone myself but I've broken my budget donating to Dems this cycle so it's great to hear from the front lines of the campaign.
And thank goodness for Wes Clark and Micheal J. Fox coming down to give Webb an extra lift in the finally days of the election. That's just the mental picture I'd want Virginia voters to have in their mind going to the polls.
Particurally given that the mental picture seared into my mind of Allen is an ugly blend of "Macaca" and Allen's goons manhandling liberal blogger Mike Stark.
times, and thanks to the wonderful work of KR and others such as Arky Sue, there are some great photos that will help us remember exactly what it was like when we helped save our democracy.
Thanks KR!
Proud to be an American.
Such resolute expressions on that mighty THREESOME in the pic there.
A fine bunch, eh!
Really appreciate your documenting the day so thoroughly for us-- I know you have a lot going on now, and your dedication to this election and the General-- well, it does not go unnoticed.
So thanks and here's to SCIENCE coming out of the category of the Black Arts in 2007!!
Knight: Let me join the chorus of praises for your report and pictures.
What you write helps to bring home the difference between "us" and "them."
Two retired military men and noted authors, General Wesley Clark and former Secretary of the Navy Jim Webb, join with a struggling Michael J. Fox to bring some sense to the science of stem cells.
Generally, I do not like nasty slogans, but Nancy Pelosi has it right when she says one of her goals as Speaker of the House of Representatives will be to "clean the swamp" in Washington.
Guys -
Please let me know if you want to help Michael J. and all of us who care about getting stem cell research funded - NOW.
I've got a couple of easy ways to fight -
Ask me for my "One-Second Way" to help! :)
Write me here and let me know if you want more info. For those who know my regular addy, write me there. :)
Let's talk. :)
IN WITH THE BLUE 2006
Great account...I hope you don't mind but I posted a link to your accound in a Webb rally thread over at DU. :)
Love the pictures. Michael looks great...as, of course, does our General.