Playing Politics With Parkinson's?

Michael S. Steele's campaign spokesman says Benjamin L. Cardin's new ad featuring Michael J. Fox -- whose increasingly severe Parkinson's symptoms communicate as eloquently as his words -- is "in extremely poor taste" [Metro, Oct. 24]. The executive director of Maryland's Family Protection Lobby thinks it's "a shame that they're exploiting someone like" Mr. Fox.

These patronizing comments dehumanize Mr. Fox, an intelligent and committed advocate for research to cure Parkinson's disease. Parkinson's is a progressive central nervous system disorder that affects movement, not the man inside. Mr. Fox is in complete control of his message. If anything is in poor taste it is Mr. Steele's campaign, which values style over substance and ideology over science.

PAULA K. ZELLER

Olney

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Michael J. Fox is an actor, but his symptoms from Parkinson's disease are no act. Parkinson's is a degenerative neurological condition that, among other things, often causes sufferers to shake uncontrollably. Because Michael is married to my cousin, we have been together at a few family gatherings with no TV cameras (or Rush Limbaugh) in sight.

I have seen Michael's debilitating tremors, and I must admit that it's sometimes painful just to watch him. Michael has endured much since his diagnosis. However, his strength, conviction and sincerity have helped focus the world's attention on stem cell research and the potentially lifesaving advances it may offer to millions.

Rush Limbaugh is a radio talk show host who typically rants about whatever issue will improve his ratings and draw attention to himself. Mr. Limbaugh's comments about the abrupt movements Michael made in recent political commercials remind me of a few words that Michael wrote in his memoir, "Lucky Man." Describing his years before the Parkinson's diagnosis, Michael says he led "a sheltered, narrow existence fueled by fear and made livable by insulation, isolation and self-indulgence."

Regrettably, these words now seem to best describe Rush Limbaugh.

STEPHEN NILES

Potomac

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Regarding the Oct. 25 Style article on Rush Limbaugh and Michael J. Fox:

I was listening the day Mr. Limbaugh made those remarks. He said that he had never seen Mr. Fox behave the way he had in the commercial and speculated that Mr. Fox was either acting or was off his medication.

Mr. Limbaugh stuck his neck out by saying what he did, but he did not slam or mock anyone. I think he sounded almost apologetic.

DOUG FLATEN

Williston, N.D.