I just heard a sound bite of Michael J. Fox saying that the extent of his symptoms in the ads wasn’t caused by going off his medication, but from “taking too much medication.” If true, and if he did it on purpose, he did intend to deceive. Taking too much medication to exaggerate one’s bodily symptoms for use in a deceptive and exploitive ad is shameful manipulation of the voters and, in that sense, is profoundly disrespectful of democracy.
But this is the pro cloning game plan; hype, deceive, demagogue, exploit our fixation with celebrities, and appeal strictly to the emotions. But the bloom may be off the rose.
Time is short, so I’ll be direct: FIRST THINGS needs you. And we need you by December 31 at 11:59 p.m., when the clock will strike zero. Give now at supportfirstthings.com.
First Things does not hesitate to call out what is bad. Today, there is much to call out. Yet our editors, authors, and readers like you share a greater purpose. And we are guided by a deeper, more enduring hope.
Your gift of $50, $100, or even $250 or more will bring this message of hope to many more people in the new year.
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