CHRISTOPHER REEVE PLAYS “STUPIDMAN”: BLAMES CATH0L1CS AND BUSH FOR HIS CONDITION

CL ^ | 9-17-2002 | Wm Donahue

[Notwithstanding]

CHRISTOPHER REEVE PLAYS “STUPIDMAN”:

BLAMES CATHOLICS AND BUSH FOR HIS CONDITION

In an interview in Britain’s Guardian newspaper, actor Christopher Reeve accuses President Bush of bowing to Catholic interests on stem cell research. As a result of this alleged obstruction of research, the “Superman” actor says he is unnecessarily confined to a wheelchair; Reeve supports stem cell research and therapeutic cloning. “We’ve had a severe violation of the separation of church and state in the handling of what to do about this emerging technology,” he added.

Catholic League president William Donohue commented on Reeve’s remarks today:

“It is nothing if not slanderous for Reeve to suggest that Catholics are the only ones left who respect the sanctity of human life. While it is true that the Catholic Church leads the way in this just cause, there are many Protestants, Jews and Muslims (as well as non-believers) who feel the same way.

“Human life does not begin at birth. It does not begin at ‘quickening.’ It does not begin at implantation. It begins at fertilization. This is not Catholic opinion. It is Biology 101. Ergo, stem cell research and cloning of all types are immoral.

“Moreover, the line between church and state is not crossed when a president comes down on the same side of an issue that a world religion does. Even to imply as much is invidious: the thrust of this remark is to abet an abridgment of Catholic free-speech rights.

“Reeve sounds more like ‘Stupidman’ than ‘Superman’ when he suggests there is some kind of cabal at work between President Bush and Catholics. The fact that President Bush opposes utilitarian ethics makes him an honorable man and has nothing to do with any alleged conspiracy. Reeve has every right to make his case in favor of embryonic stem cell research and therapeutic cloning, but he has no right to engage in Catholic baiting while doing so.”

[What Is Ain't]

Go ride a horse, Reeves, and leave the big questions to others as you are obviously unqualified to think beyond yourself.

[BraveMan]

Christopher Reeve should get off his high horse . . .

[cactusSharp]

if he does walk again,I would wanna be first
in line to kick his ass

[mbynack]

So applying moral and ethical values to political decisions is a violation of church and state?

[oceanperch]

Being a quad for 23yrs my son says Reeves is in severe denial.

[Sinner6]

I would like to point out two things 1.) Privately funded research is more effective the public, as exampled by the human genome project. 2.) Bush only slowed public development of stem cell reseach, not stopped. AND private research is still allowed. So we still have the most effective means of research available. So in conlusion Reeves can just shut up and piss off.

[ClearCase_guy]

The whole "violation of church and state separation" angle on this issue seems ridiculous here. I guess the idea is that the government should provide funding for some things that are supported by certain faiths but denounced by other faiths. Isn't that a case where the government is giving preferential treatment to certain faiths? Better that the government stay out of the whole thing (which is what Bush is trying to do and what Reeves is unhappy about).

[Bobisalwaysright]

First of all, I get to be second in line. Secondly, do you think that Reeves would feel the same way if he weren't in a wheelchair? Perhaps he should wheel back and get some perspective on life.

[AdA$tra]

There is an editorial in our local paper today titled: "Reeves is Superman." To me he seems like a selfish hollywood idiot. IMHO, anyone for stem research is ultimatley promoting their self interests at the expense of another life, no matter how small it may seem.

[CROSSHIGHWAYMAN]

Reeve is such a poignant example why we should be so thankful every day for our health and live every day to the best we can muster.

[Montfort]

In other words, "Kill some babies so I can maybe walk again. My quality of life is worth more than these babies' right to live at all, since I was here first, and people have already met me, and love me."

[Jaidyn]

It would be wonderful to see your son walk again and I understand Reeve's wanting the same for himself. What he is asking for will eventually include sowing and harvesting babies at any stage of pregnancy and perhaps soon after birth if there is found to be any defects (whatever is described as defects). I have no problem with a miscarried baby being used in experiments but can foresee a lot of man-made miscarriages that go against the grain set for us by God and our own morals. Reeves knows mankind will abuse babies in the name of science and call it a better quality of life. Anytime a better way life has to depend on death then life isn't worth living to begin with.

[johnny7]

Howard Stern was talking about him yesterday. I guess Reeves hit a new milestone recently.

He can now move his middle finger... his wife was very surprised. ;^P

[Spook86]

While I would never wish Reeve's condition on anyone, he conveniently ignores a lot of pesky details. First (obviously), his paralysis is a result of a choice he made, i.e. participating in a potentially dangerous activity like horse jumping. Compare that to paraplegic or quadaplegic who winds up paralyzed by no fault of their own, say in a crash with a drunken driver, or (in the case of vets I know), through injuries sustained in combat, or in a military training accident.

Additionally, Mr. Reeve has benefitted greatly from treatment and programs that are beyond the reach of most people with similar injuries. He has round-the-clock, in-home skilled nursing care. Many of those with similar conditions must rely on family members, or nursing homes. It's also been reported that Reeve's recent improvement is the result of a pilot program at Washington University Medical Center in St. Louis. Reeve is the only patient in the program. Is that any surprise--or accident? Nothing like a high-profile patient to help attract additional funding from foundations and the federal government.

Mr. Reeve's effort would be better directed at getting more paraplegics and quadrplegics in cutting-edge research programs. Blaming Bush and the Catholic Church is nothing but a exercise in stupidity.

It's a shame that your son isn't in the same program that is helping Christopher Reeve. Something tells me that research would be better spent on someone like him than a high-profile patient like Reeve. For someone who's reaped the benefits of what society--and medical science--have to offer, Reeve too often comes across as an ingrate.....

[oceanperch]

Ny son had all the fancy therapies growing up.

Chris my son has Severe Cerebral Palsy
he is all brains/faith and good social skills and quite a handsome man.

Chris Reeves needs to seek his own faith and quit pointing fingers (no pun intened)

I have been my sons primary care provider now he is moving to independent 24 hr. skilled care just down the road it is a Christian family orientated place and my son will be coming home on week ends so we can still be out in the community having fun. God has been all of our hope and strength! We love life no matter what cards have been dealt to us!

[skeeter]

BLAMES CATHOLICS AND BUSH FOR HIS CONDITION

Bush & catholics knocked him off his horse?

[freedomson]

"I must use my legs! I'm an important actor!"

"I"M FROM HOLLYWOOD DAMNIT!"

[oceanperch]

We have accepted the cards dealt to us over 23yrs ago. Hey we love life it is a gift.

My son is soooooo pro life he would never use fetus material for his own benifit. But he would ur my non ferilized eggs so much so we had the Dr.leave them intact after my surgery for uterine cancer. Never a fertile egg though no way!