New Mobility: The magazine for active wheelchair users

Roll on Capitol Hill
Washington, DC
Jun 16 2013
Kids Sports Spectacular
Philadelphia, PA
Aug 17 2013
Submit an event
See all events

Spin 2.0

Stem cell critic gets stem cells

Aug 29 03:42

Is it wrong to be annoyed when someone with clout, who makes a name for themselves vilifying stem cells, only goes to get a stem cell treatment when no ones looking? That’s what happened with Presidential candidate GOP hopeful, Governor Rick Perry of Texas (who has Multiple Sclerosis), when he had his own stem cells injected into his spine during a recent back surgery.

Before and after the surgery (to treat a reoccurring back injury), his people made sure his procedure was kept private, but like all things when you live a public life, the cat got out of the bag soon enough, forcing Gov. Perry made to make a statement. But see, this is the weird part. If he only had adult stem cells injected into his spine (his own stem cells for that matter), why the hush-hush? As a previous political writer, I think I know the answer: Constituents get into a tizz at the mere mention of stem cells, and Gov. Perry is not stupid.

Gov. Perry actually reacted to his procedure going public like a dynamo (no wonder he’s being jockeyed as the GOP front-runner), and took the positive road by using the surgery to tout the exciting developments in the adult stem cell research field, as well as to announce his vision for making Texas a leader in adult cell treatments. And I hope that happens. If adult stem cells really have intense potential, I’m on-board for anyone, no matter their political affiliation, to get them going.

The honest truth here is that “technically,” Gov. Perry did nothing hypocritical. What bugs me however, as someone who could greatly benefit from stem cell research, is how it was kept mum until it was forced out. Stem cells are not evil, even he knows that. Gov. Perry needs to use his power for good, and should consider educating his constituents about all forms of stem cell research his #1 priority.

Btw, I hope those stem cells do the trick, Mr. Governor.

Post a comment about this blog!

Screen Name Please enter a screen name.

Contact Email Please enter a valid contact email.

Add your comments in the field below. Line breaks and paragraphs are automatically converted. Please limit your comments to under 1,000 characters.
chars
A value is required.

Security Code : 877
Re-enter security code :

Spin 2.0

By Tiffiny Carlson

Tiffiny Carlson Disability buzz, travel, fashion and dating — fun things to amp up everyday wheeling life.

Tiffiny Carlson is freelance writer and writes the “SCI Life” column for New Mobility. She's also a C6 quad from a diving accident that occurred when she was 14 years old. A lifelong resident of Minneapolis, Tiffiny has been a writer in the disability community for over 10 years and writes for several publications and blogs, as well as her personal blog BeautyAbility. Her work has also appeared in mainstream publications such as Nerve.com and Playgirl.