] Re: Fw: Disability Organizations Outraged by McCain-Palin Rally Attacks on the Disabled.

[Guest guest]

Honestly, I think each of us who rejoiced at the announcement of a baby being

born with Down syndrom to a Govenor in the United States, made her our advocate

even before she took this mission on herself. Many of us sent that article

announcing Trig's birth to everyone we knew. We even included statements of

hope that someone in a position of power might be able to advance our issues. I

am not saying that you specifically did, but I know I did and many others on

this group did. We had diaglog about it.

The thing that concerns me is that we walk a fine line in the disability

community just as we specifically do within the Ds or Autism community. Yes,

there are many people in this world who have disablities that can and do

accomplish more than I do on a daily basis. Then there are our kids who could

possibly need lifelong care. There is no one size fits all solution just like

our educational needs are not one size fits all. We each want different things

for our children and our kids each have different strengths and weaknesses.

I find it interesting that this article takes offense at Palin using the

term " special. " Well quite honestly! My son is extremely special in every way

and I don't mean that from a loving mother's perspective (of course I do but not

the point I am trying to make.). He is most likely not one who is going to be

offended if someone calls him " special. " That is just how special he is. He has

much bigger battles to fight.

Someone in the government better wake up and smell the 1 in 150 children with

Autism who are growing up before our eyes. How many of these kids might need

the care that Jake needs? how many might be unable to care for themselves on

their own, hold down a job that allows them to make a wage that gets them off

government assistance, or live a " normal " life. No offense to you " normal "

people out there. I am going to get on my soap box for a minute so forgive me.

I am tired. Tired of paying for those who are too lazy to work or think it is

easier to just get a welfare check. I want my government helping those who have

no one to take care of them, children who have been abandoned, the mentally ill,

the people with disabilities that cannot work or do not have the mental capacity

to work. The elderly who have worked their entire life and now find themselves

in a position that they are having to depend on others. Those are the people I

want to help. That is where I want my money going. When Jake grows up and if

God forbid something happens to our family, I want him protected and cared for,

not thrown on the street like he is worthless.

We should look at raising the amount of money that those with disabilities can

make before losing their medicaid or medical assistance or allow them to remain

on it period. They did not ask to be made in the bodies they have. We as

humans and as Americans should want nothing less than to take care of those who

cannot take care of themselves. It hurts me to see that so many others do not

feel this way and with this election, that is one of the most powerful things I

have taken away from all the talk of taxes, war, economic recession, etc.

Palin is now here to stay, and it doesn't matter if she is in the white

house or the outhouse. She has a mission now, just like each of us mommies who

love our child and want nothing more for the best for them. Chances are, she is

going to piss a lot of people off along the way. You can't make everyone happy,

you can't make every single issue your fight. You have to pick the ones that

are going to bring about the most change for the most people. I for one hope

Autism is somewhere in the window for someone because if not, our country is

going to be in even more trouble in the coming years.

I hope I don't have too many typos and I hope that everyone on this board knows

how much I appreciate each of you! We all add to the dynamics and the learning

process. You each have given me more strength than I can ever tell you! You

also help me find my voice at times.

Love you all!!!

Holly

Re: Fw: Disability Organizations Outraged by McCain-Palin

Rally Attacks on " the Disabled. "

I have been at a slow burn since the first time Governor Palin held

up her son Trig as a political symbol and proclaimed herself as my

family's advocate. This very public statement struck me as empty

and naïve. I remember what it was like to have a newborn with

special needs, and the desire to act that each new diagnosis bred.

Governor Palin has been the parent of a special needs child for

several months, and the aunt of a child with special needs for 13

years. I would like to believe her statements to be heartfelt, but I

do not think she realizes how little she knows about what it means to

raise a child with special needs. What troubles me most is the

arrogance in which she has declared herself fit to speak for me and

my family.

Governor Palin has not even begun to experience the small daily

battles we wage on behalf of our children. When well-intentioned

people touch your child - - invading any sense of personal space. A

concept so important to him that you, his parent, ask for his

permission before giving him a hug. Or my personal favorite " they're

such happy children " in response to learning your child has Down

Syndrome- - implying a simplicity that only a stereotype can. Then

there are the huge wars she has not yet experienced and can not

possibly comprehend. The war for services in school; finding

appropriate child care or the lack of housing options for adults with

disabilities. In our community, to advocate for our children it is

important to know your stuff and it is impetrative to know what you

do not know. Humility is a lesson we all learn early on. It is clear

that she has not yet learned humility and does not seem to have any

idea as to how much she does not know.

Children with special needs are not props to be used for political

gain. Does Governor Palin think for a second that the candidate's

position on people with disabilities wasn't one of the first things

we researched 20 months ago - - or a month ago, for that matter? Does

she think we are so out of touch with the research communities that

we are unaware of the animal trials being conducted? It is wrong for

Senator McCain to throw out CDC statistics in a public address as if

he has had a policy position on the topic all along. It is offensive

to state Governor Palin knows more about special needs

community " than most " or imply that giving birth somehow qualifies

her to be an advocate for my family when she is so clearly ignorant

of my cause.

I am grateful that Governor Palin has brought the needs of people

with disabilities into the spotlight. And I am very hopeful. My

hope is that she will learn from all of the experienced adults with

disabilities, parents, teachers, administrators and advocates she

meets; that she will learn of the research, clinical trials and

scientific advances that are being made; that she will see the

potential for her son, in our children that she comes across during

the campaign; that she will learn about our diverse community - - of

our joys and struggles; of our hopes and fears. I hope that after

all that, she will take what she has learned and experienced and then

attempt to advocate for people with special needs whether or not she

remains in the national spotlight.