Blogger Emily Elizabeth, who has a 4-year-old daughter with Down Syndrome, has written a well-crafted analysis on Gov. Palin's statements, record, and positions on issues affecting people with disabilities.
Reacting to Gov. Palin's mocking of Sen. Obama's support for government programs, Emily says, "I fail to understand how a candidate who disavows Big Government will be able to advocate successfully for the disability community -- a community that has historically lobbied for more government, not less. The disability community has spent decades trying to pass more legislation protecting the rights of those with disabilities; to create more publicly funded programs to provide support of and access to those rights; and to increase budgets allocated to self-sufficiency programs."
About Gov. Palin's promise to be a "friend" for special-needs families, Emily says, "So Sarah, if you are the pitbull in lipstick you say you are, put the lip-service away and bring it on. Because we need more than a friend. We need an advocate."
If any of the candidates want to help people with Down Syndrome, they should take a look at the National Down Syndrome Society's legislative priorities. These are the real issues and programs that need attention -- and specific plans.
1 comment:
How cool is that you not only read, my saga of a post, but that you actually found something of value in it?
Yay you :)
I am honored to be useful and very excited about this blog.
And might I add that not only does my daughter have T21, but my son was born with a complex congenitial heart defect, and this lady is crazy if she thinks all she has to do is say "special needs"and I'll melt.
Let's talk about her running mate's fondness for privatizing insurance.
I challenge the McCain/ Palin ticket to explain exactly how the free market is going to help pay half a million dollars of medical bills for a baby that has had lifesaving open heart surgery? How will the free market combat a policy with a deductible, skyrocketing premiums, 80/20 coverage, out of pocket expenses and a lifetime cap? Will the free market force a "high risk" policy to stop exempting contraception, therapies, and (seriously, I'm not kidding) preventive healthcare?
Since unpaid medical bills are the number one reason for filing bankruptcy in this country, I am sure there are courthouses full of people awaiting their answers.
And what will happen to Medicaid? The last frontier standing between families across the nation and the doors of financial ruin?
Governor Palin, I hope you start talking soon, because we are listening.
And we are watching.
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