If you frequent my blog, you know, I don't speak out a lot about politics, or current events, unless I'm "provoked". Well friends, I've been provoked.
There's been a lot of talk in the "news" lately, about people with special needs. I've been wanting to write a post about it for awhile.
The first thing that came up, was the movie "Tropic Thunder". I haven't seen it, and probably won't, not after so many people have asked me not to. Apparently, they use the word "retard" repeatedly, and in a demeaning way. When it first came out, there were many protests. I had many friends, "out there" telling people not to watch it. "Send a message it's NOT funny!" Then I was emailed this article. It is so beautiful, and so well said. And if you have time, read some of the comments. THey are VERY interesting.
We used that word as a kid...ALL the time. Never meaning to hurt people. But it DOES hurt people. Some say "lighten up, it's not a bad word!" Well, it is when you are trying to make someone feel bad! And regardless if you are TRYING or not, we need to be respectful of someone elses feelings. I hope, like Mrs "Arnold" said, it will at least make people more aware.
Then my sister told me today, that McCain picked his running mate, and that SHE, has a baby with Downs Syndrome. I wasn't sure how I felt about it, still not sure. On one hand, I think she should be at home with her baby, on the other hand, I think this could be a good thing, for the disability world. On the other hand, her baby, is just a baby. What does she know about having a child with a disabilty. What does she know about the daily struggle most of us have? Tell me she goes to all his Dr appointments, and does all his therapy. Somehow, I don't think so. Now, I'm not knocking her, and I will leave my mind open to her, that's just a few thoughts I have right now.
I wanted to find out more about her, and as I was scouring the internet, I came across this video. You can see the full text here.
I've never really listen to Glenn Beck, but I really appreciate his comments, as well as hers.
I just hope that these two "stories" will inspire people to think twice before they use the "r" word, and that maybe, a parent of a child with a disability in the limelight, will invoke some change there as well.
What do you all think? Let's have a conversation!
6 comments:
I have been listening to Glen Beck for the past 7 or 8 years. I almost always agree with what he says. I never saw this clip before. What wonderful things he said.
I couldn't agree more with what Glen Beck said or what Palin said. I think it's great to have somebody in "office" that faces our daily challenges. Maybe we can all get some place. But I also wonder, as you do just how much of therapy will she be involved with. Do they "really" know what it's like when money isn't a problem. I hope this comes out more. Thanks for posting this! I couldn't agree with you more.
I don't know too, how much therapy she would be able to be there for, but knowing she has other children she will realize soon enough, if not already that without therapy her child is not going to progress like she wants him too. He will take longer to do things and she will notice that.
I do not know enough of her history to know if she has a money tree in her back yard, but what the govenor and even vice president makes, a dent will be made in there pocket book (unless they have the money tree out back).
I actually remember Glen Beck mentioning her a while back, because he was so impressed with her. I'm just really hopeing that it turns out well.
Of course I'm just doing a dance, and relieved that it's not huckabee that he choose, yuck!!!
I am a faithful Glenn Beck listener and have been for yonks. I too recently wrote about my thoughts on the "R" word.
I have been irritated as well by Tropic Thunder and for the cruel way that people speak, including myself in the past.
I have no idea, yet about how I feel about McCain's choice.
I just know that I can't abide the other party's platform.
I feel the same way, Mom's should be home with their kids or not have them. Harsh I know, but it is my opinion and because I live here in America, I am allowed at this point any way, to speak it.
It's a good question, conversation and dialog. Thank you for asking it.
I'm so glad you brought up this topic. My first thoughts about Sarah Palin was how could she parent those children, especially one with special needs and govern at the same time. I am of the feeling that mom's should be home taking care of the children. But, then again, I totally love the idea that someone who has had her life experiences would be in the White House. Here is someone who was told their unborn baby would be born with a birth defect and had him anyway!! I guess more power to her if she can do it all. I couldn't, but then again, when my youngest was born with special needs I had six children 11 years and under. It looks like her children are much more spread apart and older so they can be more help. I was very touched when I listened to her talk that other night. The camera people would occasionally pan over to her family and at one point her youngest daughter, I think her name is Piper, was holding her little baby brother, Trig. She was just gently stroking his little head and it was so sweet to me. I could see that this is a family that helps each other.
I think it's only human nature to ask questions about how Palin works and cares for her children -- but we women must stop judging each other. I have a baby born with severe hydrocephalus and a heart condition (Yes, I knew and chose not to terminate). I am also an attorney. I did stay home for almost two years, but I am now juggling a full-time job and my daughter's doctor and therapy appointments. It is possible, and I hope that we will support Governor Palin's choice!
Post a Comment