From another thread we discussed the potential impact of Gov. Palin's comments about having an advocate for those with special needs. Birdsfan provided interesting facts about the potential number of voters who could be effected by that.

 

I find this topic very intriguing but I'm not sure if just saying it proves anything.

 

With all of the items in a budget where will this rank? How will she get something done?

 

Anyone?

I can only say, for the grace of God my child was born totally healthy compared to the many that I work with daily!

 

You want a answer to your question?

 

Just look at your own child if you have one that is healthy, and then think about how you would want this question answered if that child you are thinking about were born with a special need! Then you tell me where you would rank it.

 

The people I work with daily are the same as you and me! They have dreams, desires, hopes, needs and goals! The only difference is their minds or bodies have failed them. I work daily with people that simply amaze me for not giving up, or quiting or complaining about what life has given them, and am sincerely proud to call them my co-workers, friends and neighbors. All they ask for is a chance!

I can only say, for the grace of God my child was born totally healthy compared to the many that I work with daily!

 

You want a answer to your question?

 

Just look at your own child if you have one that is healthy, and then think about how you would want this question answered if that child you are thinking about were born with a special need! Then you tell me where you would rank it.

 

The people I work with daily are the same as you and me! They have dreams, desires, hopes, needs and goals! The only difference is their minds or bodies have failed them. I work daily with people that simply amaze me for not giving up, or quiting or complaining about what life has given them, and am sincerely proud to call them my co-workers, friends and neighbors. All they ask for is a chance!

 

No one is questioning their value in life. We all have value regardless of our situation. You and I agree 100%.

 

My question is where will this issue rank in the big picture when it comes budget time? Will it get enough support or will it get cut? Can she get it through?

^For those that have children with special needs I would assume it would rank extremely high. Most parents I know put the well-being of their children over their own personal wants and needs.

Clyde - I don't know if you know anyone who has a special needs child. I do. You made the comment what does the statement Gov Palin made prove? Not sure what you mean by that. Maybe she was reaching out to families who's children have special needs and know she would be an advocate. Public school's in NKY do have classes for special needs student's. Some parent's prefer some schools over others depending on the their child's needs. Like OldGuy said - if you have healthy children say a prayer of thanks and feel very blessed that you do.

Despite all of the assaults on the Americans With Disabilities Act over the past 30 years, it and its corollary legislation (IDEA, et. al.) has survived all budgets. Ithink a fair surmise for that is that 1) for those whom it affects and their families, it is the single most important issue in their life, surpassed by no other; 2) it is not seriously opposed because those affected often cannot do anything about their situation or defend themselves, unlike many welfare recipients and other likely to incur the wrath of budget cuts.

 

With Palin carrying the funding torch, I would say "special needs" legislation would be safe from even the staunchest opponent.

Clyde - I don't know if you know anyone who has a special needs child. I do. You made the comment what does the statement Gov Palin made prove? Not sure what you mean by that. Maybe she was reaching out to families who's children have special needs and know she would be an advocate. Public school's in NKY do have classes for special needs student's. Some parent's prefer some schools over others depending on the their child's needs. Like OldGuy said - if you have healthy children say a prayer of thanks and feel very blessed that you do.

 

Fair question on what I meant. I've rephrased it in subsequent posts. Will it resonate with Congress ? Is it a high enough priority?

 

My concern is that some will use that as the tie-breaker yet it may not ever get out of Congress. Is that a valid concern?

I have a friend who is a parent, grandparent and a foster parent which has seen her adopt three foster children, and still cares for others.

She said that comment that Palin made brought a tear to her eye.

Her statement to me was, how often have you ever heard a politician talk about advocacy.

What can she do for advocacy in the future??? Im not exactly sure, but I think this comment affected more people than most realize.

I have a friend who is a parent, grandparent and a foster parent which has seen her adopt three foster children, and still cares for others.

She said that comment that Palin made brought a tear to her eye.

Her statement to me was, how often have you ever heard a politician talk about advocacy.

What can she do for advocacy in the future??? Im not exactly sure, but I think this comment affected more people than most realize.

 

Someone sent me a PM telling me that their wife changed their support simply based on that. I have no doubt it will have an impact on the vote in some degree. My only question is what expectations are being set vs what can actually be delivered.

I don't know to what extent she can have an impact on the future, however, there are two things all politicians want...Raise Money and Get (Re)Elected.

If she says that she will be an advocate, first and foremost she is fishing for votes.

As for the impact, most VP's don't do much policy making, but she could make it an awareness issue.

Don't forget at the Saddleback Forum, McCain really pushed for new policy so to speak for adoptions in this country. Changes had to be made, because that is why so many are going out of the country to adopt.

I believe McCain has an adopted daughter.

Fair question on what I meant. I've rephrased it in subsequent posts. Will it resonate with Congress ? Is it a high enough priority?

 

My concern is that some will use that as the tie-breaker yet it may not ever get out of Congress. Is that a valid concern?

 

I don't think people will use it as a tie breaker.

Clyde - I don't know if you know anyone who has a special needs child. I do. You made the comment what does the statement Gov Palin made prove? Not sure what you mean by that. Maybe she was reaching out to families who's children have special needs and know she would be an advocate. Public school's in NKY do have classes for special needs student's. Some parent's prefer some schools over others depending on the their child's needs. Like OldGuy said - if you have healthy children say a prayer of thanks and feel very blessed that you do.

 

Don't all public schools across the entire state have classes for students with special needs????

I don't know to what extent she can have an impact on the future, however, there are two things all politicians want...Raise Money and Get (Re)Elected.

If she says that she will be an advocate, first and foremost she is fishing for votes.

As for the impact, most VP's don't do much policy making, but she could make it an awareness issue.

Don't forget at the Saddleback Forum, McCain really pushed for new policy so to speak for adoptions in this country. Changes had to be made, because that is why so many are going out of the country to adopt.

I believe McCain has an adopted daughter.

 

And 2 adopted sons.

 

Douglas (b. 1959, adopted 1966), Andrew (b. 1962, adopted 1966)

 

Adopted daughter - Bridget (b. 1991, adopted 1993)

 

 

In other news, McCain is at least 97 years old! No, he's really 72 but still.

Don't all public schools across the entire state have classes for students with special needs????

 

I can't speak for all city or county school's across the state. I can only speak about the county school's in my district.

And 2 adopted sons.

 

Douglas (b. 1959, adopted 1966), Andrew (b. 1962, adopted 1966)

 

Adopted daughter - Bridget (b. 1991, adopted 1993)

 

 

In other news, McCain is at least 97 years old! No, he's really 72 but still.

 

You got that wrong! His Mom is 96 and he is 72!