Comments on: Palin’s ‘major policy’ speech: Vague promises, no platform

By: Stephanie Hunter

Stephanie Hunter — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 18:25:27 +0000

It is simply not a fact that an Obama presidency will increase abortions nor is it a fact that a McCain presidency will decrease them.
I am a parent of a child with a disability and I also am a parent trainer who works in child protective services. Abortion is not the problem here but the value of human life at all stages is. An unborn child IS something to be fought for and treasured (I agree with this) but as soon as that child is born then it becomes a statistic of our nation that does not value those most vulnerable as soon as they draw air. That child is now the “excuse” a “welfare mother” has to draw funding from “entitlement programs”. This is all garbage! I work with the homeless parents and the parents that have been just one of many generations of poverty stricken, undereducated, and devalued human beings. Many of these parents also have disabilities. America was at the forefront of the euegenics movement that sterilized the poor and people with disabilities without their consent. This still goes on today but people just don’t talk about it.
Ann you stated the following:

“You are not an advocate for people with disabilities when you do not advocate for the most vulnerable among us.”

You are exactly right! As soon as all Americans learn to value their neighbor, feed someone that is hungry, teach someone how to parent, babysit for that mother down the street so she can take english classes, check in on our elderly neighbors in the heat of the summer, join the PTA, actually learn how to testify on these issues for congress, and get at the root of the problem…..and stop being one-issue voters….maybe people would not live in a world where abortion even felt like a choice. The natural thing to do in a world where people care is to take a second look at such decisions. People would care so much they would rush to talk you out of it and offer help. Perhaps the pro-life constituents should spend more time and energy counseling instead of judging…I do know that some do this but certainly not all.

We need to protest drilling for oil, nuclear plants, excess garbage, toxic chemicals in our drinking water, presidents that deregulate on their way out the door in spite of low approval ratings because they are narcissistic and actually believe they are some kind of christian but would so obviously try to pollute our world in a knee jerk tantrum……..all of the things this president has done may kill all children anyway born or unborn and the most vulnerable.

I am voting for Obama because I am not a one-issue voter but I also truly believe he does have a solid plan for including children and adults with disabiities into society and not as “tokens” or “special blessings” but as equal members of our nation.

By: John Duffy

John Duffy — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 18:13:53 +0000

I find Senator Obama’s stance on American’s with disabilities equally vague. It is more disappointing because while Palin is criticized in a speech where she needs to touch on several political topics, not just one. Senator Obama puts up a web page & a video filled with much of the similar rhetoric.

Senator Obama will fight for full funding. Palin said the same thing, but Palin gets criticized in this article. Senator Obama does NOT explain how he plans to fund it. Governor Palin’s attempt to explain her financing may even be ill-fated, however at least I know she is thinking about it. Senator Obama will overturn Supreme Court rulings. Really? Imagine the out cry if his political opponents used such terminology.

As a father of a special needs child, I think what is being discussed regarding Governor Palin’s approach and handling of this subject is credible. The content of this report by Mr. Longmore is exceptionally detailed and accurate. But Governor Palin is not running for a disability leadership role. Her role will be one of leadership that will include attention to disabilities. Furthermore, Senator Obama’s opponent is Senator John McCain.

By: Don Melrose

Don Melrose — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 13:36:25 +0000

Good piece of campaign rhetoric. You criticize Palin as vague about her promise “reform and refocus” the Vocational Rehabilitation Act.

Here’s what Obama says about the Act: “Barack Obama and Joe Biden support vocational rehabilitation programs and will assure there is sufficient funding to empower Americans with disabilities to succeed in college and beyond.”

Wow, pretty specific plan from Obama-Biden, eh?

By: Ann

Ann — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 03:14:14 +0000

One thing [Longmore] leaves unsaid, is the fact that an Obama presidency will increase abortions of those with disabilities.

You are not an advocate for people with disabilities when you do not advocate for the most vulnerable among us.

I will not be bought off with blood money. No amount of so called benefits would be worth the devaluation of the lives of people with a disability that Obama’s stance on abortion will bring in.

It’s a mistake to think that he has any compassion for anyone. It’s very clear by his stance on abortion that he has none.

By: Nancy Iannone

Nancy Iannone — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 21:21:27 +0000

Thank you Professor Longmore for taking the time to present that detailed essay to help us be more informed about the issues impacting our children.