All kinds of people have or adopt special needs children.  Some have hit the headlines sometimes as people who murdered their child, sometimes merely because they couldn’t stand disability.

Some have appeared as the parents in autobiographical works for better, and for worse.

Some have been the stage moms parading their special needs child as a political pawns .

There are mothers of those with special needs who are not trying out for one of the most demanding jobs in the world and whose job IS one of the most demanding jobs in the world.

Sigourney Weaver said, the only thing she shares in common with Sarah Palin, is a skirt.  It may well be that most parents of those with special needs also have little to find in common with Palin.

As she attempts to woo the special needs and autism vote, think more broadly.  The USA is trillions of dollars in debt to foreign countries who in this recession could foreclose at any time.  Sarah Palin is ready to take her bloodlust to new wars that haven’t even started yet.  That the world is already sick of 8 years of America’s illegal war and America’s global image is so deeply tarnished it will do America’s economy no favours.

See past the promises, beyond what you want to see.   Sarah Palin does not have a child with autism.  It is not even certain that the son with Downs which she parades, is even hers.  If you care about your own special needs child, vote for a strong economy, for without it, no amount of promises will matter a damn.

See the bigger picture.

Warmly,

Donna Williams, Dip Ed, BA Hons

international author, lecturer and autism consultant

http://www.donnawilliams.net