Gov. Palin pledges to make U.S. more welcoming to special needs kids
by Beth
Ever since Sen. John McCain (R – AZ) announced Sarah Palin, the governor of Alaska, as his running mate last Friday, much has been made of her choice to have a baby she knew would be born with Down syndrome. Sarah Palin talked about her son Trig in her acceptance speech last night at the Republican national Convention:
You know, from the inside, no family ever seems typical, and that’s how it is with us. Our family has the same ups and downs as any other, the same challenges and the same joys, sometimes even the greatest joys bring challenge. And children with special needs inspire a very, very special love. To the families of special needs — (cheers, applause) — to the families of special needs children all across this country, I have a message for you. For years, you’ve sought to make America a more welcoming place for your sons and daughters. And I pledge to you that if we’re elected, you will have a friend and advocate in the White House.
Our family is one of those that Sarah Palin was talking about — our son Gus was born with special needs. I’m hoping that in future talks, the Alaska governor might elaborate on her plans to advocate for us if she is elected vice president. In the meantime, you can read the entire transcript of last night’s speech online.
September 5th, 2008 at 3:53 pm
How many pay attention to it unless it affects their lives. I know I didnt until 12 years ago. Certainly McCain and Obama wont do anything. They say they will but they wont. But I agree Palin will do someting as it affects her and her family. Her eyes have been opened 4 months ago.
September 5th, 2008 at 9:40 am
I cannot find any evidence that, prior to 4 months ago, Sarah Palin did or said anything for the special needs community. No policy, no nothing. Perhaps she’ll grow into some role someday but this smacked of blatant pander to me.