Kathie Snow is a dear friend of mine. We were both actively involved with advocacy issues for students with disabilities in Colorado in the early to mid-90s, and carpooled together to Denver many times. Her son, Benjamin and my Bonnie are almost the same age. They both have disabilities, but that is only one small part of who they are. Benjamin is articulate and witty. Bonnie is artistic and charming. They are both contributing, loving members of their families and communities.Kathie owns this wonderful website, and publishes a newsletter, to which I subscribe <http://www.disabilityisnatural.com/email/2008-10.htm>. This month's issue includes an article about her son voting for the first time with her assistance, just as my Bonnie voted for the first time this year with mine. Bonnie and I used mail-in ballots, while they went to their polling place for early voting.
Please feel free to share this post (in its entirety) with interested parties, and include the links to www.disabilityisnatural.com if you do. Thank you.~Deb StoverAKA Bonnie's Mom
I just finished watching Governor Palin's speech at the Republican Convention this evening, and I am stunned by the ease with which she fell into the pattern of lies and sarcasm established by the two speakers who preceded her--Giuliani and Romney. I've never heard so many lies in one evening. At one point I wondered if we were watching storytellers instead of politicians....
However, my primary problem is with the exploitation of her son with Down Syndrome. So she gave birth to an infant with Down Syndrome at 44 years of age. So she knew in advance the child would be born with a disability and chose to carry him to term anyway. Good for her. I would do the same, though I am pro-choice all the way.
In fact, my late husband and I took this farther than Governor Palin. In 1986 we adopted a newborn girl with Down Syndrome and congenital heart disease. She is now twenty-two and the light of my life. Most people call her "Princess Bonnie." My late husband often said she was born missing the mean gene.
People often say we're so brave and "good" for bringing her into our lives. On the contrary--we are the blessed ones, as she has brought us nothing but joy.
I am simply appalled to see this issue used by the Republican party as a feather in Governor Palin's cap. It isn't. It's fate.
In my case, it was a choice--a real one. My late husband was also a democrat, by the way.
Furthermore, no parent of a special needs child in the United States of America would ever vote for a Republican president. It is blatantly against the best interests of the most important people in their lives--their children.
A friend asked me how I would respond to those who question Governor Palin's ability to be a good mother while serving as governor or vice-president. Some have critiized her for returning to office so soon and "leaving" the infant. I said, "I'm the wrong person to ask, as I would strap the baby on and take him with me, since I believe in attachment parenting." I even breast-fed my adopted children. I believe a woman's right to be a mother should not prevent her from doing or being anything she chooses. That is not what makes Palin unqualified for this office. There are many, many other reasons.
Governor Palin would serve her children--especially her youngest--better by voting for Barack Obama for president.
Photos of Princess Bonnie can be viewed here: <http://www.debstover.com/family.html>
~Deb
I was one of the lucky 700 who were invited to MESA School in Thornton yesterday to meet Barack Obama. Having recently suffered a spinal fracture turned out to be good fortune in this case, because my wheel chair placed me in the front row. This allowed me to meet Barack Obama, speak with him, and shake his hand. He is every bit as personable, handsome, and sophisticated in person as he is on television. Though I've heard him speak in person before, that was in an auditorium of thousands. This was much more intimate. He discussed education, took questions from the audience, and shared his beliefs and hopes for the future of our nation's children.
Definitely the right man for the job. :)
Let's raise $1000! We can do it!
http://my.barackobama.com/page/outreach/view/main/Writers4Obama
http://artists.santuario.com/albums/main.php?g2_itemId=33799
Photographer and Precinct 70 Captain Martin Yaslowitz took these photos at the Colorado Springs office opening on January 10th. Standing room only crowd with at least 200 people!
The morning after the New Hampshire primary, a friend of mine wore his Obama ball cap to a job site in Colorado Springs. A young African American stagehand saw it and stared at him, as if wondering how and why someone over fifty knew about Senator Obama. My friend nodded and said, "Yes, we can." The younger man grinned and they started talking about Obama. My friend said, "He reminds me of Bobby." The young man looked confused and shoved his dredlocks back from his face before asking, "You mean Bobby Marly?"
Certainly a generational issue. :)
My friend patted the younger man on the shoulder and said, "Let me tell you about Bobby Kennedy....
Yes, we can!
