One of the most effective things our next administration could do to solve many of the problems in our nation's schools is to provide innovative ways to help each state tap into an electronic text book system. I wonder what the difference in cost would be to have a computer screen and keyboard at each student's desk in every classroom which is linked into a network versus the volumes of textbooks that need to be updated, reprinted, reshipped and stored. With changes in our world happening at an exponential rate, some textbooks are outdated before they even hit the teacher's classroom. Could it be that the savings in eliminating physical textbooks would be enough to apply to a national database for each state to tap into by supplying each student's desk with a flip up screen and keyboard?
The students would learn computer skills at a very early age with improved efficiency due to practical application for every subject. Information would be updated continually as current events move world politics, geography and science to change continually. Today's youth have quickly adpated to an interractive technological world...with old ways of learning it's no wonder so many are bored to tears and struggle to stay attentive.
Adapt or become extinct. While I am a true book lover, I am also 48 years old and have come to understand that as we grow in our amazing ability to create new ways to do everything we must be willing to let go of the old ways and make room for innovative improvements. There is something to be said for a library, but what we appreciate from our generation is not necessarily practical for the next generation. A fast paced society complete with an ever changing world of interactive technology necessitates our children to compete on a global level in all aspects of their lives. This begins with computer readiness and updated ways of learning that may not fit the mold of the 20th century.
As the Obama administration begins to put educational modifications into place, my hope is that they consider helping our states to step into the 21st century which will ensure that our children will be ready to take the leadership role when the time comes with confidence and preparedness that has come to be expected from Americans.
Just something to make you all smile. An Obama slide show set to one of my favorite songs about change........http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bdr2XyXOwRs
My fifteen year old daughter and I recently attended a youth rally for our church. The theme was "Be the change you wish to see in the world," (from Gandhi) and it was inspiring. The irony of it all has not gone without notice, the fact that Obama is about change and that many spiritual or philosophical communities are about change this year. It seems that change and moving forward are the messages all around us. The event we attended was led by high school youths from all over the western part of the United States. They were wise, intelligent, well spoken and passionate about moving the world into a better tomorrow. These are our future leaders and the fact that they have an instinctive understanding of the principles and philosophies that Obama speaks about says a lot to me. It says that Obama is in touch with the pulse of our future generation and that is important considering us old folks want to know we will be in good hands. My daughter has been so inspired by Obama's message and what she is learning through our church that she has decided to work on raising money to go to Malawi and help build schools with the Unity Malawi project. To see my daughter who was struggling with her identity a few years ago find her purpose and passion through the works of people like the Obamas and her church peers makes me so proud. She has put into practice the words "Be the change." My husband and I are also inspired. We realize that changing what is wrong with our society or the world starts with changing ourselves. Looking in the mirror and finding the truth about what you present to the world can be uncomfortable. Most of the time it is a shock to realize how much whining, complaining, judging, and criticizing comes through our thoughts and out our mouths. Admitting we have our own cleaning up to do, we've made a commitment to look at the good in everyone and see how we may serve, versus watching for someone to wrong us or slip up so that we can justify our fear and anger. As Barack Obama says it, "Change starts from the bottom up..." I challenge you to be the change. Start with your approach to others and making an attempt to see the good in everyone, not make assumptions about them and move beyond petty negative issues. My minister put it this way, "Stay in the F.L.O.W., Forgiveness, Love, Overcoming, Worthiness, and life will be wonderful."
I am responding to the ridiculous attacks made by Obama's rivals regarding his comments about a segment of Pennsylvania voters who feel bitter and disenfranchised.
I'm the mom of a severely brain injured (but exceptionally beautiful and sweet) 4 year old girl. She was featured on the Discover Health Channel's "Mystery Diagnosis" series. At 14 months old, after experiencing seizures since she was 3 months old, Daphne suffered two major strokes. An MRA revealed that Daphne had Moyamoya disease (www.moyamoya.com). Daphne's Children's Hospital of Philadelphia neurologist, an intelligent, kind man, told us that Daphne would probably not live more than two weeks. She went home on Hospice. However, we got in touch with a surgeon in Stanford, CA, who recommended a surgery for Daphne to reroute the blood supply to her brain. The surgery was a tremendous success, and Daphne has dramatically improved cerebral blood flow, although she will live for the rest of her life with the affects of her bilateral strokes. (www.daphnestory.com)
However, we are one of the lucky ones. Medicaid considers the surgery that Daphne received to be "experimental", despite extensive studies conducted on it in Japan (and the Japanese government's endorsement of the surgery), and WILL NOT COVER IT. Our surgeon told us of a woman in her 50s who died because Medicaid would not fund this surgery. I've learned of several others who've had to fight their private insurance tooth and nail (some unsuccesfully) to have this surgery performed by one of a handful of experienced Moyamoya specialists in the US, who may have been "out of network".
Barack Obama has a well-thought-out health care plan that addresses many of the defecits in our current system. I believe that his plan stands a much greater chance of being enacted than does his rival's. Obama also takes much more effort on his website than any other candidate to address the needs of Americans who have disabilities. He's the only candidate whose site addresses the possible environmental role on the epidemic of Autism.
Daphne, by the way, is a big Obama supporter!
My son will be fourteen on April 4th. He was diagnosed as severly Autistic when he was two years old. We have been on an adventurous path ever since. He is a gift, a joy and a challenge all rolled into one. On this day of "World Autism Awareness" I want to present an idea to the world that I have already begun to send out to my local and state government representatives. It is a dream that I hope see come true before it's too late. I plan to send this idea to our man of the decade (maybe the century), Barack Obama in the hope that he will take notice. Here is my idea, let me know what you think:
April 2, 2008
World Autism Awareness Day
To Whom It May Concern:
My name is Cheryl Hunter and I live in southern California. I have a teenaged son with Autism who is currently in a special education classroom on a public high school campus. My son is going to need assistance for the remainder of his life. This is the reason for my letter and proposed solution to the problem that plagues millions of people all over the world. What will we do when our child needs care and we can no longer give it?
Please review the following brief overview and help kick start the discussion about what to do with the individuals who will not benefit from the “cure” and “cause” theories or funding, but who desperately need our assistance.
Funding for early intervention, education, prevention and therapy are important, but we need to also prepare for the inevitable future we face as a society when the current population of children with Autism turn into the population of adults and elderly with Autism.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Cheryl A. Hunter
Residential Community For Families and Individuals Living With Autism
“A Dream I Have For The Future”
INTRODUCTION
As the mother of a young man with Autism I have concerns about his future and how he will survive without me. Plain and simple. I am one of millions of parents around the globe with this same concern. I would like to keep my son home for the remainder of my life and know that when I am gone he will be able to remain in the same home with the care he needs for the remainder of his life.
This desire presents many obstacles, the most glaring being financial concerns. I, like most parents, will not be able to generate enough money in my lifetime to begin to cover my son’s future needs. Even life insurance will not cover the costs of his needs and the money he receives from insurance or a trust fund would undermine the public funds and medical coverage he is entitled to. I understand the general public’s stand on taxation and welfare as more taxes are not a popular option. However, the reality is that we will have an explosion of adults and elderly with Autism in the coming years and the next few generations will be dealing with the issue of where to house these individuals and how to help them lead productive lives. Extended families can only do so much, and society cannot assume that siblings and relatives will be able to continue with the expense and care of these individuals on their own.
When I consider the amount of money we are willing to allow in tax dollars for defense and other government expenses, or the tax breaks that we are willing to give to corporate giants and the rich I am baffled at why a small percentage of that same amount makes people bristle. The small percentage needed to supplement a school district’s budget for successful programs or a community’s budget for assisted living, or a state’s budget for quality residential care is infinitesimal compared to the funds which will be spent in law enforcement, court time, emergency services, hospital services, medical services, etc. if these individuals do not have proper care. It will be reminiscent of the thousands of mentally ill who were released in the last century from institutions because of budget cuts.
SOLUTION OVERVIEW
Growing up near San Bernardino, California I remember how intrigued I was with Norton Air Force Base. I thought that it was the perfect self-contained community, interestingly similar to commune living. Over the past few years that thought has continued to play in my head when agonizing over the future of my son’s living arrangements.
My dream of the perfect setting for a secure environment for people with disabilities and their families has blossomed into the vision of a fully planned community where every need is met and funding is shared between families, community, state, federal, private and charitable organizations.
Taking the military base concept and customizing it to fit the needs of families living with disabilities should not be a difficult task. There would be job opportunities for the residents both typically abled and differently abled. Private industry could certainly set up shop as the need for local business would be necessary. The community would include recreational facilities with pool, indoor sports and games, meeting areas, parks, etc. Housing would offer varied options including small single family, apartment, townhouse, etc. as well as dormitory style for single adults both assisted and independent.
The housing would be leased and funding would be available through a combination of individual family, private, government and charitable. For example, a retired couple would be able to lease a two bedroom home to share with their adult child with Autism until they are unable to continue care, at which time the adult child would be referred to one of the apartment or dormitory settings. This would allow the individual to remain in the community but adjust to a supported living situation while continuing with other normal routine.
FUNDING
Families would pay for their Autism community home just as they would for an outside home. The monthly lease would be used for maintenance of the home itself, community maintenance, and other associated costs as well as a small percentage which would be designated for a fund which helps pay for assisted living when a family can no longer care for the resident adult. In the case of a single adult with no family assistance, the disability or social security for that individual would go toward the living expenses.
The beauty of the commune setting is that jobs would be available for individuals within the community in many areas. Landscape, janitorial, office, car wash, recreational facilities, etc. would create need for regular employees. These jobs would offset the cost of community maintenance as well.
Private funding through charitable organizations would be utilized for general or specific needs and public funding would be shifted from more costly individual support to a community support program.
LIFESTYLE
As an individual with Autism reaches adulthood, they have the same social needs as typical individuals do. Social gatherings, interaction with peers and family, expression through music, dance, etc. should be part of their everyday life. The opportunities provided through the proposed community would enable individuals to live a full, rich life with all of the things that we sometimes take for granted. Jobs, clubs, activities, shopping, gardening, etc. would be available in a self-contained safe neighborhood, and available to the neighborhoods outside the community as well. Another plus would be the industry that might be attracted to the community. Any industry that addresses the needs of the differently abled person would benefit from a location in close proximity. This of course is a win-win for all concerned. Tax revenue for the city that the community is located in, clients or customers for the business, and services necessary for the everyday life of a person with special needs.
STAFFING
Behind the scenes would be the administrative staff, operational staff, etc. all paid through a variety of sources. An example of such a private organization might be the YMCA which is supported through a variety of sources including self supportive client based income. The supported living care team would be professionals dedicated to the health and welfare of each resident. This care team would include professionals in the medical, dental, therapy, recreational, transportation, occupational and associated fields. Again, creating new jobs within a city that is willing to open its arms to a community for adults with Autism and their families.
FACILITY PLANNING
Think green and plan the community to reflect the future while saving money on operating expenses. Parking should be on the outer perimeter of the community with walking, biking and small electric vehicle paths in the inner areas. Think vertical for living spaces and services and horizontal for open space and recreation. Use alternative energy sources from the ground up in building and operational planning. Vegetable and fruit gardens with all plant life non-toxic should be edible, purposeful and useful in herbal applications. Because of the unique sensitive diets that many of these individuals would be on, careful planning would be considered for the type of food businesses that lease space. Lots of fountains and water play as most individuals with Autism love water. The water process for the community should be interactive and recycled as much as possible with obvious sanitary considerations but with a mind toward conservation as well.
CONCLUSION
While I realize that this proposed community sounds like a commune or socialist society and that public funds would not normally be allowed to support such a venture, isn’t time we look outside the box? Are we so caught up in what is or is not the responsibility of society that we forget about our humanity? The reality is that these individuals are here and will be here for quite a while. They will grow older, they will need care and they do deserve to live their lives in the most comfort we would afford ourselves. Much like a retirement community, this type of community must be considered a unique exception in equal housing laws, with a balance of public and private funding and a labor force made up of communal shared responsibility it is a winning proposition for everyone concerned.
Since Sen. Obama delivered his historic speech there have been the usual people trying to dismish his words of wisdom. Isn't it just like the flawed humans that we are to take something positive and try to make it a negative? What has especially stuck out to me are the the people who try to say that his refusal to completely disown his former pastor and leave his church is wrong. They are the same ones who took offense at the analogy comparing his white grandmother to his former pastor. I however, believe the analogy is right on target.
First of all, for those that say you can't choose your family, you are right. However you can choose to disown your family and many do. But to try to say that a church and the members in it are not your family is wrong. The church is a family, a family of believers and a family of God. Within that family there are many, in fact probably most, that will disappoint you in some way or another. There are many that will say or do something completely against your beliefs. Those with a strong faith and those that see the members of the church as the flawed family members that they are, are the ones who stick it out, even when they don't agree. That analogy applies to the pastor of the church as well.
Many people see a pastor as someone who is almost God like and somehow mistake proof. They couldn't be more wrong. A pastor is a man or a woman who is flawed and subject to sin, just like any of us are. This has been the case since the beginning of time. Even Jesus's chosen ones, the 12 disciples were flawed and made many mistakes, even with Jesus right there beside them, in the flesh, to guide them. Did Jesus throw his disciples "under the bus" when they did wrong? No, he let them know when they were wrong, stayed with them and continued to teach them.
Leaving your church, your family, when they disappoint you is the easy way out. But if we live as Christ has taught us, we continue to work with our family, hopefully picking them up when they are down and forgiving them of their mistakes and sins, just as Christ has forgiven us our sins. In my own experience with 2 churches (my husband is catholic and I'm baptist and we attend and are welcomed at both churches) I have seen many people leave over things that have angered them. I have had pastors/priests disappoint me. I have had members of both congregations disappoint me. I disagree with some basic tenants of both churches. That being said, I love both of these churches and have received spiritual guidance, encouragement and love from both of these churches and from pastors and priests associated with them. The perfect, unflawed family, church and pastor do not exist. However, when we look to God for guidance, and try to see that family, church and pastor through God's eyes then we are able stay connected as a family, through the good and the bad. Now please don't misunderstand my words to mean that every church is deserving of this kind of devotion. Not all churches are lead by God. Many spew hateful rhetoric, constantly preaching hate instead of love. I do not get the idea that Sen. Obama's church is that kind of church. It seems to me to be a church with flawed human pastors and members that strive to spread the message of God's love and do his work on this earth. In that process, they will make some mistakes. The fact that Sen. Obama has decided to stick with them through the good and the bad shows that he gives his church the same love that Christ gives each of us.
I am more convinced now then ever that Sen. Obama is the one to unite our country. He has shown that he is in it for the long haul, that he won't quit when things go wrong and instead of focusing on mistakes of others he will bring us together, as one family, as AMERICANS, to deal with our problems and to embrace our differences. He won't disown those he disagrees with, he will work with them, realizing that they too have something to bring to the table and he bring about the change this country needs.
To be honest, Hillary has always been good in a debate and no one can take that from her. As a candidate, she is most impressive when debating and most dangerous when cornered. With polls now a dead heat in Texas is cornered. Most people (myself included) expected her to come out with "guns a blazing" and "flame throwers" burning. We expected her to bring up point after point to prove she was better with the issues. We expected her typical "aggressive" attack style, combined with her robust rhetoric of experience... We expected Hillary, the formidable politician.
What we got was Hillary the "lady" the "she panther" who has come to the conclusion it’s better to "retract" her claws and go out in style. Even her outfit was different. She reminded me more of the young girl, at my high-school (yes I can remember that far back) who gave our senior classes "farewell" speech at graduation.
It this a Hillary who like Neo in the Matrix, is starting to believe? Is this a Hillary, who rather go out with style, then go out looking like a bitter loser? Is this a Hilary, who has come to the conclusion, that if she loses, she needs to "gleam" herself a place, way up on the list of a Barack presidential staff?
I don't know...
I do know Sen. Obama did tonight what he was supposed to do and that was hold his own. To be honest a lot of their issues mirror the other with small differences or different ways to achieve those ends. I feel however, in order for this country to fix itself, many things must change. A backward tax structure must change... A useless war must change... Our image with our allies must change... Our addiction to foreign fossil fuel must change. So many, many things must change but how we make those changes is important.
Will we change with the same bitter frustrations we have now? Heck no... It will never happen. The only way we can change ourselves, our beliefs and our national pride is for everyone to roll up their sleeves and get to work fixing themselves, their lives, their communities and this country. Everyone of us must be willing to sacrifice "something" in order for all of us to re-build this America. Working together and working with pride, just as we did, when we took on Hitler and his cronies way back when.
In order to get to that spot, we must have a leader who is able to inspire the American people, that sacrifice in order to build a more better union is a good thing and worthy of any struggle. Not a leader who says "You America must sacrifice cause I said so."
Other than her closing, it was Obama who stayed consistent. This was his night. He was more confident, more steady and he definitely looked more presidential. I think this part of his race is over and it’s time to take on McCain.
But with Hillary? One never knows.
That’s my opinion my fellow Americans,
What do you think?
God Bless
Rev. Samu-El Scales
In a 2002 study it was found the children whose parents take them to the polls are twice as likely to vote!
See a few great articles: http://archive.uua.org/news/2004/voting/041019children.html
and http://archive.uua.org/news/2004/voting/041019children.html
and here http://www.kidsvotingaz.org/new_Parents.cfm
My father was involved in local politics when we were younger. He was on the school board for a number of terms and I remember him running for city council and holding a sign outside the polls at the ripe age of 13 (he wasn't elected - I still harbor resentment against the man that beat him...perhaps it is time to move on).
Before politicians paid to have professional signs made, he hand cut and painted enormous lawn signs for his friends that were running for office. In fact, he still has the "stencils" hanging on the wall in his barn.
He voted in the same building all 5 of us kids went to elementary school. Every election day he came and got one of us to head into the polls and vote with him. He never let me see who he was voting for, he told me it was "private". But he instilled in us how voting is a privilege that we are given and that as citizens it is our responsibility to get out and make an informed vote.
Each of us (my siblings and I) are registered voters. One of my brothers was a member or the "Young Democrats of America" - that same brother has been escorted from a city council meeting or two for voicing his opinions a bit too loudly. My youngest brother (19) knows more about politics then all of us put together. He is a "hardcore" republican. He and I don't discuss politics much. We are both too opinionated and hardheaded. :)
Both of my young children come to the polls with me. I tend to alternate - although it is much easier to take my 7 year old since my 5 year old has the attention span of a mouse :)
Last year, at a local election, there were over 30 articles on the ballot. I was familiar with a few, but I had to read every single one to decide my vote. It took everything I had to keep my 5 year old out of the next booth :) But I know that when they are 18 they will be registered to vote.
My 5 year old is already obsessed with Obama! He points out every picture, t-shirt, television ad. I bought him a great picture book the other day all about Obama and his life - he loves it!
So, you want your kids to vote? Take them to the poll! Talk to them about politics! Get them involved in any way you can! Show them you are informed and show them you care about your privilege to vote!
I wish I had this article before I posted my earlier blog on Obama's plan for tax cuts.
I can't quote the source as I found it somewhere other then it's original, apologies! It is a VERY interesting read on the poor getting poorer and the middle class joining in!
"Living paycheck to paycheck gets harder By ANNE D'INNOCENZIO, AP Business WriterThe calculus of living paycheck to paycheck in America is getting harder. What used to last four days might last half that long now. Pay the gas bill, but skip breakfast. Eat less for lunch so the kids can have a healthy dinner.Across the nation, Americans are increasingly unable to stretch their dollars to the next payday as they juggle higher rent, food and energy bills. It's starting to affect middle-income working families as well as the poor, and has reached the point of affecting day-to-day calculations of merchants like Wal-Mart Stores Inc., 7-Eleven Inc. and Family Dollar Stores Inc.Food pantries, which distribute foodstuffs to the needy, are reporting severe shortages and reduced government funding at the very time that they are seeing a surge of new people seeking their help.While economists debate whether the country is headed for a recession, some say the financial stress is already the worst since the last downturn at the start of this decade.From Family Dollar to Wal-Mart, merchants have adjusted their product mix and pricing accordingly. Sales data show a marked and more prolonged drop in spending in the days before shoppers get their paychecks, when they buy only the barest essentials before splurging around payday."It's pretty pronounced," said Kiley Rawlins, a spokeswoman at Family Dollar. "It seems like to us, customers are running out of food products, paper towels sooner in the month."Wal-Mart, the world's largest retailer, said the imbalance in spending before and after payday in July was the biggest it has ever seen, though the drop-off wasn't as steep in August.And 7-Eleven says its grocery sales have jumped 12-13 percent over the past year, compared with only slight increases for non-necessities like gloves and toys. Shoppers can't afford to load up at the supermarket and are going to the most convenient places to buy emergency food items like milk and eggs."It even costs more to get the basics like soap and laundry detergent," said Michelle Grassia, who lives with her husband and three teenage children in the Bedford-Stuyvesant section of Brooklyn, N.Y.Her husband's check from his job at a grocery store used to last four days. "Now, it lasts only two," she said.To make up the difference, Grassia buys one gallon of milk a week instead of three. She sometimes skips breakfast and lunch to make sure there's enough food for her children. She cooks with a hot plate because gas is too expensive. And she depends more than ever on the bags of free vegetables and powdered milk from a local food pantry.Grassia's story is neither new nor unique. With the fastest-rising food and energy prices since the 1980s, low-income consumers are stretching their budgets by eating cheap foods like peanut butter and pasta.Industry analysts and some economists fear the strain will get worse as people are hit with higher home heating bills this winter and mortgage rates go up.It's bad enough already for 85-year-old Dominica Hoffman.She gets $1,400 a month in pension and Social Security from her days in the garment industry. After paying $500 in rent on an apartment in Pennsauken, N.J., and shelling out money for food, gas and other expenses, she's broke by the end of the month. She's had to cut fruits and vegetables from her grocery order — and that's even with financial help from her children."Everything is up," she said.Many consumers, particularly those making less than $30,000 a year, are cutting spending on nutritious food like milk and vegetables, and analysts fear they're further skimping on basic medical care and other critical services.Coupon-clipping just isn't enough. "The reality of hunger is right here," said the Rev. Melony Samuels, director of The BedStuy Campaign against Hunger, a church-affiliated food pantry in Brooklyn. The pantry scrambled to feed 5,000 new families over the past 12 months, up almost 70 percent from 3,000 the year before. "I am shocked to see such numbers," Samuels said, "and I am really concerned that this is just the beginning of what we are going to see." In the past three months, Samuels has seen more clients in higher-paying jobs — the $35,000 range — line up for food. The Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York, which covers 23 counties in New York State, cited a 30 percent rise in visitors in the first nine months of this year, compared with 2006. Maureen Schnellmann, senior director of food and nutrition programs at the American Red Cross Food Pantry in Boston, reported a 30 percent increase from January through August over last year. Until a few months ago, Dellria Seales, a home care assistant, was just getting by living with her daughter, a hairdresser, and two grandchildren in a one-bedroom apartment for $750 a month. But a knee injury in January forced her to quit her job, leaving her at the mercy of Samuels' pantry because most of her daughter's $1,200 a month income goes to rent, energy and food costs. "I need it. Without it, we wouldn't survive," Seales said as she picked up carrots and bananas. John Vogel, a professor at Dartmouth College's Tuck School of Business, worries that the squeeze will lead to a less nutritious diet and inadequate medical or child care. In the meantime, rising costs show no signs of abating. Gas prices hit a record nationwide average of $3.23 per gallon in late May before receding a little, though prices are expected to soar again later this year. Food costs have increased 4.5 percent over the past 12 months, partly because of higher fuel costs. Egg prices were 44 percent higher, while milk was up 21.3 percent over the past 12 months to nearly $4 a gallon, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The average family of four is spending anywhere from $7 to $10 extra a week — $40 more a month — on groceries alone, compared to a year ago, according to retail consultant Burt Flickinger III. And while overall wage growth is a solid 4.1 percent over the past 12 months, economists say the increases are mostly for the top earners. Retailers started noticing the strain in late spring and early summer as they were monitoring the spending around the paycheck cycle. Wal-Mart and Family Dollar key on the first week of the month, when government checks like Social Security and public assistance generally hit consumers' mailboxes. 7-Eleven, whose customers are more diverse, looks at paycheck cycles in specific markets dominated by a major employer, such as General Motors in Detroit, to discern trends in shopping. To economize, shoppers are going for less expensive food. "They're buying more peanut butter and pasta. And they're going for hamburger meat," Flickinger, the retail consultant, said. "They're trying to outsmart the store by looking for deep discounts at the end of the month." He said the last time he saw this was 2000-2001, when the dot-com bubble burst and the economy went into a recession after massive layoffs. For now, low-price retailers are readjusting their merchandising and pricing. Wal-Mart is becoming more aggressive on discounting. It announced Thursday it is expanding price cuts to 15,000 items, ranging from Motts apple juice and Progresso soups to women's fleece tops, heading into the holidays. Family Dollar, whose food offerings were limited to candy and snacks until two years ago, has expanded its mix of groceries like fruit cups, cereal and such refrigerated items as milk and ice cream while cutting back on shoes. This summer the chain began accepting food stamps. Food pantries are also getting creative. Samuels said her church, Full Gospel Tabernacle of Faith, just started offering free cooking classes to teach clients who are diabetic or have other health conditions how to prepare vegetables like squash. It's also offering free exercise classes. "We are trying to make them health conscious," Samuels said. "It's not right to give them just anything. Our mantra is eat well and live well."
____________________________________________________________________________________
I will tell you that eating healthy is NOT cheap! If you want to buy fruits and vegetables, they need to come in a can or in a package. Buying processed foods tends to be cheaper and that seems to be what goes first when you are living paycheck to paycheck. We need help!!
This is my most recent letter to the editor. Our local paper is weekly and has very limited space so I have sent this one to a bunch of papers from across the state.
"Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) are on the rise. 1 in 150 children are now diagnosed with some form of ASD, a complex neurobiological condition that has a range of impacts on thinking, feeling, language, and the ability to relate to others. The spectrum now runs from the children that do not speak and seem to be locked in their own world to kids that are much more “typical”, kids who you may not even recognize as “different”.
As a mother of a child with a spectrum disorder I have done a lot of research to find a presidential candidate that fits mine and my child’s needs. I believe that Senator Barack Obama is that candidate. Senator Obama has a history of supporting Americans with Autism and their families. He has been a strong supporter of more than $1 billion in federal funding for autism research on the root causes and treatments, and he believes that we should increase funding for the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.
Obama intends to increase funding for early childhood education to provide preschool children with critically important learning skills. It has been proven that early intervention and education are fundamental in making progress with children that are diagnosed with a spectrum disorder. And while he believes that the goal of the No Child Left Behind Act is the right one, he will reform and fund the program to ensure that truly no children are left behind.
Without medical insurance our son would not have been diagnosed at an early age and may never have received the services that he needed so badly. Autistic children are known to have gastrointestinal issues as well as many allergies. Senator Obama will expand the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) so that every child in America is given the same chance at early intervention that my son was.
Autism remains a mystery with a wide variety of effects on autistic individuals, their families, loved ones, the community, and education and health care systems. Obama believes that the government and our communities should work together to provide a helping hand to autistic individuals and their families.
I encourage you to look at Senator Obama’s record and consider supporting him in our upcoming election."
If you haven't done so already, add your name to Barack Obama's Wall of Supporters! You can find the wall at: http://www.obamanh.com/wall.htm
"Imagine a wall of 250, 500, 1,000, 10,000, 100,000, 250,000 names from all over the country, there is no limit. No personal information will be gathered just your name and State." http://www.obamanh.com/
I hope to see this list grow and grow and grow!!
While I am in full support of Obama, I need to know how to answer the following:Why, as a parent of an autistic child, should I vote for Obama?
I agree with Barack on SO many issues – including health care, GLBT issues, improving our schools….I could go on and on.
Since I am active in the Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) community is my area, I want to know how I can encourage other ASD parents that Barack is the right answer. My objectice is to keep spreading his message and his name to everyone I know. I just don't know how to incorporate this particular topic.
Any ideas on how I can answer the above question? I look forward to any responses! Thanks!!
I am certainly not alone in feeling that my life has a certain out-of-control, chaotic, frenetic feel to it. After all, when was the last time you asked someone how they were and they replied that they were kind of bored and wished they had more to do?
But with four kids ranging in age from 4 to 20 in four different schools and involved in activities ranging from music lessons to Quiz Bowl, from the haunted house to soccer- not to mention the endless parade of visits to pediatricians, orthodontists, dentists, optometrists (you get the idea)- a day job, and a husband I want to have more than a passing conversation with, some days I just want to scream "uncle!" to no one in particular. I fantasize about curling up on the couch with a book and coffee, taking a walk to nowhere in particular, rescheduling that long ago cancelled dentist appointment now two years overdue, or being able to make it to the salon frequently enough to avoid Sharpie touch-ups.
Yet, here I am, in the trenches of grass roots activism in support of the candidacy of Barack Obama. I have spent way more time than I have on the campaign (with sleep being on the losing end of the equation), and pushed myself way outside of my comfort zone. I am shy to the point of almost phobic, with phone calls being particularly ulcer-inducing. Yet, I have organized and led meetings, made lots of calls, marched in parades, hosted house parties, painted faces- including the Obama girls'-, put myself in front of countless strangers in attention grabbing garb, and have even signed up for a canvass (no phone bank just yet).
Why? Because getting Barack Obama to the White House is that imporant to me. It is important to me, because I see in him a chance for the future I want my children to have- or at least an approximation of that given the aftemath of eight years of George Bush and partisan bickering.
Once, years ago, one of my children was diagnosed with a devastating condition, and at that time, too, I had to push meself beyond where I thought I could go to seek the care he needed- his future depended on it. Daunted by this, I cried to a friend, and she told me I had to let my inner Momma Bear out, and fight for his life, no matter how difficult that seemed. Well, my Momma Bear is back out, and that is why no matter how busy I am, and how uncomfortable I may feel, I will push to do all I can to send Obama to the White House. I am not just fighting for my children this time, though. I am fighting for your children, for the children of Iraq, for the children of the world. And the hope of victory far overshadows the sacrifices. Join me.
