Parents with autistic Children for Obama

Education and Technology

Cheryl — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 17:23:32 EST

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 With changes in our world happening at an exponential rate, some textbooks are outdated before they even hit the teacher's classroom.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.

Why Main Street doesn't like bail out.

SassyOwl — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 16:31:35 EDT

The average worker is frustrated that they have been asked to take lower wages and higher healthcare cost while executives are getting huge bonuses and bigger exit parachutes based on stock performance, regardless of work performance. For Main Street to except a bail out deal they must feel that they are getting a benefit not just the executives. The reason we need a bail out is because of all the adjustable mortgages. One of the most effective ways to help Main Street is to allow for all the adjustable mortgages to be converted to fixed rate mortgages. The biggest problem with the credit market is not the value of the loans or the lack of available credit it is that as the housing market bubble started to deflate and interest rates started to go up. This means that as many of the interest only loans readjust payments to include principle, many trying to refinance and are now unable to due lower home value and new laws that say that if you are unable to make the future adjusted payments now then you are unable to get the loan. The problem is due not only to the homeowner who bought more house then they could afford but also the realtor and loan companies trying to sell a product to a customer that they knew they could not afford.

How to become Energy Independent

SassyOwl — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 21:50:35 EDT

The first step to energy independence is a personal decision. Is there a way I can reduce my individual energy use? That means checking the tires, getting the car tuned up and adjusting the thermostat. Basically reduce, reuse and recycle. It is the fastest way to reduce the current cost of your energy use. Businesses need to do the same thing. How can they, not only reduce, reuse and recycle but also create products that reduce, reuse and recycle. Next we need to consider alternative renewable energy. I believe this is the biggest solution to so many problems that our country faces. Investments in renewable energy will create new jobs, stabilizing the economy and help the environment. Then we need to find ways to use the current types of energy sources, like oil and coal, reducing the global warming effect. The last step is to drill for more oil. Drilling for more oil is not the top priority in energy independence. This does not mean that we can’t start drilling for more oil today. We just need to remember when gas prices go down that the long-term goal is energy independence and not just lower prices.

Community Service

Cheryl — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 16:49:54 EDT

     I have been involved in community services as a career since 1979. I worked for years with parks and recreation, YMCA, vocational support services for individuals with developmental disabilities, and I have a 14 year old son with Autism. Though I now own a business and serve the community in a for profit capacity, my sister and I still interject community service philosophies into that business. We have families who we know cannot afford our service and we find ways to help their children participate in our programs so that they will have something positive in their childhood experience through fitness, performing arts and self esteem building activities. Sports and related activities are ways which youth learn problem solving and social interaction skills that carry into their adult lives. These are our future leaders folks!

     I am not providing this info for a pat on the back, simply to preface the following information regarding community service and the GOP's mocking of its importance. Funny, the Republicans are quick to note that the best way to keep the hands of the needy out of their taxpaying pockets is for the community organizers to help "greedy little needies" be more self sufficient. So community services is the answer, yet they mock the administration who manages it all. As usual, the Democratic notion of raising each other up is a foreign language to the GOP. Palin stirred a great big can of &*$# when she picked on Obama's community service background! I am ready to open up a great big can of whoopass on her, are you ready to join me?


     If you are, read this article and then write to the organization about how you feel, while you're at it be sure to let the world know that McCain will be speaking at this forum...I wonder if the forum members will be thinking the same thing we will? What a hypocrite to downplay the importance of community service then use one of the largest organizations involved in the field for publicity, photo opp and vote begging?

     *********Kris Alingod - AHN News Writer

Washington, D.C. (AHN) - Sens. John McCain (R-AZ) and Barack Obama (D-IL) will both be participating at a forum on volunteerism and community service set for Sept. 11.

     The candidates will discuss separately their plans and thoughts about "the role of citizenship and service in post-9/11 America" on the first night of the forum. The two-day summit, called "A Nation of Service," will coincide with the the seventh anniversary of the Sept. 11 terror attacks, and the annual "Tribute in Light"ceremony near Ground Zero. It will be moderated by Time magazine managing editor Richard Stengel.

     "The Summit will be an important remembrance of those that made the ultimate sacrifice serving their country and others as we focus on how to inspire others to serve causes greater than their own self-interest through national and community service," McCain told WNBC.

     "After Sept. 11, Americans of every age, race, region and walk of life were ready to step up and answer a new call of service for their country... Making that call to service will be a central cause of my presidency, "Obama is quoted by the NY Daily News.

     Both candidates have pledged to stop running negative campaign ads on the anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks after a non-profit group, MyGoodDeed.org, asked them to impose a moratorium to mark the day, according to ABC.

     *******Service Nation, Sept. 11-12 in New York city, will bring together 500 leaders of all ages and from every sector of American life —from universities and foundations, to business and politics—to celebrate the power and potential of citizen service, and lay out a bold policy blueprint for addressing America’s greatest social challenges through expanded opportunities for volunteer and national service.

     The Summit will begin with a presidential candidates' forum the evening of September 11, where Senators McCain and Obama will speak in depth about their views on the role of citizenship and service in post-9/11 America. New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg will welcome the attendees when the proceedings continue the following day, and the summit will conclude with a keynote address by California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, who earlier this year became the first governor to create a cabinet post dedicated to service and volunteering.

     The ultimate goal of the ServiceNation Summit, which will also promulgate a Declaration of Service that all Americans will be invited to sign, is to inspire an America in which, by 2020, 100 million citizens will volunteer time in schools, workplaces, and faith-based and community institutions each and every year (up from 61 million today), and that increasing numbers of Americans annually will commit a year of their lives to national service. that engages one million Americans a year in full-time service by the year 2020.

     The ServiceNation Summit is being co-chaired by Caroline Kennedy, Alma Powell (Chair of America’s Promise Alliance), TIME’s Richard Stengel, Vartan Gregorian (President of Carnegie Corporation of New York), and Bill Novelli (CEO of AARP). It is underwritten by a grant from Carnegie Corporation and Presented by TIME, AARP and Target.

A short slide show

Cheryl — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 23:43:18 EDT

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

Be The Change...

Cheryl — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 14:00:15 EDT

     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."

Why I am a bitter Pennsylvanian :)

Jenny — Sun, 13 Apr 2008 00:46:03 EDT

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!

Staying On Message...

Cheryl — Sat, 12 Apr 2008 12:33:01 EDT

I have seen a disturbing trend of late in negative or harsh responses to messages among our groups. I am concerned that we are headed down the distructive path of Hillary-ites and their infighting. Perhaps we should re-read a message and try to discover its true meaning before firing off a response that may be polarizing. We who support Obama are a wonderful representation of the diversity that makes up our beautiful country. Because of the tapestry of different belief systems, social and cultural settings, etc. we each have a unique view of our candidate. The key here is that Obama is OUR candidate. WE as Obama supporters must show resolve in our interactions with each other so that it reflects the message that our candidate continues to uphold. Change only comes when everyone believes in the cause. The cause is based on coming together as one voice. If a voice among us sees Obama as "sent by God" that is their view and should be respected. If a voice among us wants to find support for a strong delegate we should respect that. So many different views but one united one, that Barack Obama is the one candidate who can turn our country around and be the model for those struggling countries trying to fit into this new age. My republican husband said it best for me, "This man HAS to be our next president, he's our only hope." That is the voice of Unity, that is what we should keep in our hearts.

Autism in my life

Cheryl — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 16:57:58 EDT

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.

Cheryl Ann Hunter

Why Sen. Obama's Speech Was Right On Target

Mary — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 09:01:19 EDT

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.

media storms

patrice — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 10:51:43 EDT

gerri ferraro, pastor wright, rod parsley, john hagee and farrakhan and the list will undoubetdly swirl on with supporters on all 3 sides expousing all kinds of things that range from almost crap to absolute crap to unbeliveable crap. the best thing to do is ignore it all right? in a perfect wourld that would be fabulous however..................we do not live in a perfect world and this swill from all sides will go on. and on. and on what can we do to combat this virtual garbage dump of surrogate logorehia? simply tell people that ask the truth, we all know people we dont like we all know people that we dont agree with and we all know that we have often had to work with someone like this to get something done in real life why is a campaign any different. in short its not and you cannot keep people from speaking or preaching or expousing and we ALL know that you CANNOT keep a politician away from a camera unless they are embroiled in a sex scandal of sorts and then (re:larry craig) they seem to wish to be on camera even more. just remember the best policy is always acknoweledge and move on given that now a days a week seems like a year theese sudden pop up afternoon thunderstorms are pretty much the creation of the 24 hour news cycle and next week we will all be discussing something else. thanks for reading and my apologies for any spelling mistakes as it was an incrediously long night last night and not much sleep

We may have heard her "swan song"

Rev. Sam Scales Community Worker — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 23:01:05 EST

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

So, you want your kids to vote? Take them to the polls!

Erica in Wolfeboro, NH — Mon, 29 Oct 2007 21:07:17 EDT

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!

Character needs to be part of the resume

U2mama for Obama-Gabrielle Grossman — Wed, 24 Oct 2007 21:59:43 EDT

So I am still feeling the magic of the packed hall in Dover tonight. I went to see Barack Obama because I needed to be inspired. My son was recently diagnosed with autism and I have been fighting that front on a daily basis with endless phone calls looking for quality services. So I have been tired.Well, I got what I was looking for....I am FIRED UP AND READY TO GO! Obama reaffirmed for me why I follow this campaign so closely. I am inspired by his dignity and his character. It seems that somewhere along the way government has lost that. We no longer look to our leaders to be inspired about our core values. Barack reminded me that "character should be part of the resume of our next President".....and I know that Barack has that. Every time that I see him he always asks me how it's going with my son. I told him my story when I first met him at the Hampton event and he has always remembered my face and story....that is meaningful. I think what is most remarkable about Barack Obama is that he inspires us to be better...to achieve more....to give to our community. I have never been involved in a political campaign but I have also never felt this magical energy from any other leader before. Barack is a natural leader. His experience shows that. When he graduated from Harvard Law School he chose to be a community organizer in Chicago rather than take some high-powered position at a fancy law firm. He has consistently chosen to use his life as a vehicle of service for the better good. That is something that we can all believe in.

And WHY do we need those tax cuts?

Erica in Wolfeboro, NH — Mon, 22 Oct 2007 16:25:18 EDT

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 Writer

The 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!!

Obama Supports Autism and Spectrum Disorders - updated

Erica in Wolfeboro, NH — Sun, 21 Oct 2007 17:50:13 EDT

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."

Add your name to the Wall of Supporters!

Erica in Wolfeboro, NH — Fri, 05 Oct 2007 23:14:07 EDT

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!!

ASD Mommy looking for ideas!

Erica in Wolfeboro, NH — Wed, 03 Oct 2007 16:29:24 EDT

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!!

Reflections of a frazzled mom

Jennifer Randolph — Wed, 12 Sep 2007 14:24:47 EDT

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.

AMAZING!!

U2mama for Obama-Gabrielle Grossman — Wed, 05 Sep 2007 14:22:51 EDT

Ok, so i was one of the lucky dinner guests. This experience has totally changed my life. It has been tremendous since the journey began with my $10 donation. I have a quick story to tell of how unique this campaign is. I chose to wear one of my OBAMA t-shirts to a sing-a-long for toddlers..I figured that would be a great place to advertise amongst about 75 families. So i did, and a Mom walked up to me and started sharing about her interest in Barack. she is a Texas native now living in NH and is totally excited to get on board..which she will. While we were chatting, a little girl ran by and her mother mentioned that she was from Ethiopia and her English was limited. At that moment sparks flew because my "new" friend was in the process of adopting from Ethiopia and it just so happend another mother at the sing-a-long was in the process as well. I shared that we plan to adopt but with the recent diagnosis of autism for my son..all plans are on hold.
This little story is a testament of how community grows. The initial connection was Barack OBAMA which lead to other connections. We are planning on talking some more. It is so important to get out there and take chances...find out the stories of other voters..and share your experience...That is how "real" community is formed and change happens...Spread the word!

Take action!

U2mama for Obama-Gabrielle Grossman — Thu, 23 Aug 2007 20:40:39 EDT

My first real blog. I am new to this but hopefully it will be a good outlet for all of the thoughts that swirl through my head during the day. First, this has been one of the best experiences of my life. I joined the campaign at the beginning of the summer and never expected it to become what it has in my life. In fact, I remember thinking to myself…if not me..WHO will do it? I have been so sick of the news, the lies, and the state of the world and have felt totally powerless. However, now I have found an incredible tool to get our voices heard and that is action. By getting involved and encouraging my community to get involved I have regained my power. If we don’t take action who will? Never did I imagine that my initial step of action would lead to having dinner with Barack Obama but it did. And that in itself says it all…When we put our hearts into action…magic happens. I have seen the magic of this campaign within myself and others. IT is a powerful force that can change the world.

While all of this was happening my son was also diagnosed with autism. It is pretty easy to turn inward when something like this happens but as a mother it is my responsibility to fight for a safe, honest and dignified country. So, this action has been incredibly healing. My suggestion to everyone is to get involved. Get your friends, neighbor, co-workers to check out this incredible movement. It really does work! I would love to hear any suggestion on how to get more involved in the community in order to get the message out there.

No Child Left Behind--Opinions?

Sarah Kelly — Mon, 16 Apr 2007 12:43:34 EDT

I would love to hear everyone's opinions about the No Child Left Behind Act. I haven't met anyone yet who likes it the way it is--most people I talk to seem to feel it needs to be changed in some ways or dumped altogether.

What's your opinion? If you think it just needs to be changed some, what are the changes you suggest? If you think it needs to go away entirely, what sort of policy would you like to see? What about special education services? ESL?

I am hoping that together we can come up with a list of suggestions to send to Senator Obama as he works on his education policy.

2008 Bush Budget Reduces Funding for Disability Programs

AnnV — Mon, 26 Feb 2007 12:06:00 EST

Below is the newsline from a national organization that tries to advocate for our most vulnerable Americans. This gives a good thumbnail sketch of what Bush thinks is proper to cut in funding while he gives the richest tax cuts and spends money we don't have on this horrific war....the Senate will not pass it, but for years when the Republicans controlled both houses it was a nightmare and people are suffering their actions.

President’s Budget Reduces Funding for Disability ProgramsOn February 5, 2007, President Bush released his budget proposal. This is the first step of marking the official start of the federal funding cycle. The president’s budget recommends cuts to most health, education and work programs of importance to people with disabilities. Education ProgramsThe President’s budget level funds at the FY ’07 level, Part B of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). This would result in a reduction in funding for these programs. Additionally, the President proposes a $13 million cut to the early intervention program for infants and toddlers with disabilities and their families.Medicaid If enacted, the Administration’s Medicaid proposals would substantially reduce the federal funds that states use to purchase services. Medicaid is the primary source of funding for community support services for adults with disabilities. In addition, Medicaid provides funding for some populations for many services that children need and that cannot be addressed through special education services. The manner in which states can make up the loss of Medicaid funds are as follows:· cutting back on their Medicaid programs by reducing eligibility, benefits, or payments to providers; · cutting back on other state programs and using those funds to replace federal Medicaid dollars lost; or,· increasing taxes. Congress is unlikely to accept these cuts and will develop its own spending plan this spring as it moves through the budget and appropriations process. NDSC will closely monitor these activities.*************************************************************************************************************Senate Health Committee Approves Mental Health Parity Bill

By an 18-3 vote, the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee on February 14 approved legislation (S. 558) requiring business with 50 or more workers to offer the same medical benefits for mental health care as they do for other medical conditions.

The proposed Mental Health Parity Act of 2007 would not require businesses to offer mental health benefits, but if they do, benefit packages must be in parity with other medical benefits in the areas of patient deductibles, co-payments, and annual and lifetime coverage limits, as well in covered hospital days and visits.

The bill's sponsors have said they hope the measure can be brought to the Senate floor soon. A similar bill is expected to be introduced into the House in March.

In March, Reps. Patrick J. Kennedy (D-R.I.) and Jim Ramstad (R-Minn.) are expected to introduce companion legislation, the Paul Wellstone Mental Health and Addiction Equity Act.

Lifespan Respite Care ActThe Lifespan Respite Care Act, passed last year, expands access to respite care through a competitive grant process. Lifespan respite programs are defined as coordinated systems of accessible, community-based respite care services for caregivers of individuals regardless of the individual's age, race, ethnicity or special need.

The new law would authorize $289 million over five years for state grants to develop Lifespan Respite Programs to help family’s access quality, affordable respite care. Lifespan respite programs are defined in the Act “as coordinated systems of accessible, community-based respite care services for family caregivers of children and adults with special needs.” Specifically, the law authorizes funds for:

development of state and local lifespan respite programs;
planned or emergency respite care services;
training and recruitment of respite care workers and volunteers; and
caregiver training.

Funds would be provided on a competitive grant basis to state agencies, other public or private nonprofit entities capable of operating on a statewide basis, a political subdivision of a state that has a population greater than three million, or any already recognized state respite coordinating body. President Bush did not include funding for the Act in his FY ’08 budget proposal However, efforts are underway in the Senate to funds will be appropriated in the FY ’08 Congressional budget. For a copy of the Act, go to www.archrespite.org/RespiteAct.pdf.

The most important birthday gift to my daughter turning 14 tomorrow....

AnnV — Sat, 24 Feb 2007 18:49:20 EST

Our children give us so much and being the heart of our lives - what could I give her that would benefit her in ways beyond my love & support? It is a given that I want her to have all the opportunity for health, love and growth in life. I have bought a few small gifts I know will make her smile when she unties the bow and unwraps the box...but it struck me when she answered one of many "What do you want for your birthday" questions when she said to get something that would help someone who really needed it and while that was gratifying and making a donation is something I was happy to do for her, I had to decide what cause or what organization would be fitting? Then I realized this morning that donating what I could each month to Barack's campaign would be my way of giving all of us a chance at a better future. It would give my three children a better chance and all children a better chance at being healthy, at being safe, at being better educated, at being better served and serving others in their communities, at having parents or family members or guardians in better opportunities for a livable wage, a more secure job, a chance to continue their education, a brighter future in the facets of how who our leaders are do make a difference in our lives and the lives of those we love and care about the most and beyond. The donation isn't much - it's only $30.00 a month but it represents $10.00 given in honor of Emily, my amazing 14 year old daughter, and $10.00 for Duncan, my courageous 11 year old son who has made all of us better in the spirit, love and strength he faces in having Down syndrome and Autism, yet is so much more wise and forgiving than the majority of the world's population...and $10.00 for my baby - Allie, who is now 8 years old and knows far more about politics and why Mommy is a Democrat than your average second grader. I get a weekly update from her on whose parents of her classmates "Are voting for Barack, Mom!"

When I have a more permanent income and can budget more for our little household to give then we will and in the meantime, do what we can out in the community to be involved. I can't think of a better way to show my children their future is important to me and that I do want them safe and I do want us to see peace come to so many places that are in horrible circumstances. That I do want America to be restored to the world community as a source of good. I ask that all of us consider ways we can encourage ourselves and others to give a donation as a way to honor someone we love and care about it. It can be for all kinds of circumstances and a one time or monthly donation as the site allows.

All for now as we are heading out for a celebration with family and cake! My Emily has already informed me that when Barack runs for re-election for President it will be her first time voting!

Will our voice be heard, too? Barack is our only hope in this race...if you love someone with developmental disabilities please read on

AnnV — Tue, 13 Feb 2007 23:26:17 EST

...or send it to someone you know who does have a loved one or works with children and/or adults with special needs.

I'm a mom and therefore a fierce advocate. I need to believe that Barack Obama will welcome us to this campaign and see that those citizens like my son are finally recognized as Americans who matter, too. I need to know I have a President that believes and sees to it that if you have a child with developmental disabilities like I do, that the challenges I am up against in raising him to be healthy, happy, and reach his full potential is EQUALLY important to my raising his two sisters to be healthy, happy and to reach their full potential.

It takes more than medicaid and IDEA - fully funded or not (and it hasn't so far - only cuts) and it takes more than a pat on the head and the number to call Special Olympics. Please know that I mean no disrespect and cherish SO and wonderful organizations like it and the ARC's around the country, but that's not adequate to the dire and increasing needs that are only building. We are facing a crisis no one is talking about beyond our special needs communities execpt for the alarming rate of Autism's rise. No one is seeing on the radar how baby boomers with developmental disabilties are living longer, their parents from the "greatest generation" are passing on or can't care for them and what will happen as numbers grow and grow...as families are strained finanically, physically in caregiving when not working, and there are not jobs or adequate housing options for those coming out of school systems where billions are spent to prepare special ed students to work but there are no jobs or options.

Autism is on the rise - big new stories on it and calls for research, but how are families coping every day and the day after and beyond? I truly believe Michelle and Barack Obama have the compassion and ability to try and view from parents eyes "what if" in the journey and the frightening challenges parents must face of the LIFESPAN of their child. When Michelle said in her interview that she and Barack think of the other children out there and families who don't have the same opportunities or circumstances their daugters have - it compelled me to start this blog.

My son has Down syndrome and Autism. He had open heart at 4 months and a full repair (blessedly) and my family has stood by me and my children when my husband - their dad couldn't "deal with it". My sister assures me that my son will not be at risk of ever not being cared for and he'll always have the means with all of my family to be safe and in a warm and loving setting no matter what. While that means the world, I think of so many who do not have that good fortune. What about those children and those parents - those grown adult children and those aging parents - who fear the worst and wonder what will become of their child?

The greatest measure of our humanity is how we help others who cannot always help themselves.

Our fellow Americans with developmental disabilties are still the unseen and the unheard. The discomfort and unappreciation of their value, their gifts and their equal rights is a reality that must change. Recognition and response to participate and be part of this change with Senator Obama is critical for us - both in the most basic necessities of quality of life, healthcare, education, jobs and housing, but equally that we have a place in the America he sees as possible. That we all do matter and if you have a developmental disability you are just as much an American as all of us and have a right to that dream of health, liberty and the pursuit of happiness - like everyone else.

Our western culture was horrified at learning in China female children were less valued than male children. We were outraged rightfully so to learn of baby girls abandoned in numbers beyond our comprehension. Yet, a child that is affected by disorders that result in low IQ's and mental retardation/intellectual disabilities is rarely met with joy in our society. They are met with despair, fear, and far too often old prejudices and stereotypes of outdated days. It's the worst news most parents feel they can get. Medically you can hope for cures, for proceedures to make things better for a child facing a physical challenge. But Down syndrome? Mental retardation? The Gerber Baby doesn't have Down syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, Fragile X, or those conditions that can lead to MR.

It is said you can be anything if you work hard enough and believe - but what they don't say is you better be "smart" "normal". So what are you likely to experience when you are intellectually disabled/mentally retarded? If you are an adult, you are living in poverty unless you have family. You are not likely to live in any independent/semi-independent setting unless your family has the income and the savvy to have put your name on a list since you were 8 years old because the shortages are so extreme.

You are way more likely not have a job because we've done a poor job (bad pun but true) of caring enough to see what models work and what employers who do hire people with such challenges do in success for all. You probably feel isolated if you don't have community opportunities, no job options and can't live as you may have hoped - as independently as possible, so you're likely depressed. Wouldn't anyone be?

Well, I have the audacity to believe and hope that Barack Obama will respond to those of us who love someone that needs more from all of us. I believe he and Michelle will listen and seek ways to find out how families and caregivers can be given the venues of support within our communities and our nation to help us feel like our loved ones matter just as much as everyone else. I have the hope that an Obama campaign will welcome volunteers with special needs that can stuff envelopes, canvass with other volunteers and share with him what they care about and will find he cares about them, too.

I believe that loved ones of Americans with developmental disabilties will support, contribute, volunteer and vote for a candidate that invites us too to be part of a new beginning. Barack Obama is our only chance. Of that I am 100% certain. Hillary Clinton sponsored the National Respite Care Act. For that I thank her, but it's not the legislation that will go unfunded but will be trumpeted that can make change. We need to engage Americans beyond those directly affected to give a damn. To call for ways to identify biggest issues and solutions that are across government levels, community / nonprofit and private sectors.

I have found big political machines like the Hillary have no time for an invisible constituency. John Edwards has built a platform around those in poverty, but dismisses those "who can't work because they have some disabiltiy" as having medicaid to take care of them. The majority of adults with disabilties live in POVERTY and he NEVER mentions them unless it's tied to medicaid and that was only one time. I am convinced we will never be part of an Edwards plan as it's not on the pollster's to do list.

My son does not ask for much more than to be loved and he loves everyone. He trusts all of us with his love and happiness in being alive and in life with all of it's good things. His sisters are better people for him being their brother. I am a far, far better and wiser person, mother, friend and member of the planet with what he has taught me - in the hard lessons and the lovely ones.

You hear that over and over and over among parents, family members, professionals and volunteers/friends who have someone in their life with developmental disabilties.

We have failed these Americans and their families and continue to do so. I know that Barack Obama is the only candidate with the candor and purpose that will be willing to seek ways to change that. Please, please contact him and tell him we are here and need to be part of the future we all want to work towards creating. Without you in numbers telling him we can't be heard with just one voice. The movement is so big and so strong we'll be drowned out unless you join me.

Barack inspires everyday in many ways. Not too many of us can say that. But my son inspires every day with his love and seeing the best in those around him and the joy of things we take for granted. I owe it to him and those like him to try and reach for this hope.