Many people know me as Redwolftimes, author of the blog "The Front Porch Gazette". What maybe you don't
know is that I have 3 children, and one of my children
is a "special needs" child. He is on the Autism spectrum,fortunately he is on the high functioning end
of the spectrum. I have spent the better part of the last 8 years watching my son struggle with his disability, but by the same token I have seen him triumph when the odds (and people who couldn't find their butt with both hands)said that he didn't have a chance. I have also witnessed first hand the prejudice and assumptions made out of ignorance, that somehow his disability was in some way linked to his
ability to learn & grow as a human being. I have also had to endure the stares and angry looks of strangers when my child has a behavior, again I chalk it up to ignorance and a lack of understanding of the situation. It hasn't been easy these past 8 years, I'd be lying if I said it was. But what it has been is a learning experience, one that I feel truly blessed that I have been able to watch (and marvel) at the process that my son has gone through. He is a happy and very loving special little man, and not a day goes by that I feel thankful he is in our lives. Recently a blogger here at MyBloggers questioned Governor Palin and her husbands decision go ahead with the birth of her baby, even though the child was diagnosed with Downs Syndrome. Choosing to refer to the baby as "retarded", which in my opinion was not only cruel but devoid of any sensitivity. Also brought into question was why Governor Palin didn't stay at home and tend to her child instead of being involved in a Pesidential election. I found that viewpoint to be a tad archaic in nature and laden with misinformation. Ever since my 1st child was born I have been their daycare..yes "daddy day care". But I have also worked, mostly "graveyard" shifts and I have worked 40+ hours in this time period. But child care is just part of my home responsibilities, I also cook,do laundry, and houseclean while my wife works outside the home & attends nursing school on the weekends. I feel very competent in the level of care and attention I provide for my children, for what they lack in material goods is more then made up with the love my wife and I give them. So take my advice before you make broad, general comments as you have, walk a mile in my shoes and see if you don't come away with a different opinion.