Don’t Be Down On Palin

National Review: John McCain Could Save Lives By Choosing The Alaskan Governor As His Running Mate

(National Review Online)  This column was written by Kathryn Jean Lopez.

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John McCain could save lives with his vice-presidential pick.

“I’m looking at him right now, and I see perfection. Yeah, he has an extra chromosome. I keep thinking, in our world, what is normal and what is perfect?”

That’s Alaska’s Republican governor, Sarah Palin, talking about her infant son, Trig, born with Down Syndrome. When Todd and Sarah Palin learned last December that their baby would have Down Syndrome, they not only saved a life but made a decision that would touch the lives of families living with similar gifts across the country.

Down Syndrome is “the most commonly occurring chromosomal abnormality”: One of every 733 babies is born with Down Syndrome, according to the National Down Syndrome Society.

The governor’s website includes a Trig-welcoming-committee page with comments from Americans across the nation.

Alice from Wadsworth, Ohio, writes: “Congratulations on your new baby. You will enjoy the differences this child has from other children. Our kids really shine when participating in sports, and sports has so much to teach all of us. My ‘baby’ is 35, and I’m still enjoying watching him achieve and grow.”

Kay from Vancouver, Wash., writes: “Congratulations on the birth of your new baby, Trig. My oldest son Cody was born 33 years ago with Down Syndrome, so I know the joy you and your family will experience.”

Joe from Waterbury, Conn., writes: “Dear Governor Palin and family, I just read a story in the newspaper about the birth of your new son. My daughter, Martha, was born 28 years ago with Down syndrome. She has done very well. There is no need to be overly nervous. Things will work out for you and your family. Down syndrome is probably the most studied aspect of special education. The idea that Down syndrome children bring joy is really true. Make sure he is included with everything that the rest of your kids do. I respect the choice that you and your husband have made. I know from experience that you will be pleasantly rewarded and surprised (in the good sense) by the choice you have made.”

Paul and Noreen from Lockport, N. Y., wrote: “Dear Palin Family: Congratulations on the birth [of] Trig. As grandparents of a Down syndrome child we can tell you that our life is enriched by our grandson Aidan. We look forward to spending our time with him and see his love of life and continuing growth. God truly blessed us with him. He has shown us an inner strength to never give up. The best things in life come to us unexpectedly. God bless you and you family.”

A father from Abilene, Texas, wrote lovingly:
Dear Governor Palin, As a parent of a 2 year old with Down syndrome, I want to express my heartfelt congratulations on the birth of your special son. I remember all of the reservations and fears that my wife and I had the first days of his life. We had a lot to learn. Archer continues to be a great joy in our lives. He IS much more work than our other 2 children but it is a labor of love, NOT a burden. He has changed our lives in ways we would have never predicted. He has made me a better, kinder, more tolerant man. My children have benefited in ways that are indescribable. I know they will never act as I did as a child. I know they will defend the weakest among them. In short, Archer is a celebrity in Abilene, Texas. He brings joy to everyone that comes in contact with him. I know now that these children are put here for a specific reason by God. It is so evident to me that His hand is at work when I look at their faces and see all of the similarities. Children and adults with Down syndrome look like brothers and sisters and react that way when meeting for the first time. How could that NOT be by design. You and your family are truly blessed to have the privilege of raising this child. What ever feelings or concerns you and your family have had, others have had the same ones and you all are not alone. You are beginning a most rewarding journey that will be filled with challenges, but mostly joy. I always took for granted that our kids would learn to walk and talk. Archer has shown me what hard work it really is. All of these milestones aren’t merely footnotes in his life, they are truly accomplishments that are worthy of celebration. Rest assured that your boy [will] make them also with your help. But we learned that they do it on their timeline, not ours and so will you. Again, congratulations on the birth of your son. I wouldn’t trade or change my boy for anything, and I’m sure you feel the same way.
You get the idea.

“Joy.”

“Gift.”

“Blessing.”

“Love.”

“Amazing.”

Not only are children with Down Syndrome people too, they inspire a deep love and enthusiastic appreciation. Especially in the face of a culture that wants to expunge them. According to a study cited in the New York Times last year, “About 90 percent of pregnant women who are given a Down syndrome diagnosis have chosen to have an abortion.” (Emphasis added.) Most American women are given prenatal tests.

At 44, Governor Palin is a bit young and relatively new to the political scene yet. These are no small considerations when electing someone who could assume the role of president (Democrats: Check out your nominee with that reservation . . . ). But if the youngest life she and her husband care for can wake up a nation that’s blind to the eugenics in its midst, a routine part of medicine today, she and John McCain would be offering human rights and dignity a great, honorable service. In contrast to Barack Obama, who would let the survivors of botched abortion attempts be killed, the Palins could serve as a great clarifier for voters this fall - and an education.

[dashortround]

"The point not to be overlooked with Palin''s stand against abortion is that in the face of adversity she took the high road and witnessed on a very deep level her commitment to her moral principles."

Posted by McCurryM4

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She''s a Republican governor, for christ''s sake. What choice did that really leave her? If she''d been seen walking into an abortion clinic, the evangelical Republicans would have publicly crucified her! Bye-bye political career!

She really had no choice at all, given the political consequences, so it''s a bit presumptuous to assume that she might not have WISHED she actually DID have a choice, at that point. Maybe she did!

By the way, using the term "witnessed" in that way instantly identifies you as a religious nut. Normal people don''t use that word in any other context other than the "I saw..." or "I observed..." sense - as in: "I witnessed a crime."

[sanfelz]

If Obama is elected and the US ends its occupation of Iraq sooner, lives will be saved, including the lives of children already born.
Abortions will always be performed when there are unwanted pregnancies. The only questions are whether they will be safe and available to all or restricted just to the well-connected and well-heeled.

[mccurrym4]

The point not to be overlooked with Palin''s stand against abortion is that in the face of adversity she took the high road and witnessed on a very deep level her commitment to her moral principles. That and her dynamic energy, her understanding of conservative principles by a women''s perspective - Sarah Palin is a feminest in the truest meaning of that word. She is pro-life and pro America with the knowledege and record to prove it. She would be a tremendous asset to the McCain campaign, the Republican Party and most of all to this great nation. Vice President SARAH PALIN !!!

[caldwellptr]

Republicans abort Gay fetus.

[kazoodan]

AintTaken,

I agree. This article isn''t about Down syndrome. It''s using Down syndrome as a vehicle to promote anti-abortion. And the title of the article is pathetic. Is Palin even being considered for the VP slot?

[thcarson-2009]

She''s smoking hot, I hope McCain picks her. If he does I''d make sure she got plenty of camera time.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sarah_Palin

[oneworldusa]

The lack of affordable health care or health care that can still render one bankrupt with copayments and coinsurances these days makes it very difficult financially to have a healthy family with an occasional illness much less a disabled child with special needs. Down''s Syndrome kids may not be medically challenged per se, but other conditions require constant medical attention. Some of these children will never be able to speak up for themselves, never hold a job, and will be at the mercy of caregivers the rest of their lives. What happens when the parents pass away? The child is alone or dependent on the system which often abuses them.

There are some conditions we can test for that end up being a life of doom for babies/children. They may struggle for a few days and die. I think it in some instances is more humane to end a pregnancy than have a baby endure childbirth to live, struggle, suffer and die.

I agree with a woman''s legal right to chose or not choose abortion for medical reasons, either hers or her baby''s. I do not agree with abortion as a method of birth control, as so many women have several, over and over again for this reason.

[ausus-2009]

ainttaken,

I took the story as one inviting empathy for children with Down (also known as Down''s) Syndrome and their parents. I doubt if even National Review would seriously consider having a Down Syndrome child would qualify a person for the Vice Presidency if they had no foreign, domestic or economic policy experience.

I was more annoyed at remarks by DaShortRound and you that seemed trivialize the situation.

Have you had a chance to look at this site?
http://www.jeansforgenes.org.au/

[ausus-2009]

ainttaken,

After that insensitive and inappropriate remark, I must assume your IQ is lower than McCain''s.

[mustang9026]

The Rasmussen poll says Mike Huckabee would add 8 points to McCain''s vote and Mitt Romney would decrease it by 6 points. Now if McCain chooses Romney as VP, I would be in favor of an armed insurrection to take over the government by force. After all, Thomas Jefferson once said that from time to time, the tree of liberty must be refreshed with the blood of patriots and tyrants.

[ausus-2009]

I was hoping discussion would look at what could be done, instead of the usual political bickering. Perhaps some of the correspondents need to look at this site. http://www.jeansforgenes.org.au/

[ubrew12]

ausus said: "I do not believe in breeding fetuses just to terminate them to harvest the parts to improve the lifestyle of an existing person." What parts? We''re talking about a clump of undifferentiated cells you could lose in the palm of your hand. But... they have a complete genome.

[ausus-2009]

Ironically, today is Jeans for Genes day in Australia, where money raised from special events is for research into genetically caused birth defects.

On your question ubrew12, I do not believe in breeding fetuses just to terminate them to harvest the parts to improve the lifestyle of an existing person.

[ubrew12]

ausus said: "I have worked with people who were severely handicapped following traffic accidents and wouldn''t have terminated the life of any of them."

Would you be willing to use fetal stem cells on them to bring them back to normal function?

[ausus-2009]

DaShortRound,

Your opinions are reminiscent of the leaders of Nazi Germany. You are effectively saying that if a life is less than perfect, it should be terminated. Would you carry this on to euthanizing people who have passed their used by date (80th birthday perhaps?). How about people with acquired brain injury. I have worked with people who were severely handicapped following traffic accidents and wouldn''t have terminated the life of any of them.

[danoh2-2009]

I thought he opinion article %u201CDon%u2019t Be Down On Palin%u201D, was a warm, loving and touching piece. I felt it demonstrated the strong character and beliefs of Governor Palin and her family. A story about a person who walks the talk.

Some of the responses really surprised me. The spewing of hate, selfishness and pure unadulterated arrogance took me surprise. It%u2019s too bad, I guess some people are just haters.

[ubrew12]

I hope McCain DOES pick Sarah Palin. After awhile, Americans would be asking, ''is that really the criteria we want to apply to the person next in line to the most powerful office in the world''?

And McCains lack of judgement, his willingness to disregard the very real desires of his countrymen for a sober choice for VP, will be revealed.

Make the romantic choice, McCain, and sell the office of VICE PRESIDENT for all the Down''s Syndrome unborn there are in America right now! Truly: nothing else (not the faltering economy. not the various MidEast wars. not the looming Boomer retirement. not the resurgent Al-Qaida in Pakistan. not the national debt.) NOTHING is more important than demonstrating our right-to-life credentials... to all the Christians out there who (thank God) DON''T have a Downs Syndrome child but know EXACTLY (as in, not at all) which way they would go if presented with such a difficult choice as Palin had to make.

''You''ll complete them'', McCain, if you make Palin your choice!!! (The rest of us will *** sure keep you from becoming Prez next November, you hopeless romantic)

[dashortround]

I think that the truth of it probably is that Palin, being stuck with the GOP''s anti-abortion dogma, and not wanting to lose her GOP-backed governors office, didn''t DARE even CONSIDER having an abortion, even if she''d wanted to.

She had no choice but to have that child, like it or not.

[dashortround]

@ netadmin:

And who made you god, that you think you have any right to tell others when to speak and when not to? Bite me! If you don''t like my comments, then don''t read them. If you don''t like abortion, then don''t have one. It''s really just that simple.

But DO NOT presume to dictate to ME how to live my life, or how to think.

Go make all the retarded kids you want - just don''t try to force me (or anyone else) to do the same - you''ll have more of a fight on your hands than you can possibly handle.

The article was about the selfish joys of raising retarded children. We''ll comment on that all we want, without your permission, thanks!

[netadmin1-2009]

Talk all you want about the candidates - leave the choice of having a child with down syndrome out of it. The easy way out is to have an abortion.