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Post by CC on Oct 24, 2008 23:39:12 GMT -5
Memo To Palin: Fruit Fly Research Has Led To Advances In Understanding Autism» This morning, Gov. Sarah Palin (R-AK) gave her first policy speech urging the federal government to fully fund the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), “a law ensuring services to children with disabilities throughout the nation.” In the speech, Palin cited the need to do more for children with disabilities such as autism:
For many parents of children with disabilities, the most valuable thing of all is information. Early identification of a cognitive or other disorder, especially autism, can make a life-changing difference.
Palin claimed that the amount that Congress spends on earmarks “is more than the shortfall to fully fund IDEA.” She then ridiculed some of the projects — such as “fruit fly research” — saying they have little or no value:
Where does a lot of that earmark money end up anyway? […] You’ve heard about some of these pet projects they really don’t make a whole lot of sense and sometimes these dollars go to projects that have little or nothing to do with the public good. Things like fruit fly research in Paris, France. I kid you not.
Watch it:
Palin did not specify what fruit fly research earmark she was referring to (presumably a grant for olive fruit fly research), but she is apparently unaware that scientific research with fruit flies has led to valuable discoveries that have boosted autism research, as a study at the University of North Carolina demonstrated last year:
cientists at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine have shown that a protein called neurexin is required for..nerve cell connections to form and function correctly.
The discovery, made in Drosophila fruit flies may lead to advances in understanding autism spectrum disorders, as recently, human neurexins have been identified as a genetic risk factor for autism.
The study of fruit flies has also been used for other autism research and “revolutionize[d]” the study of birth defects.
This info is ALL over the net, she should have known it, before she spoke along with the fact that McCain has stated he will be putting a spending freeze on ALL if he were president. She I am sure is one very nice person BUT NO way ready to take over the office she is applying for
CC ~ who also would have LOVED to pull for her as a fellow parent of one with a disability but just for that reason I can't.
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Post by susan on Oct 25, 2008 0:26:18 GMT -5
Hi! I am not much of a blogger, but I feel this is an important topic. The needs of our beautiful children. The has been asked about the difference between the McCain camp with Gov. Palin's child, who will need special services thoughout his life and how Obama's camp feel about the cost involved. First, Palin's child is little and right now does not need much other than physical and occupational therapy. As we all know these services are pretty darn good. Now, when her child enters school, his services will change and so the behaviors of the educators, depending on where you live. So, in that respect, there's not much she can do now, BUT when she starts getting PPT's, and resistance of some of the staff on which direction her child should go in, that's where we went her to be vocal. Long term, I believe she will be a great voice for all children with special needs. Now, Obama, I don't think he will. 1.) If you listened carefully to the last debate, he said it is costly to educate a child with autism. 2.) In his book, Obamoconomics(sp), he states(and I'm paraphasing) that he would like to see people pay for their own healthcare and at the age of 26yrs. you should make a decision if you want the more costly insurance or not. Those that do not will not be given healthcare after the age of 72yrs. He feels most of the healthcare spent already is for the eldery. Hospice should take over at that time. It's on pages 123-127. I am not sure I understood everything. But, if you put that in perspective, with his stance on late term abortion, his comments about the cost of educating kids with autism, the cost of healthcare, who lives or dies. I feel you need to make you own choices. McCain, probably would cut funds, also, Gov. Palin is in his face. There's the difference. Now, do most of you know that since 2005, billions have already been cut for special needs off IDEA? This is very important, because Polosi is in charge and she has no respect for our children. Look at who gets the funds in San Fran. Great city, but not great on special needs compared to the rest of the state or surrounding areas. Just my opinion. Please vote for who think will best serve you and your family.
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Post by Emilysmom on Oct 25, 2008 9:20:51 GMT -5
I'm sorry Alice, but I have removed the link you posted. We have agreed that it's ok to discuss our feelings regarding each candidate....but no bashing of either candidate here. The anti Obama website which you posted is out there on the web for people to view if they want to, but I don't think it's appropriate for this site. At this point, I think the members here know how we (those of us who have posted our opinions) feel about each candidate.
Susan
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Post by Alice on Oct 25, 2008 9:40:40 GMT -5
Whatever, Susan, you are moderator and you know better what we can or can not post here. ;D
As I sad in my post (which was deleted by Susan):
Please listen to Susan, she is always right!
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Post by momofrussell on Oct 25, 2008 9:55:03 GMT -5
Susan is always right??? ;D LOL Well, maybe....... If we are going to post links here regarding candidates... keep in mind to make sure they are things like fact checking sites that give BOTH sides..... or pieces that might pertain to records, things that would pertain to our children, etc... We are in new territory discussing this freely here. We (mods) think it's going ok under the circumstances... it's a very charged year for us, history is being made on both sides.... we want you ALL to be heard..... and trust me.. we hear you ALL... LOUD AND CLEAR ;D Even with us wanting to vote for one or the other.... TRY to at least stay "objective" with your postings on OUR site.... Carry on Ladies and Gents A.
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Post by Googsmom aka Jennifer on Oct 25, 2008 10:24:05 GMT -5
I might get some flack for this BUT I thought this was a board about Down Syndrome, NOT politics? Again, just sitting here waving my white flag
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Post by ALLISA on Oct 25, 2008 10:30:06 GMT -5
This IS a board about DS....but we all share SO MUCH of our lives here....much more than DS....I think the post is a respectful discussion and I'm glad to have it.....perhaps it could go under the "off-topic" etc forum.....but......I know on the other forums I belong to ( parents with children with Diabetes & parents of children with Autism and Parenting in general...politcs is important and is discussed) I thank hte moderators for fielding the posts and for respecting us enough let us TRY and have a discussion about it. One site I know.....man oh man.....they shut down ANY thread that looks like it is "offtopic"....even CLOSE threads that "have already been discussed"....telling the poster who was writing to inquire about something to go and search and find it..... Sorry that has NOTHING to do with this....but it AGGRAVATES me !! Thanks all moderators for watching over us and in 2 weeks....it'll all be over !!
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Post by Radonna on Oct 25, 2008 11:03:47 GMT -5
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Post by Emilysmom on Oct 25, 2008 11:55:43 GMT -5
ROFL Alice!! You said that??? I must have missed that part! I'm fairly sure I've been wrong way more often than right, but who's keeping track?
Thanks for understanding.
Susan
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Post by Emilysmom on Oct 25, 2008 12:06:26 GMT -5
Jennifer, Just think of this as "broadening our horizons"....whatever that means! We used to be a bit more firm about not discussing things like politics. But, I keep thinking this: EVERYWHERE I go lately, people are discussing this election. At work, at church, at the kids ball games, etc. It's really an important part of our life. Down syndrome affects us. But our government leaders have a huge effect on us too. I really see this site as part of my "extended" FAMILY. And, as I've said before..........with family, you sometimes agree and sometimes not, but you talk things out. I think that's healthy. It also seems to me that many times the MAIN discussions each day are done in this section. Things that are in the other sections tend to get overlooked a bit. So, I'm ok with the election posts being right here unless others have huge issues with it. We do try hard to do what the group, as a whole, wants. I don't go to any other sites, but I've heard that on other sites the discussions haven't always been respectful or kind. So, we're doing good! ! !
Susan
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Post by Googsmom aka Jennifer on Oct 25, 2008 12:17:03 GMT -5
I'm just praying that after all this is over and whomever is chosen we are all still friends and no one gets their feelings hurt. I just love everyone here and don't want anyone to feel bad or have their feelings hurt. I agree, this discussion is going WAY better than some others I have ran accross and that is good I'm just sad that there is so much "bashing" going on, not really here, but out in the world. It's sad I guess I just worry about different things. Continue on friends {{{{{HUGS FOR EVERYONE}}}}}}}}
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Post by Ericsmomma on Oct 25, 2008 12:51:22 GMT -5
I guess why I get so riled up is because of the unfair media coverage... They have massacred Sarah Palin in the mainstream media, even taking horrible pot-shots at her family. They scrutinize EVERYTHING she says, and alot of times, takes things out of context. Do you see them doing that to Joe Biden? The same Joe Biden who didn't know who was president during the last depression? The Joe Biden who was one of only 5 senators who in 1973 voted AGAINST the Alaskan Pipeline (the pipeline that has given us some protection against foreign oil), the Joe Biden who when running for the Democratic nomination this year was fearful of Obama, because he lacked experience? Hillary Clinton was the democrat who sounded the alarm about Obama and ACORN and Ayers. I find that very interesting. If the liberal press is going to dish it out, they should dish it out to everyone, fair and square. Thats what bothers me about this election....and I hope it doesn't suck too many people in.
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Post by Radonna on Oct 25, 2008 12:59:52 GMT -5
I do think it's totally unfair how much scrutiny is being paid to Sarah Palin even down to how much her clothes cost and who pays for them. I think it would be the same though had Hillary gotten the nom. I think Women in general face a media far different to them than to their male counterparts. I've not seen one single web site talking about how much Joe Biden's suits cost but you see all kinds of debate over how much money Sarah Palin spends on her clothes. In truth the RNC buys her clothing.
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Post by Radonna on Oct 25, 2008 13:05:25 GMT -5
It kills me to not vote for a woman~ I would have had Hillary signs all over my yard if she had gotten the Nom. I understand the passion behind wanting to vote for McCain /Palin. Especially us having the connection we all have with her.
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Post by Ericsmomma on Oct 25, 2008 13:19:06 GMT -5
p.s Radonna! I'm so glad to see you posting again....I almost fell out of my chair when I saw how old Kaden is! It just seems like a few years ago he was a little boy! I'm glad to hear all is going well with you and yours!
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