Sarah Palin, Governor of Alaska and John McCain’s Vice Presidential pick is also mom to Trig, a son with Down Syndrome. However, it remains to been seen if Palin’s family circumstance with influence McCain’s stance on the Community Choice Act (CCA). The CCA would allow people with severe disabilities to remain in their homes and avoid institutionalization.
Palin’s decision to carry her pregnancy to term despite early diagnosis of the chromosomal difference is hailed by pro-life supporters. The disability community may similarly hail her, as long-time disability rights reporter Nat Hentoff has already done in the Washington Times Op-Ed of 26 May 2008, in which he suggested Palin as a running mate:
http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2008/may/26/sarah-palin-as-mccains-vp/
Governor Palin, the Republican Party does not have the best record of accomplishments with the disability community. Remember— we’re watching and we vote.
SOURCES/RELATED:
Ten Things You Didn’t Know About Sarah Palin
http://www.usnews.com/articles/news/2008/08/29/10-things-you-didnt-know-about-sarah-palin.html
Update: Alaskan Governor Sarah Palin Welcomes Son; Introducing Trig Paxson Van
http://www.celebrity-babies.com/2008/04/alaskan-governo.html
Gov. Sarah Palin Discusses Son Trig's Down Syndrome Diagnosis
http://www.celebrity-babies.com/2008/05/gov-sarah-palin.html
Gov. Palin Gives Birth to Son Trig
http://www.adn.com/news/alaska/story/380134.html
37 comments:
As the father of a son who has down's syndrome, I am heartened at the nomination of Sarah Palin to be the vice presidential nominee of the Republic Party.
My wife and I adopted our charming son with Down's, who will be 12 years old around Christmas. We knew what we were getting into and always wanted him. Sarah Palin and her husband learned of their son's potential to have Down's through genetic counseling, and decided to carry him to term. As a politician who is pro choice, Sarah Palin, could hardly have made the other choice. She describes him as "perfect."
I am beginning research on public attitudes toward people with Down's syndrome. I expected to find terrible attitudes in the 50s that would be getting better as we achieve more enlightenment. I am distressed at current references to the syndrome as "hopeless". I am still looking for people who think that children with down's syndrome have a future, and that their lives have value. Maybe I am looking in the wrong places.
Sarah Palin as vice president has the potential to change attitudes. She obviously loves and appreciates her son. I can foresee stories in People magazine with the Vice President and her husband holding their son, telling cute stories about his development. I can also see television news magazines like 20-20 airing stories about increased life expentancy in children with down's, about productive adults with down's syndrome, and about therapies that enable people with down's syndrome to live lives of increased productivity and value.
Before we become euphoric about these fantasies, we must remember what we don't know:
(1) what are Sarah Palin's positions about public issues that are important to the disability community? Most of these issues have not had any relevance to her constituency in Alaska, and she has not taken positions concerning them
(2) How much influence would Sarah Palin have in a McCain administation? The last two vice presidents have played a strong role in the creation of policy, but historically the vice president has been a weak job, ignored by the President's staff and mocked by Washington insiders and late night comedians.
Sarah Palin is considerably younger and less experience than John McCain. Their interaction would appear to be a big mismatch, with her deferring to the President.
The election of Sarah Palin as vice president would help the disability community in bringing the issue of down's syndrome to the public's attention and in generating positive publicity. Her election would probably be more of a symbolic victory for the disbility community and for people with down's syndrome than a substantive improvement.
DavidW
Vp canidate, Mrs. Palin is the mother of a child with a disablity.... This headline seems to attract alot of postive attention. It seems society wants to paint Mrs Palin as a national hero. Due to the fact that she decided to continue with her pregancy,after learning her child was to be born with Down syndrom. While I myself am not sold on the idea that she is a "hero,"(afterall thousands of other women have done the same in her position)I do believe her political position gives her a great opportunity to help promote equality and acceptance for people with disablities.
I am sure that Mrs. Palin -THE POLITICIAN will now advocate for the rights of disabled children, now that she herself is affected by a disablity. However, I am equally intrested in learning how she as a mother, will respond to the speacial demands of raising a baby with Down's.
I hope that in years to come she will be open and real with her experineces with raising a child diagnosed with a disability.
Mrs. Palin is in a unique postion to shed light on the reality of Down's Syndrom -both the good and the bad. In a way that could help reshape society's fatalistic perception of Down syndrome.
Cris M.
Other than the fact that Governor Sarah Palin was recently chosen as John McCain’s running mate, I am not too familiar with her. So when I first read this blog, I was surprised to discover that she has a child with Down Syndrome, and the fact that she decided to “carry her pregnancy to term despite early diagnosis of the chromosomal difference” truly touched me.
As the blog states, it should be interesting to see if Palin will affect McCain’s stance on the Community Choice Act (CCA) since at a meeting with the Denver chapter of the American Disabled for Attendant Programs Today (ADAPT), he openly stated that he would not support the legislation and gave several “poor” reasons for his decision. McCain was also quoted as saying that he “would have to let the voters decide that one.” After his statement, McCain went on record stating that he did support the American Disabled Act (ADA), but was uninterested in learning that the CCA and ADA were two separate entities.
Matthew V.
The article is very interesting for me because it would be hard to have a child with down's symdrome. It is very painful for the parents dealing with this situation like Sarah Palin. I think it is good to maintain these children at home instead in institutions because sometimes there are people who doesnt have the patience to treat them good or underestand them, and at home they feel more confortable doing any activities. Sometimes bad formations in genes forms all these problems. I like this Article. Claudia P.
The article on Governor Palin was a good one and I am glad she decided to keep her child despite his down syndrome diagnosis. I am sure she is a great mother to all her children. But I feel that some people are jumping on her bandwagon just for being a female.
Putting her family aside the majority of people, including myself do not know much about her experience.
I just do not agree with the media when they run with a story like this one about Palin. Again, I am sure she is an extraordinary mother but that does not mean she will be a good vice-president.
I believe that before the general public gets all excited about her they should ask questions and research further on her stand on the main issues that affect us today: the war (or better yet the occupation of Irag), our economy, the environment and a woman's rigth to choose pro life or pro choice.
Until then I will not hail Palin as some sort of hero for having a child with down sydrome. It is a fact of life that happens. I am more interested to see how she will hold herself under all the scrutiny on her.
MarilynC
In response to David W's comment about Palin being chosen for VP would help the disablility issues. I really do not agree. The issues that people with disablities have are already in the public's view but some just choose to not deal with it.
Yes, she does put a familiar face on it now and I am sure a lot more in the near future.
In the end she is still a politician and that could go either way for disability issues.
marilync
i think the fact that palins son has down syndrome will in fact play a role in Mccains campaign. considering she is running for VP she has to have some say in wat theyre campaign opinions will be. but knowing she knew about her childs down syndrome prior to birth really shows some heart in her and shows that she can be dedicated and handle tough situations. hopefully she will carry this character with her if her and mccain win into office.
i kno it has nothing to do with disability but i wonder what theyre stand on teen pregnancy and abortion is going to be.
-Gary G.
I didn’t even realize that Palin had a child with downs syndrome. However, you have to ask yourself, would she have continued the pregnancy after finding out that her child was going to have downs syndrome if she was not in political office? If she would have chosen to terminate the pregnancy and the public would have found that she choose to do so after finding out about the chromosomal difference she would have been eaten alive. I will give it to her, she probably got the vote from the pro-choice and people who have or are connect to disabilities.
With that said, I am not speaking negatively of Palin. Her speaking out about her child with a disability helps with public awareness. I was reading an article on her and her child and it was an article about person first language, because the reporter who was speaking before she came on said, “Down syndrome child”. So right there, the article it is starting to helping people understand and use person first language.
Cameron L.
I had never really hear much of gov. Sarah Palin, but the fact that she decided to give birth to a small boy with down syndrome says a lot about her character. Unlike other people who might have decided to perform a miscarriage she stuck with it to the end. Is she ready to become the next vice president? that i don't know but its going to be very intresting to see how the fact that she is taking care of a son with a disability will influence other people with disabilities and of those people who support pro life to vote for her.
Omar O.
I think that Palin having a son with down syndrome is part of her private live and that no reporter should mess with it. I would not want my child to be in a report in the news paper because reporters are looking for something to bring me down. it does not matter wether the child is disabled or not it is still her life and it should not affect her career.
Miguel S.
I’ve been thinking of how I should refer to Governor Palin since learning she has a son with Down Syndrome. I think I’ll ignore her title of Governor, VP nominee for the Republican Party, mother, etc. and start referring to her as “Palin the Benevolent”. How else can we address a woman who knowingly chose to give birth to a child with a disability? Please excuse my sarcasm, but I find it amusing, for lack of a better word, how the media sensationalizes things. The true test of Governor Palin’s benevolent spirit should become more apparent in coming years, as she begins to understand the challenges individuals with disabilities face. Many well known advocacy organizations, such as the Arc were founded by parents concerned with inadequate information and resources to address the needs of their children. Regardless of whether the Mccain/Palin ticket win this years presidential election, I have little doubt Palin will become actively engaged in promoting awareness and education regarding issues affecting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. So, unlike the pro-lifer’s who are hailing her for choosing to give birth to Trig, I will wait to see what she does to advance the needs of individuals with disabilities. I think this will be a more impressive and interesting story for the media to tell.
Rosie G
Though I do not agree with some of the issues that Gov. Palin has been involved with. I do think it is a positive influence for the policial party to not only seek a woman for vice president but one who faces the every day challeneges of a typical normal family. Having a down syndrome child is not what we would want but, as a mother of a down syndrome child she would be able to advocate for mentally challenged community. Having a personal experience and knowing exactly what it is like to bring up a down syndome child would be a positive impact for the people of this country. It is about time our country sees that Down Syndrome individuals could have a voice in congress. Gov. Palin will be able to show the country that it is not easy bringing up children and it is even more difficult when your child is mentally challenged. This would definetly be a positive influence for the disabled community.
I. Garza
September 6, 2008 3:36 PM
I didn't know much about Sarah Palin when I first heard about McCain choosing her for his VP. It was my mother who told me she had a son who has down syndrome and then after that I began to pay close attention and realized that Sarah Palin's son is frequently mentioned in every source of media. At her VP acceptance speech during the Republican convention, Palin did mention that she would be an advocate for people with disabilities. I think she could be a huge help in being an advocate for people with disabilities seeing as she is a mother of a son who has down syndrome. She would be in a position to do great things. I think it is important for us to pay further attention to what her views are on rights for people with disabilities and what she plans to do for the disability community. Perhaps Palin just talking about her son will get people to become more educated about people with disabilities and also get other political people to start doing something to advance people with disabilities rights.
Laura E.
The selection of Sarah Palin as the Vice Presidentail Republican nominee will pose interesting problems for those who advocate for change. It is likly that the first women vice president will be from the Republican Party and that Vice President will bring to Washington D.C. five children, one of which is a child with Down Syndrome. One can speculate that this choice leads Sarah Palin down a path towards a real destination of being the first women president of the United States. A women Vice President that openly shows love and adoration for a child with a disablity that in 90% of cases would be aborted. That women being in the White House after running in 2012 should bring great joy to those parents of Children with Down Syndrome and to parents of all persons with disabilities. Russell A.
It is admirable that Palin could after prior knowledge that a child she was carrying showed strong signs of having a disability before coming to term, which gave her an air of caution. She had the ability to abort the child before hand, negating any long term care, or attachment toward a child who would be in care of special needs long term. Seeing how Palin is a VP candidate and running mate with McCain, a governor with no real prior knowledge outside of her State of Alaska, it is hard to make judgments on such an unknown political figure head. Was her despise to keep her child to full term based on personal feelings, religious views, personal insight into the care of children with special needs, or a maternal bond (Nature/Nature) aspect? Hard to say, and harder still to shower praise from on high as though Palin was descended from a golden chariot. For a better insight in her parenting would be to examine her parenting, activist views, and how she has helped ADA with in her own state of Alaska as the governor. How do the citizens with ADA and family’s with people with mild to sever PWD’s react to her political position, and stance from Alaska not directly connected to Palin via campaign, family, friends, or religious worship.
Christopher W.
2/12
I believe that every child deserves a chance to live like a regular kid whether or not they have down syndrome or not. In the choice that mccain made in choosing Palin as a vice presidency running mate was a smart move on his part. He will give the community of parents with kids that are disabled a very positive outlook into the near future. I have the upmost respect for all people with disabilities for the reason that they face challenges every day of their llives and yet they still manage to cope with today's society. It takes a strong hearted person to overcome their disadvantages and have the will to survive in a harsh world. As a politician Sarah Palin and her husband chose to carry their son to term and still manage to deal with everyday criticisms through politics. I only wish the best for her son and their family. Arturo D
There is no doubt in my mind that Governor Sara Palin is a strong and intellectual woman who stands firm in her beliefs in preserving the essence of life. Given that she had the opportunity to terminate her pregnancy early, she chose to follow by example in her position for pro-life. I’m not sure if most of us would have done the same given the same options that she was given. But nonetheless, it says a lot about the character of Sara Palin. Unfortunately, I believe that Senator John McCain motives in choosing the Alaskan governor are much more devious and calculated. Given that the Senator had only met the Governor briefly once before, shows how insensible and desperate the Arizona Senator had become in choosing a candidate based on her overall appearance and how it would help out his campaign ultimately gain constituents. Juan N.
I admire every women who make the decision of having a baby, regardless on the contion god sends it to use. I admire more a women who know that her baby may be born with down syndrom and still makes the option of having it. That talks good about her. Rocio D.
i give props to Sarah Palin. I admire that she kept a child who has down syndrome many people dont want to go through the strugggle of having to care for a child that needs so much attention. However i dont think she is a "hero" for keeping this child. Many people keep their children even if they know they have down syndrome. I know i would keep my child if he or she had down syndrome. They are a gift from God no matter what.
Alma R.
I think having a child with down syndrome is a blessing like having any other child, only the parents have to have much more patience to understand the need of their child. It is these parents who understand the needs of certain laws that will better the lives of their child and thats why I think Governor Sara Palin will fight and take in mind many laws and programs for persons with disabalities. Hopefully this will serve as a good example for many people who think twice in having a child with down syndrome and help influence the persons with disabilities.
Alejandrina T.
I enjoyed the comments made by RosieG. It is becoming a little much to hear how commendable Sarah Palin is. Doing the right thing is good, but it is its own reward. We shouldn't ask for public praise. I am a little tired of Trix being used as a political prop.
DavidW
McCain choosing Sarah Palin as Vice President has become a controversy issue. I am not familiar with Palin, but the fact that she knew she was expecting a child with down's syndrome and decided to have the child no matter what, shows great character. Now a days many women would not want to keep a child with down syndrome or with a disibility. Having a child with down's syndrome is a much greater responsibility and requires a lot of attention and care. I think this is to be admired and not used against her. This years election has been interesting, we will see what happens. Andrea V.
It seems that there is much about governor Palin that I did not know. I believe that Palin’s status as the parent of a child with a disability will earn some immediate support in the Disability Community. This is a new experience for Palin and we have not seen how she will deal with the needs of her son Trig so I believe that it might take some time to get mass support for the Disability Community. I believe that Palin’s career, whether governor or vice president, will demand much time from her, so the that comes to mind is who will be the primary caregiver for Trig and would it matter to the public? Only time will tell, but I just hope that with her position in politics she will begin to advocate for the Disability Community.
James D.
I think that Sarah Palin will get a good amount of supporters from the Disability Community, Even though she does not have a good record of her helping the Disability Community. I do not think anybody does. But I believe because she is someone whose voice is heard more than people with disabilities, she should have made a stance and tried to have been more involved with the Disability Community way before she found out her child would be born with Down syndrome. I believe she would try to take advantage of the opportunity and be more involved with the Disability Community now to get the majority of the votes from them.
Crystal S.
3 of 12
Go Palin!!! My best friend just had her baby and in her second trimester she was informed that her little girl would have Down's Syndrome. My friend was hesistant at first about taking the pregnancy to term but decided that this was her life. My friend recently had her baby this last Tuesday and it turns out that the doctors diagnosed the outcome wrong. Alana Brianne is a beautiful baby girl and healthy as an ox. I would hate to imagine what would have happened if my friend had terminated the pregnancy. Palin's choice was very inspirational to her.
Cristina L.
I have heard that a women’s greatest joy comes when they become a mother. I have not experienced it myself, but am looking forward. A baby is a blessing to many families. When we talk about Down syndrome, many reject the idea of going thru with a pregnancy. Nowadays, technology is very advanced and doctors are able to test if the baby comes with Down syndrome or not. I was touched when I heard that governor Palin, after knowing that her baby was going to be born with Down syndrome still went thru with the pregnancy, very brave. Many expecting mothers choose to end the pregnancy, which is very sad. I think about it and I try to put myself in their shoes, but I can’t. I have never gone thru it.
My mom had a late pregnancy with my youngest sister. The doctors told her that she may have Down syndrome and my parents were given the option to terminate the pregnancy. My parents have a strong faith, and they prayed that the baby would be health. My little sister was born fine, and had no complications, even when the doctors predicted so. My parents never rejected the thought of having a baby with down, which was also very touching.
janneth a.
Sarah Palin is not someone I was too familiar with prior to her being picked as John McCain’s Vice President elect. Was she chosen because she has a son with Down Syndrome? We are not sure why McCain chose her, but it has been suggested that this could be the reason why. Though, I must commend her for continuing her pregnancy even after she found out her baby had an early diagnosis of the chromosomal difference. That must have been a tough decision. Many women decided to terminate pregnancy if they here that their baby could possibly be born with Down Syndrome. Having a baby is a beautiful thing, I have a 4 year old daughter, but I thank God everyday for my daughter’s health. Mrs. Palin is in the perfect place to make a difference in the lives of people with Down Syndrome. She needs to spread the word and make it known to others that there is light at the enc of the tunnel for people with Down Syndrome.
Nancy C.
4 of 12
I do not know much about vice president nominee Sarah Palin as a governor or as an individual. Now that I know that she is the mother of a child with Down Syndrome why has she not been out in the public eye more advocating for better services and better opportunities for individuals with disabilities. I truly believe that several parents that are capable of fully supporting and setting up long term financial stability for their children with or without disabilities tend to stay a little self centered. I really admire actors like jenny Mccartly for coming on public t.v. sharing her story of the difficulty of raising a child with autism. Sarah Does not or has never been introduced to people first language more less support or have a big supportive cast from the disability world. Parents with children with disabilities need to come out and speak more and advocate for more and better services so when the parents are gone their children are taken care of in a maintream community and not in institutions
Emede R
VP candidate Mrs. Palin gave birth to a child with "Down Syndrom" despite of the fact that it was detected early in the pregnency. This shows her charecter and attitute towards the disabilities.The persons with this type of positive attitute may some times act very positive with Executive powars, this is what we are looking for.
Puri .v
So the new VP elect for the Republican party Palin did go ahead with her pregnancy even though she knew that her child would not be considered normal because of the way society views those with major differences whether they be physically visible or hidden. This sounds great especially when your reading about it and the writer makes the person out to be some kind of saint. But I am going to have to say that I disagree with the views of those who are making her out to be so great for doing this. Not only that, she is liking and playing her card really well and those who are ignorant and gullible are falling for her “the saint.” She is no better than anyone else just because she decided to go through with her pregnancy. Having a baby with Down syndrome is by far not easy because of the certain things that they will be doing. But to say that oh my God what a great woman for doing so is not right either because they are human too and we should not treat them like having a child with this syndrome is a burden to her. Because to play the sympathy card is ridiculous and I would not support her for doing that to her baby because she would be no better than those who think of them as different and incapable of doing anything normal.
-anisa c.
In my opinion I do believe Sarah Palin will offer some encouragement not only to John McCain’s campaign, but as well as to the community. To begin with Sarah Palin is a woman, and a mother to a child with a disability. I believe Sarah Palin’s family circumstance will help influence the community’s choice about what she stands for and support her decision in voting for McCain. I do believe when John McCain chose Sarah Palin he probably believed her personal family circumstance will help him by gaining the respect of the community and inspiring more votes under his name. I feel Sarah Palin is a woman who could relate to other women and inspire women and other minorities to vote, by offering change and personal reflection of her personal life.
Caleb B.
In response to David W's comment about Palin being chosen for VP would help the disability issues. I really do not agree. There are so many famous people that have disability and people still walk by the issue. For example our past president Roosevelt. He would try to hide it from the public eye. Yes this was some time ago, but what has changed since in the society.
m. munoz
I would agree with Matthew that I too was surprised to hear that Governor Sara Palin decided to carry on with her pregnancy despite early diagnosis of the chromosomal differences. I believe that her willingness to carry through with this pregnancy speaks volumes of her character. Juan N.
I believe Sarah Palin hit two different sides to this. It was very brave of her to bring her pregnancy and Down Syndrome child into this presidency. It took alot of confidence, however i don't think she went about it in the right ways as far as the presidency. In my opinion had it been stressed a little bit more it would have helped them in the Presidency on the Disability Issue.
Sabrina D.
I found this article very interesting. I never really knew much about Sarah Palin but its great to hear that she decided to have her baby despite knowing early about the diagnosis of the chromosomal difference. I think its great that she holds a position in our government because she can voice her opinion about people with disabilites. Since we already know her and McCain didn't win it would still be great for her to hold some sort of position even if it is still Governor of Alaska because i believe she is a very strong women and a great asset to society. Maybe one day she can hold a position in the presidency and help with the issues of disabilities.
Crystal M.
I think that it is great how sarah palin decided to have her baby to term and i really admire her for that. as for her influencing john mccain, i highly doubt it. sure she may put in her input but john mccain obviously is running for president because he has his own vision.
Estefanita G.
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