All people are worthy.
No one is trash.
Life is not about survival of the fittest.
Abortion isn't a method of dealing with unborn children with special needs.
Someone who is different should not have to hide in a closet just so that you don't have to deal with them.
I mean just look. Slavery is no longer. Everything is handicapped accessible at least here in America. And life is supposedly all about equal opportunity.
Or is it?
Here are two very disturbing articles. Some very misinformed person wrote this and one selfish thoughtless parent's comment inspired this article.
I can go on and on about my own thoughts on this subject, but I am more interested in reading your thoughts.
52 inspiring thoughts:
This is one of the most horrible things I have ever read!
All children are from our Heavenly Father and have the right to come to this earth, gain a body, learn and grow and return to live with Him again. What is this world coming to when people feel like they have the right to choose who deserves to live.
This article has made me feel so very sad! Sad for the author, what caused him to have such misguided philosophies? And sad for all the children that might not get their opportunity here on earth because of this article.
These article make me both angry and sad! I wonder if these people have worked or known with anyone who is disabled in any way. I have doine both and it has been such a blessing to me. I can only hope I was a bit of the blessing back to them.
These children were put here on earth for a reason!
Oh man, those kinds of people can make my blood boil! It is a releif to me that on both stories at least from Americans, the reaction is very negative towards this hostility towards those with special needs. I have two children he would probably consider disabled. My daughter has two prosthetic legs and is missing some fingers. I am not hiding her away. She is a vibrant part of our communitee. She dances, some types with her prosthetics and some without. She is in advanced dance classes and is considered one of the most talented dancers in her studio. My son who is in a wheelchair becuase he was born completely without legs or a left arm is a straigh A student. He does chores just like my other kids. He dresses, feeds and bathes himself. He plans to go to college and we have no doubt he will be able to live on his own and probably marry and father children. He wants to be a lawyer, so what he will contribute to the world is questionable, Just kidding had to stick the lawyer joke in there. Sometimes you just have to laugh at the ignorance and fear of these people. They have no idea what they are talking about. Heck, the second guy claims there is no more slavery. Sadly that is not true. Though more hidden, slavery is alive and well, even in this country. The gentlemen is uninformed. (that is the most polite term I could think of)
For the British show, considering the popularity of that program, really very few have complained. They probably get as many complaints for any show about any number of trivial things, but don't use them for publicity.
As bonus (otherwise known as step) mom to a 22-yo young man with autism, I hate that this thinking exists, but there's no communicating with a person of this mindset. I pray each has an opportunity in their lifetime to learn the lessons and experience the growth that comes from knowing and loving someone who's differently abled. The only disability I see here is with the harborers of these opinions. God forgive them, they know not what they say...
Christine,
Did you notice that the first blogger article person is Ukrainian?
This doesn't surprise me. Our 2nd son was born prematurely and then had a brain hemmorhage resulting in CP 28 years ago. I saw first hand bigotry, hatefulness, selfishness and more, but chose to find the glimmers of hope I found in those who saw the blessing instead of the problem.
Today, I really think things are worse. People seem to be even more selfish, only worried about how THEY will be effected etc.
I wrote about the other article on my blog back in Feb. since you asked about thoughts:)
It was written Feb. 28 and titled, Can You Believe This?
None of us are embraced by all - the author could probably find many reasons to say that my mother should have aborted me too yet, he only speaks for himself. There will always be unfortunate individuals who are blind to the beauty around them but it is a loss to them. They are not the norm and we can chose to ignore their ridiculous comments. They're not even worth opening a discussion up about - it's no different to me then the search and attempted creation of the blond haired blue eyed perfect human. We'll never be rid of them all but we can chose to leave them in their little corners by themselves.
The abortion issue is huge on this.
This is a very slippery slope into Eugenics, Nazism, the "perfect race".
I have family memebers who think 3 of my children would have been better off aborted and have said this to me directly. How sad for them.
My husband volunteers at a special needs hospital. There are many elderly volunteers. One elderly lady who didn't know we have 2 daughters who are patients there, quietly told my husband one day that she thought many of the kids would have been better off dead.
He was pretty shocked.
He didn't tell her his children were patients, but he did say to her, "and what about when you get sick and need to be cared for?" What if somebody decides YOU'LL be better off dead?
How Horrible. I can't believe the first article at all and could only just shake my head at it. My daughter from Kaz is learning that all people are equal no matter who they are, what they look like or how they were born. God made each and every child as he saw them and loves us all the same. Honestly I would like to thank your family for providing Oksana and I many opportunities for these discussions. The second article...Congrats to the lady who won't back down! Good for her. Heaven forbid a parent may need to address differences or disabilities with their children. Shame on those parents. Thanks for posting those articles Christine!
It sounds like that letter about people with Down's was written by Satan himself.
My sympathy goes out to that POOR father who was "forced" to talk to his kids about disabilities. (joke)
Both of these articles made me feel angry.
First of all, hi! I've been reading your blog for a few months now and while we don't share the same views on a lot of things, I can't help but love your family :)
Second of all, those two articles are very sad to say the least. They make me sick. It makes me wonder what the world is coming to....
And, third of all, slavery does still exist. Actually, there are more slaves today then at any time in human history. I posted about it on my blog here:
http://notanordinaryteen.blogspot.com/2008/09/today-there-are-more-slaves-than-at-any.html
I just don't get it. What in the world is wrong with a person with one hand? That is hardly a disability. Why complain that you had to talk about disabilities with your child. they should be thanking the production company for hiring a "diverse" cast. Is this really any different from racial diversity? It is just the outside of a person. It doesn't make them any less valuable or capable. Even mental disabilities don't make a person less valuable. mentally handicapped people bring great benefits to society even if it is "just" teaching people how to be open, caring and compassionate. What greater gift can we give to our Lord than to care for those HE has given less "ability". HE didn't give them less value. We are the ones who have placed value on life by how much a person can accomplish. Getting off my soapbox now.
Tracey
"one parent lamented" that he had to talk to his kids about disabilities???
SINCE WHEN IS THIS A BAD THING??????
absolutely ridiculous... if kids are scared of the disabled, it's because their parents have failed to teach them properly. an initial reaction is normal - but should've been corrected by the parent immediately, not enforced by them!
that's what i think...
- michelle
I found it interesting that the first article said that Down's Syndrome was an "optional illness". I think that with the prevalence of evolutionary thought taught as "truth", people do not believe that human life is any more important than, say an ant or a bush. If we are all just "life forms" then what is to keep us from getting rid of the ones that do not please us? I pull out weeds and smash black widows, why not abort unwanted babies? Actually, some weeds (i.e. wildflowers in national parks) and animals have a much more protected status than human life does in this world. Am I disgusted by this article? Yes. Am I surprised? Not in the least.
and as far as this nonsense about Down syndrome being optional... since when does God consult us when forming our children? how on earth did we get so far as to start claiming that we have the right to destroy lives because they aren't what WE want, what WE see as perfect, even though in the eyes of God (the ONLY eyes that matter!) we're all fearfully & wonderfully made?
this "safe and effective testing" isn't so safe for the kids it kills, is it?
i'm right there with you, Christine. and i'm wondering how we got here and why it's okay to so many people to think this way.
i'll be praying for these folks. and i don't mean that in a bad way - i sincerely believe the ONLY way to change their mindset is Jesus. no amount of debate will do anything... only God will.
- michelle
I spent several years working with mentally and physically challenged adults ... and I can tell you that each and every one of them have value and are here for a reason that fits God's plan and design.
Obviously the author of the first article has serious personal issues and a mindset that prevents him from seeing value in every human life. While everyone is entitled to their own opinion, however ignorant it might be, I would think that responding to the person who wrote that article might only fuel his hostility and negative spirit. I pray that his heart and mind will be opened and at some point he can see truth.
The response to the television host with a disability ... here's a thought ... some parents made comments that they didn't want to expose their kids to these "issues" at such a young age. Yet we accept our kids learning about alternative lifestyle families because it's in the school curriculum. That's perfectly normal? Yet a wonderful young woman that is missing an arm is too much to explain to a young child?
Your blog title ... "The World is a Battlefield" ... well, let's put on our armor then! We are equipped with truth.
That first article is absolutely terrible and makes me so angry! I just can't believe someone actually believes that. And a lot of times those tests they do for Down Syndrome come back positive, but in all reality the baby is OK. It is just a 'marker' to show if there's a risk. The second article is a little 'nicer', but talking about disabilities with your children is absolutely necessary. They need to know that God made everybody different and in God's eyes those children/adults are perfect. However, I have a child with special needs and he looks typically 'normal' until you see him in action. I am also very sad because the people are so misinformed and ignorant.
Wow. I am in shock. This is incredibly sad.
It makes me long for heaven.
The first article made me actually cry. If everyone were to follow his lead, one of my best friends from high school would not be around. She's a fantastic girl with limiations (cannot talk, severly mentally retarded, cannot walk without assistance, etc.), but she is the happiest person I know. She is almost 26 (one of the oldest living in the world with her "condition"), having almost died a couple times. I can't imagine my life without her. These kids and adults may not be "perfect" to some, but they are wonderful people. They are all blessings. My friendship with her has shown me exactly how cruel this world is, but that education is a precious thing. I really hope this man learns from his mistakes and learns that his words are hurtful.
By the way, I wanted to add that Dennis looks fantastic. He always did, of course. I am so happy to see him smiling.
The BBC thing appaled me! I'm from England and saw this on the news. How ANYONE can complain about a presenter because she has one arm is unforgivable! How can they justify their complaints! One woman said her child was scared of her. Now I truly believe that children learn from their parents behaviour, so the child must have heard someone state that having one arm was scary! Its appaling, makes me sad to be English when things like that come out!
Emma
p.s I'm sure the other article is awful, the link doesn't work on my computer!! :o)
Emma
Wow - how sad that this individual has a platform to spread this type of rhetoric...
Oh my gosh. Those articles made me so angry! Some people....grrr....
Cxx
Both links really, really ticked me off.
I once took care of a baby who had Down's syndrome. The parents did not know before the baby was born in fact they refused to be tested. From a personal perspective I am not sure that I would be tested but from a medical perspective I would so that I could ensure that I could deliver in a hospital who could easily care for my child because there is a higher risk of heart issues. I would make sure that the hospital had a neonatologist to properly care for the baby at birth.
I remember the night that the parents were told and how upset the mother was she was blaming herself for not being tested.
When the Mother asked for the baby I took the baby in to her and we talked quietly. I unwrapped the baby and placed his small hand in hers. I then asked her if she knew before the baby was born would it have changed her mind?
She told me no because she was a christian woman. I told her that is the reason why God hand picked her to love him. When she saw it that way it was like a light switch that flicked on. She became engaged and opened her heart and put it in God's hands.
I know many read your blog that is the reason why I posted this story here in the hopes that it will help someone else.
Joy
Obviously once a child is born
it should be loved and cared for
no matter what-
But I'm thinking if the abortion rate is 90% for fetuses that have been tested and have a positive result for Down Syndrome- there
must be alot of people out there
that have had abortions for this reason and don't discuss it-
90% !!!!! That is a huge number-
Very scary.
Where I live every woman is now
offered prenatal testing and
the government pays for it all....
Why is it that people that had the choice of abortion and made that choice then like to say how wrong it is?
Dear Christine,
I think the thing to celebrate was the overwhelming opposition Mr. Abortion guy received on his forum. It is a wonderful thing to see the change in U.S. perceptions on these issues. My favorite, and I had to guffaw, was the last commenter who said it was too bad there wasn't a prenatal test for (can I say it here?) jackasses. Really, there was no respect for the position, so the thing that is dying off is a culture of intolerance to disabilities. I do hope that the array of criticisms causes some softening in his position, eventually. But if not, my guess is that his grandchildren, if any, will someday consider him to be an embarrassment. What could be more fitting?
Sherry in Ohio
I feel sorry that there are people out there who are so ignorant on negative about disabilities
I used to volenteer every saturday helping a special olympics netball team that was in my sisters netball league and while there were some poor kids who were not very high funtioning they all have a right to life and some of the older ladies who played were REALLY good there were 2 SO teams 1 team was full of very high funtioning players mostly with DS and they regularlly had wins against typical ("normal") players and most of the older ones had jobs (even if it was in a sheltered workshop)
one young man (not on of my netballers) had a job at my local supermarket he used to catch the bus to work every day and he did a great job too if you couldnt find something he would be the person to ask as he knew the shop like the back of his hand
I can only hope the number of people out the who think just because of a disabilty you dont have a right to live are small but latly they seem to have become very vocal lets get louder back as for all the negative ninnies im sure there are many people who disagree
slightly off the topic but my eldest child has been blessed with a disabilty (yes i say he has been blessed) even though it causes a few challenges for him I believe it has also enhanced the person he is (he has a mild case of aspergers)one day my son will have a great job and contribute to our society this i have no doubt of (he is a highlyintellengent little guy)
Sorry if this sounds like ranting ect. im not the best at writing how i feel
God Bless everyone (even the haters you need Gods blessings even more)
And he's from Ukraine of all places. My 2 year old with DS, from Ukraine will influence more than he ever will.
WOW, I think this was the most appalling article I ever read. My son is in Kindergarten and just a couple of weeks ago had to do a project about what disability means to him. I thought it was a fantastic way to introduce him to this. We cut out pictures of adults and children with disabilitiesand talked about it. We talked about strength, faith, and courage etc. It really upsets me that there are people this cruel in the world. They are inhumane. Thank God for all the good people in this world.
Laura
That just makes me want to puke. Seriously. I need to find parents with adult kids with Ds or maybe adult advocates with Ds themselves to go let that idiot know what life is REALLY like... since apparently I'm not qualified since Kennedy is still cute and cuddly @@. GRRRR
I am shocked, stunned, speachless and angry about these two articles. So does this idiot think I should have aborted my son because he has mental issues too?
I did not do any of the testing with any of my pregnancies. We felt that all babies are gifts and if we were gifted with a baby that had a disability or illness then thats what God wanted for us to have. Abortion is still murder wether your baby has a disability or not...
Someone needs to track down dan kulp and give him an award. What a champion.
It is really sad, but I think that our society is shifting in this way. This person may be an arrogant forerunner, but there is a shift in perception and already people us words like "burden on society" for someone who has chosen not to terminate a pregnancy. We are moving from a society who now accepts abortion, to one who expects it, and hence blame gets put on those who don't go with the flow.
Remember, persecution allows us to shine God's light into the world. And how we go about responding has a big impact.
I just feel really sad that our world is going this way, and for the people who embrace it.
Gattica is a great movie to watch on this topic btw.
I follow 2 blogs were parents were told their son had a lethal form of dwarfism.Doctors were wrong. One boy just celebrated his first birthday.He was never suppose to live one day. Only God should decide somethings....
Absolutely DISGUSTING.
Makes me want to puke.
BTW, LOVED your story Joy. It was touching and beautiful!
I've already posted about that tv show thing, so you know what I said about that.
Everyone has already commented all that needs to be about the other quite embarrassing article.
Two words: Steven Hawking!
The worlds greatest mind just happens to come in a severely disabled body.
What I pity most is the ignorance of people that have these sorts of opinions. What, exactly, are they afraid of. That they might catch something?
If you ask me, they already have - they're more DISabled than most handicapped people.
This has to be a fake. No one could really feel like could they? Oh maybe except Obama. I really think that in the coming years abortion will be encouraged by the administration due to health care cost for the baby and the fact that the child will not be a "productive" member of society. This scares me. This is right down Hitler's alley. I have an adult cousin that has down's and is a true joy.
I was shocked by the comments on Down's Syndrome. However, I also know that some parents abort children with cleft lip / palate, which sickens me. My younger was was born with this condition, and is smart as heck, sweet as can be, not to mention beautiful. Something is so wrong when these kinds of things are allowed to happen to innocent babies.
Christine - I hate that your blog is so popular! :( I always feel so stupid responding. However - my two cents worth:
I was impressed with many of the responses to the first blog post. I hope he heard them.
Oddly, my first thought was that Kira is gorgeous! Fat chance they would ever hir someone to host a children's show (or just about any show) who wasn't young and pretty! Those are the true disabilities if you are in broadcasting!
Also, reminded me that when Aidan was in preschool, one of the teachers was a girl without arms. The teachers would serve the meals to their little groups, and I remember how deftly she would open the milk and pour it on each bowl of cereal using her feet. It was really extraordinary (to me). It wasn't at all extraordinary to the children for whom it was simply a fact of life. I was just thrilled that they had her teaching there because it DID allow me to have a very positive (also brief, as it was no big deal to him) conversation with Aidan about disabilities.
IGNORNAT! Thats all I can say for the first article. Makes me sick to my stomach.
And....even when you are screened for those tests (for DS or SB) they are NOT always correct. Many, many people have recieved a false positive.
I work with children and adults who have special needs. Guess what..the only reason many of these children were put into "homes' was what doctors said to their uninformed parents.
Horrible article...horrible person..
This is horrible! I would have to think people may just be "scared" of what they know nothing about. He probably has never been around other people with special needs. I live in the south, and years ago people use to "hide" away any disabled kids. I have lived here 26 years and was never around special needs, it has only been since we adopted Zech that I have started seeing other special needs. I think people seem "afraid", until they have been able to meet and socialize with someone with a disability. I hope those negative comments are just out of ignorance and not meanness.
I hate the attitude that these people have - that life isn't worth it if it's not "perfect"? How many of our lives have been enriched by another lawyer or businessman in the world? Whereas individuals with disabilities often have the best outlooks on life, and share with us that gift. Although I do think that the author of the first article makes one good point - you see lots of children with disabilities out in public, but significantly fewer adults. This is a sad fact, and one that our society needs to try to recognize and fix.
Christine, as I have stated previously I am pro choice. Having said that...the article you referenced is one of the most sickening things I have ever read.
DS children and adults that I have had the pleasure of spending time with are just as awesome as ANYBODY else. Thank you for bringing this to our attention
Laurie
HMMMM. That man is obviously sick and I pity him. I have a feeling he likes being controversial for the attention. All children are a blessing and our Lord doesn't make mistakes.
I have only read the first article and I have not even read any of your comments on your page. I will say that I feel sick right now after reading this man's view. I am appalled.
Both articles really got my dander up!
I will comment on the second one. My maternal grandfather had damaged limbs from an electrical accident. I was three when he passed away and I have never been able to recall by memory what his limbs looked like. I remember him smiling at me. I remember him making funny sounds for me when the windshield wipers swished. I remember his love, not his "handicap"!
The writer of the Down Syndrome article just sounds like a sociopath. What a strange, selfish world he would create if he got his wish.
It is so unbelievable to me that people can think that way. Both articles disturbed me very much. Very scary thinking!
As a mom, my son with DS is one of the most amazing and beautiful things that God has given me. Because of him, we're in the process of adopting 2 other little one's blessed in the same way. My question to you (a wonderful mom of little one's who the world views as imperfect)...Why would you give even more attintion to this man and his ignorance by posting a link? I love your blog and normally find it very spirtitually up-lifting and chalk full of wonderful insight. I was sad to go to this link and choose not to finish reading it. My heart is sad that I was taken to it via your blog. I know your intentions were differnt & you didn't intend to further his view, but by all the comments left~it surely did.
Oh. Wow. Oy. I can believe there are still people in the world who think like the writer of that first article, but I am sick to my stomach and it hurts my heart to read things by them.
My soul is wincing at some people in the world--not those with disabilities, but the ones who are too ignorant to love them.
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