Just who IS better on disability issues?
Even thought I like to use this section of the site as my personal blog spot to get things off my chest, the focus of my work - and the sites I run - is mental health issues.
Michelle Malkin has documented that Sen. McCain does not type because of his disability from his experience in the POW camp. I feel certain Obama and his team would not have put out an ad mocking him for not using the computer had they realized this.
But if they want to show any compassion for disability issues, they need to put out a statement - even grovel a bit - immediately. No excuses, just a big, fat “I’m sorry I’m such a fathead.”
I know my colleagues in the mental health rights movement are very leftist. I used to be, too. Unfortunately, there’s a view that the only way persons with disabilities are going to be treated fairly is by voting as far to the left as possible.
In the years that I’ve been an advocate and have been working to require some accountability (and basic data collection) regarding electroshock therapy, it has consistently been Republican lawmakers who have stood beside me. (And don’t think I haven’t noticed, or forgotten.)
And who was it that signed the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) into law? George H.W. Bush.
He said “Let the shameful wall of exclusion finally come tumbling down.”
There are fair criticisms of the ADA, but it has brought accessibility to persons with disabilities (including persons with mental illness) so we can be productive members of society.
Where do the candidates stand on disability? They’ll all say “Oh I’m all for disabled folks.”
–John McCain: has a disability from serving his country.
–Sarah Palin: has a child with Down Syndrome and has specifically said she’ll be an advocate. I believe her.
–Joe Biden: told a disabled vet in a wheelchair to stand up.
–Barack Obama: mocked John McCain’s inability to use the Internet in a campaign ad.
It’s not rocket science, is it? If you care about disability issues, I think I’ll choose those with experience.
