Okay, so some people do not think Sarah Palin rocks--at least one person took the time to tell me so (thanks, thegoodguy). Specifically addressing the special needs issue: I recognize that as far as having a child with a disability (or however you want to put it), Palin is a newbie, wet-behind-the-ears, still-doesn't-know-what-she-is-in-for, and oh so much more. My enthusiasm for her appearance on the national political scene, as far as disabilities go, has nothing to do with her party affiliation. Simply put, this is the first time, ever, that I have heard somebody in a high profile position address something relevant to my child. If nothing comes of Palin's bid for Vice President, she has brought a whole lot of attention to the special needs community. As for my excitement, I am the mom of two boys with autism; to me, her lack of experience in this arena (right now today), both as a parent and a politician, is irrelevant. People must first be aware of our community and our issues before any improvements can be made. She has made the world sit up and take notice of families with differently-abled children. I wonder how many other high level politicians have had seriously disabled family members, but kept them out of the public eye? Palin has put her family out front, for better or worse. Her running mate is married to a former special education teacher. Cindy McCain has also done some terrific things as an advocate for the human race that have nothing to do with her former teaching career. My point is, these things have nothing to do with your choice of political party. It is simply that a spotlight, nationally, has finally been projected on our families. If the Republicans win this election, we will have a different perspective, in regards to our families, in the White House. If the Democrats win, there is still pressure to pay attention to the special needs population: Pandora has been released from her box, and there is no way for her to be shoved back inside and locked up.