Got a Problem Hearing About "Politics"?

I am climbing on my soapbox...ahem: I tried to keep my mouth shut, seriously, but I am afraid my head is going to explode if I don't express my thoughts. I understand that not everybody is interested in politics; I didn't used to be, until I realized how relevant it is to my life...and I have a voice...and that I have no right to complain if I am not going to make a difference or at least support those who are trying to change those issues that directly affect me. People will never entirely agree on politics. Thank heavens for that--it would be a really boring evening around the dinner table! What, you don't discuss politics in your home, or at least over meals? We certainly do in our home, from time to time; we want our children to realize they have not only a right to voice their opinion, but also a responsibility to act on those issues they feel strongly about. I try to practice what I preach. If you know me personally, then you know it is hard for me not to take action on something about which I express passion.

Here is what makes me want to pull out my hair: People complain, at length, about their frustrations with the system--lack of insurance coverage, DDD services or lack thereof, major problems with their school districts, on and on. I can relate to their frustration (I have 2 boys on the autism spectrum; that means I have 2 dogs in the fight...). The simple fact is that any major changes that must occur are going to involve politics. The bigger the issue and the more people it impacts, typically the more politics it involves. Remember Steven's Law, the most comprehensive insurance legislation in the United States? It is still fresh in my mind, as the Governor signed it into law just last March, effective July of 2009. Holy french fries, Batman! How do these people think Steven's Law was passed? There was a small group of autism moms that lived down at the Capitol for months. All we did was strategize and deal with legislators (that would be the politicians!). It simply does not get any more "political" than that. Period. The ironic thing is that just about every one of these moms will not benefit from the legislation. We did it because it was absolutely necessary and it was the right thing to do. As I am sure the majority of our readers are aware, this was a huge grass roots effort. We worked hard to get our parents to pay attention and take action. Our legislative effort truly succeeded because of all the autism families and their friends that were willing to get involved: they showed up at hearings and at the candlelight vigil; they wrote letters and emails to the legislators; they made phone calls and paid visits to their legislators; several even came out and walked legislators' districts on the weekends when we asked for their help.

This was truly an amazing, remarkable process. Everybody was important. Families made this happen. Now, take it a step further, please. Our autism community garnered some serious respect because of Steven's Law. Legislators had never seen anything like this before. Don't believe me? Call your legislator personally and ask. Is there anything else that needs to be repaired or changed for our children and the community? Gee, does anyone have any issues with the public education system? School district? Department of Education? Struggling with your therapy services? Lack thereof? Would you like to see things drastically improve? For the love of Pete, make the connection: it will take more "politics" to make these monumental changes in the system. Don't think it can be done? Well, we did it with insurance. This is a fact: every year when the “Arizona Capitol Times” publishes their "Most Powerful List" every year- top of the list, listed higher than the Speaker of the House or Governor's Chief of Staff, is "insurance industry". Wow, ruminate on that for a moment. If only one thing is taken away from my long post, make it this: Get involved. Stay involved. If "involved" merely means being supportive of those of us putting ourselves on the line for this community, then please be involved. If you can do more, we welcome you with open arms and will support you in your effort. If there are any parties objecting to our use of "politics" to get things accomplished, think twice about benefiting from our efforts, even if only for a second. After you have given it some thought, thank your lucky stars somebody was willing to talk "politics" and be on the front lines for you and your family. This truly is an amazing community. We are capable of making even greater changes within our state for our autism community. Let's stand united and support one another in our efforts to make Arizona better for all of our families. If you can't do this, then please, stand back and get out of the way for those of us willing to do the work. Thank you to those families that have given their undying support for our efforts. I am getting off my soapbox now....

Renata Gives Her 2 Cents

Remember when I said I would welcome comments and other political information? Well, yippee-skippy! Someone has taken me up on the offer! I promised I would post it on the main page if the reader wanted me to, and that is exactly what I am doing. Thanks, Renata, for putting in your 2 cents.

Good Morning Melissa-
I know we belong to different political parties, and I read the blog. I had trouble commenting on it, so I'll add my 2 cents here. I read the following on Obama's website- it states the issues, what their plans and ideas are, and then asks the public for ideas.

* His short video on disabilities mentions Michelle's father's MS and the impact, and mentions Autism twice.
*Along w/ increasing funding and awareness, he wants a national re-screening for all 2 yr. olds to increase early detection especially for ASD.
*In Illinois, he sponsored legislation that became law to create ASD Diagnosis Educ. Program to promote evidence-based practices and offered educational opportunities at all levels from doctors to day-care workers to language therapists.
*Supported efforts to build Therapeutic School and Center for Autism Research
* He co-sponsored a measure that would expand federal funding for ASD life-long services
* They want to establish a position-Federal ASD Co-ordinator to be sure there is collaboration between agencies and families, and to ensure funds are spent in a way that prioritizes results.
*Goals to facilitate dialogue between federal agancies, resources, school districts, first responders and community members

They also want to establish a Civilian Assistance Corps calling on volunteers w/ expertise that could be deployed to areas of the US in times of crisis and natural disasters.

The website also answers any questions about his Christianity,etc..

I know family bonds, life experiences, religion, economic status, etc. all shape our political views--just wanted to add my 2 cents-Renata

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.