Sebelius Appoints the $600,000 Woman Federal Autism Panel
by Dana CommandatoreThis post has been updated from its original version.
Just the other day, President Obama said: “at a certain point you’ve made enough money.” I wonder how he would feel about Geraldine Dawson. If the President is so concerned with what people working in the private sector are making, I’m sure he’d be just as interested in the “non-profit” sector. Kathleen Sebelius’ most recent appointment to the IACC (Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee) would certainly be worth noting.
The IACC is a Federal advisory committee that sets priorities for autism research dollars within the National Institutes of Health. The committee helps to ensure that a wide range of ideas and perspectives are represented and discussed in a public forum by appointing both Federal and public members.
This morning, Secretary Sebelius chose Geraldine Dawson as a public member to represent Autism Speaks, where Dawson serves as Chief Science Officer. According to Autism Speaks’ 2008 Form 990, Dawson received compensation of $644,264.00. The 990 reports that about $270,000 of her compensation was a one-time relocation expense which puts her annual compensation at approx. $370,000. $270,000 is a huge “relocation” reimbursement. I don’t know about you, but unless she’s renting a limo for each packing crate, I’m starting to wonder where that money is going to.
It wouldn’t be so bad if Dawson were collecting dollars that she earned through private enterprise. However, her salary and “moving expenses” from Autism Speaks are paid for with donations from families and philanthropists who believe that in donating part of their income to a charity, they’re helping to build a better future for people with autism. Parents and family members didn’t participate in annual walks for autism so they can help pay Geraldine Dawson an AIG/Lehman Brothers type salary – but that’s where their money goes.
Ridiculously high compensation is not the only reason to be concerned with Dawson’s appointment and Autism Speaks. The IACC provides advice to Sebelius regarding Federal activities related to autism spectrum disorder. (ASD). They also exchange information on and coordinate activities among the member agencies and organizations. Dawson’s employment by Autism Speaks ensures that their agenda will be carried out. Instead of funding services for families and individuals, Autism Speaks’ operating budget goes primarily towards research on the cause of autism, much of it devoted to finding particular genes with an eye to developing a prenatal test. As families of children with Down Syndrome are aware, the existence of prenatal testing for autism means a vast increase in the eugenic abortion of children with autism before they are born.
Organizations like Autism Speaks don’t spend their vast budgets to help children and adults with autism or their families. Instead, they fund research with eugenic implications and help their executives enjoy standards of living far beyond what the average parent or person with autism will ever see. Then, to keep the gravy train flowing, they use fear tactics and demonize autism to compel families to open their pocket books. Autism Speaks advertisements and fundraising videos have featured parents talking about killing their children with autism and portraying their children’s lives as not worth living. Is it any wonder that when Autism Speaks provides them the means and the motive many potential parents will consider abortion as their only option when a pre-natal test is developed? As the mother of an autistic child, I am deeply offended that my child is considered a burden and better off never being born.
The IACC is supposed to increase public understanding of the member agencies; activities, programs, policies, and research by providing a public forum for talks related to ASD research and services. This is also an area of concern since Autism Speaks is notorious for putting very little funds from their donations into improving services or educational opportunities for children and adults with autism.
Geraldine Dawson is part of a movement determined to eradicate people with autism from our society. We need more respect and understanding when it comes to the autism community. Sebelius’ choice to appoint Dawson to the IACC does not represent the hope and change that many in the autism community were expecting.
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144 Comments
Just have to add the secret dialogue for Obama's quotes…"At a certain point you've made enough money (If you work in the private sector)."
The list just keeps getting longer and longer. this administration is so freaking tone deaf to the state of the public's discontent it is utterly amazing.
It will be fun dismantling this gravy train. We just nedd to make certain two things:
1. WIN in November and in 2012
2. Find republicans who will swear an oath to cut government in half and then halve the salaries of those who remain.
We're not stupid but you are an ignorant idiot. He did not cut taxes on anything!!! Do some reading first before you open your mouth and show us in exact detail where the taxes were cut AND NOT RAISED ELSEWHERE that will benefit anyone. God you are so stupid that it makes me believe in mandatory euthanasia for all progressive trolls.
"The IACC is a Federal advisory committee that coordinates all efforts within the Department of Health and Human Services concerning autism. The committee helps to ensure that a wide range of ideas and perspectives are represented and discussed in a public forum by appointing both Federal and public members."
There's a federal entity that is ripe for elimination. Seriously, what need is there for this? None. It can only exist to redistribute taxpayer money to leftards.
I'm betting 85% of federal agencies could be eliminated with no reduction whatsoever in services.
[...] View post: » Sibelius Appoints the $600000 Woman to Federal Autism Panel … [...]
Tax credits are not the same as tax cuts. A tax cut decrease the rate at which one is taxed. A tax credit is a benefit paid to an individual to increase one's net income.
Obama's claim that he'll cut taxes for 95% of Americans is misleading for this reason: he misconstrues tax credits to mean tax cuts.
So, when Obama says he'll cut taxes for 95% of America, what he really means to say is he's going to adjust the progressiveness of the tax rate in order to fund tax credits for the lowest tax bracket–the one that doesn't pay any taxes at all. That's not a tax cut, its a refundable credit, a redistribution of wealth. The merits of such a shift in tax policy is debatable. It isn't, however, a tax cut for 95% of America.
Obama's may convincingly articulate his tax policy, but he doesn't do it honestly.
God Bless America
Thanks for reminding me how little BArry paid in taxes. $5.5M… devided by $1.8 in taxes they paid… carried the 2… That's 32.7% in total taxes paid. Isn't that a LOT LESS than he proposed everyone who makes over $250k should pay?
God you're stupid.
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Autism Speaks is pushing for a pre-natal test for autism? I may not know how to define obscenity, but I know it if I see it. That's obscene. "We're advocating for a group of people by trying to insure that people like them are never born." That's such a touching sentiment. I wonder if any of Obama's czars are working on pre-natal tests for deafness? Or unattractive skin conditions? Maybe Jews? Republicans?
Please do not indulge it any longer. Don't even give it the satisfaction of a thumbs down. There is nothing there…
Points it makes are suprious. Facts it presents are fallacious. Don't allow it to feed on your contempt. It will be destroyed when it realizes it ihas been ignored.
What ever gave anyone the idea that to the progressives social engineering doesn't just stop at re-distributing wealth. Now they want to engineer our health and our genetic codes.
Eugenics via the tax code,,,,what a nifty idea, gosh those progressives think of everything, we are so lucky to have so many smart people looking out for all that is best for us. Pretty soon we won't even have to decide anything.
Easy for YOU to say.
But, what of the underserved? What are THEY to do?
Here''s the real cause of autism…
Study Confirms Link Between Autism and Use of Cells From Abortions in Vaccines…
Good luck getting Sebelius to talk about that! Catholic my ass!
Here''s the real cause of autism…
Study Confirms Link Between Autism and Use of Cells From Abortions in Vaccines…
Good luck getting Sebelius to talk about that! Catholic my ass!
Here''s the real cause of autism…
Study Confirms Link Between Autism and Use of Cells From Abortions in Vaccines…
Good luck getting Sebelius to talk about that! Catholic my ass!
I wrote that just for you, anon, mikatolah, oh and Dassholehoff, which now that I think about I have not seen him around for a while. Did Axlerod dump him from the payroll? Do me a favor the next time you see him at the watercooler, give him my best.
I have been getting curious though, do you get any benefit package with your blog trolling job?
What CINO (Catholic in Name Only) Sebelius will never admit…
The real cause of autism:
Study Confirms Link Between Autism and Use of Cells From Abortions in Vaccines…
What CINO (Catholic in Name Only) Sebelius will never admit…
The real cause of autism:
Study Confirms Link Between Autism and Use of Cells From Abortions in Vaccines…
Grant funding is yet another 'slush fund' for this administration, feed the causes they like and that support progressives in office. Very mutually beneficial. All other causes not in favored status will die on the vine as Obama toys with the tax code to dry up the deductibility of private charitable donations.
When you look at it this way,,,,it makes all the sense in the world.
Those with real character will stand.
One of the most common traps we lay for ourselves is the notion that "this time it's different"
If and God willing when conservatives recapture the reins of this runaway government, it is my fervent hope, my belief that 'this time it will be different", it really will be. I have lived long enough that all politicians acquire the same DNA after a period of time and become corrupt and lazy. Republicans and Democrat alike end up disappointing their supporters.
My rationale for why this time it might REALLY be different is less to do with the elected officials and much more to do with the electorate. Politicians have proven time and again that they can be bought either through outright cash injections from their favorite lobbyists or by the sheer numbers of voters singing from the same hymn book.
If the TEA Party can stick to it's simple and pure message and avoid becoming too involved with the divisive social issues, THIS TIME IT COULD BE DIFFERENT. We will put the fear into these representatives to say what they believe and do what they say.
With fewer people like Dawson making obscene salaries for doing nothing, the underserved could end up getting MORE, not less, safety net. We could probably dig Social Security and Medicare out of their respective holes overnight.
BTW, my two autistic cousins have done just fine without an "autism czar" in DC.
[...] » Sibelius Appoints the $600000 Woman to Federal Autism Panel … [...]
VOTE GREEN!
VOTE GREEN!
Tell me which specific federal regulation permits decaying, bacteria-filled baby body parts to be used in vaccine manufacture.
Gee, those manufacturing facilities really don't need to be sterile, after all! Go figure!
Tell me which specific federal regulation permits decaying, bacteria-filled baby body parts to be used in vaccine manufacture.
Gee, those manufacturing facilities really don't need to be sterile, after all! Go figure!
You write: "…most liberals exhibit all the signs of severe autism…" you must be referring to reason and logic…entirely missing from the inane far right…
Like I told DesertYote below, neither my cousins nor anyone else with autism will see one iota of benefit from this cash-cow political appointment.
"Organizations like Autism Speaks are responsible for depicting autism as a terrible tragedy. "
I am no fan of AS, and Dawson is being paid a lot of money to get zero results. Putting her on the IACC is the definition of failing up.
But autism is a terrible tragedy. Last week another murder suicide by a caregiver father of his adult son and himself just a couple of towns away from me. that was the fifth premature death of someone with autism that was in the news in April, "autism month".
Drownings, killed by police while being restrained, murdered… sound like tragedies to you?
Little known fact, insurance companies won't give life insurance to children with autism until they turn ten years old. Because they die too often. It is a money looser for them.
If your child's autism is not a burden to him and your family, then that is truly wonderful for you, but that is not my experience. I have had had two close friends bury their children with autism in the last two years.
Autism is a tragedy. Please stop sugar coating it.
"Organizations like Autism Speaks are responsible for depicting autism as a terrible tragedy. "
I am no fan of AS, and Dawson is being paid a lot of money to get zero results. Putting her on the IACC is the definition of failing up.
But autism is a terrible tragedy. Last week another murder suicide by a caregiver father of his adult son and himself just a couple of towns away from me. that was the fifth premature death of someone with autism that was in the news in April, "autism month".
Drownings, killed by police while being restrained, murdered… sound like tragedies to you?
Little known fact, insurance companies won't give life insurance to children with autism until they turn ten years old. Because they die too often. It is a money looser for them.
If your child's autism is not a burden to him and your family, then that is truly wonderful for you, but that is not my experience. I have had had two close friends bury their children with autism in the last two years.
Autism is a tragedy. Please stop sugar coating it.
"Those with real character will stand. "
I wasn't wrong. You know we are in the minority though, don't you? I can't shake the cynical attitude. What do I say ? Thank you for standing with me and my 13 year old son.
"This time it will be different."
I'm done too…waste of my time – I won't rise to the hype and lies.
Yup. Like say, oh moving here from Pakistan, getting TWO degrees and pretending to be an American – THEN parking a car bomb in Times Square.
Lying the whole time about being American and being just another "sleeper cell" Muslim waiting for the "call".
I say that without proper leadership, the agencies that are mandated with trying to serve the underserved will be rudderless and quite unproductive.
Without a vision, how can an agency truly find the path to success? You don't get vision from front line troops. Their view is clouded by the fog or 'war'. Tactical leadership is certainly relevent and of import; but to stifle the opportunity for success by limiting the salaries of strategic leadership……well, that just doesn't make sense.
[...] Original post: » Sibelius Appoints the $600000 Woman to Federal Autism Panel … [...]
I'm with you on this one. Any "special group" is merely another pawn on the Big Government chess board. Seems like Dawson sold out to the govt.
By "we," I meant the others posting on this thread. In reading their posts, I didn't see any calls for the widespread elimination of people with autism. So I felt like I could summarize in that fashion.
I understand how tough it can be to write when the adrenaline is pumping. (I teach writing, so I know what I'm talking about.)
Anyway, I'm glad to read your clarification. Thanks.
Where was she relocating from? For that much money, it had better be the Sea of Tranquility (that's on the moon for all you trolls out there).
Just have to add the secret dialogue for Obama's quotes…"At a certain point you've made enough money (If you work in the private sector)."
When I was pregnant, I took the AFP (alpha-fetal protein) test, which is to detect Down Syndrome. It came back positive. I went to a genetic counselor, who asked whether I wanted to have an abortion. I nearly laughed in her face, as I had every intention of having the baby. She offered to give me an amniocentesis to confirm the diagnosis via the child's DNA. I refused because amnios have a high risk of causing miscarriage.
When my daughter was born six months later, to my surprise, she did NOT have Down Syndrome. Turns out the AFP test is unreliable.
My point is that, while prenatal testing can find things like organ defects that can today be fixed in utero, Down Syndrome and autism are illnesses on a continuum. There is no way to know the degree of Down Syndrome in utero. I doubt there would be any way to know the degree of autism in utero, either.
And what if a prenatal test for autism is as unreliable as the AFP? How many babies will be aborted–or carried to term–based on an imperfect test?
And you are not contributing vast sums to my democrat party! If you are, make lots more and give me more for my friends!
2/3's please! Half will only get us where we were at in 2008 and now we have a hangover debt to cover as well!
God you're a freaking idiot. Why don't you go play in the street or something. Preferably in front of a moving bus. BTW shitforbrains, I didn't get a tax cut. Neither did anyone else I know. So keep your Obambi talking points to yourself.
What a bunch of hypocrites. A bunch of sociaIists who made a bundle and did pretty darn well under Reaganomics, including Obama who made $5.5 million last year alone.
Just the other day, President Obama said: “at a certain point you’ve made enough money.” I wonder how he would feel about Geraldine Dawson…[who]…received compensation of well over $644,264.00"
Well, most liberals exhibit all the signs of severe autism, so I suppose based on the number affected, the salary is probably justified.
If you think making several hundred thousand is a big deal you are stupid.
Warren Buffet earned $46 million and paid a lesser tax rate than his secretary. Buffet paid 17% on his $46 million, his secretary paid 30% on her $60 thousand.
And Obama cut taxes for 95% of you dumb asses anyways.
God you people are stupid
How can you test for something if you don't even know what causes it? I'm sure that's a worthy use of our tax dollars – chasing a test that may not even be possible, but no doubt it'll be part of the budget real soon.
How can you test for something if you don't even know what causes it? I'm sure that's a worthy use of our tax dollars – chasing a test that may not even be possible, but no doubt it'll be part of the budget real soon.
hr 1388 admendment 237 no more tea parties folks See item 237 for explanation.
AMENDMENT PURPOSE:
Amendment to prohibit organizations from attempting to influence legislation; organize or engage in protests, petitions, boycotts, or strikes; and assist, promote, or deter union organizing.
STATUS:
americorps and acorn funding , OBAMA YOUTH CORPS ? HR1388 read the bill
We're not stupid but you are an ignorant idiot. He did not cut taxes on anything!!! Do some reading first before you open your mouth and show us in exact detail where the taxes were cut AND NOT RAISED ELSEWHERE that will benefit anyone. God you are so stupid that it makes me believe in mandatory euthanasia for all progressive trolls.
I wonder how many millions Obama made from the Chicago Climate exchange, since he is on the board of directors. This administration is SO corrupt that in comparison it makes Lucifer holy enough to sit on God's throne.
I wonder how many millions Obama made from the Chicago Climate exchange, since he is on the board of directors. This administration is SO corrupt that in comparison it makes Lucifer holy enough to sit on God's throne.
ANON makes me have to re-assess my position on that whole baby killer thing the libs like to call a "Choice" and suggest that all those who favor it, provided they are prog / libs / socialists,,,,be given free access
According to the Quran it is perfectly acceptable to tell lies to infidels, in fact it is encouraged,,,,,I wonder if that is the problem with Obama,,,,we the unwashed, non-believers, TEA Party infidels.
"The IACC is a Federal advisory committee that coordinates all efforts within the Department of Health and Human Services concerning autism. The committee helps to ensure that a wide range of ideas and perspectives are represented and discussed in a public forum by appointing both Federal and public members."
There's a federal entity that is ripe for elimination. Seriously, what need is there for this? None. It can only exist to redistribute taxpayer money to leftards.
I'm betting 85% of federal agencies could be eliminated with no reduction whatsoever in services.
The regressives do not like us Autists one bit. They have an agenda that should be a concern for all. On the one hand they would like us to become another disadvantaged victim class, on the other we are problem that needs to be eliminated. They are increasingly aware that we are very hard to indoctrinate. This is a great concern. High functioning autists like myself ( Asperger Syndrom) are particularly frightening to them because we generally see past the BS. Some of the stuff I have read indicates bad times ahead for all of us, but especially Autists.
Just what we expect from these criminals, shovel bucket-fulls of money to their compatriots.
Rape and Pillage the US Gvt coffers, that's my and your money folks, Rape and Pillage!
FIGHT on PATRIOTS ! ! !
"Organizations like Autism Speaks are responsible for depicting autism as a terrible tragedy. "
Autism isnt a tragedy? I suppose having your child hit in the head with a 2×4 causing a brain injury that limits his future development isnt a tragedy either? Some of us have children that regressed into autism. For a year my son was developing and surpassing every milestone then suddenly it all stopped. If that's not a frickin tragedy what is? Autism is not a natural occurrence in human development, it has horrible complications for most who suffer with the diagnosis. Not every one of those children diagnosed on the spectrum of autism are as fortunate as yours, some fill diapers and smear crap on the walls at 10 years of age. Some dont sleep, some dont eat, some cry out in pain, some dont speak, some wonder off and drown in a pond, some get raped in institutions or by care takers. 50% will never be able to live an independent life. And if you would, let me know what the life span is of someone diagnosed with autism, show me that study. Ive never seen a 60 year old with autism, and im not talking about one of those self diagnosed aspergergers with a family and a job and money in a 401k. Im talking about autism.
what?
Then I guess Barry is stupid, to use your anon-logy. He thinks $250k is a big deal.
Yeah right. Obama made 5.5 million jackass,
250K is two weeks pay for him.
God you people are stupid.
It’s always amusing to read your rants, Anon. The angrier and more insulting you become, the more we know how much we’re getting to you—and how fearful you are. Must suck to be you, huh?
Great point Sunshine.
God you are stupid
Tax credits are not the same as tax cuts. A tax cut decrease the rate at which one is taxed. A tax credit is a benefit paid to an individual to increase one's net income.
Obama's claim that he'll cut taxes for 95% of Americans is misleading for this reason: he misconstrues tax credits to mean tax cuts.
So, when Obama says he'll cut taxes for 95% of America, what he really means to say is he's going to adjust the progressiveness of the tax rate in order to fund tax credits for the lowest tax bracket–the one that doesn't pay any taxes at all. That's not a tax cut, its a refundable credit, a redistribution of wealth. The merits of such a shift in tax policy is debatable. It isn't, however, a tax cut for 95% of America.
Obama's may convincingly articulate his tax policy, but he doesn't do it honestly.
God Bless America
Except for the poor addicted inner city folks who can't stop smoking. Instead of getting them help now let's tax the living crap out of them and keep them smoking so they die and we won't have to worry about their health care in 2014.
Sounds like a great plan Mr. President. You are right. We are stupid if we think it's a bad idea. Sean Penn should be exempt. You dude can please keep smoking.
Except for the poor addicted inner city folks who can't stop smoking. Instead of getting them help now let's tax the living crap out of them and keep them smoking so they die and we won't have to worry about their health care in 2014.
Sounds like a great plan Mr. President. You are right. We are stupid if we think it's a bad idea. Sean Penn should be exempt. You dude can please keep smoking.
Well if they come up with a test for being a heartless parent, we can rid the world of those people too. Think about it.
She needs to be cut off from the government tit. Private research can find a treatment if anyone can. Autism seems to be a calling card for liberal leeches these days.
Yes Sam. Isn't fun to hear him seething with anger and spitting venom like a trapped snake. I love it. Anon you are welcome here anytime.
WOnder what he thinks about Puerto Rico.
"The D.C. mortgage lenders Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and FHA all have a big exposure to Puerto Rico. The losses relating to the PR loan exposure will be funded by Treasury (AKA – the Taxpayers). "
http://www.zerohedge.com/article/fdic-takes-whack...
That is more genius from our DNC hijacked Congress.
What ever gave anyone the idea that to the progressives social engineering doesn't just stop at re-distributing wealth. Now they want to engineer our health and our genetic codes.
Eugenics via the tax code,,,,what a nifty idea, gosh those progressives think of everything, we are so lucky to have so many smart people looking out for all that is best for us. Pretty soon we won't even have to decide anything.
I posted this earlier today, yet it is so relevent to this article.
"This article shows the incredilbe level of corruption in the grant process in this country. The maddening part is that there seems to be no outrage among the people who have to pay for this corrupt system of giveaways and rewards. Please keep shining the light on stories like this one, on both sides of the political spectrum.
Although the level of spending on funding grants, associations and commissions is a small percentage of total spending, at least that is what we will hear from our masters, I mean lawmakers, we must stop ALL of this type of entitlement now. Reining in spending must start somewhere and this system of political payback would be a great place to start."
AUTISM PULLS AT ALL OF OUR HEART STRINGS! The point is; We are the most charitable country that has ever existed on this planet!!! No small accomplishment!!! We need to get government out of picking who is worthy and who is not. Unless you believe that some politician that has no real world experience is better suited to make charitable decisions than you, we need to demand that government get the hell out of things they know nothing about!
" Pretty soon we won't even have to decide anything. "
Amen, brother, amen.
[...] Sebelius Appoints the $600,000 Woman Federal Autism Panel [...]
Another political hack whose very existence proves nothing more than their diabolical need for victims whom they use to further their political(personal)goals.
My prayers are with you as they are with every family that faces challenges of this magnitude with their own children. The point I got from this article is that this particular organization and it's leader are from from being truely beneficial to the cause. I don't fault the reationale that provide compensation for the heads of 501-c-3's but I abhor the outright gouging that happens. Charity navigator is a great rating agency for the efficiency of non-profits. For Autism Speaks to give this woman that much money means that there is just that much less going into the program. Lots of other non-profits in this field that are run a whole lot better and are more likely to get results.
My prayers are with you as they are with every family that faces challenges of this magnitude with their own children. The point I got from this article is that this particular organization and it's leader are from from being truely beneficial to the cause. I don't fault the reationale that provide compensation for the heads of 501-c-3's but I abhor the outright gouging that happens. Charity navigator is a great rating agency for the efficiency of non-profits. For Autism Speaks to give this woman that much money means that there is just that much less going into the program. Lots of other non-profits in this field that are run a whole lot better and are more likely to get results.
Thank you for your reply. I take you at your word. We all know that we have to cut out ALL of the crap that gov. pretends to do for us. The test will be if we can cheer on a reformer while OUR ox is being gored. The time is coming. Soon. The $64,000 question: Who will stand with you and I in favor of saving our children from the burden of debt when it may not be in our own self interest?
I've followed your comments for a while. I appreciate your point of view. I want an answer.
Thank you for your reply. I take you at your word. We all know that we have to cut out ALL of the crap that gov. pretends to do for us. The test will be if we can cheer on a reformer while OUR ox is being gored. The time is coming. Soon. The $64,000 question: Who will stand with you and I in favor of saving our children from the burden of debt when it may not be in our own self interest?
I've followed your comments for a while. I appreciate your point of view. I want an answer.
Ok, a partial retraction to my previous post as the link I posted to has issued a follow up link at the top which points to an article claiming there is no scientific proof (yet) of the link between autism and vaccinations containing fetal cells from aborted fetuses. The article also promotes vaccination.
I still think there could be a very real link between autism and vaccinations containing fetal cells from aborted fetuses.
It sounds like another one of those moochy quasi-governmental institutions that exists only to serve itself, not the people it claims to serve.
What can be done about this sort of thing? Short of an Acorn-type scandal, it seems like no one in the MSM cares to call out the watchdogs and raise awareness for this type of fiscal irresponsibility.
for the most part I tend to skip its posts
same rhetoric
over and over and over and over…….
Um, no one here has advocated the elimination of persons with autism!!! We have advocated the elimination of a political patronage position that only serves those who collect salaries from it. Neither you nor my autistic cousins will see one iota of benefit from this sham of a "program."
"my two autistic cousins have done just fine without an "autism czar" in DC"
Good for them. BUT, imagine how much better than 'just fine' they will do WITH an autistic tsar in DC!
"do you get any benefit package "
Starting in four years we will.
Amen, brother, amen.
In other words we cannot compete against unions. Why don't they just take the next logical step and make UNIONS a protected class under the HATE CRIMES legislation. While they are at it they should include Dems, progressives, socialists and communists to the list. This way they can legally gag any opposition to the nefarious schemes.
Ah…the perks of the "ruling class"! Disgusting and self serving…
"Organizations like Autism Speaks are responsible for depicting autism as a terrible tragedy. "
I am no fan of AS, and Dawson is being paid a lot of money to get zero results. Putting her on the IACC is the definition of failing up.
But autism is a terrible tragedy. Last week another murder suicide by a caregiver father of his adult son and himself just a couple of towns away from me. that was the fifth premature death of someone with autism that was in the news in April, "autism month".
Drownings, killed by police while being restrained, murdered… sound like tragedies to you?
Little known fact, insurance companies won't give life insurance to children with autism until they turn ten years old. Because they die too often. It is a money looser for them.
If your child's autism is not a burden to him and your family, then that is truly wonderful for you, but that is not my experience. I have had had two close friends bury their children with autism in the last two years.
Autism is a tragedy. Please stop sugar coating it.
Or if you are white…….[Note Michael Jordan. Oprah, Franklin Raines, ARod, etc]
Exactly…or if you're a union
"Cur taxes for 95% of you dumb asses"
When no where near that amount pays income tax….god you're so smart. I bet your mother has a bumper sticker claiming "my child pretends he's an honor student, but he's just a liberal"
Hi, I think I might have messed up what I was trying to say. I sometimes do that when I have strong feelings about something. You have know idea how much time I spend trying to post even short responses
Anyway, I was trying to say that I feel that the political left has nothing but bad intentions when it comes to their supposed advocacy for autists. I defiantly do not like the idea of the federal government actively involved in this advocacy. The recent interests in autism by the left has me a more then a bit concerned.
BTW, Who is "We"
I'm done too…waste of my time – I won't rise to the hype and lies.
I say that without proper leadership, the agencies that are mandated with trying to serve the underserved will be rudderless and quite unproductive.
Without a vision, how can an agency truly find the path to success? You don't get vision from front line troops. Their view is clouded by the fog or 'war'. Tactical leadership is certainly relevent and of import; but to stifle the opportunity for success by limiting the salaries of strategic leadership……well, that just doesn't make sense.
Please do not use autism as a slam. It is a terrible illness and the people affected can't help the way they are. I know you were trying to be clever, but this is analogous to calling people "retards". It just isn't cool. You are insulting the autism community which is made up of many wonderful people.
Bensmyson- I have a daughter who sounds very much like your son- and has made wonderful progress with treatment. I hear you, when many do not. If I can help in any way, please go to my autism site: www.http://woggle-bug.com
I have contact info there. My daughter is 16 and actually went to prom last year. It does get better, with treatment.
Bensmyson- I have a daughter who sounds very much like your son- and has made wonderful progress with treatment. I hear you, when many do not. If I can help in any way, please go to my autism site: www.http://woggle-bug.com
I have contact info there. My daughter is 16 and actually went to prom last year. It does get better, with treatment.
I'm with you on this one. Any "special group" is merely another pawn on the Big Government chess board. Seems like Dawson sold out to the govt.
By "we," I meant the others posting on this thread. In reading their posts, I didn't see any calls for the widespread elimination of people with autism. So I felt like I could summarize in that fashion.
I understand how tough it can be to write when the adrenaline is pumping. (I teach writing, so I know what I'm talking about.)
Anyway, I'm glad to read your clarification. Thanks.
When I was pregnant, I took the AFP (alpha-fetal protein) test, which is to detect Down Syndrome. It came back positive. I went to a genetic counselor, who asked whether I wanted to have an abortion. I nearly laughed in her face, as I had every intention of having the baby. She offered to give me an amniocentesis to confirm the diagnosis via the child's DNA. I refused because amnios have a high risk of causing miscarriage.
When my daughter was born six months later, to my surprise, she did NOT have Down Syndrome. Turns out the AFP test is unreliable.
My point is that, while prenatal testing can find things like organ defects that can today be fixed in utero, Down Syndrome and autism are illnesses on a continuum. There is no way to know the degree of Down Syndrome in utero. I doubt there would be any way to know the degree of autism in utero, either.
And what if a prenatal test for autism is as unreliable as the AFP? How many babies will be aborted–or carried to term–based on an imperfect test?
God you're a freaking idiot. Why don't you go play in the street or something. Preferably in front of a moving bus. BTW shitforbrains, I didn't get a tax cut. Neither did anyone else I know. So keep your Obambi talking points to yourself.
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