People with disabilities: Are We Not Worthy?

[lightningandsnow]

How unfortunate.
That.poor.family.
Seeing people “worse off” reminds me how small my struggles are in the scheme of things.
(Thank you, dear Lord.)
But I don’t get it… if she needs help in the bathroom,
She should stay home
They have internet programs now, and books,
Why does she even come?
She’s a detriment to others.
What selfish parents.
Our children shouldn’t have to sit next to her.
This is sickening.
A tube! I don’t want my kids to watch her eat!
If a machine has to breathe life into her lungs,
Is she really worthy of this air?
What if she DIES in the classroom?
I don’t want my kids to watch someone die!
Why are her parents sending her to school?
Anyways, if I was them, I’d want to be with my daughter in her final days…

These are all comments made by people on a Chicago Tribune story that FRIDA recently posted about a young school girl in Illinois who wears a big yellow Do Not Resuscitate* sign on her wheelchair.

The article is a hard read, largely because it’s written with the assumption that if you have CP (cerebral palsy) you’re going to pass any second. Also, I have a very difficult time with these ”right-to-die” stories because although I believe in personal liberties, these particular cases are based on the idea that life with a ventilator or any assistive technology is absolutely horrific. They’d rather be dead than be me. The ironic-but-sad thing is that ventilators, powerchairs, sign language, learning braille, crutches, feedings tubes—for the most part, they make life BETTER for people. Life happens to be of higher quality, you know, when you can actually do things like breathe. Ventilators tend to help with that.

http://misscripchick.wordpress.com/2007/12/16/are-we-not-worthy/

Old, but a great read.

Even if you're not normally into disability issues, read it.

[tonysam]

1. I have taught students who have CP

They would take great offense at shitheads like Peter Singer who think it is okay for parents to kill their infants with CP, Down syndrome, or other such "horrible" "afflictions" because these kids are "burdens" to their parents' "happiness."

That shithead Singer NEVER should have been allowed to teach in the United States, let alone be given a plum job at Princeton.

Singer is to the disability community what Charles Murray is to the African American community: a complete and total asshole.

[midnight]

2. Can you imagine these opinions are in the minds of our law enforcement.

They think nothing of tazering a man with no legs in a wheel chair.

[tonysam]

3. It's okay to "mercy" kill a child with autism

because that kid is a "burden" to the parent. You will read excuses for this shit everywhere. If the kid were "normal," the parent would be charged with murder.

Murder is murder, injustice is injustice, no matter the disability or the difference of the person.

[Cid_B]

4. Nice random thought there....

nt

[NMMNG]

5. Having worked in human services for 20 years

I saw and heard shit like that all the time. Typical elitist BS that assumes anyone who isn't "perfect" should be locked away so those who (think they) are don't have to worry their pretty little heads.

[cornermouse]

6. Down by the station

Down by the station,
Early in the morning,
See the little puffer-billies
All in a row.
See the engine driver
Pull the little throttle........
Chuff, chuff, puff, puff,
Off they go!

[jillan]

7. I have a daughter with multiple disabilities - you should hear the crap i have to listen to from

well meaning people. It's usually alot of pity. But the truth is I wouldn't trade my beautiful daughter for any of their kids.
She is the best thing that ever happened to me and it's a shame people can't understand.

And what gets me the most are people who think that people with disabilites have any feelings. It's makes my blood boil.

[lightningandsnow]

8. I'm sorry you have to hear all that.

I bet your daughter is a wonderful person and a joy to be around. :hug: