Re: Legislator: Disabled kids are God's punishment

February 22, 2010

I'm still trying to figure out how the paper misinterpreted his comment (that's

his story and he is sticking to it). On his website he says the comment was

taken out of context and that anyone who knows him knows he is an advocate for

family and children with disabilities.

What happened to the verse(s) in the New Testament where Jesus says it isn't the

fault of the disabled man nor his parents for his disability but the disability

was given so that God's work could be glorified in the man? Seems to me that

verse basically confirms that it isn't the sin of the mother (or father) that

causes the disability.

Cari

Legislator: Disabled kids are God's punishment

http://www.newsleader.com/article/20100222/NEWS01/2220318

Wow....Family Guy was COMPLIMENTARY compared to this!!

One would expect more from 'christians'.

Carol in IL

Mom to , 9 DS

My problem is not how I look. It's how you see me.

facebook- doihavtasay@...

Listen to oldest dd's music http://www.myspace.com/vennamusic

February 22, 2010

Guy is from Manassas, VA. Made me think of Valetine's Day when Tim and I

attended Grease at the National Theater. The actor who played Vince Fontane

(the MC) did a phenominal job engaging the audience before the show began.

He asked where everyone was from and someone said Manassas. His response

was " There is a town named Man Asses? Who would name a town Man Asses?

Everyone laughed....

Now I have lived nearby for 15 years and I have never heard anyone pronounce

Manasses that way--but now I can think of this idiot politician. Some long

term members from the old Down-Syn may remember Brett and Ames -

they were from Manasses and I bet they are not going to be quiet on this

one!

Legislator: Disabled kids are God's punishment

> http://www.newsleader.com/article/20100222/NEWS01/2220318

> Wow....Family Guy was COMPLIMENTARY compared to this!!

> One would expect more from 'christians'.

>

> Carol in IL

> Mom to , 9 DS

>

> My problem is not how I look. It's how you see me.

>

> facebook- doihavtasay@...

>

> Listen to oldest dd's music http://www.myspace.com/vennamusic

>

February 22, 2010

I'm still lost on the generalization that we aborted our 1st born and now are

being punished. I don't remember having an abortion ever. I do remember having 3

miscarriages, 1 before and 2 after having . Makes me wonder why some

people find the need to use people with disabilties as an excuse, like my son

asked to be born with a disabilty.

takecareoftoday@...;

From: CMancari@...

Date: Mon, 22 Feb 2010 20:19:43 -0500

Subject: Re: Legislator: Disabled kids are God's punishment

I'm still trying to figure out how the paper misinterpreted his comment (that's

his story and he is sticking to it). On his website he says the comment was

taken out of context and that anyone who knows him knows he is an advocate for

family and children with disabilities.

What happened to the verse(s) in the New Testament where Jesus says it isn't the

fault of the disabled man nor his parents for his disability but the disability

was given so that God's work could be glorified in the man? Seems to me that

verse basically confirms that it isn't the sin of the mother (or father) that

causes the disability.

Cari

Legislator: Disabled kids are God's punishment

http://www.newsleader.com/article/20100222/NEWS01/2220318

Wow....Family Guy was COMPLIMENTARY compared to this!!

One would expect more from 'christians'.

Carol in IL

Mom to , 9 DS

My problem is not how I look. It's how you see me.

facebook- doihavtasay@...

Listen to oldest dd's music http://www.myspace.com/vennamusic

February 23, 2010

I liked the poem someone posted in the comments of the article:

HEAVEN'S SPECIAL CHILD

A meeting was held quite far from earth

It's time again for another birth,

Said the Angels to the Lord above,

This special Child will need much love.

His progress may seem very slow

Accomplishments he may not know,

And he'll require extra care

From the folk he meets down there.

He may not run or laugh or play

His thoughts may seem quite far away

In many ways he won't adapt

And he'll be known as handicapped.

So let's be careful where he's sent

We want his life to be content

Please Lord find the parents who

Will do a special job for you.

They will not realise right away

The leading role they're asked to play,

But with this child sent from God

Comes stronger faith and richer love.

And soon they'll know the privilege given

In caring for the gift from heaven,

Their precious charge, so meek and mild

Is " Heaven's Very Special Child " .

--- El mar 23-feb-10, Marcia Loomas <mloomas@...> escribió:

De:: Marcia Loomas <mloomas@...>

Asunto: RE: Legislator: Disabled kids are God's punishment

A: cmancari@..., takecareoftoday@..., " Upsndowns "

< >

Fecha: martes, 23 de febrero de 2010, 3:14

I'm still lost on the generalization that we aborted our 1st born and now are

being punished. I don't remember having an abortion ever. I do remember having 3

miscarriages, 1 before and 2 after having . Makes me wonder why some

people find the need to use people with disabilties as an excuse, like my son

asked to be born with a disabilty.

takecareoftoday@...;

From: CMancari@...

Date: Mon, 22 Feb 2010 20:19:43 -0500

Subject: Re: Legislator: Disabled kids are God's punishment

I'm still trying to figure out how the paper misinterpreted his comment (that's

his story and he is sticking to it). On his website he says the comment was

taken out of context and that anyone who knows him knows he is an advocate for

family and children with disabilities.

What happened to the verse(s) in the New Testament where Jesus says it isn't the

fault of the disabled man nor his parents for his disability but the disability

was given so that God's work could be glorified in the man? Seems to me that

verse basically confirms that it isn't the sin of the mother (or father) that

causes the disability.

Cari

Legislator: Disabled kids are God's punishment

http://www.newsleader.com/article/20100222/NEWS01/2220318

Wow....Family Guy was COMPLIMENTARY compared to this!!

One would expect more from 'christians'.

Carol in IL

Mom to , 9 DS

My problem is not how I look. It's how you see me.

facebook- doihavtasay@...

Listen to oldest dd's music http://www.myspace.com/vennamusic

February 23, 2010

Liam was my first (and only) pregnancy. With stage iv endometriosis, doctors

didn't think I could conceive. Plus I was 40. Then they didn't think I could

carry a pregnancy because of other health issues, but I made it to 37 weeks.

Add to that the fact that 75% of DS pregnancies miscarry. Then they predicted

I'd need a c-section, but no. He arrived hale and hearty with Apgars of 9/9 -

lost the one point for muscle tone. If he wasn't a gift from the God that this

evil man was talking about I don't know how he got here.

When will some people ever get the fact that my son is not a punishment but a

gift?

Kathy, Liam's mom (11,ds,asthma, diabetes)

RE: Legislator: Disabled kids are God's punishment

'm still lost on the generalization that we aborted our 1st born and now are

eing punished. I don't remember having an abortion ever. I do remember having 3

iscarriages, 1 before and 2 after having . Makes me wonder why some

eople find the need to use people with disabilties as an excuse, like my son

sked to be born with a disabilty.

o: takecareoftoday@...;

rom: CMancari@...

ate: Mon, 22 Feb 2010 20:19:43 -0500

ubject: Re: Legislator: Disabled kids are God's punishment

'm still trying to figure out how the paper misinterpreted his comment (that's

is story and he is sticking to it). On his website he says the comment was

aken out of context and that anyone who knows him knows he is an advocate for

amily and children with disabilities.

What happened to the verse(s) in the New Testament where Jesus says it isn't the

ault of the disabled man nor his parents for his disability but the disability

as given so that God's work could be glorified in the man? Seems to me that

erse basically confirms that it isn't the sin of the mother (or father) that

auses the disability.

Cari

-----Original Message-----

rom: Carol Doihavtasay <takecareoftoday@...>

o:

ent: Mon, Feb 22, 2010 5:15 pm

ubject: Legislator: Disabled kids are God's punishment

http://www.newsleader.com/article/20100222/NEWS01/2220318

ow....Family Guy was COMPLIMENTARY compared to this!!

ne would expect more from 'christians'.

Carol in IL

om to , 9 DS

My problem is not how I look. It's how you see me.

facebook- doihavtasay@...

Listen to oldest dd's music http://www.myspace.com/vennamusic

February 23, 2010

To be fair, the guy did issue a statement on the story:

A story by Capital News Service regarding my remarks at a recent press

conference opposing taxpayer funding for Planned Parenthood conveyed the

impression that I believe disabled children are a punishment for prior

abortions. No one who knows me or my record would imagine that I believe or

intended to communicate such an offensive notion. I have devoted a

generation of work to defending disabled and unwanted children, and have

always maintained that they are special blessings to their parents.

Nevertheless, I regret any misimpression my poorly chosen words may have

created as to my deep commitment to fighting for these vulnerable children

and their families.

However, he is quoted as saying-at a press conference, " " The number of

children who are born subsequent to a first abortion with handicaps has

increased dramatically. Why? Because when you abort the first born of any,

nature takes its vengeance on the subsequent children, " said Marshall, a

Republican.

" In the Old Testament, the first born of every being, animal and man, was

dedicated to the Lord. There's a special punishment Christians would

suggest. "

This statement may be how he conveyed that impression-ya think?

VA also just proposed cuts to education and human services (Medicaid,

waivers, training) like you wouldn't believe. Backward state; backward

politicians.

Judi (live in VA, but not a Virginian, thank goodness)

From: [mailto: ] On Behalf

Of Mom2lfm@...

Sent: Tuesday, February 23, 2010 6:57 AM

mloomas@...; cmancari@...; takecareoftoday@...;

Subject: Re: Legislator: Disabled kids are God's punishment

Liam was my first (and only) pregnancy. With stage iv endometriosis, doctors

didn't think I could conceive. Plus I was 40. Then they didn't think I could

carry a pregnancy because of other health issues, but I made it to 37 weeks.

Add to that the fact that 75% of DS pregnancies miscarry. Then they

predicted I'd need a c-section, but no. He arrived hale and hearty with

Apgars of 9/9 - lost the one point for muscle tone. If he wasn't a gift from

the God that this evil man was talking about I don't know how he got here.

When will some people ever get the fact that my son is not a punishment but

a gift?

Kathy, Liam's mom (11,ds,asthma, diabetes)

RE: Legislator: Disabled kids are God's punishment

'm still lost on the generalization that we aborted our 1st born and now are

eing punished. I don't remember having an abortion ever. I do remember

having 3

iscarriages, 1 before and 2 after having . Makes me wonder why some

eople find the need to use people with disabilties as an excuse, like my son

sked to be born with a disabilty.

o: takecareoftoday@... <mailto:takecareoftoday%40gmail.com> ;

<mailto:%40>

rom: CMancari@... <mailto:CMancari%40AOL.COM>

ate: Mon, 22 Feb 2010 20:19:43 -0500

ubject: Re: Legislator: Disabled kids are God's punishment

'm still trying to figure out how the paper misinterpreted his comment

(that's

is story and he is sticking to it). On his website he says the comment was

aken out of context and that anyone who knows him knows he is an advocate

for

amily and children with disabilities.

What happened to the verse(s) in the New Testament where Jesus says it isn't

the

ault of the disabled man nor his parents for his disability but the

disability

as given so that God's work could be glorified in the man? Seems to me that

erse basically confirms that it isn't the sin of the mother (or father) that

auses the disability.

Cari

-----Original Message-----

rom: Carol Doihavtasay <takecareoftoday@...

<mailto:takecareoftoday%40gmail.com> >

o: <mailto:%40>

ent: Mon, Feb 22, 2010 5:15 pm

ubject: Legislator: Disabled kids are God's punishment

http://www.newsleader.com/article/20100222/NEWS01/2220318

ow....Family Guy was COMPLIMENTARY compared to this!!

ne would expect more from 'christians'.

Carol in IL

om to , 9 DS

My problem is not how I look. It's how you see me.

facebook- doihavtasay@... <mailto:doihavtasay%40comcast.net>

Listen to oldest dd's music http://www.myspace.com/vennamusic

February 23, 2010

Yes, but...

This is just the kind of point some people will take seriously, especially when

there's a reference to scripture in it. It adds to the negative attitude people

will take towards people with disabilities. Even if I thought for a second that

Liam wasn't a gift, the God I worship wouldn't punish me and Liam for the sins

of others.

I hope Tim Shriver has some words for him. I will definitely write to him, but

since I'm not a constituent he probably won't pay much attention. He's what I

call an air quotes Christian.

Kathy, Liam's mom (11,ds,asthma)

RE: Legislator: Disabled kids are God's punishment

'm still lost on the generalization that we aborted our 1st born and now are

eing punished. I don't remember having an abortion ever. I do remember

having 3

iscarriages, 1 before and 2 after having . Makes me wonder why some

eople find the need to use people with disabilties as an excuse, like my son

sked to be born with a disabilty.

o: takecareoftoday@... <mailto:takecareoftoday%40gmail.com> ;

<mailto:%40>

rom: CMancari@... <mailto:CMancari%40AOL.COM>

ate: Mon, 22 Feb 2010 20:19:43 -0500

ubject: Re: Legislator: Disabled kids are God's punishment

'm still trying to figure out how the paper misinterpreted his comment

(that's

is story and he is sticking to it). On his website he says the comment was

aken out of context and that anyone who knows him knows he is an advocate

for

amily and children with disabilities.

What happened to the verse(s) in the New Testament where Jesus says it isn't

the

ault of the disabled man nor his parents for his disability but the

disability

as given so that God's work could be glorified in the man? Seems to me that

erse basically confirms that it isn't the sin of the mother (or father) that

auses the disability.

Cari

-----Original Message-----

rom: Carol Doihavtasay <takecareoftoday@...

<mailto:takecareoftoday%40gmail.com> >

o: <mailto:%40>

ent: Mon, Feb 22, 2010 5:15 pm

ubject: Legislator: Disabled kids are God's punishment

http://www.newsleader.com/article/20100222/NEWS01/2220318

ow....Family Guy was COMPLIMENTARY compared to this!!

ne would expect more from 'christians'.

Carol in IL

om to , 9 DS

My problem is not how I look. It's how you see me.

facebook- doihavtasay@... <mailto:doihavtasay%40comcast.net>

Listen to oldest dd's music http://www.myspace.com/vennamusic

February 23, 2010

Arc had some:

The Arc of Virginia is surprised and disappointed by remarks attributed to

Delegate Marshall indicating he believes children with disabilities were

" God's punishment. " Such unfortunate remarks continue to lend credence to the

stigma people with disabilities and their families are fighting to overcome.

Since this issue went public today, many family members who heard the audio

remarks have contacted The Arc to express their outrage over Delegate

Marshallâ€™s statements. Delegate Marshall has issued an apology saying he

â€œregrets any misimpression my poorly chosen words may have created as to my

deep commitment to fighting for these vulnerable children and their families.â€

The Arc takes him at his word.

Mr. Cullum, President of The Arc of Virginia said, â€œMany of our

families are struggling with the 24/7 care taking demands. It is rewarding but

hard work. Families donâ€™t appreciate statements that can be construed to

connect having a disabled child with some religious punishment. Our families

donâ€™t need the grief or the guiltâ€.

According to Mr. Cullum, â€œThe Arc families are especially sensitive now

because of proposed state budget cuts to critical services that support persons

with intellectual or developmental disabilities. The Arc appreciates

yesterdayâ€™s House and Senate budget reports that seek to restore some of the

services. However, the important waiver program is still slated to lose 1,134

waiver slots that were scheduled to begin reducing the long wait lists. Our

wait list families are in pain and crisis.â€

The waiver wait list is now over 6,000 persons and growing rapidly. The lack of

waivers means families will now have to wait at least another two years before

any new waiver slots are available. Some families have already been waiting for

years. The safety net for our families is in tatters.

Historically, Virginia's track record for valuing the lives of people with

disabilities has not been good. The Commonwealth was notorious for its history

of involuntary sterilization, for its state-sponsored segregation and

institutionalization and for its minimal help for families. Even today, Virginia

is currently ranked 46th in the country for its community support of people with

developmental disabilities and their families.

At a time when the majority of states are moving people with intellectual

disabilities out of institutions, Virginia is the only state seeking to rebuild

costly, segregated state institutions for people with intellectual disabilities.

The Arc is hopeful that Delegate Marshallâ€™s comments, however offensive to our

families, draw public attention to the plight of families caring for persons

with disabilities in our state.

From: [mailto: ] On Behalf Of

Mom2lfm@...

Sent: Tuesday, February 23, 2010 8:20 PM

FireRose@...;

Subject: Re: Legislator: Disabled kids are God's punishment

Yes, but...

This is just the kind of point some people will take seriously, especially when

there's a reference to scripture in it. It adds to the negative attitude people

will take towards people with disabilities. Even if I thought for a second that

Liam wasn't a gift, the God I worship wouldn't punish me and Liam for the sins

of others.

I hope Tim Shriver has some words for him. I will definitely write to him, but

since I'm not a constituent he probably won't pay much attention. He's what I

call an air quotes Christian.

Kathy, Liam's mom (11,ds,asthma)

RE: Legislator: Disabled kids are God's punishment

'm still lost on the generalization that we aborted our 1st born and now are

eing punished. I don't remember having an abortion ever. I do remember

having 3

iscarriages, 1 before and 2 after having . Makes me wonder why some

eople find the need to use people with disabilties as an excuse, like my son

sked to be born with a disabilty.

o: takecareoftoday@... <mailto:takecareoftoday%40gmail.com>

<mailto:takecareoftoday%40gmail.com> ;

<mailto:%40>

rom: CMancari@... <mailto:CMancari%40AOL.COM> <mailto:CMancari%40AOL.COM>

ate: Mon, 22 Feb 2010 20:19:43 -0500

ubject: Re: Legislator: Disabled kids are God's punishment

'm still trying to figure out how the paper misinterpreted his comment

(that's

is story and he is sticking to it). On his website he says the comment was

aken out of context and that anyone who knows him knows he is an advocate

for

amily and children with disabilities.

What happened to the verse(s) in the New Testament where Jesus says it isn't

the

ault of the disabled man nor his parents for his disability but the

disability

as given so that God's work could be glorified in the man? Seems to me that

erse basically confirms that it isn't the sin of the mother (or father) that

auses the disability.

Cari

-----Original Message-----

rom: Carol Doihavtasay <takecareoftoday@...

<mailto:takecareoftoday%40gmail.com>

<mailto:takecareoftoday%40gmail.com> >

o: <mailto:%40>

<mailto:%40>

ent: Mon, Feb 22, 2010 5:15 pm

ubject: Legislator: Disabled kids are God's punishment

http://www.newsleader.com/article/20100222/NEWS01/2220318

ow....Family Guy was COMPLIMENTARY compared to this!!

ne would expect more from 'christians'.

Carol in IL

om to , 9 DS

My problem is not how I look. It's how you see me.

facebook- doihavtasay@... <mailto:doihavtasay%40comcast.net>

<mailto:doihavtasay%40comcast.net>

Listen to oldest dd's music http://www.myspace.com/vennamusic

February 23, 2010

And there was an opinion piece:

Marshall's comments malignant. Usually, it is best to ignore outrageous comments

by elected officials. Ink can encourage them. We cannot, however, ignore the

comments made by state Del. Bob Marshall, R-Manassas, because we fear the harm

if anyone actually were to believe him. On Thursday, at a press conference to

oppose state funding for Planned Parenthood, Marshall intoned, with

deliberation, that children born with disabilities are God's way of punishing

women who abort their first child. In ordinary times, we'd feel confident that

anyone hearing such drivel would discount them as the words of a madman. But,

these, our friends, are no ordinary times. There are people who not only believe

it, but there were more than a dozen members of the clergy standing by him when

he said it â€” in our General Assembly Buildingâ€¦.,

http://www.newsleader.com/article/20100223/OPINION01/2230323

From: FireRose [mailto:FireRose@...]

Sent: Tuesday, February 23, 2010 11:52 PM

'Mom2lfm@...'; ' '

Subject: RE: Legislator: Disabled kids are God's punishment