Re: Let's Rock the 2004 Vote !!

August 24, 2004

In response to the below, I have debated whether or not I should

say anything further, but I feel I have a right to defend myself, so I

will say my peace and then unsubscribe from this group. I

mistakenly thought this was a group where parents of children

with autism could come together to discuss issues and topics

that affect their children. I see now that if someone questions or

probes deeper than the issue of autism, that it is " ignorant " . My

grammatical errors aside, I am not an ignorant person, quite the

contrary. I am annoyed, however, with people telling me who I

ought to vote for based on autism alone. Our lives, my child's life,

is more than autism. She is a full human being with gifts, talents

and beauty given her by God. She is more than the sum of her

symptoms, and I am more than the parent of a girl with autism.

And, believe it or not, our government is not responsible to fix

every ill and evil that befalls mankind. Yes, I know there are

many things that need to change. But it should not ALL be layed

at the front door of the White House and the halls of Congress. I

take responsibility and action for my own family, and we live at

peace with who we are and who my daughter is. We also live at

peace knowing that the economic and political system of the

United States has produced a country with the greatest health

and prosperity known to the history of mankind, and will continue

to do so for those who actively stand for their beliefs. This holds

true whether the belief is for better care for individuals with

special needs, or some other special interest. (We ARE, by the

way, one of those dreaded " special interest " groups) Yes, you

are correct, we should all take action and exercise our right to

vote. We should all vote to put into office the person who we feel

will best serve the needs of our nation. We should not vote on

the basis of who will best serve the needs of our selves. ( " Ask

not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your

country... " ) Thank you for the information I have received here,

and I wish all of you futures full of promise for your children.

B said :

> How can be so ignorant? The aim of the shirt is that the

current administration is ignoring the study that links thimerosal

to the increasing autism rate.

August 25, 2004

I swore I wasn't going to get involved in the controversy but... I think what was meant by all of this is WE HAVE TO EDUCATE AND MAKE OUR VOICES HEARD. We need to let both parties know we are a force to be reckoned with and we need our issues addressed. Otherwise, one day the Autism Spectrum will blindside them personally. I have never been one for government handouts ever - Until the CDC, FDA, and EPA had knowledge of the potential harm they were advocating (and almost forcing) me bestow on my children in allowing mercury in vaccines AND the numerous shots of RhoGam I received during my pregnancy. Then they continue to sweep it under the rug!?! The latest problem with the FDA allowing manufacturers to lie to the public by saying they are mercury free is absolutely UNACCEPTABLE! I think this should be (if it is not already) criminal.

As far as the having the greatest health system... At the rate we are allowing the drug manufacturers to kill off our organs and we are genetically modifying our food we are now becoming sicker and sicker. This is becoming evident with the rise in all degenerative diseases, cancer and neurological diseases which of course includes autism. We have terrific access, yes but slowly that is becoming something that is not necessarily a good thing.

Lets all stick together on the issues we face as struggling parents trying to find resources to help these wonderful children. Vote the way your conscious tells you and keep pressure on both parties before the election and our president and congress after.

Darla

-----Original Message-----From: maryi90 Sent: Tuesday, August 24, 2004 11:49 AMTo: autism-georgia Subject: Re: Let's Rock the 2004 Vote !!In response to the below, I have debated whether or not I should say anything further, but I feel I have a right to defend myself, so I will say my peace and then unsubscribe from this group. I mistakenly thought this was a group where parents of children with autism could come together to discuss issues and topics that affect their children. I see now that if someone questions or probes deeper than the issue of autism, that it is "ignorant". My grammatical errors aside, I am not an ignorant person, quite the contrary. I am annoyed, however, with people telling me who I ought to vote for based on autism alone. Our lives, my child's life, is more than autism. She is a full human being with gifts, talents and beauty given her by God. She is more than the sum of her symptoms, and I am more than the parent of a girl with autism. And, believe it or not, our government is not responsible to fix every ill and evil that befalls mankind. Yes, I know there are many things that need to change. But it should not ALL be layed at the front door of the White House and the halls of Congress. I take responsibility and action for my own family, and we live at peace with who we are and who my daughter is. We also live at peace knowing that the economic and political system of the United States has produced a country with the greatest health and prosperity known to the history of mankind, and will continue to do so for those who actively stand for their beliefs. This holds true whether the belief is for better care for individuals with special needs, or some other special interest. (We ARE, by the way, one of those dreaded "special interest " groups) Yes, you are correct, we should all take action and exercise our right to vote. We should all vote to put into office the person who we feel will best serve the needs of our nation. We should not vote on the basis of who will best serve the needs of our selves. ("Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country..." ) Thank you for the information I have received here, and I wish all of you futures full of promise for your children. B said :> How can be so ignorant? The aim of the shirt is that the current administration is ignoring the study that links thimerosal to the increasing autism rate.

August 25, 2004

I have already apologized for my comments, and as I explained in that letter, I was preparing for the worst, while attending the IOM Meeting held in Washington D.C. on Monday. As expected, The IOM Conference would like nothing better for this issue to disappear, and it's through the work of the Giers, as well as other PACs, such as Moms Against Mercury, Unlocking Autism, and Autism Link, as well as all the parents of children with special needs which keeps the issue at the fore front of the political debates. I am sorry for the way I feel, but I would state that I disagree with your statement "our government is not responsible to fix every ill and evil that befalls mankind." I feel (wrongly or rightly) that our government (and not just one administration) is responsible for the sky rocketing rate of autism, due to increased vaccinations, due to the addition of thimerasol in vaccines (without adequate studies), and for the CDC and FDA bowing to political pressure, which come from the pharmaceutical companies and HMOs campaign donations. I am ignorant enough to believe that anyone elected can fix these problems over night? No. What frustrates me about this current administration is their repeated attempts to take away my rights of due process, by not allowing me to sue Eli Lily, their mandating that I "wait forever" in vaccine court, and their refusal to stop power plants from curbing mercury emissions in the air. I wasn't ecstatic over the Democratic Parties response, as noted in Cale's original message, but at least it was better that the Republican Party's non-response, which has been the theme of the current administration. Therefore, I feel all of these issues should be laid at the front door of the White House, as his father sits on the Board of Trustees of Eli Lily, and these issues should be laid at the front door of Congress, as Senator Frist as tried repeatedly to protect vaccine manufacturer's from "frivolous" lawsuit. (Let him live in my house for one week, and let him see how frivolous our lives are). I also disagree with your statement that "We also live at peace knowing that the economic and political system of the United States has produced a country with the greatest health and prosperity known to the history of mankind, and will continue to do so for those who actively stand for their beliefs. I'm sure subjects of the Roman Empire felt the same way as well. How can we have the "greatest health and prosperity" when our rates of, not only autism, but ADD, Alzheimer's and other neurological disease are climbing at an alarming rate, and yet this administration will not support stem cell research. I do agree with your statement 'We should all vote to put into office the person who we feel will best serve the needs of our nation". but I think that the needs of our nation, will lie on our children, and I'll fight to the end to protect not just my children, but all children, which is why I feel as strongly about this issue as I do. To that extent, I too, will unsubscribe from this group, as I have relocated my family from Georgia for two reasons. The first is to get better help and to ensure that my autistic child is afforded the best education that can be provided for him, and to be closer to D.C., to keep abreast of the situation and to hold politicians accountable for their actions. I know I have rambled, and for that I apologize. Thank you. [autism-Georgia] Re: Let's Rock the 2004 Vote !! In response to the below, I have debated whether or not I should say anything further, but I feel I have a right to defend myself, so I will say my peace and then unsubscribe from this group. I mistakenly thought this was a group where parents of children with autism could come together to discuss issues and topics that affect their children. I see now that if someone questions or probes deeper than the issue of autism, that it is "ignorant". My grammatical errors aside, I am not an ignorant person, quite the contrary. I am annoyed, however, with people telling me who I ought to vote for based on autism alone. Our lives, my child's life, is more than autism. She is a full human being with gifts, talents and beauty given her by God. She is more than the sum of her symptoms, and I am more than the parent of a girl with autism And, believe it or not, our government is not responsible to fix every ill and evil that befalls mankind. Yes, I know there are many things that need to change. But it should not ALL be layed at the front door of the White House and the halls of Congress. I take responsibility and action for my own family, and we live at peace with who we are and who my daughter is. We also live at peace knowing that the economic and political system of the United States has produced a country with the greatest health and prosperity known to the history of mankind, and will continue to do so for those who actively stand for their beliefs. This holds true whether the belief is for better care for individuals with special needs, or some other special interest. (We ARE, by the way, one of those dreaded "special interest " groups) Yes, you are correct, we should all take action and exercise our right to vote. We should all vote to put into office the person who we feel will best serve the needs of our nation. We should not vote on the basis of who will best serve the needs of our selves. ("Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country..." ) Thank you for the information I have received here, and I wish all of you futures full of promise for your children. B said :> How can be so ignorant? The aim of the shirt is that the current administration is ignoring the study that links thimerosal to the increasing autism rate.

August 25, 2004

I have already apologized for my comments, and as I explained in that letter, I was preparing for the worst, while attending the IOM Meeting held in Washington D.C. on Monday. As expected, The IOM Conference would like nothing better for this issue to disappear, and it's through the work of the Giers, as well as other PACs, such as Moms Against Mercury, Unlocking Autism, and Autism Link, as well as all the parents of children with special needs which keeps the issue at the fore front of the political debates. I am sorry for the way I feel, but I would state that I disagree with your statement "our government is not responsible to fix every ill and evil that befalls mankind." I feel (wrongly or rightly) that our government (and not just one administration) is responsible for the sky rocketing rate of autism, due to increased vaccinations, due to the addition of thimerasol in vaccines (without adequate studies), and for the CDC and FDA bowing to political pressure, which come from the pharmaceutical companies and HMOs campaign donations. I am ignorant enough to believe that anyone elected can fix these problems over night? No. What frustrates me about this current administration is their repeated attempts to take away my rights of due process, by not allowing me to sue Eli Lily, their mandating that I "wait forever" in vaccine court, and their refusal to stop power plants from curbing mercury emissions in the air. I wasn't ecstatic over the Democratic Parties response, as noted in Cale's original message, but at least it was better that the Republican Party's non-response, which has been the theme of the current administration. Therefore, I feel all of these issues should be laid at the front door of the White House, as his father sits on the Board of Trustees of Eli Lily, and these issues should be laid at the front door of Congress, as Senator Frist as tried repeatedly to protect vaccine manufacturer's from "frivolous" lawsuit. (Let him live in my house for one week, and let him see how frivolous our lives are). I also disagree with your statement that "We also live at peace knowing that the economic and political system of the United States has produced a country with the greatest health and prosperity known to the history of mankind, and will continue to do so for those who actively stand for their beliefs. I'm sure subjects of the Roman Empire felt the same way as well. How can we have the "greatest health and prosperity" when our rates of, not only autism, but ADD, Alzheimer's and other neurological disease are climbing at an alarming rate, and yet this administration will not support stem cell research. I do agree with your statement 'We should all vote to put into office the person who we feel will best serve the needs of our nation". but I think that the needs of our nation, will lie on our children, and I'll fight to the end to protect not just my children, but all children, which is why I feel as strongly about this issue as I do. To that extent, I too, will unsubscribe from this group, as I have relocated my family from Georgia for two reasons. The first is to get better help and to ensure that my autistic child is afforded the best education that can be provided for him, and to be closer to D.C., to keep abreast of the situation and to hold politicians accountable for their actions. I know I have rambled, and for that I apologize. Thank you. [autism-Georgia] Re: Let's Rock the 2004 Vote !! In response to the below, I have debated whether or not I should say anything further, but I feel I have a right to defend myself, so I will say my peace and then unsubscribe from this group. I mistakenly thought this was a group where parents of children with autism could come together to discuss issues and topics that affect their children. I see now that if someone questions or probes deeper than the issue of autism, that it is "ignorant". My grammatical errors aside, I am not an ignorant person, quite the contrary. I am annoyed, however, with people telling me who I ought to vote for based on autism alone. Our lives, my child's life, is more than autism. She is a full human being with gifts, talents and beauty given her by God. She is more than the sum of her symptoms, and I am more than the parent of a girl with autism And, believe it or not, our government is not responsible to fix every ill and evil that befalls mankind. Yes, I know there are many things that need to change. But it should not ALL be layed at the front door of the White House and the halls of Congress. I take responsibility and action for my own family, and we live at peace with who we are and who my daughter is. We also live at peace knowing that the economic and political system of the United States has produced a country with the greatest health and prosperity known to the history of mankind, and will continue to do so for those who actively stand for their beliefs. This holds true whether the belief is for better care for individuals with special needs, or some other special interest. (We ARE, by the way, one of those dreaded "special interest " groups) Yes, you are correct, we should all take action and exercise our right to vote. We should all vote to put into office the person who we feel will best serve the needs of our nation. We should not vote on the basis of who will best serve the needs of our selves. ("Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country..." ) Thank you for the information I have received here, and I wish all of you futures full of promise for your children. B said :> How can be so ignorant? The aim of the shirt is that the current administration is ignoring the study that links thimerosal to the increasing autism rate.

August 25, 2004

I have already apologized for my comments, and as I explained in that letter, I was preparing for the worst, while attending the IOM Meeting held in Washington D.C. on Monday. As expected, The IOM Conference would like nothing better for this issue to disappear, and it's through the work of the Giers, as well as other PACs, such as Moms Against Mercury, Unlocking Autism, and Autism Link, as well as all the parents of children with special needs which keeps the issue at the fore front of the political debates. I am sorry for the way I feel, but I would state that I disagree with your statement "our government is not responsible to fix every ill and evil that befalls mankind." I feel (wrongly or rightly) that our government (and not just one administration) is responsible for the sky rocketing rate of autism, due to increased vaccinations, due to the addition of thimerasol in vaccines (without adequate studies), and for the CDC and FDA bowing to political pressure, which come from the pharmaceutical companies and HMOs campaign donations. I am ignorant enough to believe that anyone elected can fix these problems over night? No. What frustrates me about this current administration is their repeated attempts to take away my rights of due process, by not allowing me to sue Eli Lily, their mandating that I "wait forever" in vaccine court, and their refusal to stop power plants from curbing mercury emissions in the air. I wasn't ecstatic over the Democratic Parties response, as noted in Cale's original message, but at least it was better that the Republican Party's non-response, which has been the theme of the current administration. Therefore, I feel all of these issues should be laid at the front door of the White House, as his father sits on the Board of Trustees of Eli Lily, and these issues should be laid at the front door of Congress, as Senator Frist as tried repeatedly to protect vaccine manufacturer's from "frivolous" lawsuit. (Let him live in my house for one week, and let him see how frivolous our lives are). I also disagree with your statement that "We also live at peace knowing that the economic and political system of the United States has produced a country with the greatest health and prosperity known to the history of mankind, and will continue to do so for those who actively stand for their beliefs. I'm sure subjects of the Roman Empire felt the same way as well. How can we have the "greatest health and prosperity" when our rates of, not only autism, but ADD, Alzheimer's and other neurological disease are climbing at an alarming rate, and yet this administration will not support stem cell research. I do agree with your statement 'We should all vote to put into office the person who we feel will best serve the needs of our nation". but I think that the needs of our nation, will lie on our children, and I'll fight to the end to protect not just my children, but all children, which is why I feel as strongly about this issue as I do. To that extent, I too, will unsubscribe from this group, as I have relocated my family from Georgia for two reasons. The first is to get better help and to ensure that my autistic child is afforded the best education that can be provided for him, and to be closer to D.C., to keep abreast of the situation and to hold politicians accountable for their actions. I know I have rambled, and for that I apologize. Thank you. [autism-Georgia] Re: Let's Rock the 2004 Vote !! In response to the below, I have debated whether or not I should say anything further, but I feel I have a right to defend myself, so I will say my peace and then unsubscribe from this group. I mistakenly thought this was a group where parents of children with autism could come together to discuss issues and topics that affect their children. I see now that if someone questions or probes deeper than the issue of autism, that it is "ignorant". My grammatical errors aside, I am not an ignorant person, quite the contrary. I am annoyed, however, with people telling me who I ought to vote for based on autism alone. Our lives, my child's life, is more than autism. She is a full human being with gifts, talents and beauty given her by God. She is more than the sum of her symptoms, and I am more than the parent of a girl with autism And, believe it or not, our government is not responsible to fix every ill and evil that befalls mankind. Yes, I know there are many things that need to change. But it should not ALL be layed at the front door of the White House and the halls of Congress. I take responsibility and action for my own family, and we live at peace with who we are and who my daughter is. We also live at peace knowing that the economic and political system of the United States has produced a country with the greatest health and prosperity known to the history of mankind, and will continue to do so for those who actively stand for their beliefs. This holds true whether the belief is for better care for individuals with special needs, or some other special interest. (We ARE, by the way, one of those dreaded "special interest " groups) Yes, you are correct, we should all take action and exercise our right to vote. We should all vote to put into office the person who we feel will best serve the needs of our nation. We should not vote on the basis of who will best serve the needs of our selves. ("Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country..." ) Thank you for the information I have received here, and I wish all of you futures full of promise for your children. B said :> How can be so ignorant? The aim of the shirt is that the current administration is ignoring the study that links thimerosal to the increasing autism rate.

August 25, 2004

I only have one more thing to say... Would you both PLEASE NOT unsubscribe to this group? Isn't agreeing to disagree what makes this country so great?! We all love our kids and are trying to do what's right for them. Don't we all tend to get over passionate about some of these issues?

Best of luck and lots of love to both if you do choose to leave us.

Darla

-----Original Message-----From: bwdempsey@... Sent: Wednesday, August 25, 2004 7:02 PMTo: autism-georgia Subject: Re: Re: Let's Rock the 2004 Vote !!

I have already apologized for my comments, and as I explained in that letter, I was preparing for the worst, while attending the IOM Meeting held in Washington D.C. on Monday. As expected, The IOM Conference would like nothing better for this issue to disappear, and it's through the work of the Giers, as well as other PACs, such as Moms Against Mercury, Unlocking Autism, and Autism Link, as well as all the parents of children with special needs which keeps the issue at the fore front of the political debates. I am sorry for the way I feel, but I would state that I disagree with your statement "our government is not responsible to fix every ill and evil that befalls mankind." I feel (wrongly or rightly) that our government (and not just one administration) is responsible for the sky rocketing rate of autism, due to increased vaccinations, due to the addition of thimerasol in vaccines (without adequate studies), and for the CDC and FDA bowing to political pressure, which come from the pharmaceutical companies and HMOs campaign donations. I am ignorant enough to believe that anyone elected can fix these problems over night? No. What frustrates me about this current administration is their repeated attempts to take away my rights of due process, by not allowing me to sue Eli Lily, their mandating that I "wait forever" in vaccine court, and their refusal to stop power plants from curbing mercury emissions in the air. I wasn't ecstatic over the Democratic Parties response, as noted in Cale's original message, but at least it was better that the Republican Party's non-response, which has been the theme of the current administration. Therefore, I feel all of these issues should be laid at the front door of the White House, as his father sits on the Board of Trustees of Eli Lily, and these issues should be laid at the front door of Congress, as Senator Frist as tried repeatedly to protect vaccine manufacturer's from "frivolous" lawsuit. (Let him live in my house for one week, and let him see how frivolous our lives are). I also disagree with your statement that "We also live at peace knowing that the economic and political system of the United States has produced a country with the greatest health and prosperity known to the history of mankind, and will continue to do so for those who actively stand for their beliefs. I'm sure subjects of the Roman Empire felt the same way as well. How can we have the "greatest health and prosperity" when our rates of, not only autism, but ADD, Alzheimer's and other neurological disease are climbing at an alarming rate, and yet this administration will not support stem cell research. I do agree with your statement 'We should all vote to put into office the person who we feel will best serve the needs of our nation". but I think that the needs of our nation, will lie on our children, and I'll fight to the end to protect not just my children, but all children, which is why I feel as strongly about this issue as I do.

To that extent, I too, will unsubscribe from this group, as I have relocated my family from Georgia for two reasons. The first is to get better help and to ensure that my autistic child is afforded the best education that can be provided for him, and to be closer to D.C., to keep abreast of the situation and to hold politicians accountable for their actions. I know I have rambled, and for that I apologize. Thank you.

[autism-Georgia] Re: Let's Rock the 2004 Vote !!

In response to the below, I have debated whether or not I should say anything further, but I feel I have a right to defend myself, so I will say my peace and then unsubscribe from this group. I mistakenly thought this was a group where parents of children with autism could come together to discuss issues and topics that affect their children. I see now that if someone questions or probes deeper than the issue of autism, that it is "ignorant". My grammatical errors aside, I am not an ignorant person, quite the contrary. I am annoyed, however, with people telling me who I ought to vote for based on autism alone. Our lives, my child's life, is more than autism. She is a full human being with gifts, talents and beauty given her by God. She is more than the sum of her symptoms, and I am more than the parent of a girl with autism And, believe it or not, our government is not responsible to fix every ill and evil that befalls mankind. Yes, I know there are many things that need to change. But it should not ALL be layed at the front door of the White House and the halls of Congress. I take responsibility and action for my own family, and we live at peace with who we are and who my daughter is. We also live at peace knowing that the economic and political system of the United States has produced a country with the greatest health and prosperity known to the history of mankind, and will continue to do so for those who actively stand for their beliefs. This holds true whether the belief is for better care for individuals with special needs, or some other special interest. (We ARE, by the way, one of those dreaded "special interest " groups) Yes, you are correct, we should all take action and exercise our right to vote. We should all vote to put into office the person who we feel will best serve the needs of our nation. We should not vote on the basis of who will best serve the needs of our selves. ("Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country..." ) Thank you for the information I have received here, and I wish all of you futures full of promise for your children. B said :> How can be so ignorant? The aim of the shirt is that the current administration is ignoring the study that links thimerosal to the increasing autism rate.

August 25, 2004

I only have one more thing to say... Would you both PLEASE NOT unsubscribe to this group? Isn't agreeing to disagree what makes this country so great?! We all love our kids and are trying to do what's right for them. Don't we all tend to get over passionate about some of these issues?

Best of luck and lots of love to both if you do choose to leave us.

Darla

-----Original Message-----From: bwdempsey@... Sent: Wednesday, August 25, 2004 7:02 PMTo: autism-georgia Subject: Re: Re: Let's Rock the 2004 Vote !!

I have already apologized for my comments, and as I explained in that letter, I was preparing for the worst, while attending the IOM Meeting held in Washington D.C. on Monday. As expected, The IOM Conference would like nothing better for this issue to disappear, and it's through the work of the Giers, as well as other PACs, such as Moms Against Mercury, Unlocking Autism, and Autism Link, as well as all the parents of children with special needs which keeps the issue at the fore front of the political debates. I am sorry for the way I feel, but I would state that I disagree with your statement "our government is not responsible to fix every ill and evil that befalls mankind." I feel (wrongly or rightly) that our government (and not just one administration) is responsible for the sky rocketing rate of autism, due to increased vaccinations, due to the addition of thimerasol in vaccines (without adequate studies), and for the CDC and FDA bowing to political pressure, which come from the pharmaceutical companies and HMOs campaign donations. I am ignorant enough to believe that anyone elected can fix these problems over night? No. What frustrates me about this current administration is their repeated attempts to take away my rights of due process, by not allowing me to sue Eli Lily, their mandating that I "wait forever" in vaccine court, and their refusal to stop power plants from curbing mercury emissions in the air. I wasn't ecstatic over the Democratic Parties response, as noted in Cale's original message, but at least it was better that the Republican Party's non-response, which has been the theme of the current administration. Therefore, I feel all of these issues should be laid at the front door of the White House, as his father sits on the Board of Trustees of Eli Lily, and these issues should be laid at the front door of Congress, as Senator Frist as tried repeatedly to protect vaccine manufacturer's from "frivolous" lawsuit. (Let him live in my house for one week, and let him see how frivolous our lives are). I also disagree with your statement that "We also live at peace knowing that the economic and political system of the United States has produced a country with the greatest health and prosperity known to the history of mankind, and will continue to do so for those who actively stand for their beliefs. I'm sure subjects of the Roman Empire felt the same way as well. How can we have the "greatest health and prosperity" when our rates of, not only autism, but ADD, Alzheimer's and other neurological disease are climbing at an alarming rate, and yet this administration will not support stem cell research. I do agree with your statement 'We should all vote to put into office the person who we feel will best serve the needs of our nation". but I think that the needs of our nation, will lie on our children, and I'll fight to the end to protect not just my children, but all children, which is why I feel as strongly about this issue as I do.

To that extent, I too, will unsubscribe from this group, as I have relocated my family from Georgia for two reasons. The first is to get better help and to ensure that my autistic child is afforded the best education that can be provided for him, and to be closer to D.C., to keep abreast of the situation and to hold politicians accountable for their actions. I know I have rambled, and for that I apologize. Thank you.

[autism-Georgia] Re: Let's Rock the 2004 Vote !!

In response to the below, I have debated whether or not I should say anything further, but I feel I have a right to defend myself, so I will say my peace and then unsubscribe from this group. I mistakenly thought this was a group where parents of children with autism could come together to discuss issues and topics that affect their children. I see now that if someone questions or probes deeper than the issue of autism, that it is "ignorant". My grammatical errors aside, I am not an ignorant person, quite the contrary. I am annoyed, however, with people telling me who I ought to vote for based on autism alone. Our lives, my child's life, is more than autism. She is a full human being with gifts, talents and beauty given her by God. She is more than the sum of her symptoms, and I am more than the parent of a girl with autism And, believe it or not, our government is not responsible to fix every ill and evil that befalls mankind. Yes, I know there are many things that need to change. But it should not ALL be layed at the front door of the White House and the halls of Congress. I take responsibility and action for my own family, and we live at peace with who we are and who my daughter is. We also live at peace knowing that the economic and political system of the United States has produced a country with the greatest health and prosperity known to the history of mankind, and will continue to do so for those who actively stand for their beliefs. This holds true whether the belief is for better care for individuals with special needs, or some other special interest. (We ARE, by the way, one of those dreaded "special interest " groups) Yes, you are correct, we should all take action and exercise our right to vote. We should all vote to put into office the person who we feel will best serve the needs of our nation. We should not vote on the basis of who will best serve the needs of our selves. ("Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country..." ) Thank you for the information I have received here, and I wish all of you futures full of promise for your children. B said :> How can be so ignorant? The aim of the shirt is that the current administration is ignoring the study that links thimerosal to the increasing autism rate.

August 25, 2004

> I find this all pretty amazing and distressing. My husband is a physician,

scientist, and a republican but even he would not vote for bush! He finally

realizes that he and his " peers " are just peons like the rest of us. My opinion,

(as a nurse, lawyer and mother of an autistic daughter who developed same and

mitochondrial disease, respiratory complex I and III, 2 days after receiving 9

vaccinations),there is bad and there is terrible. Bush and what he stands for

is just plain terrible.

>

> Date: 2004/08/25 Wed PM 11:02:22 GMT

> To: <autism-georgia >

> Subject: Re: Re: Let's Rock the 2004 Vote !!

>

> I have already apologized for my comments, and as I explained in that letter,

I was preparing for the worst, while attending the IOM Meeting held in

Washington D.C. on Monday. As expected, The IOM Conference would like nothing

better for this issue to disappear, and it's through the work of the Giers, as

well as other PACs, such as Moms Against Mercury, Unlocking Autism, and Autism

Link, as well as all the parents of children with special needs which keeps the

issue at the fore front of the political debates. I am sorry for the way I

feel, but I would state that I disagree with your statement " our government is

not responsible to fix every ill and evil that befalls mankind. " I feel

(wrongly or rightly) that our government (and not just one administration) is

responsible for the sky rocketing rate of autism, due to increased vaccinations,

due to the addition of thimerasol in vaccines (without adequate studies), and

for the CDC and FDA bowing to political pressure, which !

come from the pharmaceutical companies and HMOs campaign donations. I am

ignorant enough to believe that anyone elected can fix these problems over

night? No. What frustrates me about this current administration is their

repeated attempts to take away my rights of due process, by not allowing me to

sue Eli Lily, their mandating that I " wait forever " in vaccine court, and their

refusal to stop power plants from curbing mercury emissions in the air. I

wasn't ecstatic over the Democratic Parties response, as noted in Cale's

original message, but at least it was better that the Republican Party's

non-response, which has been the theme of the current administration.

Therefore, I feel all of these issues should be laid at the front door of the

White House, as his father sits on the Board of Trustees of Eli Lily, and these

issues should be laid at the front door of Congress, as Senator Frist as tried

repeatedly to protect vaccine manufacturer's from " frivolous " lawsuit.!

(Let him live in my house for one week, and let him see how frivolous

our lives are). I also disagree with your statement that " We also live at peace

knowing that the economic and political system of the United States has produced

a country with the greatest health and prosperity known to the history of

mankind, and will continue to do so for those who actively stand for their

beliefs. I'm sure subjects of the Roman Empire felt the same way as well. How

can we have the " greatest health and prosperity " when our rates of, not only

autism, but ADD, Alzheimer's and other neurological disease are climbing at an

alarming rate, and yet this administration will not support stem cell research.

I do agree with your statement 'We should all vote to put into office the

person who we feel will best serve the needs of our nation " . but I think that

the needs of our nation, will lie on our children, and I'll fight to the end to

protect not just my children, but all children, which is why I feel as strongly

about this issue as I do.

>

> To that extent, I too, will unsubscribe from this group, as I have relocated

my family from Georgia for two reasons. The first is to get better help and to

ensure that my autistic child is afforded the best education that can be

provided for him, and to be closer to D.C., to keep abreast of the situation and

to hold politicians accountable for their actions. I know I have rambled, and

for that I apologize. Thank you.

>

> [autism-Georgia] Re: Let's Rock the 2004 Vote !!

>

> In response to the below, I have debated whether or not I should

> say anything further, but I feel I have a right to defend myself, so I

> will say my peace and then unsubscribe from this group. I

> mistakenly thought this was a group where parents of children

> with autism could come together to discuss issues and topics

> that affect their children. I see now that if someone questions or

> probes deeper than the issue of autism, that it is " ignorant " . My

> grammatical errors aside, I am not an ignorant person, quite the

> contrary. I am annoyed, however, with people telling me who I

> ought to vote for based on autism alone. Our lives, my child's life,

> is more than autism. She is a full human being with gifts, talents

> and beauty given her by God. She is more than the sum of her

> symptoms, and I am more than the parent of a girl with autism.

> And, believe it or not, our government is not responsible to fix

> every ill and evil that befalls mankind. Yes, I know there are

> many things that need to change. But it should not ALL be layed

> at the front door of the White House and the halls of Congress. I

> take responsibility and action for my own family, and we live at

> peace with who we are and who my daughter is. We also live at

> peace knowing that the economic and political system of the

> United States has produced a country with the greatest health

> and prosperity known to the history of mankind, and will continue

> to do so for those who actively stand for their beliefs. This holds

> true whether the belief is for better care for individuals with

> special needs, or some other special interest. (We ARE, by the

> way, one of those dreaded " special interest " groups) Yes, you

> are correct, we should all take action and exercise our right to

> vote. We should all vote to put into office the person who we feel

> will best serve the needs of our nation. We should not vote on

> the basis of who will best serve the needs of our selves. ( " Ask

> not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your

> country... " ) Thank you for the information I have received here,

> and I wish all of you futures full of promise for your children.

> B said :

>

> > How can be so ignorant? The aim of the shirt is that the

> current administration is ignoring the study that links thimerosal

> to the increasing autism rate.

>

August 25, 2004