No less than 5 times this morning, I heard Gov. Sarah Palin and her husband Todd criticized for what the mainstream media is calling “dragging out the infant son to show”! Actually, Ifound this to offensive and degrading to the Palin family, and to those with children with special needs.

Palin, holding Trig, at convention with her family

     From the day she was announced as John McCain’s Vice-Presidential running mate, there was no secret that her youngest child, now six months old, has Downs syndrome. There has been no effort on the Palin families part to do anything with their son, Trig, but to include him in every aspect of this momentous occasion in the Palin lives. Trig has been kissed on the forhead by Sen. McCain, like a doting grandfather, and others on stage with the Palin family will dote on him as they would do any infant.

     So why then is Gov. Palin being attacked for having her children, especially Trig, so visible on the campaign trail. First and foremost, this is her son…. this is her son who has Downs Syndrome. He is, though, no less a great joy in her life than her other four children. Youngest daughter, Piper, is a show stealer, at the convention, at the rallies, and even with Sen. Joe Biden at the debates.

    In her acceptance speech, and in talks since then, Gov. Palin has stressed the need for more advocacy for the handicapped and those with special needs. The fact that she has a child with special needs underscores her commitment to these causes. We can assume that a McCain-Palin presidency will offer more light into a world that many families often feel as though they must shelter or hide away.

      To those saying that Trig is in the limelight, get over it…. just like Piper and his Mom, even Bristol, Willow, Track, and Dad…. this is a family we will be seeing quite a bit of, now, and in the future. Gosh darn, you Betcha !

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