McCain Mentions Autism in Acceptance Speech

From John McCain's speech last night.

"I fight for Jake and Toni Wimmer of Franklin County, Pennsylvania. Jake works on a loading dock, coaches Little League, and raises money for the mentally and physically disabled. Toni is a schoolteacher, working toward her master's degree. They have two sons; the youngest, Luke, has been diagnosed with autism. Their lives should matter to the people they elect to office. They matter to me. And they matter to you."

Comments

[Richard]

When someone has a dog in the fight or skin in the game they have a much larger motivation for making things happen.
Sara Palin has a dog in the fight and skin in the game because her sons future will be affected by the McCain/Palins administrations decisions.
I can think of no prior candidate with the exception of Teddy Roosevelt who has been in such a unique position.

[blueheron]

The 9/6/08 New York Times has a story, "Parents of Special-Needs Children Divided Over Palin’s Promise to Help." Some key quotes:

"To those in Alaska who work with children with special needs, Ms. Palin’s pronouncement was surprising; the disabled have not been a centerpiece of Ms. Palin’s 20-months in office or any of her campaigns for office."

"She signed legislation that would increase financing for children in Alaska with special needs — though she was not involved in its development — yet that state is the subject of two lawsuits that allege inadequate services and financing for those children, particularly those with autism."

""I never heard Governor Palin say as governor, 'You have an advocate in Juneau," said Sonja Kerr, a lawyer specializing in disability law in Anchorage."

Read it all here:

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/07/us/politics/07needs.html

[MoneyMoneyMoney]

Source opensecrets.org
Selected Sector Total to Candidates
Health
Obama, Barack $8,841,124
McCain, John $4,681,148
Selected Industry Total to Candidates

Pharmaceuticals/Health Products
Barack Obama (D) $915,696
John McCain (R) $442,042

[KarenAtlanta]

At this point I will vote for the person most willing to radically reform the CDC, particularly the mandated vaccine program.
This would bring both fiscal and social CHANGE.

It would be both pro-life and create choice. An informed vaccination choice vs a corrupt CDC, would not be hostile to the womb and would empower women to make their own educated choices.
Not to mention...
It would:
*Save our country's best and brightest.
*Lessen the burden on the DOE & Medicaid.
*Preserve social security.
*Provide a safe healthy vaccine schedule for our armed forces.
*Build Wealth. Sparing parents the enormous cost of raising a vaccine damaged child.(Estimated 4 million.)That money would go back into the economy faster than any one time tax rebate.
*It would put money back into the taxpayers hands, instead of strapping State and local school budgets.

Vaccine reform by way of separating the regulation and the promotion of vaccines, (aka reforming the CDC) is the single smartest most pro-life, pro choice, pro liberty, pro conservative, pro liberal thing to do!

Continuing to add shots to the runaway schedule, turning a blind eye to Pharma profiteering - will plunge our country into 3rd world status inside of 10 years.
As the 90's over vaccinated, Thimerosal babies turn 18 and exit school, precisely as the Baby Boomers set to retire.
As numbers slip to from 1:150 to 1:67 to 1:who knows?

If a candidate cares about our country they *have* to care about climbing Autism rates.
Chalking it up as a big "genetic" mystery is the end of Western Civilization as we know it.
If you really want CHANGE let's see it!
If you really are a "pit bull in lipstick", special needs advocate...reformer, let's see it!

Address this national issue, man up or woman up and tell us what you are going to do about the single largest childhood developmental disorder - that has only in the last 20 years become a devastating epidemic.
The issue that sells out Newsweek every time it's on the cover.

Don't tell me about CHANGE don't promise reform until you put our children first.

[Garbo]

Sooo...we are to equate McCain and Palin with Wakefield and Yazbek because they share astrological signs? Autism is not written in the stars. It's a man-made debacle. Wakefield et al are scientists who are trying to do something about it. McCain is a guy who is as old as Reagan; Reagan relied on astrology in making his decisions as president and suffered from Alzheimers while in office. Somehow I don't think that's what we're needing right now.

[Amy]

I lived in Alaska when the Alaska Challenge Youth Academy was created. It is run by the National Guard, employees are hired as National Guard employees and those hired are mostly former military (and they liked to hire former drill sargeants) because it's a military-style boot camp for "troubled" youth. There may be kids there with diagnoses of ADHD etc., but from my understanding, they are mostly "troubled" because they were not successful in school/had trouble with the law etc.

I have not lived in Alaska since 2003 so there may have been changes to the program but I kind of doubt it.

[Kevin Barry]

It's good that speakers from both parties said the word autism during prime time, but saying the word is not enough.

To make an informed decision in November,
we need to hear directly from the candidates themselves what their vaccine safety policy is going forward.

Do Obama/McCain believe the status quo vaccine schedule is safe or not? Will vaccine safety be a priority for Obama/McCain when they are appointing the new heads of HHS, CDC and NIH or not?

At 1 in 150 (although the autism rate is likely higher), with an average of 2.2 kids/family, the autism epidemic hits at least 1 in 68 families. Sadly, we are also everywhere, in all 50 states.

If one of the candidates takes a brave position regarding vaccine safety - if one candidate shows courage and leadership on an issue of great importance to many families - it may help swing this election.

[Rebecca Bilek]

As I noted in my prev. post, McCain has at least acknowledged the potential for a vaccine/autism connection. Has anyone from "our side" ever spoken directly w/him about it and provided him w/info (i.e. any meetings or correspondence we know of)? Since several have asked, "What is he going to do re: autism," I'd like to know how informed he really is and if he actually knows what needs to be done.

[Rebecca Bilek]

Does anyone else remember that back in Feb. or Mar., during a town hall meeting in GWB's home state of TX, McCain said that there is "strong evidence" that vaccines and autism are linked? I think he was the first candidate to actually make a direct statement like that. Kinda' makes me doubt that he's listening to "pharma lobbyists."

[Twyla]

From everything I have heard and read about Sarah Palin so far, she seems quite unbalanced -- both emotionally and ethically. I would not expect great things from her, even if she does have a baby with Down Syndrome.

As for John McCain, I see no evidence that he is focussed on doing anything about autism beyond reading one sentence in a speech. (Well, seven sentences.)

I am happy that autism was mentioned by both parties -- this is slight progress -- but no reason to get carried away. I think that more progress is coming from the many many parents telling their stories to everyone from reporters to scientists to congresspeople. I doubt that it will be a president who really makes something happen. But I would be quite happy to be proven wrong!

[Ray Gallup]

As a US Navy Vietnam era Veteran (1965-1971), the record of John McCain as a US Navy pilot who was shot down and became a POW, speaks volumns regarding guts and character. If I were in his shoes I know I couldn't do what he did. If he is elected he would be the first POW elected as President and it is up to country to see if guts and character matter anymore.

A bit of trivia.

John McCain is a Virgo (August 29, 1936). Andrew Wakefield, MD is a Virgo.

Sarah Palin is an Aquarius (February 11,1964). F. Edward Yazbak, MD is an Aquarius as is Ronald Reagan and Abraham Lincoln.

Ray Gallup

[Ray Gallup]

One other thing.

John McCain feels Teddy Roosevelt was the top of the list when it came to Presidents.
Teddy Roosevelt was a trust buster and was against special interests. Personally, I have always admired Teddy Roosevelt as one of our best Presidents. Per........
http://www.swamppolitics.com/news/politics/blog/2008/07/john_mccain_theodore_roosevelt.html

Ray Gallup

[kat23]

Lisa, my half empty glass (like my magic looking glass) says we will be let down by all. I hope that isn't the case, but have begun to believe that we are the only ones who care because we are affected.
It's like living in an alternate universe, I just don't get it. Whomever is elected, there isn't much faith that special needs will be a priority.
Hope you have a better night than my negative comments:):)

[Raymond Gallup]

To add to that was the following:

1. John McCain said he fought against big drug companies.
2. Cindy McCain said she majored in Special Education in college and was a Special Education teacher.
3. Sarah Palin has a special needs child with Down's Syndrome. She maybe the first one who has ran from either party for the White House that ever had a special needs child. If I'm wrong I will be glad to be corrected.

Ray Gallup

[Garbo]

I want to hear what either candidate is going to do to get Pharma out of the FDA and CDC, and vice versa. Would be great to know what kind of people they would appoint to head FDA, CDC, HHS. What kind of "change" would they advocate at the top? Or would they keep the status quo?

[Tim Kasemodel]

I think we all need to step back and realize that we cannot count on any promises or guarantees from ANY presidential candidtate, and the only thing that matters is what we do and the new president does AFTER election that counts. What ever side of the political spectrum you are on, we all need to focus on what to do AFTER November 4th. Arguments aside, both Democratic and Republican conventions brought up autism!!!

We all should be celebrating that they finally relized how many voters that translates to.

I must bring one thing up from comments below - FWIW

Lisa wrote:

"Just for the record, I happen to wholeheartedly disagree with Sarah Palin on countless issues. But it's quite cynical to criticize her for approving an increase in the same month her son was born. Did she plan the baby's birth around the conclusion of a legislative session?"

Lisa, I think it is important to remember there is testing done early in pregnacy that would have alerted Palin to the disability her child has - hence her well publicised "choice" to keep the baby. Think what you want, and I do not know how that transaltes to her support of special ed, but she clearly knew her son would be born disabled months earlier.

[Keith]

bottom line:

-both candidates simply mentioned "us" and offered no real programs, ideas or solutions (and certainly no mentions of vaccine issues)

-both parties are infested with pharma lobbyists and money (pharma has enough money to hedge their bets)

We will have to work with whomever we get.

Bush promised some changes in his letter to Unlocking Autism (?) and did not follow through. Why should we expect anything different from McCain (or Obama)?

Again we'll just have to work with what we get.

Our energies should really be turned right now to the push in the media to marginalize those who excersise their constitutional right to chose whether or not they are going to vaccinate. Taking away this right seems to be an agenda by Pharma, govt entities pushing public health and screwball profiteers who put themselves before our individual rights like Dr Scoffitt.

[Barbie Hines]

His comments were kind...and that's nice...he hasn't said one thing he plans on doing for 'autism'...I would like to hear that...sick of hearing about 'early intervention'...I want to know what either candidate is going to do for my son...

[Lisa]

Kat, I do know where you're coming from. I'm sharing that half-empty glass with you. Obama has pledged money for autism research, and I don't doubt that he'll keep his word, but I'm just afraid it will all end up going to some high profile org like Autism Speaks who will blow it on genetics research. Yeah, I'm a little cynical myself.

[Jeff P]

Regardless of past promises kept or not, who are we to judge? Before we had children with special needs, did we care AS MUCH? I think not. What is important is the here and now and what occurs moving forward. What is also important is the spotlight autism is getting from both candidates.

[kat23]

lisa, I do appreciate your looking into this.

[kat23]

Lisa,
It is a tedious task to read that report in detail, I just looked at the bottom line. I don't understand how moving the money to a school that is not under the spec. ed. umbrella, but is still a school counts as not reducing the spec. ed. funding? But I'll stand corrected since I don't know how to argue that, accept to question if it is a spec ed program.

[kat23]

LOL, Lisa, I am cynical. My glss, unfortunately is half empty, and until there is some amount of trust that can be placed back in our gov't I am sure it will stay that way.
This whole vaccines ride has been nothing but a bubble burster. I used to believe....

[blueheron]

The 2007 budget for the State of Alaska included funding for four programs, including the Alaska Challenge Youth Academy. In 2008 and 2009, that program had its own budget. If you count that, it appears that there was actually an increase in spending across these four programs:

2007. $8,265,300
2008. $8,234,000 (ACYA) + $3,156,000 = $11,900,000
2009. $6,082,100 (ACYA) + $3,156,000 = $9,238,100

The Alaska Challenge Youth Academy is described in the state budget like this:

"This instructional program is operated at Fort Richardson in Anchorage with student enrollees from across the state. Students work on challenging academic programs in a 'boot camp' environment. Completing high school and building career goals and skills are the goals." (Source: http://gov.state.ak.us/omb/08_OMB/budget/EED/comp2837.pdf)

However, the program referenced in the budget as the Alaska Challenge Youth Academy appears to actually be a program run by the state National Guard at Fort Richardson in Anchorage for "at risk" teens from 16 to 19. See the web site here:

http://www.ngycp.org/index.php

As far as I’ve been able to determine, this program seems to have nothing to do with special education. Special needs children (e.g., autism, Down syndrome) do not appear to be eligible to participate in the program.

It probably does not belong in the special education budget.

If anyone else can unearth more about this, that’d be great.

[Lisa]

Look, I know it's a tedious job, but shouldn't one actually read the budget before commenting on it? What would appear to be a cut in special needs services is simply the result of one line in the budget, funding for a particular school, being moved elsewhere in the budget. The school is still funded. Do I think more can be done? Absolutely! Even without the autism epedemic, inflation alone demands increases, for all kinds of special needs services, not just education. But the upcoming increase in funding to over $73000 per special education student is significant and should be applauded. My daughter certainly couldn't get that here in Pennsylvania.

Just for the record, I happen to wholeheartedly disagree with Sarah Palin on countless issues. But it's quite cynical to criticize her for approving an increase in the same month her son was born. Did she plan the baby's birth around the conclusion of a legislative session? Considering the baby was born prematurely, I would tend to doubt it.

[Garbo]

Self editing. It's not McCain's wife with the lobbyist ties - my bad. I was thinking of his pal Joe Lieberman's wife. The one who spoke at the convention and who is tutoring Palin on foreign affairs. My bad.

[mike s]

"I wonder what all the pharma lobbyists on his staff think about what he says?"

Could you provide any names or evidence of this? I'm not doubting you, but I would like to see the evidence of this. From my own very cursory examination, McCain was the least beholden to BigPharma and Obama actually received more dollars from Pharma than any other candidate.

[Ginger Taylor]

Education Week's review of Sarah Palin.

According to them, she DID raise special ed budgets and even the teacher's union liked her because “She understands many of the issues that are important to educators in Alaska," Ms. Angaiak said. "She pushed fairly hard on funding, and we were pleased she was pushing.”:

http://www.edweek.org/ew/articles/2008/08/29/03palin.h28.html

[Garbo]

Let's not forget that GW Bush promised in his first campaign for president to remove mercury from all vaccines. That was 8 years ago. And where are we today, exactly? These people are all political animals or they wouldn't be where they are. Their promises are worth diddly squat. McCain's wife is tied to pharma lobby. Palin cut special education while her state has been reaping record profits from big oil. That tells me all I need to know. I trust them about as far as I could throw them.

[kat23]

Thanks for the suggestion Lisa. and thanks JoAnn for the link info.
I haven't read what John wrote, but as of fiscal year, my info is correct. That's not to say that I don't make mistakes, just this time, I think I am in the clear:)
Interesting how Palin increased funding the month her son was born. That refelcts well....as long as i is personal to her, she will support. Again, I say, Nice.
Although, if they are elected, I would hope that she would stand by her quasi-honest word.

[Joe Shlabotnik]

Add to that what Sarah Palin said in her speech:

"To the families of special-needs children all across this country, I have a message: For years, you sought to make America a more welcoming place for your sons and daughters. I pledge to you that if we are elected, you will have a friend and advocate in the White House."

I find it curious that both McCain and Palin addressed special needs on national television. This is not a topic normally on the national political radar. I hope and pray they are both sincere.

[JoAnn]

The Annual budget for 2007, which preceded Gov. Palin was $8,265,300.

http://www.gov.state.ak.us/omb/07_OMB/budget/EED/comp27...

The Annual budget for 2008, enacted by Gov. Palin is $3,156,000.

http://www.gov.state.ak.us/omb/08_OMB/budget/EED/comp27...

The Annual budget for 2009, enacted by Gov. Palin is $3,156,000.

http://www.gov.state.ak.us/omb/09_omb/budget/EED/comp27...

This is a cut in special needs services to children in Alaska of 5,109,300 , or 62%."

[Lisa]

Thanks, John, for clarifying that. Kat23, it's one thing to have an opinion, but if you're going to present something as a fact, it's nice to get the facts straight first.

[Cleon]

Autism was mentioned at the DNC as well. Real change is going to require resources and additional funding for special education programs. Where else but the government do you think this funding will come from? It should come from Big Pharma but there is no way that either party will push to hold meaningful hearings on vaccines and autism. Both sides have mentioned autism at their convensions. Big deal. Let's see some action.

[JoAnn]

Obama has pledged one billion dollars for autism research, McCain has pledged zero dollars.

[M.]

"Maybe McCain will balance our Palin. She cut special education programs in Alaska by 62%. Nice.

Posted by: kat23 | September 05, 2008 at 11:46 AM "

ha, and then she had a child w/special needs herself..wonder what she thinks of cutting that spending now....sad, when you don't think about something until it happens to you. but then she has the money for therapies and things like that on her own. but it's difficult for the rest of us, where people go into massive debt, use credit to the limits, sell what they can, take out loans..and still, the bills and the need for therapies are there.

[John J. Pitney, Jr.]

The first comment is incorrect. Palin has dramatically increased special needs funding. From Education Week (4/30/08):

"A second part of the measure raises spending for students with special needs to $73,840 in fiscal 2011, from the current $26,900 per student in fiscal 2008, according to the Alaska Department of Education and Early Development."

[D.Vanderdonck]

Go McCain,

As a grandmother of two grandchildren with Autism We know the nightmare. Perhaps Cindy could make Autism her special cause when she becomes our First Lady.

Also would like to commend Cindy on all the
work she does around the world. I am glad
all her help has come to the forefront.
Thanks Cindy. Now we know the real Cindy.

[kat23]

Maybe McCain will balance our Palin. She cut special education programs in Alaska by 62%. Nice.

[Keith]

I wonder what all the pharma lobbyists on his staff think about what he says?

[curt linderman sr]

I think it's great. I feel far more comfortable with the thought of McCain as prez than a liberal elitist that believes government knows best...we in the autism community are definately aware of what happens when government thinks they know what they're doing!