A Better Way to Make America Great
By Dan Burns
One year ago this week I attended the Trump rally at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, hoping I could ask him a question. But there were to be no questions, only answers. “Build a wall. Ban Muslims. Make America Great Again.” He pounded the podium and led a cheer: “TRUMP TRUMP TRUMP!”
Here is my question, one year later: Is there a better way to make America great? Yes, I think so, and it may be that vaccine injured families are very close to the answer. Consider these thoughts from The Broken Body, by Jean Vanier, founder of L'Arche, an international federation dedicated to the creation of homes and support networks for people who are intellectually disabled. “If you enter into a relationship with a lonely or suffering person,” says Vanier, “you will discover that it is you who are being healed. The broken person will reveal to you your own hurt and the hardness of your heart, but also how much you are loved. Thus the one you came to heal becomes your healer.”
I’ve set my smart phone to play a tune every morning at 11:11 to remind me to be grateful for my blessings. And to know, with Jean Vanier, that …
In every broken child,
A light is shining;
In that man in prison,
A heart is beating;
In that woman, victim of prostitution,
There is a yearning for life;
In the rich and greedy person, seeking power,
There is a child of purity;
In that young man with AIDS,
There is the light of God;
In every human person, no matter how broken, sinful, hardened, dominating or cruel,
There is a spring of water waiting to flow forth.
This year, Ben and I stood in solidarity with Hispanic, Muslim, and gay families: the lonely, frightened, and excluded; the imprisoned and the oppressed. As the autism wars intensify, vaccine injured and mandate resistant families, kicked to the curb by some mainstream media and threatened with apprehension, detainment, and forced vaccination, are feeling excluded, reviled, and oppressed. Families are banding together, starting group homes like The Autism Trust in Austin, Texas. May they find, in solidarity with other victims of ignorance, fear, and hate, that from the wounds of brokenness, healing springs.
Dan Burns is Contributing Editor to Age of Autism.
Greta, did you not notice that Trump has spoken out against internet takeover from US to global interests? Trump has skin in the game. Much more than many of the others. Have faith.
Posted by: Reader | September 22, 2016 at 12:42 PM
The most pressing problem in the US now is massive poisoning of children with toxic vaccines, which destroys American population and future. Only Trump is willing to stop this vaccine holocaust, hence for us there is no other choice. When in 15-20 years 80% of American boys will be autistic (if the current growth of autism epidemic continues), we will have no country anymore. US will be annihilated not by invading armies, but by greedy idiot politicians who allow pharmaceutical and big agro mafias to poison American population.
Posted by: no-vac | September 22, 2016 at 12:33 AM
Good to see Heather Bresch, who is incidentally a Clinton Foundation supporter, face the music lately.
Posted by: Reader | September 21, 2016 at 10:41 PM
Donald Trump has spent a lifetime making promises to people that he didn't keep - which is one reason he has been sued thousands of times. So I'm not sure why anyone thinks he would follow through on reforming the vaccine program or helping pople with autism.
But I think the point of this article is not so much to inspire a political debate as to say that in the midst of all the controversies today some are engaged in actually helping those with disabilities, which is beautiful work. Beautiful article.
Posted by: Twyla | September 21, 2016 at 04:27 PM
Wakefield for CDC director is about the best idea I've ever heard. It makes me smile just to think about what it would be like -- dan
Posted by: Dan Olmsted | September 21, 2016 at 10:01 AM
I love it!
Question: Is the Director of the CDC required to be an American Citizen? I'm not sure Dr. Wakefield is but he'd sure get my vote of confidence.
Posted by: Danchi | September 21, 2016 at 02:52 PM
I wouldn't put ANY trust in Trump. He will say anything to promote himself and line his own wallet, and nothing will get in the way. He changes with which way the wind is blowing that favors him. I don't think it matters who you vote for vaccine problems aren't going to be addressed by the gov't. until unfettered money is used to do the science. While vaccine choice is important I am not a single issue voter.
Posted by: Greta | September 21, 2016 at 02:10 PM
Andrea, Wakefield for CDC director is about the best idea I've ever heard. It makes me smile just to think about what it would be like -- dan
Posted by: Dan Olmsted | September 21, 2016 at 10:01 AM
The autism community for the most part is putting all its hopes in Trump. What choice is there? And I get that. But then here are the howevers(I know some people call me the grandma of Debbie Downers):
I've been in this fight for 17 years and have seen little changed. I've studied history and political science
and understand how the government works, especially at this point in time. All presidents are surrounded by others who put their own stamp on the presidency-Bush and Chaney are perfect examples. They, along with all the major corporations pull their influence on the presidency. Do not think that Trump alone will ever run the country as no president ever has. (and that's even if the powers that be allow him to become president) We are at a time in history where tyrants rule here to completely ignoring the average citizen. And more than ignoring--absolutely controlling the population . I guess I want to say you shouldn't be too surprised if Trump doesn't march right in and turn mandated vaccines around anytime soon or ever. I hope I am wrong.
Posted by: Maurine Meleck | September 21, 2016 at 09:09 AM
Not a democrat,
Hmmm...what would happen to Donald Trump's campaign if he starts talking about vaccines and autism right now?
I can't believe you are asking that.
I heard Trump met with Wakefield. Someone told me there was a meme circulating in closed facebook groups Dr. Wakefield for CDC director.
Wouldn't that be something?
Posted by: Andrea | September 21, 2016 at 06:17 AM
Actually IMHO Trump has set back the Autism issue. Multiple articles I have read about Trumps statement about vaccines causing Autism cite his comments and than immediately go into that fraudulent paper written by Dr. Andrew Wakefield and how it was retracted by the British Medical community. Or that fraudulent paper on the MMR. Point is-Trump has drawn attention to the WRONG PART of the issue. They talk about how anti-vaxxers are putting other children lives at risk because of that fraudulent paper and that evil doer Dr. Wakefield. How many articles in any kind of MSM blog have you seen reporting the truth of the Lancet paper. That the conclusion that is being saturated across the world is a lie. That the Lancet paper stated that Wakefield and his cohorts did NOT concluded that the MMR caused Autism. You don't read that because everytime Trump made a comment about vaccines it gave the CDC/pharma/WHO and any other groups who have vested interest in keeping the lie going an opportunity. The Vaccine Mafia seized it as often as the could. Not only are dozens of articles profaning Dr. Wakefield- pharma legion of trolls bring it up on every comment board.
Trump has made his position on vaccines know.
Sharyl Attkisson: “Viewer question: What’s your position on freedom of choice regarding various vaccines that could be dangerous for some children and why is the mere discussion of making vaccines safe censored?”
Donald Trump: “It’s the most unbelievable discussion I’ve ever been involved in. If you say anything about vaccines that is slightly, like…holding back the hate mail, the level of vitriol, it’s incredible when you see it. First of all, I’m a big believer in vaccines. But there could something to the theory that these massive doses that are given to children have an impact on autism. There could be something to it. Now some people say no, some people say yes, I’d like to see studies. The bottom line is they have to get vaccinated. When I was going to school as a young guy, polio was a really big problem and vaccines knocked it out. So the vaccines are very important, but we have to study the vaccines and we have to be very, very careful with vaccines.”
https://sharylattkisson.com/trump-on-vaccines-and-autism-pro-vaccine-but-cautious/
-"Trump says he favors vaccines"
The Science of President Trump
http://blogs.scientificamerican.com/guest-blog/the-science-of-president-trump/.
Trump has yet to provide a Medical Exam. What he has given the MSM are papers with written statements. So what he hasn't had a Flu shot. Neither have I. What does that mean in light of his Pro-Vaccine Self Proclaimed stance. What is his entire immunization record? Other than the Flu shot-no one knows because he hasn't provided a medical profile.
Trump is no hero to the Pro-Choice-Anti-Vaccine community. He has stated emphatically "I'M PRO-VACCINE". "I’m a big believer in vaccines". "The bottom line is they have to get vaccinated".
Posted by: Danchi | September 20, 2016 at 10:36 PM
I am sorry but if trump really intends to do something about vaccines or dr Thompson why isn't he talking about it?
I understand the desperation and I am angry and disillusioned about democrats bizarre refusal to mention this. But trump is not afraid of stuff and he is not talking. If this was a huge priority he would be talking about it loudly and making promises . And he is not. So I do not trust him, either.
Posted by: Not a democrat anymore or a republican. Just ticked off | September 20, 2016 at 09:55 PM
Thank you! Another soul taking a stand for the injured:
"VaxXed Stories: Alabama Military Whistleblower"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TYWXzTscjc8
Posted by: Jeannette Bishop | September 20, 2016 at 08:26 PM
@Annie,
You should realize Amy Goodman and the others you mention are totally in thrall and kneel at the Altar of NIH and CDC's total commitment to the Immunization Schedule now destroying America.
You say: Trump doesn't "care about science?" What the heck is the basis for YOUR ignorant opinion?
You should also realize Dr. William Gaunt's citing Trump's concern about vaccines/autism is well documented. Also, for some strange reason you exclude the vast number of American "caucasian" or "white" families having been/being destroyed by vaccines - it's very bizarre.
Posted by: david m burd | September 20, 2016 at 07:03 PM
Annie, I believe you are wrong about Trump not caring about science or justice. He has enough money fame and I believe he is genuinely worried about this country. He certainly has more skin in the game with 5 children and numerous grandchildren.
Posted by: Reader | September 20, 2016 at 06:10 PM
Neither Amy Goodman, nor Juan Gonzales, nor Chris Matthews, nor Rachel Maddow, will give a good gal darned why it is that dozens of black. islamic. american, mothers are gathered outside the CDC on Oct 14th.
For those in the back seats: black, islamic< AMERICAN MOTHERS!!! Are fighting for their rights to protect their CHILDREN!!!!
Help us, help us, please, please, please HELP US AMY GOODMAN!!!!!!!!!
Tell the William Thompson story, tell the Poul Thorsen story, tell the Merck lawsuit story
if you don't trump will be President, that is my opinion. Take it or leave it. And thank YOU to all of the human rights issues that you have advanced!
Posted by: annie | September 20, 2016 at 03:48 PM
Dr Gaunt,
So what? It's my opinion that AoA is far less concerned with their "agenda' then they are with true science and true kindness and justice. But that's just me.
Here's my thing: Trump, while admitting vaccines cause autism doesn't give a rat's patouti about the science of it all. He doesn't give a rat's patouti about the justice of it all. He just wants to know whether or not it is popular.
So does Clinton, So does Goodman, So does Maddow.
SUBPOENA THOMPSON!!!!!!!!
There is no reason, this issue should not be made public other than "the money" is keeping it silent.
The problem with Goodman, and Maddow, is that they don't realize they are part of the "the money".
Posted by: annie | September 20, 2016 at 03:15 PM
Not sure if Trump will play the "Vaccine Card" before too long or not.
He recently stated that he never had taken a flu shot and he is well versed on the vaccine / Autism connection from what has happened to those who work for him. I am sure he has received many letters on the subject.
It will be interesting to see how much longer Hillary will be able to "simply stand up" with her medical issues.
On day one of the Trump administration, I would guess he might issue some executive orders against vaccine mandates and perhaps invite Dr. Thompson to his office.
Other CDC officials should wait in the outer office for days or perhaps be told to sit in a corner until they decide to tell the truth of a few issues.
Posted by: go Trump | September 20, 2016 at 01:40 PM
The age of autism agenda is much more likely to be advanced under Trump.
Posted by: William H. Gaunt | September 20, 2016 at 09:59 AM
The O` word oppression, politician's talk about the depressions, austerity , but never oppression it don't exist ..RIGHT? along with vaccine damage don't exist RIGHT? Our kids cant speak but they have got home to us more than words can say, telling us more everyday and making our understanding of it all, the greater .We owe it to them and the human race to stop it, in any small way we can, stand up, be counted, refuse, never give up, never giving up, never.
MMR RIP
Posted by: angus files | September 20, 2016 at 07:45 AM
https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/tag/oppression
I looked up some quotations about 'opression'
3 From above:-
“Few will have the greatness to bend history itself, but each of us can work to change a small portion of events. It is from numberless diverse acts of courage and belief that human history is shaped. Each time a man stands up for an ideal, or acts to improve the lot of others, or strikes out against injustice, he sends forth a tiny ripple of hope, and crossing each other from a million different centers of energy and daring those ripples build a current which can sweep down the mightiest walls of oppression and resistance.”
― Robert F. Kennedy
"The oppressed are allowed once every few years to decide which particular representatives of the oppressing class are to represent and repress them.”
― Karl Marx
"Authority without wisdom is like a heavy axe without an edge, fitter to bruise than polish.”
― Anne Bradstreet
Posted by: Jenny Allan | September 20, 2016 at 07:00 AM