I am writing this letter because I feel deeply concerned that some of us are losing sight of the forest for the trees in this presidential campaign.
So very much attention is being paid to Sarah Palin and what she "will do" for us were she to become the vice president. One statement of particular concern to me is that she will be an "advocate for special needs children" in the White House. While I certainly sympathize with her circumstances, and am sure she truly does have a very special place in her heart for her son, I question the position on health care held by her candidate.
Being a true advocate for special needs children, and those with other medical needs, requires a health care plan which would benefit all. The health care plan proposed by McCain, and therefore Palin, is frighteningly vague regarding advocacy for anyone with needs, special or otherwise.
Barack Obama advocates increasing funding for the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act as a part of his clear, specific, and action oriented health care plan. He has voted for the State Children's Health Insurance Program Reauthorization bill, which McCain voted against. On Medicare, Obama has voted yes, and McCain has not voted. For me, rhetoric of advocacy is insufficient. A voting record of advocacy and a clear plan for advocacy will serve special needs children far better than rhetoric. Sarah Palin should vote for Barack Obama.
I recommend reading the health care plan for each candidate on their Web sites and checking their voting records on issues about health. That is what I did. I will vote for Barack Obama.
So very much attention is being paid to Sarah Palin and what she "will do" for us were she to become the vice president. One statement of particular concern to me is that she will be an "advocate for special needs children" in the White House. While I certainly sympathize with her circumstances, and am sure she truly does have a very special place in her heart for her son, I question the position on health care held by her candidate.
Being a true advocate for special needs children, and those with other medical needs, requires a health care plan which would benefit all. The health care plan proposed by McCain, and therefore Palin, is frighteningly vague regarding advocacy for anyone with needs, special or otherwise.
Barack Obama advocates increasing funding for the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act as a part of his clear, specific, and action oriented health care plan. He has voted for the State Children's Health Insurance Program Reauthorization bill, which McCain voted against. On Medicare, Obama has voted yes, and McCain has not voted. For me, rhetoric of advocacy is insufficient. A voting record of advocacy and a clear plan for advocacy will serve special needs children far better than rhetoric. Sarah Palin should vote for Barack Obama.
I recommend reading the health care plan for each candidate on their Web sites and checking their voting records on issues about health. That is what I did. I will vote for Barack Obama.
