(56) Diane, 18/9/2008
please use full name
I too have a child with Down syndrome. My daughter is 23, so I have some years of experience also. Your letter had some very good advice for Governor Palin. My only issue is with your use of the word "Downs". It is much better to use the full name -Down syndrome- when speaking about our children. Too often folks will then refer to them as "Downs" rather than as people first. Some people with Down syndrome will also say "I am a Downs person." if that is how they are referred to by others. It is so important to always refer to ALL people as people first and then their diagnosis (if that is even necessary). I highly recommend the website: disabilityisnatural.com for lots of common sense advice. Thank you for listening to me.

(55) heloise robinson, 17/9/2008
great
thank you rabbi coopersmith a wonderful message for all the world...

(54) DD, 17/9/2008
To Dave #48 - I'm Ba-a-ack!
Dave you are ridiculous! Two reasons (and please try your best to reason, for methinks it a challenge for you): (1)According to your argument, anyone who does not expect to have a fully supportive, close-knit family should not have a Downs child. By extension, they should not have a child who has any issues that makes them out of the line of typical. Way too hard. Now, let's see, how can we do all this intra-uterine preventative testing? Let's start funding for such research, because we'll need to predict blindness, deafness, learning disabilities, ADD, ASpergers, hypotonia, irritable bowel syndrome, malformed limbs, ugly birth marks, albinoism, cleft palate, speech defects, OCD, phobias, bed wetters, criminal tendencies, obesity, childhood arthritis and diabetes, asthma...a few eg's from an endless list of kids whose only hope is a close-knit family and who will cost the gov't untold fortunes. Wait, why dump the handicaped onto the close-knit family? We're all entitled to some equality. THe non-close knit family should have to abort, say two normal kids for every four costly kids we close-knitted have to keep. Even-Steven. If that sounds somehow off, let me take you to (2):If someone has an atypical child and is realistically apprehensive about their ability to care for it for the long term, is that the child's fault? Must they be doomed?Look at the endless list of parents and families who can not imagine life without such a child. There are thousands more who are waiting with love in their little close-knit hearts to raise ONE or MORE of these sweethearts. The money to care for them educaitonally and medically is in place, and will always be there. The funding that gets challenged is for the less severely needy category, such as kids with moderate motor or learnig delays. You don't personally think this is a good place to channel your taxes? I feel sorry for you. This is an inarguable social resonsibility. You prefer maybe to fund radical arts and culture projects, or research into the behavior of butterflies in the Amazon, or education for the gifted and talented, or bailing out incompetently run corporations, or of course the ever-important abortion of unwanted, expensive and "imperfect" babies? How pefect are you? when is money spenton a chikd acceptable to you? When they need a cheerleader outfit or an electric guitar or when you have to bail dear sweet junior perfect out of jail for a drug offence? Hey, G-d is perfect - He even thought you were worthy of being born. And all He does for ALL OF US is give, give, give. We do not know the mysteries of G-d's creations. One man's poison is another man's fish. While you're here, take the time to open your eyes and see the truth: These kids are nobody's poison. If G-d can give them to us, we can give to them, or hand them to someone who will. Only the ones on Earth who are evil by choice have forfeited their rights to exist with the rest of us. WE have no right to second-guess the wisdom of G-d's creations - none are mistakes, and we may not destroy potential good and light in this world.

(53) Teardrop, 17/9/2008
Absolute blessing
Down''s children are gifts sent from the heart of G-d. I have at least 3 friends with Down''s. They are pearls of great price. Ms. Palin has courage beyond measure to validate this child''s worth to a world that demands physical perfection and beauty. These children have the sweetest personalities and dispositions, and are closer to G-d than the rest of us could aspire. And for those who cannot tolerate those with disabilities, I would remind that all of us are an accident *or* an illness away from a handicap. What disasters lurk in our genes may not manifest until late in life. Ms. Palin has changed the face of disability and removed the stigma that so many feel.

(52) Anonymous, 17/9/2008

After reading this I am reminded of a chapter in Lynette Burrows'' book "Good Children" where she talks about her own Down syndrome child. I very much recommend reading it - it is also a beautiful and enlightening piece - coming from an intelligent Catholic writer who courageously defies shallow and inane, but "politically correct" views on childrearing. One of the things she says is that, after seeing so, so many normally intelligent children causing so much heartbreak to their parents as they grow up to mature adulthood via delinquency, drug addiction, alcoholism, broken marriages, etc. etc., she thanks G-d for having given her this son, who has brought her so much joy.
I think that is very much food for thought.......

(51) Servant, 17/9/2008
Letter
Joy has been given with a loving heart to the Palin Family through this letter. A downs syndrome child a truly a gift as my cousin is downs syndrom and a dear friends of mine also had a downs child. Thank you for your heart and love in your family. Many blessings to you.

(50) Col. Ellis Bingham, 16/9/2008
Note of thanks.
That was a beautiful letter and indicative of caring and lovely people. God bless.
An old soldier.

(49) Lisa Stallman, 16/9/2008
good advice
thank you for your input I appreciate it. I have 6 wonderful children and love them all. even though none of mine have special needs I can truly admire a parent with whom has been given such a gift.

(48) Dave, 16/9/2008

I admire the dedication of those who put in the effort to raise a child with Down Syndrome and seek to give it all they can. It's also nice to hear that many become successful and get along well socially. But it still needs to be the parents' choice to carry the baby to term. It's not all "rabid selfish feminists demanding perfect children" who decide to abort. Don't assume that because your child with Down Syndrome functions well, that all will. The cases mentioned in this thread sound mild for the most part. The success of a child with Down Syndrome depends on having a supportive family environment and the money to afford services of special educators and therapists, and the inevitable additional medical care they will need. I'm sure that many parents who decide to abort see that they simply can't provide for that level of neediness. It's easy to judge others if you have a large, close-knit family capable of helping you. Not everyone has this. So don't judge people for deciding that they can't handle it any more than you want people judging you for choosing to go through with it.

(47) Steve & Claudine, 16/9/2008
WONDERFUL ADVICE
THE RABBI''S WORDS ARE CLEAR AND CONCISE FOR ALL PARENTS OF THE DISABLED.

(46) Anonymous, 16/9/2008
Beautiful and Inspiring
Thank you for your lovely letter to Ms. Palin. I teach students with Autism and it was great to be reminded of my mission.

(45) DD, 16/9/2008
RAM - my comments to you although you're getting way more attention than you deserve:
Do you realize that you are repeating NAZI philosophy and mentality? This kind of action was believed and lterally executed wholesale in order to "purify" the human race 60 some years ago - and they would've likely been looking to get rid of you, too -so, AHA, we are not all so different then, are we?!?! WE have already seen the numerous comments testifying to the amount of joy and love these kids actually add to the world. As for how unfortunate it is for them to subject them to inferior learning, so bad that they shouldn't even be born, think about this: People invented school. The Almighty invented people! It's really up to us to figure out how to help one another learn, and not how to fit them into a system that is plenty fallible by all accounts for all kinds of learners, typical and otherwise. And, RAM, where's the love in YOUR heart - what makes you so superior, leaving the biggest hearts for the sbortionists vacuum?

(44) BK, 16/9/2008
Sigh...she''s not doing anything
Merely having a DS child and running for public office says absolutely nothing about either her *or* her child. My perception of parents of DS kids was not challenged at all, and I''m sure a majority of people would say the same thing. We think the world of you, and we all strive to accommodate and validate these children in their lives.

(43) SassySarahRuth, 16/9/2008
To AliBaba, THANKS! *Palin''s Role-Modeling
Alibaba, thnaks for the compliment! Your business is everybody''s business when you run for VP of USA!... I have a son who has Autism and I work p/t (he is a full time job and a great wonderful teen! Thank God *I DO know what it is like to raise a special need child.
I am a single parent, work, and raise a son who is high functioning with autism. I know what is is like to have a special need child.

(42) Yisroel Pollack, 16/9/2008
Having It Upside-Down
I agree with Alibaba. You seem to feel very self-confident, and qualified to offer Gov. Palin your parenting advice. But I am puzzled by your presumptuousness. Just maybe, she is already every bit as sophisticated and competent a parent and a spouse as you are. Indeed, maybe she surpasses you (immeasurably) and excels magnificently in her motherliness and in her capacity as a loving and devoted wife (I realize you are a man and a husband). She shows no signs of inferiority to you in these respects, your excess experience notwithstanding. In all likelihood, you would have done better, writing her an open letter, requesting that she share HER advice with you!

(41) Anonymous, 16/9/2008
People with Down Syndrome are people, not angels
A person with Down Syndrome (DS) is a person first, a unique individual. "They" are not all alike. A person with DS has the same emotions as any other person. It is inacurate and a disservice to portray people with DS as happy little "angels." While nearly all people with DS have some degree of intellectual disabiilty, there are a number of young people with DS who have earned associate's degrees, perform responsible jobs and live with little or no outside supervision. If given the opportunity, most people with DS can accomplish much. Too often, expectant parents are not given accurate information about DS and the achievements of people with DS. While I admire Sarah Palin for her public, positive stance toward people with Down Syndrome, it is going to be a huge challenge to give her son Trig the help that he needs and still fulfill the duties of her office.

(40) Alibaba, 16/9/2008
Sassysassyruth is wrong
Sassysassyruth, you are partisan and obnoxious. I am a single parent and work and send my son to a parochial school. I have had very little help but I have raised a wonderful child. Governor Palin has an extended family and, frankly, her daughter and Trig are none of your business. The misspelling is deliberate.

(39) Alibaba, 16/9/2008
People should not abort downs syndrome babies
It is sad that in the USA 90% of Downs Syndrome babies are aborted. I blame the medical profession, the trial lawyers and yes, the rabid selfish feminists for this. People have been brainwashed into demanding perfect children. They should look at themselves first before they demand perfection of others.

(38) Deena, 16/9/2008
Ram, you just don't know
As a mother to a child with far more "issues" than a child with Down's, I would like to remind you all that this wonderful letter was written about any of us - about special needs that each and every child of ours has. The main issue here is to remember that although when a child is born with Down's syndrome - his/her disability is clear and obvious from the start, the rest of our children - born "regular" and seemingly with no problems, will, with time, have to deal with "disabilities" of their own. There is no escaping that. One child may have a hard time academically, another may find it almost impossible to control his anger, and yet another will be extremely shy. We all have our problems. They are part of the "peckele" - package- we come down with to this world. They are actually the REASON we come to this world. So why is Down's any different than anyone else? Why do their problems deserve a death sentence (yes, Ram, that is what you're saying) whereas my own I accept as part of life? There are other children who do poorly academically - so maybe my child with "special needs" will do even MORE poorly. So is he not a child anymore? I don't think Ram is "cruel" or "bad" for saying that. I consider him ignorant. Ram, do you remember the third-world countires where anyone not comlete in body has no right to live?? They really believe that!! Please understand that you are harboring that same twisted way of thinking. I am assuming that, if you really feel this way, you never really got to know a person with Down's. If you did, you'd be mortified for even entertaining such thoughts. People tend to think of individuals with disabilities as a "different TYPE" of people. There are normal people, and then there are freak creatures with disabilities that aren't really people like us at all. I know it's painful to read this, and that many will not admit to this, but people like Ram, if they would try to get to the core of what they're feeling, would come to this conclusion - that this is how they see it. Get to know someone with a disability. Really try. You'd be amazed - I promise!! You'll discover that, believe it or not, these are not some "freak accidents". These are PEOPLE - like you and me. With no "but" after that. Simply people. They love like we do, they enjoy, fear, expect, wait like we do, they are disappointed, thrilled, like we are... they are just like us! It's like trying to explain that blondes are really people just like brunettes.. Trust me, if you only took the time to find out, you'd know.

(37) Chavie, 15/9/2008

Beautiful letter. Thank you. When my son was born with Down syndrome I read some of what Rabbi Coopersmith had written. I promptly emailed him. He & his wife were very helpful to me emotionally. People like Ram should go back & read those articles. They should also make every attempt to meet kids like my son & the Coopersmiths son. They would be overcome by the abilities of the children. They will,with G-Ds help, grow to be wonderful,educated, productive, & compassionate adults.I was going to keep politics out of this, but one brief statement is warranted. Many mothers need to work,& yet we still have to find time for our children. Especially those with special needs who have multiple appointments.I would guess that one in a high political office may have some advantages. I highly doubt that she would be made to wait 45 minutes for a x-ray, then over an hour wait to finally see the doctor, & so many other such situations. She may find that extra time productive in other ways & have time for her children.

(36) Robert Stein, 15/9/2008
Former Special Education Teacher ''s View
Now that you''ve shown your support on national television for your down''s sysndrome child, why don''t you go further and restore the $ you cut to the programs for handicapped in Alaska.

(35) Augusto Villalon, 15/9/2008
The capacity to love
In 1961, as a Cuban refugee living in small Carlisle, Arkansas, we socialized with the town's only doctor and his wife, who had a Downie. One night while at a dance, I told Her... I am sure it is big burden in your life. Response: You have no idea how much love that girl gives, and when my other children are gone to their families, I'll have Paula for life-I'm Happy. Big lesson in my life

(34) Bonnie, 15/9/2008
Most children with autism/PDD are not necessarily mentally retarded.
As a speech pathologist and one who has worked in the field of special education, early intervention for many years, I would like to say that I agree with most of the above comments. However, it is important to know that many individuals on the autism spectrum have above average, even superior, intelligence.

(33) Anonymous, 15/9/2008
Downs syndrome is wonderful!
As a special Educator and Developmental Specialist, I often see parents and their babies early on as evaluate them for eligibility for early Intervention. Down's Syndrome is one of the easiest and clearest diagnosis to accept. It usually does not involve complicated medical issues, and does generally entail long drawn out hospital stays. Most people know someone who has downs, and they are exactly what they are , delightful, compassionate, stubborn, and of course mentally retarded. Compared (who's comparing?!)to autism, other/rare syndromes, progressively debilitating diseases, or just the great unkown, Down's syndrome practically comes with a road map of a joyous if difficult journey. Good luck to Sara and all the other Special Moms and Dads out there! Enjoy raising your special prince/princess!

(32) ASHER, 15/9/2008
RAM ,HAS ALOT TO LEARN
I AM A MANAGAER OF A LARGE CORPORATION AND I HAVE HIRED SPECIAL NEEDS CHILDREN TO HELP WITH LABELING or PACKAGING , ETC. I HAVE A YOUNG MAN WHO TURNS 29 NEXT MONTH AND IS DOWN SYNDROM BY THE NAME OF ARIEL. HE IS UNBELIEVEABLE AND HE DOES WORK THAT YOU AND I WOULD NOT WANT TO DO. HE CUTS BOXES AND ORGANIZES AREAS IN THE WAREHOUSE WITH ENJOYMENT AND HE COMES TO WORK EVERYDAY WITH THAT SAME SMILE AND YEARNING TO DO WHAT IS RIGHT. HE HAS BEEN WORKING FOR ME FOR 6 YEARS AND WE LOVE HIM DEARLY. I HAVE SEEN DOWN SYNDROM BOYS AND GIRLS AND THEY MAKE YOU SMILE AND WHEN YOU GET A LAUGH OUT OF THEM YOU FEEL GREAT FOR DAYS NOT JUST A FEW MOMENTS. THEY AR ENOT CALLED DOWN SYNDROM CHILDREN ANYMORE THEY ARE CALLED SPECIAL NEEDS CHILDREN BUT THAT IS JUST A NAME , THE IMPORTANT PART TO REMEMBER IS THEY ARE HUMANS LIKE ANY ONE OF US AND IF G-D WANTED SOMEONE TO HAVE THEM , THEN YOU CAN BE ASSURED G-D KNEW WHAT HE WAS DOING WHEN HE BLESSED THE FAMILY HE GAVE THEM TO. KOL HAKOVOD TO THE PARENTS OF THESE WONDERFUL CHILDREN , IT IS CERTAINLY CHALLENGING AT THE BEGINNING BUT WHEN THESE KIDS GROW OLDER THAT IS WHEN YOU CAN REAP YOUR BENEFITS AND SHEP THE NACHAS THAT THEY TRULY GIVE.

(31) Bill Burden, 15/9/2008
Real guidence
One phrase is incomplete. Expect the most...BUT ACCEPT WHATEVER COMES.

(30) Yehoshua Cirt, 15/9/2008
Down's Syndrome is not as bad as it gets!
I've been working in the field oif special education in Israel for more than 20 years-- and I just want to say that, in my opinion, there are a lot worse senerios than Down's. With this, as apposed to other forms of mental retardation-- you generally know what you get (hence: "syndrome"). You usually get a loving and lovable stubborn person who can converse, create, read on a third grade level. I personally love them with all my heart. In Kedumim, we have three families here who have actually adopted these kids- and without the stifling panic and guilt and mourning processes that normally accompany many families in the early stages, these kids blossom in a way which you'd all find inspiring! I'd venture to say that these kids should ideally be educated in special classes NOT amongst other retarded, because frankly- they generally have a lot more going for them in the way of cognition and socialization. By the way, Ram: Autism PPD is a very broad spectrum of conditions-- and many of them much much more challenging that Down's. (And most are menatally retarded...)

(29) mommy, 15/9/2008
Have some shame, Ram
Ram, your comments are insensitive, cold and shallow. It just so happens that I actually share your view, but realize that although this is the way I truly feel, it is wrong. What right do you have to judge these people? They are bigger and stronger than you or I. They have love at a level that we have not achieved. Perhaps sometimes it's best to just keep quiet and keep certain opinions to your self. Did you even read this article anyway? Did it mean absolutely nothing to you?

(28) jamie, 15/9/2008
ram, i'm flabbergasted
Ram did you read the article? i suggest you volunteer some time and work with kids who have Down syndrome and you'll see firsthand the joy they have in life, the pride they give their parents. and you'll be shocked you used to think that are not deserving of life. You need to get educated.

(27) Fran, 15/9/2008
All children are gifts from G-d!!!
All children should be allowed the right to life in this world whether they are disabled or not. To think otherwise is a slap in Almighty G-d's face who created them. G-d bless you, Sarah! G-d has put you on the world's stage to bring about reform in many areas, and I know you can fulfill His calling of bringing about change whether you win or not. Here is a little cheer from a Southern Mama!! You go girl!!!

(26) Ram, 15/9/2008
Not Responsible
Sarah Palin is plain and simple against abortion. But is it fair to bring a child to this world with such a disability. I do not call her brave, I call her irresponsible. This is not autism. We are talking about Downs Syndrome.

(25) Annie, 15/9/2008
Beautiful letter!
This is a beautiful letter, and so true. It is refreshing to read something humanistic written about or to Sarah Palin. The bashfest that's been unleashed on her is just appalling. It did my heart good to read your honest, heartfelt and knowledgeable letter, which is a gift to Sarah. I have worked with Down Syndrome children and they are among the sweetest, most affectionate and compassionate children I've ever know. I'm sure Sarah will appreciate the time and care you took in writing to her.

(24) Tamar, 15/9/2008
From Wasilla, Alaska
Sarah Palin is a good person, no matter what people think of her policies, she is the kind of person people just plain LIKE. I hope you will send her this article. She would appreciate it.

(23) SassySarahRuth, 14/9/2008

Personally, I don''t see how "any" mother (*or* father) with 5 kids runs for vice president of the USA...Especially one who has a baby only months old, with downs syndrome, and an unwed teenager home pregnant!? She returned to work only days after giving birth!?

I do not respect a woman like her. She compromises her motherhood out of fear of what her public may think, instead of what her family thinks, and her duty to her children.

I am a single parent, work, and raise a son who is high functioning with autism. I know what is is like to have a special need child. She won''t be the one raising that child, maybe running as VP, is a means of escape for her. I mean, she didn''t even tell her family *or* kids Trig had down Syndrome, until they noticed it. I think she has issues that need a bridge to somewhere.

(22) hana, 14/9/2008
letter to sarah
a very gracious wise and encouraging letter amis all the ballygan of politics shalom hana

(21) Judith Ross, 14/9/2008
Sarah Palin's special child
Although I am not the mother of a Down Syndrome child, and none of my grandchildren are such, but as a former teacher I am familar with these special children. I had a child in my class for over two years, and because this child did not have the obvious physical characteristics, I was unware until the child was in grade three, that he was a Down's Syndrome child. Why? Because the parents set the bar high, and with love, affection and a lot of "one on one" at home, the child was able to cope in the regular classroom. It was, sadly enough, when he was 8, he contracted measles and his immune system was unable to cope with the disease, and he died. It was then and only then, the school was informed. The eight years of this child's life were rich with all that every child, (normal??) deserves and receives in a home with loving parents, grandparents, sibling and care givers. He was a little slower in learning to read, and do basic math, but he could weave a tale with so much depth that adults would be sitting on the edge of their chairs waiting for more. He loved sports, and although his physical reactions were slower, he still played soccer, baseball, and even ice hockey. I attended the memorial service for him and there were few tears and much laughter talking about what this lovely child left as a legacy. Most of all, Mrs. Palin, treat Trig with love, compassion and patience as you would any child, and if you are not there, insure that his caregivers do the same. Thank you for posting this.

(20) Bleeme Polan, 14/9/2008
From ignorance to knowledge
I have a grandchild with Downs. I must admit that I knew very little about Downs when my granddaughter was born. What I have discovered is a child with a mind of her own, a determind will but most of all a child that wants to learn and be part of the group. She has opened my eyes and I am grateful.

(19) ARTHUR PEARL, 14/9/2008
Great article
Am inspirational article with wonderful advice and an inspiration to all.

(18) george trenholm, 14/9/2008
down syndrome children
so very beautifully stated. thank you & God bless you for your insight.

(17) Anonymous, 14/9/2008
G-d doesn't make any mistakes ever.
I was the fulltime caretaker for a man with Down Syndrome for over 7 years. He died before reaching age 40. He had a loving family and was quite a character. (He was a "Star Trek" and "3 Stooges" fan.) I've never met a Down Syndrome person who wasn't loveable, little angels sent from Heaven to correct 1 or 2 character flaws. Sunday, 9/14/08

(16) Anonymous, 14/9/2008
Enjoy and cherish Trig
As a mother who has a son who has grown and left, and never seems to have much time for me anymore, I envy you with Trig. One of my girlfriends who has 2 Downs children, told me that she will never be alone, as long as she has her kids. How I wished I could say the same.

(15) Lianna, 14/9/2008
Yehuda!!
Hi Rabbi Coopersmith!!!..(if you read this)..GREAT ARTICLE!!..It was S000 nice hearing about Yehuda!! I still need to get your phone number..please email it to me!!

(14) Sally Rogow, 14/9/2008
excellent and important article.
AS a Professor of Special Education, I appreciate your important article...and hope it gets a wide distribution.

(13) David S. Levine, 14/9/2008
Terrific Article
What a great article and what excellent advice. What a contrast to the "advice" that "professional" women focused in on by the mainstream LIBERAL media have been giving to Governor Palin. Aish has hit a home run with this one!

(12) Beverly Kurtin, 14/9/2008
Downs kids and love
The thing I love about children who were born with Downs is their ability to love unconditionally. Getting a hug from them is like getting kissed by an angel.

(11) Mae Bochau, 14/9/2008
Great!
Thank you for taking the time to write this. We have all been blessed by the visual of Sarah's family and Trig. It is God who raises up and puts down. We believe God has raised this family up for such a time as this.

(10) Mike Lampard, 14/9/2008
Very constructive and wise.
Excellent comments and advice that should be heeded anywhere we go on the globe. There is a good balance here, and I hope sarah Palin listens to what you say.

(9) Daniel, 14/9/2008

I will just say to parents of children living with Downs = A-men.

I have a cousin here in the USA. He made what he made and does not want it taxed and wants others to live the same way.

Sadly he had one of his daughters suffer from Multiple Sclerosis.

He and his wife went to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society for emotional, educational and (even) financial support.

He got the emotional and educational support and a bit of the financial. But as my cousin Cindy''s disease progressed and she needed additional medical assistance that his well earning family could not pay for he looked to the government to assist. The same safety net that for many years he "rallied against."

Our larger teaching is that if we need help we can ask and recieve -- but WE MUST NEVER MOCK *or* DISAVOWE those who need help.

(8) Jane L, 14/9/2008
I hope the Gov gets to see this letter
Like many mothers I was so fearful of one of my children being born with retardation, despite my observation that every family I knew with a child such as this was an exceptional family. We are so afraid of things we do not understand. Meanwhile a challenge such as this child would have been a far easier challenge than those given to me. I am just now in the fall of my life learning how to pray. Bless Sarah and Trig, and Rabbi Coopersmith and his child.

(7) ruth housman, 14/9/2008

Great advice for anyone with a child with "special needs", a "special" child. These children do bring special gifts.

(6) Pierrette, 14/9/2008
Kudos!!
This inspiring story reminds me that my own parents had to raise a mentally handicapped child, my younger brother Denis..and after a while they got so tired of people feeling sorry for them they used to refer to Denis as their "Prince".
I am also amazed at people using this beautiful message by Rabbi Coopersmith, to morph it into a political forum! please folks let''s stay on message. Children are a gift from G-d in whatever form they arrive,and so let us thank Sarahlea for her courage and wisdom.

(5) R Palatnik, 14/9/2008
what she needs to know
Sarah Pallin has said she will be an advocate for parents of special needs.If she is serious, she needs to know about the needs of our older population... for homes in the community, jobs, health care. Also she needs to know how those who want a child included in a religious school has to bear the entire financial burden.

(4) Michelle, 14/9/2008

I''m wondering whether the writer would say "Making sure your marriage stays strong and vibrant is your top priority" to a VP *or* presidential candidate who wasn''t a woman.

(3) Tanya, 14/9/2008
Vice-President AND Super Mom?
While I admire Sarah Palin's commitment to raising a Down Syndrome child, I question her judgement as a parent when she believes that she can juggle both the second most important and powerful position in the Western world with being a mother to a special needs child who deserves her undivided love, care and attention. When a crisis comes (and they WILL come!)and she needs to be "on the job" 24 hours a day, for days - if not weeks and months on end - I am not so sure her son will be quite so understanding. Yes, it is wonderful to see women in such powerful positions today - but are we prepared to sacrifice the most important people in our lives (our families) for international fame and glory?

(2) Anonymous, 14/9/2008
THANK YOU!
My down's syndrome brother has just turned 60. He grew up in a period where the "outside world" told parents to put their down's children into "homes". My parents, holocaust survivors refused. He was an important part of our family, receiving the same educational advantages. When we had company, he was right there at the table participating in the conversation with his wonderful humor. In fact, I think my friends visited my home so often because they loved talking to him. He has taught me (& my siblings) all about compassion and love. I can't imagine my life without him.

(1) Frank, 14/9/2008

Just wondering if Sarah Palin will actually see this great letter