"The world should have more people with Down Syndrome, it would be a much better place"

[cynatnite]

This said on my facebook by a fundie. It was said after seeing a documentary trailer about a child with Down Syndrome. My stomach turned when I read it.

on edit: Maybe she's friends with Sarah Palin.

[BrklynLiberal]

1. A perfect example of their ignorant, short-sighted way of looking at the world.

[SheilaT]

2. Warmly suggest to the friend

to adopt a Downs' Syndrome child. Or do volunteer work with them. Those are the things that make this world a much better place.

[Ishoutandscream2]

8. Wish I could recommend what you just stated

Very well put.

[metapunditedgy]

9. Excellent response in many ways. n/t

[bluestateguy]

3. And I'm sure that fundie would say that such people should be on their own for health care

If we had universal health care there would be fewer abortions of Down Syndrome diagnosed fetuses.

[Ilsa]

4. But I bet this person opposes taxes that help pay for

the special education, extra medical bills, and long term care of Down Syndrome persons and others with special needs.

[valerief]

5. Yes, and the world needs more smallpox, too. What a moran! nt

[Odin2005]

6. She's right. Folks with Downs are kind, friendly, and don't judge people like her ilk do.

[Withywindle]

7. Well, that's a double-edged thing.

I have a friend with a severely mentally disabled sister. Severe as in, she'll never be able to go to the toilet by herself. She's over 40 and she never has.

One of the things that sends him into a rage is the sentimentalization of the disabled, the idea that they're these shining innocent angels who show the rest of us how to live. No. His sister's life is kind of a living hell, and caring for her full-time is often no walk in the park either. And people who give off that kind of platitude often have no knowledge of or interest in what the reality is like. He's much more eloquent on the subject that I am; he thinks it's connected to the sort of positive-thinking movement that winds up leading to things like blaming cancer patients for not having the "right attitude" or else they'd get better.

[Odin2005]

10. I work with the mentally disabled every day, so I know EXACTLY what you are talking about

That said, there is just something with folks with Down's Syndrome that makes them the sweetest, kindest, and most gracious people I know.

[Skittles]

11. boy and how

I think they have a way of somehow bringing out the real personalities in the people they communicate with

[Odin2005]

12. I know one who goes down to the state capital every spring in St. Paul to lobby...

...on behalf of the disabled and their caregivers. wonderful young lady. Though I LOVE giving her crap because her parents are Republicans! Sweetest little gal I've ever known.

[FedUpWithIt All]

14. That has been my experience as well. n/t

[REP]

13. Amen.

[elocs]

15. Correct. Not have Down's, but have the heart and love that those with Down syndrome exhibit.

I have a niece who will be 33 who has Down syndrome (born when my sister was just 23). She graduated from high school and has worked for the past 12 years in the cafeteria of a local hospital. They have to force her to take time off from work and her boss has said if he had another 2 who worked like she does that he could get rid of 3 people. She is friendly, loving, and doesn't judge people.