Tuesday, April 10, 2012

Rick Santorum

I have never been a political hound. I mostly think that in general our presidents are at a HUGE disadvantage. It's always going to be their fault no matter which party line you sit on. So, I've never gotten into the finger pointing or harsh political discussions. I couldn't imagine trying to accomplish something as big as health care reform in only four years.

Neil sent me this link: http://www.ricksantorum.com/blog/2011/10/meet-our-daughter-bella. I'm not asking for a stream of comments about Rick Santorum's political views. I am suggesting however that he might be a really great candidate only because of his daughter and the Trisomy 18 diagnosis. Good fodder as we embark on a trip to DC this summer. http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2012/04/10/santorum-cancels-some-events-tuesday-after-daughter-released-from-hospital/?hpt=hp_t3

I guess you could sum it up and say, Rick, you figured out a way to get me to vote based on the fact that I could identify with you as a special needs parent. Let's see how far you can make it this year.

6 comments:

  1. I read today he's withdrawing from the race bc of his daughter's health. Now that makes me respect him even more! Sounds like a great Dad!

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  2. Well everyone should note line one of my post... I am not a political hound, which is probably the great irony of my post today - Ol' Rick is pulling out of the running. Isn't that just funny. I guess I keep with my original mantra, leave the politics to those who have time in the day to follow it. :-)

    Lori

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  3. I think Lori was trying to say that despite your political affiliation this video should help remind us all that even these politicians who are villified from left and right are human too. It is a very moving video and as a parent if you can't set aside your disdain and sympathize with him in that video.... I'm not sure what to tell you.

    - Neil

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  4. Lori,

    Wow, awesome video. I was always amazed/confused because I read Bella had Trisomy 18, but I thought it was always fatal at birth. I guess its not always the case, which is a lesson to everyone on how we should not put limitations on the future as each kiddo is different. Super inspiring video. You know I'm about as liberal as they come and also buddhist, so personally the thought of him being elected was terrifying, but at the same time I absolutely concede that he is one of the few politicians I've ever seen who does not seem to be a hypocrite. People can disagree with his political stances, but I feel like he's walked the walk. For example, he's against prenatal testing which gets people riled up. I personally made the same choice myself (no prenatal testing). I feel that is the choice of each parent and family, not something to be dictated by the government. For me, I felt there was nothing for me to gain from having that testing as I knew I did not want to terminate, and there was no medical procedure that could be done in utero or directly after birth, etc. to make any information about disabilities necessary prior to birth. For others, I don't judge because they need to make the choice that is right for them. I just think people need more information prior to testing so they know about the potential for wrong info, devastating news, etc. and what they will/will not do with that information. I'm basically pro-informed consent. That said, if anyone can have an opinion on this issue, I feel Rick Santorum can because he's been there. Does that make sense? I guess the bottom line is, I can't support a person as devoutly religious as he is and specifically because he wants to put religion into politics in a way I am not comfortable with. But I have deep respect for him because I think he practices what he preaches, which is rare these days.

    And how cute is Bella? I love her little Hanna Andersson dress. She's a precious little peanut.

    Thanks for posting this.

    XOXO
    B

    P.S. I'll admit I chuckled a little when I realized you posted this the same day he dropped out of the race. I only knew he dropped out because of Facebook. I swear I get all my news from status updates, not even real news websites. I totally would have done the same thing.

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  5. Lori, you continue to amaze me! Thanks for sharing the moving video. I am so excited for you and Neil to venture to D.C. What an accomplishment! You should be very proud of yourself.

    Elizabeth

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