2008 Woodie Awards
McCain's support for autism caregivers is inspiring
Guest Opinion
Issue date: 12/10/07 Section: Opinions
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In light of my recent travels to Washington, D.C., (Nov. 20) to meet with U.S. Sen. John McCain in support of those living with autism, I desire to share with you what has been weighing heavily in my heart and upon my mind in regard to the current circumstances surrounding our own struggle to raise and care for a child with autism.
My thoughts keep wandering back to the ever-so-popular question posed to the GOP presidential-nomination candidates during the recent CNN/YouTube debate. The question was, "What would Jesus do?" The consequence was a fashionable response from former Gov. Mike Huckabee, which caught media headlines and boosted him in the polls. His reply was, "Jesus was too smart to run for public office. That's what Jesus would do." Perhaps I am in the minority who are troubled by the evasiveness and frivolity given in that answer. It is daunting to me. Knowingly, Jesus would stand up against all odds, with every essence of His being, and fight for what is right; He'd be ostracized by his peers in conjunction with being persecuted and crucified by the powers that be. That is what Jesus would do.
What McCain is doing for those of us in the autism community is of utmost importance and significance. He is willing to take a stand and stand alone, if need be, on behalf of our injured and afflicted children, loved ones, and their families. McCain is most assuredly a seasoned-enough politician to recognize that he will most certainly be snubbed, rebuked, and admonished by many members of Congress. In no uncertain terms, the senator has placed himself in the position of public scrutiny, as well as extreme resistance and opposition from certain major corporate powers, with his choice to take positive action, for our account. He is nonetheless a well-principled man of honor who recognizes when he is able to step forward, offer help and inevitably hope for many by doing what is right, albeit unpopular among rival, vested interests. I, personally, thank our Father every day for Sen. John McCain. I am honored in knowing him and blessed by his service.
McCain was not afforded the opportunity during that debate to give his reaction to the now well-recognized question. He has, however, answered loud and clearly, by way of his actions.
On behalf of the nearly 2 million Americans afflicted by Autism Spectrum Disorders and their loved ones, thank you, Sen. McCain. Bravo Zulu, Senator; Bravo Zulu!
- Lin Wessels
Rock Rapids, Iowa
The author is a district leader of Advocates for Children's Health Affected by Mercury Poisoning, a nonprofit organization.
My thoughts keep wandering back to the ever-so-popular question posed to the GOP presidential-nomination candidates during the recent CNN/YouTube debate. The question was, "What would Jesus do?" The consequence was a fashionable response from former Gov. Mike Huckabee, which caught media headlines and boosted him in the polls. His reply was, "Jesus was too smart to run for public office. That's what Jesus would do." Perhaps I am in the minority who are troubled by the evasiveness and frivolity given in that answer. It is daunting to me. Knowingly, Jesus would stand up against all odds, with every essence of His being, and fight for what is right; He'd be ostracized by his peers in conjunction with being persecuted and crucified by the powers that be. That is what Jesus would do.
What McCain is doing for those of us in the autism community is of utmost importance and significance. He is willing to take a stand and stand alone, if need be, on behalf of our injured and afflicted children, loved ones, and their families. McCain is most assuredly a seasoned-enough politician to recognize that he will most certainly be snubbed, rebuked, and admonished by many members of Congress. In no uncertain terms, the senator has placed himself in the position of public scrutiny, as well as extreme resistance and opposition from certain major corporate powers, with his choice to take positive action, for our account. He is nonetheless a well-principled man of honor who recognizes when he is able to step forward, offer help and inevitably hope for many by doing what is right, albeit unpopular among rival, vested interests. I, personally, thank our Father every day for Sen. John McCain. I am honored in knowing him and blessed by his service.
McCain was not afforded the opportunity during that debate to give his reaction to the now well-recognized question. He has, however, answered loud and clearly, by way of his actions.
On behalf of the nearly 2 million Americans afflicted by Autism Spectrum Disorders and their loved ones, thank you, Sen. McCain. Bravo Zulu, Senator; Bravo Zulu!
- Lin Wessels
Rock Rapids, Iowa
The author is a district leader of Advocates for Children's Health Affected by Mercury Poisoning, a nonprofit organization.
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