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Today the @WhiteHouse released a statement on National Down Syndrome Awareness month. It's terrible. /1 https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefings-statements/presidential-message-national-syndrome-awareness-month-2020/
2) "These treasured members of our society are sources of inspiration to the many families and communities graced by their lives."
So #InspirationPorn right off the bat.
So #InspirationPorn right off the bat.
3) "Those living with Down syndrome face unique challenges"
Ableism. Ableism is the challenge. Lack of support is the challenge.
Ableism. Ableism is the challenge. Lack of support is the challenge.
4) Trump Admin affirms "its commitment to standing against those who seek to discriminate, devalue, and demean the sanctity of their lives."
I assume he means Seema Verma and Betsy DeVos?
I assume he means Seema Verma and Betsy DeVos?
5) Science money paragraph. No details.
6) " As President, I denounce radical proposals to terminate pregnancies of unborn children with Down syndrome."
There are no PROPOSALS to terminate such pregnancies ... there's just the right to do it. We did used to have a bipartisan "pro-information" movement to help +
There are no PROPOSALS to terminate such pregnancies ... there's just the right to do it. We did used to have a bipartisan "pro-information" movement to help +
7) + But the GOP destroyed it because they wanted to use eugenic abortion as a wedge issue. You can read about that here @thenation. I like to share this one because an international petition to get me fired was launched as a result. https://www.thenation.com/article/archive/republicans-are-using-fear-of-eugenics-to-attack-reproductive-rights/
8) "Lives of people with DS are precious," but no actual news about inclusive education, adult services, jobs, education (making adults with DS eligible for federal funding for college, for example), etc etc
9) "we must never waver in our efforts to support these individuals so that they can enrich the soul of our Nation with their joy and love."
They're people. Just people. Let them be people. Let my son just be a person.
They're people. Just people. Let them be people. Let my son just be a person.
10) Anyway there are 800 stories tonight and I'm not going to bother pitching on this one, but it's a combination of empty trash, inspiration porn, and anti-choice rhetoric.
Happy #DownSyndromeAwarenessMonth I guess.
Happy #DownSyndromeAwarenessMonth I guess.
