1. When I woke up to this text from a friend
2. When I thought about my three most important reasons to not despair and keep fighting the good fight
3. When I saw this map of how the future voted
6. When Hillary said, "And to all the little girls who are watching this, never doubt that you are valuable and powerful and deserving of every chance and opportunity in the world to pursue and achieve your own dreams."
7. When it occurred to me that Hillary had broken the glass ceiling
As my friend Marjorie Ingall noted in her awesome post: A woman won the popular vote.
8. When I saw this on Facebook:
''
9. When I saw this, too:
10. When I scrolled through reactions on Twitter:
11. When my friend Paula shared this quote:
12. When I read "What You'll Tell Your Kids About The Election Results" by Farah Miller on The Huffington Post
"You will tell them you are sad. You will say, yes, I voted for her. I was proud and confident in her abilities. I cheered, and sometimes wept, at her speeches and videos on the Internet because it was everything to see a woman rise up. I made calls and knocked on doors because I knew she was the best person for this job. I wore a pantsuit. I called myself A Nasty Woman."
13. When Max laughed when he saw Donald Trump on the news because he still thinks he's Alec Baldwin on SNL
14. When Mother Jones' Clara Jeffrey wrote, "Trump appealed to America's worst impulses. Now it's on the rest of us to show, to prove, that this is not all that America is. This is a time when we're called on to do things we may not have done before. To face down bigotry and hate, and to reach beyond our Facebook feeds in trying to do so."
Thanks for that much needed laugh! Love the tweet about Santa, LOL!
ReplyDeleteI have a grandson with special needs. I loved to read your blog because I could relate. I've read a few of your posts that show your bent toward a candidate I don't agree with. Are you aware that maybe half of your readers don't support your candidate, but we still are looking to connect about our loved ones who have SPECIAL NEEDS? I don't appreciate the digs against my party of choice while trying to read a special needs blog. I realize it's your blog - you can write about anything you want. I just don't understand why you don't realize some of us are of a different political party. What were we supposed to do - overlook your comments about our candidate? I wish you the best with Max - he's a terrific kid. I'll try to find another blog that concentrates on special needs and only special needs.
ReplyDeleteHi, Anon. Yes, I usually am focused on writing about raising children with special needs, in the name of helping others. But I could not stay silent on this. You are free to share your own opinions, too, of course. I am glad you have related to the blog.
DeleteAs someone who has made my life's work working with kids with disabilities, it is often hard to separate politics from special education. When I chose my candidate, I wanted someone who believed in the rights of people with disabilities, believed in funding special education sufficiently, and most importantly, treating people with disabilities with respect and as valued members of our society.
DeleteEarly on, all candidates were sent a list of questions by RespectAbility, a disability rights advocacy organization, asking candidates about their views related to special education and disability rights. Trump's team never even bothered to respond. That tells me something.
I can't speak for Ellen, but as a long-time reader of her excellent blog, it is apparent to me that she looks at the big picture, not just life as it applies only to Max. If this is the case, and I know it is for most of my colleagues, how can we not be upset when we see someone who sees nothing but disdain for people with disabilities?
So, we will feel sad that a woman who has devoted her life to the betterment of children's welfare will not be running our country. It's okay. If you chose not to read Ellen's blog, that's your loss. But oh, what a loss.
You are right about it being a loss if I choose not to read Ellen's blog. I remember coming across it several years ago and being elated that I found someone else who really "got it" about having a child with special needs. I can relate to many things she's written about, and I may re-think my decision to not read the blog. I am not the type of person who dislikes someone else because their beliefs may be different from mine, so I don't want to make this a knee-jerk reaction from me. I kind of just wanted to point out that she does have readers who are looking forward to taking this country into a different direction than it's been headed for the last eight years. I am eager for my party to have their chance.
DeleteAnonymous, having a president-elect who has openly mocked a person with a disability DOES make this a relevant topic. It is horrifying and scary for me as a special needs parent and equally so for my daughter as a special needs sibling.
DeleteHonestly, I would have been fine if there were no violent protests from Hillary supporters.
ReplyDeleteAnd the protests weren't violent, so I guess you're fine, then.
DeleteWith all the burning buildings, I'd beg to differ.
DeletePlease cite your sources. Flags were burned, absolutely no buildings were.
Deletehttp://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-downtown-la-trump-protests-20161109-htmlstory.html
Deletehttp://www.eastbaytimes.com/2016/11/09/bay-area-protesters-rail-against-donald-trump-presidency-set-fires-vandalize-buildings/
https://www.google.com/amp/www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3922098/amp/The-backlash-begins-Disgruntled-anti-Trump-protesters-refuse-accept-election-result-gather-New-York-cities-country.html?client=safari
I'm not meaning to be snarky with this question, it's a serious question. Do you feel that our country is only going to be going in the right direction if all Americans only vote for a Democratic candidate, or are forced into a candidate, as indicated in the future all blue election map shown above? No matter one's hopes, that would ever be possible because there's no way every single person in our country would hold to the same worldview or would want the same person in office. That thought process seems to push the agenda that everyone MUST agree or else (not sure what the "or else" is, just pointing out the feeling a map like that invokes in those of us who disagree with some of your viewpoints). I was never a huge Trump supporter, was shocked when he received the nomination, however, I am a big USA supporter and believe that it's our duty, as citizens, to respect the decision that the people have chosen. I've never been happy with the current administration's work, however, I have never posted negative things about him or his office, nor have I supported any kind of fear mongering (I'm not saying you're doing that) about how terrified I was or how awful my life would be under his presidency, even though I have at times been shocked by the hate hurled my way because of my views. (And I get there is hate slung from both sides) I'll leave you with this thoughtful and respective post from a Clinton supporter friend of mine. I hope it's helpful..."My "side" did not win. We will try again next time. I do not for a moment think our Union is so weak or tenuous that this will do any irreparable harm. Just as if the Democrats had come out on top they would not have been able to magically fix all ills of our society as I see them. It just does not work that way. Sure, I'm kinda bummed but this just means we work harder next time and make a better effort in the intervening years to work in my local community to help others. It's going to be rocky for a bit as we all get our head around this.... but life goes on. No one stole this election, there was no cheating. To assert such a thing taints what makes us strong. We lost....fairly, honestly, and quite soundly. There is "blame" and accounting to be spread but this is not the time to do it with emotions so raw. So, I wish President Elect Trump a successful term (singular) in office. To suddenly say we as the democratic part should stonewall everything would be to stoop to a level I disagree with...." Wishing you all the best.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your sincere and thoughtful comment, Kim. I think there are flaws in both parties, but generally believe the Democratic approach is best for the majority of citizens in this country (i.e., the non 1-percent). I agree, I don't think Trump "stole" the election or there was cheating involved. I believe in the end, the election mostly came down to people wanting a change from politics as usual. Do I wish Trump a successful term? Oh, YES. I want our country to thrive. I was not convinced he was the candidate to do that—and I wish nothing more than to be proven wrong.
DeleteAs a fairly new mom with a child with special needs, I am wondering, in an honest manner what things I should be looking for in political candidates when it comes to the interest of my children? Are there things that we're now worried are going to be taken away?
ReplyDeleteI think it depend on what issues are most important to you. Making a decision on who to vote for can also depend on how explicitly a candidate's plans are laid out.
DeleteFor example, for a family affected by autism, Hillary Clinton's website had a fairly detailed agenda:
https://www.hillaryclinton.com/briefing/factsheets/2016/01/05/hillary-clintons-plan-to-support-children-youth-and-adults-living-with-autism-and-their-families/ Donald Trump did not have a specific plan relating to autism that I know of.
President-Elect Trump has said he would push for stay at home mothers to qualify for the childcare tax credit, that might benefit other families like my own.
In general, Democrats are more generous with the social services that many of our children will eventually qualify for. The winning candidate can influence funding for services, the amount of money universities and research institutions can qualify for, accessibility laws, access to healthcare, and really so much more.
For me, I think the president must lead by his or her own behavior, which is where my concern lies with Donald Trump. I think his attitude toward people with disabilities (and of course, other minority groups) is what is most problematic for me.
Here's an article that summarizes a lot of the fears. The Huffington Post is unabashedly anti-Trump, but I think the article explains some things people are concerned about currently.
Deletehttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/disability-rights-donald-trump_us_582487fae4b0e80b02cefa2f
I think there is concern, this time around, that Social Security (and its benefits for people with disability) could be cut, that there could be other cuts to disability benefits, and that there could be a rise in insurance costs.
DeleteHow's Sabrina doing? We just have to show the world and the nation that love triumphs hate and fear cannot win.
ReplyDeleteThere were history making women on Tuesday- Tammy Duckworth (first double amputee senator), Ilhan Omar (first Somali-American Muslim senator),Kate Brown (firsy openly LGBT person elected governor), Kamala Harris (first black California Senator, 2nd black female senator), Catherine Cortez Masto (first Latina senator), and Pramila Jayapal (first Indian-American woman elected to the House of Representatives). Lots of diversity. Lots of barrier breaking-so many ceilings shattered.
DeleteI know, major wins! Sabrina was upset the next morning and there was lots of chatter in the sixth grade that day, but she hasn't been talking much about it since. So, she took it in stride, far more so than her mama.
DeleteSorry for this long post. What I say might be irrelevant because I do not follow politic nor have a vast knowledge about it but when I see that protests in California was in the middle of the freeway, stopping cars, try to provoke anger, throwing sand bags in the middle of street. I see that friends stop being friends because of different political view, I feel I need to express my opinion. Thanks for reading or not.
ReplyDeleteLetter to elected president, Mr. Donald J Trump
DeleteDear Mr. Trump,
First of all I want to apologize for my broken English, my past and present tense is normally mixed up. Also my verbs, adjectives an nouns are most of the time not in correct order. English is my second language.
I am an immigrant from Vietnam. I came to the States when I was 15 years old. My uncle whom fled out of Vietnam in 1975 tried to sponsor our family to the US and it took until 1995 for us to make it here. I have four siblings, only I and my older brother whom was younger than 21 at the time got to come to the US the same time of my parents because of the law. My two oldest siblings cannot reunite with our family until 13 years later. Prior to coming to the United States my dad was jailed by the communist and he had tried to escape Vietnam many times but was always unsuccessful.
I do not know much about politics. Politics give me headache. I grew up at a place where you do not have to vote, you do not have to express your opinion because there is only one party. And beyond that, the party can say and promised the most delicate things to you but it is only words. In my past, one man will run the country, no one can say otherwise because if you do, you are labeled “rebel”. Sadly, my past was more than 20 years ago but in my country it still is the same way and worse.
When I came here at age 15, American history is something so complicate for me to comprehend. Up to now, I still do not understand much about congress, senate, and house of representative. I think partly because I do not want to learn about it, I am so used to one party, one way, one system. I do not think that is good but when you were born and raised that way, you accept it, you somewhat becoming “it”. The other part is I feel like whatever it is, left, right or independent I still have to work hard, support myself and stand on my own two feet. I feel like the movement, the change made in America has not much to do with me.
But last night, for the very first time I stay up and watch the election. For the very first time I have curiosity in American politics. I keep asking how the voting process works. To be honest, only up to last night I know there are a popular vote and electoral vote and what does it really mean. I thanks my husband for that.
DeleteI have seen you been labeled “sexist”, “racist”, anti-woman’s right, crazy, psycho, heartless…
As I heard those comments about you, I start looking deeper to see what, and why you have those labels. I have not watch all your interviews, heard all your comments, seeing all your debates. I am sorry again, watching political talks is not my first interest. But some of your comments sound very offensive, bold like “abortion should not be allowed and women should be punished for that”. “women should not be allow to work and should stay home”, “illegal immigrants should be return to their country”… I am sorry if I do not quote you right, and only can recall a few things instead of listing more of your views.
Your comments sound narrowed minded, cruel and not very humane.
DeleteBut I start thinking and looking a little deeper into myself and into people around me.
My mom is a born and raised Buddhist. She had passed away due to gall bladder cancer last year. While alive she also believes that abortion for whatever reason is a crime. She did not think a woman should go to jail for that but she think that woman will get punish in this life and also the next life because of Karmas, which probably is even worse than going to jail. I am also a born Buddhist but I think abortion is a choice, not a crime. But despite the differences, my mom and I lived in the same house and we respected each other differences.
I am a working mom. I work, go to school, raising my two year old son who suffers a severe prenatal stroke, and together with my husband; building a family. I do not believe woman needs to stay home. I believe woman has the right to do whatever her heart desire and no one can put a stop on that. But with that in mind, I respect friends and family members who choose to stay home to be with their children and put the household duty first.
As an immigrant, I sometime feel left out, I feel I cannot blend in well with my friends or family members that grew up here all their lives. I feel awkward at time because I run out of things to say too quickly. I do not know about the pop music culture. I know nothing about classic movie, art, famous celebrities. I grew up without TV, books, music and no communication with the outside world. Living in the US for over 20 years only give me time to establish a job that generates income but it is not enough time for me to excel my knowledge about the country or its people. I sometime wished that I get to come to the country earlier, like when I were 5 years old, not when I were in my teenager which my learning process is a lot slower. I wish that my siblings could come to the US at the same time with my parents so we did not have suffer the separation and they will have so much more time to establish their own career path. I wish my father could have fled the country earlier. I wish my uncle’s process of sponsorship did not have to take ten years so I can come to the US sooner.
Wish all that wish, I feel the agony, the sadness of immigrants who is here not with a green card. I know it is a night mare if I ever have to come back to where I was coming from. I know immigrants are hardworking, loving, successful people just like my parents in law whom work hard every night up to 2 am to support their family of nine children for a living and for colleges. But with all of that I know there is also the law. I could not change the law so I can be here earlier, I cannot change the law so my siblings and I never have to be separated. I know one person who work in the US can or is supporting many other family members in other countries. There are many situations, many stories to be told. With or without green cards, many people want to be here, want to be a citizen in the land of opportunities and humanity. And I think everyone deserves to be here. Opportunity should not been taken away from people, it should be offer to everyone but until that day come, there is also the law. I wish more, but also have to obey the law because I am a citizen of the country that have open their arms to give me endless opportunity and I need to respect the rule that the country have.
DeleteMr. Trump, I also heard and saw you do the hand emotion to make fun of an Autistic individual. My son is two years old. He should be able to run around, hold his own bottles or drinking from Sippy cups, talking to me, asking questions but he is not doing that. He could be easily made fun of because of his fisted left arm that he chose not to use. I imagine one day I will have to deal with my son who will be bullied, made fun of, isolated and imagine what I will tell him. I do not know what or how I will feel. I do not know how my son will feel and will perceive that. There is no right way to parenting but I think I will tell him to love the person who bullies him or made fun of him. Through personal experience, I feel like the only way to change a person's perspective is through love and communication, not by running away, fear, shut the person down or hate. I believe my son will open up the door for communication. He might not talk, walk, perform tasks like others but his heart has endless potential to change the world’s perspective.
Mr. Trump, I was so proud of you and our country last night when you were announced the 45th president of the United States. I was proud not because you and I think alike. We might not see eyes to eyes in many subjects, many matter. We might not have the same decision process but that does not means we cannot live in the same country or be under the same roof. You had shown your true color and that what made me proud of you.
I was so used to one party, one way, one voice, but no longer. I believe we will work through differences and stand strong for our country. Like you have said campaigning around the United States have made you have learned so much about yourself, you have grown as you go along. I believe only one man can be elected to be president but the whole country can be his teacher. Sometime it takes the whole country to change a man’s heart.
DeleteUntil then I want to congratulate you and want to hear more from you. Thank you for being your true self and willing to learn at the late stage of your life.
From an immigrant, working mom
TN
Hi, Tran. Wow, thank you for sharing a powerful letter. I particularly liked this line: "I believe only one man can be elected to be president but the whole country can be his teacher." I hope Mr. Trump is open to learning.
DeleteThank you for reading and allow me to post such a long post on your blog. I appreciate it.
DeleteI am the "first" anonymous that posted a comment on this particular blog - several have posted under "anonymous," so just making this clear. As far as Mr. Trump mocking someone who was disabled: this, of course, upset me as I do have a special needs grandson. It bothered me for weeks, until I saw this post, which proves he DID NOT mock the reporter. I don't know if it's permitted on Ellen's blogpost to post this website, so I'll just give it a shot. http://www.caintv.com/proof-trump-never-mocked-a-dis
ReplyDeleteWhen you click on the site above, it will seem that the page is blank. You will need to scroll down to find the video and explanation.
ReplyDeleteAnonymous, you can believe what you want. Trump did mock him. Trump said he didn't even know him which was not true. They had been on a first name basis, and Serge had spent time interviewing him on many occasions. So, read pro-Trump websites. Believe as you wish. I know that my friends with disabilities are afraid that their services will be cut. I know that doing anything to benefit people with disabilities isn't even on Trump's radar. I hope that your grandson never has to depend on federal aid to live a quality life under Trump. Peace to you and your family.
ReplyDeleteObviously, Paula, you did not read the link. According to the video, Trump did not know Serge; Serge did not personally know Trump. Please actually watch the video. And just because Trump hasn't publically come out with what his plans and views are on disability, doesn't mean he doesn't have a plan.
DeleteThe site that posted the video did good due diligence in finding other instances in which Trump flapped his hands. However, the video did not explain one thing. When Trump was talking about the reporter with a disability, he said, "Now the poor guy...you gotta see this guy." The words imply that he was referring to his physical condition. But, clearly, that is open to debate. FYI, the reporter told the New York Times he and Trump met multiple times: http://www.nytimes.com/2015/11/27/us/politics/donald-trump-says-his-mocking-of-new-york-times-reporter-was-misread.html
Delete