After citing CDC's statistics of 1 in 5 chldren having learning disabilities, a nine year old boy with autism asked Mitt Romney, if elected president, " What's happening to America's most precious resource our children and what you plan to do about it?"
I attempted to transcribe the best I could to obtain the quotes below:
One of the places we will spend our funds wisely is on research and science where we think we can make a difference in the lives of our citizens... we will cure disease and cure conditions that cause disability and at the same time creates new science and opens up new enterprises for our economy.
My daughter's autism is not going to be cured. What is his plan for the millions of people that are living with autism and other disabilities now?
New enterprises = privatization.
Where I will spend money if President of the United States will be on science of health and science of research. It will be determined not by the politicians but will be determined by the scientists and by people who measure where the impact will be the greatest.
Impact or profit? In the cost benefit analysis, which disability or disease will be selected for funding?
I'll ask the American people to sacrifice I'll end some programs, some you like and some you don't like, like Obamacare I'll end day one...
End coverage for screenings, pre-existing conditions, and insurance coverage for young adults to stay on their parent's plan until age 26.
And although Mitt Romney likes Big Bird, he thinks that there should be advertising on PBS.
And he's
not willing to borrow billions from places like China to pay for things we don't absolutely have to have. So I'm not going to promise a lot of stuff that will have to be paid for by my grandkids I'll promise we'll be on our way to a balanced budget, that we do spend funds on health, science and research, and based upon need not on politics.
The budget will be balanced by cutting funding for PBS, The Endowment for the Arts and The Endowment for the Humanities and what else? If the Chinese don't lend us the money for the Bush Tax Cuts, who will?
There you have it, the serious and far reaching issues surrounding America's fastest growing disability will be solved by advertising on PBS, eliminating "Obamacare" and investing in research and science that will lead to new enterprises in our economy.
If you're interested in learning about President Obama's "plan" to deal with autism, please continue reading.
The White House
Office of the Press Secretary
For Immediate Release April 02, 2012
Presidential Proclamation -- World Autism Awareness Day, 2012
WORLD AUTISM AWARENESS DAY, 2012
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BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
A PROCLAMATION
Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) affect young people and adults of every background, and millions of American families know the weight of their impact. On World Autism Awareness Day, we recognize ASDs as a growing public health issue and recommit to supporting those living with an ASD and their loved ones.
We have made great strides in our understanding of the autism spectrum, and today, children and adults with ASDs are leading independent and productive lives. However, barriers still remain for these individuals and their families. As a Nation, we share a responsibility to ensure persons living with ASDs have the opportunity to pursue their full measure of happiness and achieve their greatest potential.
Meeting the needs of Americans on the autism spectrum remains a priority for my Administration. Last September, I was proud to sign the Combating Autism Reauthorization Act, which provides critical funding for autism research, education, early detection, and support and services for children and adults. Under the Affordable Care Act, new insurance plans are required to cover autism screenings and developmental assessments for children at no additional cost to parents. Insurance companies can no longer deny coverage to children with pre-existing conditions, and young people can stay on their parents' health insurance plan until age 26, easing financial burdens for families. With the Department of Education, we are making substantial investments in enhancing education for children on the autism spectrum -- from early learning to higher education. And federally funded research continues to explore how we can improve independent living, develop assistive technology, and advance vocational rehabilitation services for individuals with autism. For additional information and resources, I encourage all Americans to visit www.HHS.gov/autism.
As new policies and bold actions break down old barriers and reshape attitudes, we move closer to a world free of discrimination and full of understanding for our family members and friends living with ASDs. On World Autism Awareness Day, let us reaffirm our dedication to supporting those on the autism spectrum and their families, and let us continue the work of ensuring all our people have a chance at achieving the American dream.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim April 2, 2012, as World Autism Awareness Day. I encourage all Americans to learn more about autism and what they can do to support individuals on the autism spectrum and their families.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this second day of April, in the year of our Lord two thousand twelve, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-sixth.
BARACK OBAMA
I'll stick with President Obama. How about you?