When is Enough Enough? - Leave Special Needs Kids Alone

The Family Guy took a shot at Sarah Palin's son Trig on Sunday night. If they want to go after Sarah Palin's politics, go ahead. She is a public figure and it comes with the territory. She has made a choice to be out in the limelight. She puts her belief system out there for public consumption. Her son Trig has not.

For those of you who have never been around a special needs child, here is a little lesson for you. These kids are innocent; and will remain that way for life.  They are the sweetest children; loving and caring.  They will do anything to help someone else out.  They love being around people and are always willing to help out.  Granted, not all special needs children are functional, but the majority of them are. 

They don't see danger. This is one of the biggest worries for parents. They know that their kids will not be able to protect themselves from people who will take advantage of them. These kids get their lunch money stolen from them, they get picked on, and they are ridiculed, and are constantly disappointed because they can't keep up with the other kids. This doesn't necessarily change as they become adults.

Imagine being a parent to a child that you know is always in danger of being used and victimized. Imagine what it feels like as a parent to know that you are leaving behind a child that will continue to need care once you are gone. Imagine what it feels like to know that you have to put away enough money for that child to live on. Now, imagine what it feels like to realize that it is yet again becoming acceptable in our society to make the most vulnerable amongst us a target.

Special needs people always see the good in people, even when others are showing them their worst. The next time you laugh at a television show that is poking fun at a special needs child, just remember that.