This time, it's that well-known briefing-book thief, George Will. I admire his commitment to, and obvious affection for, his son Jon, who has Down's syndrome. However, when he uses that commitment and affection to lambaste an entire generation for making different choices than the one he and his ex-wife made in bringing Jon into the world, as he does here, he is simultaneously being cruel and hypocritical at the same time.
Has Will ever talked to any of the women he castigates in this column? Does he have any idea of how economically and emotionally difficult it can be to deal with the prospect of raising a severely challenged child? Not everyone is equipped with the financial means Will possess to rise to such a challenge. And this does not even begin to address the issue of the impact having such a child has on the ability to care for other family members. Nor does it address the pain and suffering of the child, which has not been given a "choice" that he or she would have willingly elected.
It's easy for the well-off to use differently-abled children as political props to promote compassion as a virtue. It's far harder for them to accept the fact that most people don't have the resources to make that choice. That's why it IS a choice for them in the first place--they have the means to make it. Most people don't. And, until conservatives like Will and Sarah Palin learn to adopt a different set of economic principles, most parents in their situation are going to make a "choice" that no one truly wants to make.
In any event, I wish Jon a happy 40th; I'm sure it has taken a lot for him to get this far. And, for his sake, among others, I'm glad the Orioles are doing well.
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