Gov. Palin: Reallocate funding from "fruit fly research in France" to helping children with special needs

Governor Sarah Palin (R-Alaska) gave her first policy speech of the campaign today in Pittsburgh, focusing on policy adjustment for special needs children. Palin said the money politicians are extracting through earmarks for "pet projects" such as "fruit fly research in France" should be reallocated to "take care of the most vulnerable children." Mentioning motivation from "God's vision of perfection versus the world's vision of perfection," Palin said she would triple the funding for special needs children by 2011 if elected Vice President.

Palin stated that the public school systems are failing to render enough help for special needs children like her son, who has down’s syndrome. She spoke about federal funding to follow every special needs child without "bureaucratic complications or barriers". She pledged to "finally fully fund" the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, as well as Individualized Education Programs. Palin said parents of children with disabilities have "enough complications already" and should have more options in schools for their children, whether they be private or public schools.

While Palin and Senator John McCain (R-Ariz.) intend to "reduce taxes to promote growth" if elected, Palin scrutinized Senator Obama's (D-Ill.) plan to raise taxes because it would have "serious and harmful consequences" for parents of special needs children, who might lose funding for things like Special Needs Trusts.

Comments

[John]

Memo To Palin: Fruit Fly Research Has Led To Advances In Understanding Autism
http://thinkprogress.org/2008/10/24/palin-fruit-flies/

[Shaun Landry]

I wonder if she realizes that as Vice President she would have no control of these types of policies whatsoever. Oh well. She thinks she would be in charge of the Senate too.

[sunday]

Even after attending 6 colleges, having a autistic nephew,having rush libaugh, dobson and hannity as advisers, she has no idea on basic genetics
Please save us from palin

[Prof G Koentges]

Of course as a creationist she *cannot* possibly understand how fruit fly research is meaningful for biomedical research - if god has made the world, every thing is different, no way he would have re-used his precious ideas in different creatures ;-). Well, evolution is the reason that molecular controls and pathways are conserved, which is th only reason why Drosophila is a suitable model system for solving biomedical problems affecting vertebrates and humans alike. She is an entirely consistent lunatic. If such ignorance rules the White House America's scientific leadership will be gone for good. Kiddies, let's go back to praying for Santa Claus. Let's go back into the caves (well , they wouldn't be very conducive to the education of special needs children...). Abhorrent lack of judgement. I hope the American public will recognize that this babe is not of a mettle that should guide them into the future.

[A Couple Things]

Sarah Palin, scientist...

Ok, forget the promise. I can’t stop blogging about Palin. And the reason is that I just cannot understand why anyone would vote for this person. It is a mystery to me and I really would like to figure it out. So, readers please help. The best ex...

[The Real truth]

I understand completely why McCain chose Palin and did not have to know her before he chose her. Its all about getting a profit share for the federal government from the oil in Alaska to help pay off the federal defeceit. If you look up on the internet under "Alaska oil federal government" -you will find a ton of issues dealing with the fights the federal government has had in getting any profit sharing from Alaska. Palin being so narcisistic actually thought "but they are calling me" when really it has everything to do with finally gaining leverage in Alaska for profit sharing of oil to the United States federal government. McCain had nothing to loose at his age to make a risky choice and hopefully get the oil profit sharing. Because a younger Mccain would have ner chosen Sarah Palin. She is his puppet. Look it up.

[easwaran raghupathy]

After watching Sarah Palin for the last few days, I will never, ever again tell a joke about dumb blondes.

[Al]

I have a degree in Biology and am unemployed. I will set my situation aside for a moment to point out that fruit fly research is essential in understanding and treating many health issues for our children and adults as well.Please let me know when my mind will be of use in this country.Meanwhile, enjoy your wealth, make up, new clothing and sumptuous meals.

[mommom]

I dropped out of highschool 30 years ago and I immediately knew about fruit fly research,it was from highschool freshman biology and from having actually reading during the past 30 years.Palins biggest shortcoming is that she seems to honestly believe that she has a great store of knowledge. Why do people follow her ? Is she like Rev Jim Jones ? He used the Word of God to lead people ,too.

[Randy]

Never mind that "fruit flies" (actually Drosophila) are very useful in genetic research into disease.

Never mind that she apparently thinks she would have the authority to redirect earmarked spending to her own pet projects? (I know it worked in Alaska where she said "thanks but no thanks" to the Bridge to Nowhere and then kept the money and used it to build a Road to Nowhere but this is the big leagues, Sarah.)

Never mind that she thinks her bachelors degree in communications somehow qualifies her to determine how biological research should be conducted.

Never mind all that. What's ironic is a creationist wanting to micromanage scientific research from the West Wing. And here I thought Republicans were against "central planning?"