Jan. 17, 2012

Dear Mr. Bob Marshall,

... Before you read this letter, please take a look at the date. 2012- in 1865 slavery was abolished, in 1870 blacks were grated the right to vote, 1920 women were granted the right to vote, and now in 2012 there are 6 states that legally recognize same sex marriages. Now, let me take you to July 4, 1776 when our founding fathers drafted the Declaration of Independence-

“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”

Let me bring you to Feb. 2010, were you made this statement.
The number of children who are born subsequent to a first abortion with handicaps has increased dramatically. Why? Because when you abort the first born of any, nature takes its vengeance on the subsequent children,” said Marshall, a Republican

I understand that you have since then tried to recant your statement, or change your wording. However, you as a representative of the people of Virginia should be ashamed of yourself for speaking such vile, hateful and discriminatory language. In that moment on Feb. of 2010, you were not speaking for the people of Virginia or America. You sir, were speaking for yourself and your discriminatory views.

It is obvious that you do not have, know or have ever come in contact with a disabled person. Which I find strange, since there are pictures of you on your website with disabled children. Were those shot for promotional reasons only? Did you use a green screen and just photo shop children in there? Because, if you had actually come into contact with those children you should have learned far better from them.

Spinal Muscular Atrophy, the leading genetic killer in infants under the age of two. This is what my niece was diagnosed with in 2008. She was born to a loving family, to a mother who did not a previous abortion. So how could that have happened? Why would nature take a vengeance on this family? I do believe that you should educate yourself more prior to speaking publicly. You’re a politician, you should be speaking of laws, rights, freedom, not about nature. You know nothing about how nature works.

Let me tell you what I have learned from my niece Peyton Elsner and all the other disabled children, and adults. I have learned acceptance, respect, and gratitude for what you have. I have learned undying love and that you can truly have a scar on your heart that will last a lifetime. I learned to cherish every moment that you have and to be grateful for them. I learn from her everyday! I am so grateful that she is in our lives. She has already changed the lives of so many for the positive. Which is what you should be doing, Mr. Marshall, making positive changes in this world, not spreading hate.
Peyton is now 3, she has beat the odds. She can not move her arms, legs, or hold her own head up. She has to eat through a feeding tube in her belly, and her life depends on many machines that she uses everyday. However, everyday she is happy and loves life.
The odds are against her because of her SMA. She surely does not need people like your self against her also. So, if you have time in between all your press conferences, socialite dinners, and campaigning, please take a moment to educate yourself about disabled children. We would appreciate it.


www.unite4peyton.com

Sincerely,

Tina Reddick
Greenfield, WI