Science!

First of all, let me thank you for putting up with all my kvetching in the last post. I promise not to let that happen too often. And I'm working on that bumper sticker!

Remember that Thomas Dolby song, "She Blinded Me With Science?" At various intervals throughout the song, a famous physicist (whose name I have forgotten, which is a small part of the reason I'M not a famous physicist) would yell out "Science!" Well, I have that stuck in my head, because I just watched a news story about robotic therapy for cerebral palsy. Basically, these robotic arms and legs are teaching kids with CP how to use their limbs again, and it's REALLY cool! They also mentioned that stem cells will be coming into play for CP, and it made me wonder if they will play any role in Autism.
I was also thinking about the controversy, and while there is a part of me that understands and even sympathizes with the anti-stem cell folks, I respectfully disagree. I believe that we are given this knowledge by G-d for a reason. If we can help people, make them healthy, and maybe find cures for things like CP, paralysis, Alzheimer's, Lou Gehrig's Disease, even cancer, isn't that G-d's work?
I also read a poem in "Dear Abby" about how special needs kids are sent to the parents who can best care for them. I like to believe that. And I also believe that knowledge is NOT a sin, but a gift. And our responsibility as human beings. Whether it's scientific knowledge, how to cook, the best way to catch lightening bugs, whatever. We all have knowledge about something, and, like they taught us in kindergarten, it's good to share.
I also, obviously, have a vested interest in any research that can help people with Autism. My husband and I won't be around forever to take care of our kids. Everyone worries about their kids, but, of course, we worry more about our kids with special needs. The world isn't always kind to people who are "different," and we want our kids to be independent.

I have to wonder why it has to be religion vs. science. Einstein, arguably the greatest scientist ever, believed that science, art and spirituality were all connected. And I think he was right.

I hope my kids will grow up in a world that is open and accepting of all kinds of people. At this moment in time, I'm not all that optimistic, but I also know that the only constant is change. I hope we adults can find a way to live together and accept each other, rather than deride and despise anyone who is not the same as us.
ANd I really hope we can continue to find ways to heal.