Deaf Couple in Cheyenne Fight for Custody of their 4-Year-Old Son

Cheyenne, Wyoming Tribune-Eagle ^ | 09-28-03 | Rule, Juliette

[cyborg]

Sometimes I find advocates of 'deaf culture' as distasteful as civil rights fringe loons like Jackson.

[stands2reason]

You're right. We should take all the children away from deaf parents, and sterilize them for good measure. (/sarcasm)

[annyokie]

It's actually quite interesting. There is, of course, the militant faction of the Deaf Community who refuse to try to speak, although they are not mute.

ASL is recognized as a language, however. I can't say that if I were deaf I would try to speak. You can't hear yourself sound the words, of course and thus the hollow speech of the speaking deaf.

Lon Chaney, the great Silent movie star was raised by deaf parents, BTW.

[cyborg]

Excuse me but do not put words in my mouth. I never said such a thing. I just know everytime cases like this come up, the so-called advocates scramble to offer help but what they're helping is their own agenda.

[Ronaldus Magnus]

Sometimes I find advocates of 'deaf culture' as distasteful as civil rights fringe loons like Jackson.

Without all these "deaf culture" advocates, these parents would probably permanently loose the custody of their child. Deaf people have the same rights of association the rest of us have to assemble and defend their interests. It's sad that you find this advocacy to be "distasteful"

[cyborg]

I think the parents should have their child back. However, deaf advocates seem to love cases like this so they can advertise their pet causes. Rush Limbaugh got angry letters from such people over his cochlear implant.

I used to watch FBeye or whatever that show was called. I just remember it was cool because the girl was deaf and she solved all these cases. To me, it seems when you miss one sense the other ones get stronger.

[cyborg]

What I should have said was militant activists. How is this different from when civil rights activists offer their 'help' in problems that have nothing to do with race? That's all I was saying. I am sorry I did not make myself clearer the first time.

[annyokie]

I'd have to agree. I have very poor eyesight and have since childhood, but my hearing is very sensative.

[cyborg]

I really did not mean to offend anyone. I should have not 'thought out loud'. I'm all for parental rights (esp. fathers rights). Anyway, you probably compensated for poor eyesight in hearing. I've heard this ancedotally, but there is medical research into this arena. The brain is very plastic esp. in youth.

[Ronaldus Magnus]

What I should have said was militant activists. How is this different from when civil rights activists offer their 'help' in problems that have nothing to do with race?

Deafness was originally made an issue in this case by the people attempting to prevent the parents from regaining the custody of their child. The parents are probably very thankful for the support they are receiving from these "militant deaf culture" advocates (as you put it).

Also, your hyperbole in the use of the phrase "militant" is perhaps more distasteful than anything I have ever heard about what these advocates do. They have not armed. They have not threatened to use violence. They are not militant. Your libelous use of the term is the same underhanded "new speak" tactic often use by democrats in slandering their opponents. In these are times of terrorism and war, please watch you language better.

[annyokie]

I wasn't offended. I've read enough of your posts to know what you meant and it wasn't mean-spirited.

[netmilsmom]

Hey Hon, can you please give us an opinion here???

[cyborg]

Since I've already apolgized/explained myself, I'm only going to refer you to my other posts.

[Born Conservative]

using the couple's perceived disability as fuel for the fire.

IMO, disability is in the eyes (or ears) of the beholder. I don't know how many times I have seen people with major physical ailments that just keep plugging away, while others with much less of a problem take advantage of it and sit on their butt feeling sorry for themselves. If the parents are able to take care of the child, I don't see why the kid should be taken away.

[lawdude]

"Sometimes I find advocates of 'deaf culture' as distasteful as civil rights fringe loons like Jackson."

You make it sound as though they chose this life style. Just what is distasteful about them OR their lifestyle?

I suppose blind people should be 'offed' at birth and also anyone that doesn't measure up to your standards of what the perfect person should be?

FYATHYCIO

First letter 'signing' for a phrase which is truly applicable!

[cyborg]

You need to read my other posts. I've already explained myself/apologized/whatever...

[stands2reason]

I couldn't find the quote from the "advocate" in the column.

[stands2reason]

Where's the quote from the militant advocate you're railing against?

[cyborg]

I am tired of repeating myself. I'm also tired of being accused of wanting to kill people/sterilize people/etc. You will just have to read all the other things I wrote.