Silas Donham responds to posts on the New York Times Motherlode blog criticizing those who would reject potential chemical treatments intended to improve intellectual function of infants with Down syndrome. This difficult topic provoked a debate here on Contrarian that was remarkably thoughtful and respectful. But when the Times picked up on our discussion, many commenters were incredulous that any parent would hesitate accept such treatments for their children. A few had nasty things to say. Silas responds: First, the disclosure: I am Jenn Power's husband, father to Jacob and Josh, and son to contrarian.ca, the blogger who got all this...

Motherlode, a New York Times blog on parenting, has picked up on Contrarian's discussion about potential treatments for the intellectual impairment associated with Down syndrome — and touched off quite a debate of it its own. Our own discussion began with L'Arche Cape Breton Community Leader Jenn Power's disquiet at the assumption that Down syndrome constitutes a disease in need of curing. Jenn, who is both the adopted mother of identical twins with Down Syndrome and — disclosure — my daughter-in-law, spoke eloquently of Down traits that don't need fixing: [I]ncredible smiles, overflowing affection, stubbornness, great sense of humour, cute toes, love...

Jacob and Josh (previously seen here) are on vacation in Calvert, NF, where they played with this kiddie car in the driveway. It didn't roll as well on the grass, but they still enjoyed taking turns with it. More at Jenn's blog, Newfoundland Vacation. ...