Guest, Liberal - I know nothing of your personal history, but your posts indicate to me that you have never loved anyone who was labeled as "having less ability". No one who who has ever had a child with a disability would ever suggest that he or she be left behind. And don't fool yourself - that is what you are suggesting we do. Get on with our glorious society and leave those who can't keep up - to do what? Stay out of the way, I guess.

I can only hope that you are as young and inexperienced in human interaction as your posts indicate. You read like someone who's "personal philosophy" has yet to be put to the test; not the tests of the intellect, but those of the heart. If I'm wrong (and lord knows I'm wrong a lot) than I'm really sad for you, just as I am for all those out there who think like you. Your president, Mr. Bush, calls himself a "compassionate conservative" (whatever the hell that is). But until he, and you, develop EMPATHY that compassion just feels like noblesse oblige.

I don't mean to disrespect you as a person. You have a right to your opinion. I can follow your reasoning and you write well. But I couldn't disagree with you more.