Richard Dawkins: bigoted against those with Down's syndrome?

[d_r]

129. Holy cow.

Wow.

I don't know where to begin with this.

"It" do you mean the child?

Any child is a "burden on the parents."

So where is the line? Diabetes, is that OK? Autism? Cystic fibrosis? Is it all physical challenges or just intellectual disabilities that aren't worth the burden? If the latter, is there an IQ cut off score?

"...doesn't understand it's not going to have a life."

Huh? A human being with friends, meaningful relationships, fun activities. A living person who is learning, growing, exploring. How is that not having a life?

"always be raised by someone else"

I have two children and neither have Down Syndrome. No one has ever given me a guarantee about what their future will be like.

http://www.downs-syndrome.org.uk/information/for-familiescarers/adults-18.html

http://www.sheknows.com/parenting/articles/1009553/i-have-down-syndrome-and-run-my-own-business

"He/she will never get married."

Really? How do you know this? What guarantee is there that any other child would get married? And is life only worth living with marriage? I'm sorry I don't even understand this.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2595759/Sole-mates-Childhood-sweethearts-Down-syndrome-fitted-custom-boots-Western-themed-wedding-Dallas-vineyard.html

http://abcnews.go.com/Health/MindMoodNews/syndrome-couples-marry-live-longer-face-questions-sex/story?id=11862336

http://www.dallasnews.com/news/community-news/dallas/headlines/20110515-east-dallas-couple-with-down-syndrome-discovers-joys-challenges-of-marriage.ece

http://www.down-syndrome.org/perspectives/67/

"have kids"

Really.

http://www.ndss.org/Resources/Wellness/Sexuality/Sexuality-and-Down-Syndrome/

"go to college,"

Here, let me google that for you.

https://www.google.com/search?q=down+syndrome+college&gws_rd=ssl

"or get a career"
from http://www.globaldownsyndrome.org/about-down-syndrome/misconceptions-vs-reality/

Misconception: Adults who have Down syndrome cannot live independently or get jobs.

Reality: An increasing number of adults with Down syndrome in the U.S. are living independently with limited assistance from family members or the state. A small percentage of people with Down syndrome are able to live entirely independently. In the U.S. some students who have Down syndrome graduate from high school, and some go on to attend post-secondary education.

For people who have Down syndrome, more opportunities are available for education and employment today than ever before. Anecdotally, we know that people with Down syndrome can be excellent employees and some employers have reported a higher satisfaction level among ALL workers when they have co-workers who have Down syndrome.

One last google search to grow on:
https://www.google.com/search?q=prejudice+down+syndrome&gws_rd=ssl