I dont' like the sound of autism being called a plague, but I don't think I could ever have written so well and supported my belief with such convincing documentation.

Thank you again, Michelle, for doing such a service for the autistics of the world. I am sure you are appreciated by the autistics in Canada.

"4. Relevant dictionary definitions of the noun "plague" consistently divide into two entries. One: an epidemic disease that causes high mortality; and two: any widespread affliction, calamity or evil. The only diminished or mild use of the noun "plague" is a flippant one, as in, "uninvited guests are a plague". Dr Goldbloom was clearly not being flippant. 

5. The connotations of plague are worse than its definitions. Plagues and plague-carriers are equated with death and destruction. Plagues are public emergencies in which all measures must be taken to eradicate the plague for the well-being of society. 

6. We have learned from history what happens to human beings who are called a plague. A notorious German propagandist published a book in 1939 called "The Jewish World Plague". Once a group of people, and their inherent characteristics, are determined to be a plague, we know that appalling abuses ensue. Societies have always allowed great lattitude in their treatment, or mistreatment, of those considered to be or to carry a plague. 

7. When recently the Egyptian State Press reported on a church leader's vow to launch a global campaign to root out the "plague" of homosexuality, the protests followed automatically. Earlier this year, a George W. Bush appointee was forced to resign largely due to calling AIDS "the gay plague". The danger of designating an identifiable group of people as even possible causes and carriers of a plague was seriously addressed and action was taken.  "

Camille