Mike Farris:
Rick, we’ve been talking a lot about the reason that parents need to be making decisions for their children rather than the government controlling those decisions. There’s another jurisdictional question involved in this treaty, and that is, “Should Americans make the public policy for this country about disability issues or should the United Nations get to set the standard through this treaty?” What’s your take on that whole issue?
Sen. Santorum:
All of the sponsors and advocates of this bill say, “Oh, this treaty will do nothing here in America. We won’t have to change a single law. We won’t have to do anything because we already do most of the things that are here. We’re not bound by what this treaty says.” They make the comment that America has to pass this treaty, because it will encourage others who have already ratified it to do these things, and, in fact, encourage other countries to ratify it and, therefore, force them to change their laws. How can it be that this treaty will force other countries to change their laws, but not force us to have our laws comply? It doesn’t make any sense. And passing it in this country would do nothing to have other countries change their laws. It depends on whether they pass it or not, not whether we pass it or not.
Mike:
Rick, these are excellent reasons. I fully agree that Americans should make the law for America. I’m Mike Farris.
