In E.W. Jackson’s book, “Ten Commandments to an Extraordinary Life” (note that he spelled “Commandments” with one “m” instead of two on the cover), he wrote “it is the principle of sin, rebellion against God and His truth, which has brought about birth defects and other destructive natural occurrences.” Here’s a response from two Virginia families with children suffering from birth defects.
October 7th, 2013
E.W. Jackson
P.O.Box 15003
Chesapeake, VA 23328Dear Mr. Jackson:
We are writing you as Virginians and most importantly parents. During this campaign we have been made aware of some of your past writings and comments. Understanding that the next Lieutenant Governor will work with Virginians of all stripes to address the Commonwealth’s challenges, we are concerned that your divisive rhetoric and out-of-the-mainstream ideology will impair your ability to lead.
In your book Ten Commandments to an Extraordinary Life you wrote, “It is the principle of sin, rebellion against God and His truth which has brought about birth defects and other destructive natural occurrences.”
As parents of children born with disabilities, it is offensive and disturbing to imply that our children are somehow a punishment. As someone seeking to serve in public office you owe an apology for this baseless mischaracterization of Virginia children to thousands of families across the Commonwealth.
Based on your book, your ideology is nothing other than destructive and extreme. All of Virginia’s families deserve to be treated with respect, but your claim that sin is the cause of birth defects severely undermines this reality.
We love our sons and daughters, because we know they are truly gifts and deserve every opportunity to live a full life. Our purpose is to make the public aware of your outrageous views.
Sincerely,
Dorothea Hampton
Neil Thomas Holliday
Sarelle Holliday
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