Campaign pledges too often get made — only to become ignored by the candidate who makes them.
I believe I will keep one candidate’s feet very close to the fire should the campaign turn out in this individual’s favor next year.
Hillary Rodham Clinton pledges devote $2 billion annually to fund research into finding a cure for Alzheimer’s disease.
Big deal, yes? Well, it is, even if it comes in the form of a campaign promise.
“For me, the bottom line is if we’re the kind of nation that cares for citizens and supports families,” Clinton said, “then we’ve got work to do and we need to do it better when it comes to diseases like Alzheimer’s.”
I happen to have intimate knowledge of this dreaded, miserable and merciless affliction. My mother died from it in 1984. She was 61 years of age. It robbed her of her wit, her intelligence, all of her cognitive skill, eventually her ability to speak and her ability to recognize those who loved her.
Alzheimer’s is the sixth-leading cause of death in this country and it brings great grief and pain to an increasing number of Americans.
Clinton isn’t the first politician to make this pledge. However, I do not remember the last time a politician running for president of the United States of America has made one like this.
Today’s post, though, isn’t about Clinton’s campaign promise. It’s about the disease.
I have made a vow myself to bring attention to Alzheimer’s disease whenever possible using this forum.
Another beloved member of my family also is suffering from its early onset. I pray for him daily. Also pray for his children, grandchildren and his wife, all of whom must care for him.
They aren’t alone. As Clinton found out while attending a campaign event in Iowa when she asked who in her audience had a connection with Alzheimer’s disease, it’s affecting more and more of us daily. Our population is aging and yet a cure for the disease remains elusive.
Therapies have advanced tremendously. Some of them reportedly are slowing the progress of the disease. They don’t stop it.
Clinton’s pledge has drawn the support of at least one leading Republican, former House Speaker Newt Gingrich. I would hope other politicians from both parties would endorse her promise by making similar pledges of their own.
“I’m running for president to deal with the big problems but also with these problems that keep families up at night, and this is one that really fits into the category,” Clinton said.
You got that right, Mme. Secretary.
