Politics

In 2009, the last year for which U.S.

Are you ready?

Maybe for a flash flood? Earthquake? Tornado? Bioterrorist attack?

This isn’t some 2012 doomsday scenario: it’s an actual question posed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

And the answer, for most people, is no.

For the past 20 years, the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption has successfully increased the awareness of the number of foster children in need of permanent, adoptive homes, as well as the need for qualified, well-supported foster and adoptive parents. The Foundation knows that there are children who need families and that there are families who want to adopt and is committed to bringing the two together.

It is the first slightly cool day of Fall, wind chimes tinkling in the distance as the sun drifts through the trees to make dappled designs on the street.

It had all of the makings of a train wreck: stay-at-home mothers, working mothers, an angry audience and television cameras.

Two years ago, Mary Barnett had a thriving career as a certified nurse midwife. She delivered eight babies a month – a lot by midwife standards – while working with Women Partners in Health, a clinic comprised of obstetrician/gynecologists and three midwives.

But that all changed in May of 2002.

That’s when Women Partners in Health followed the lead of Capitol Obstretrics & Gynecology Associates and terminated its midwifery program. By December 2002, only ObGyns could deliver babies in Austin hospitals. Like the other five nurse midwives in town, Mary was out of a job.

“Show respect for those who have served. Most important of all, show your gratitude by enjoying the freedoms and rights that so many have fought and died for. Don't let their deaths be in vain.