Well, doc, you lost me. I'm one who believes Roe v Waide should be the law of the land. However, aborting due to a single characteristic is equivalent to ethnic cleansing. Those who abort accordingly are guilty of the same. Down Syndrome is one of a multitude of conditions that can be detected in the womb. Some of my best friends have children with Down Syndrome and other disabilities. Yes, there are medical complications and challenges. But when did Americans become shrinking violets. The biggest problem is that Down Syndrome children and adults are stigmatied and stereotyped. They are born into an unwelcoming world re: insurance, pre-school, education, transportation, employment. If we believe it is ok to abort babies because of medical issues, stigma, and an unwelcoming world, we are shrinking violets. Hey, check out the disability rights movement, we've been trying to promote a more welcoming, accessible world for decades.

I'm a self described liberal, the right wants to McCarthyize the word. Everybody has their own view of what a liberal is, you may be more liberal than me. Liberals will save America from total destruction, but Uhmerica won't be the super-power it has seen itself as. Historic inevitability, democracies are temporary. But, we'll be fine.

Kit,

You've certainly hit a nerve. I know some successful, attractive fifty&sixty-somethings in similar situations. I've come to realize, love trumps sex. I'm a happily married 60+ male who's mores were born in the 60's, and evolved as I felt more self assured as I grew as a person. I'm at comfort in my skin, and this body is bruised, battered, and nothing to write home about. I doubt if you would focus your eye on me across a crowded room, and if I were single, that would be your loss.