Gus Walz leads the way

To the Editor:

It is said in the Bible, “And a child shall lead them.” Tim Walz’s son Gus has led us into a much-needed discussion about developmental disabilities.

Chances are you know someone with a developmental disability. A slight disability might manifest itself in issues navigating day-to-day life. A profound disability can require residence in a group home, like the ones that populate southeastern Minnesota.

I believe we are all neurodivergent to a degree, some more so than others. Gus’s neurodivergence includes anxiety, ADHD, and sensitivity to noise. Despite the raucous crowd, Gus was there to cheer his father on. His emotions were perfectly understandable.

If you have children or grandchildren in school, they no doubt participate in no-bullying programs, and can tell you that the behavior towards Gus was wrong.

Not content to simply mock Gus, critics piled on Walz for yanking Gus while onstage. As I understand it, Gus has challenges in negotiating spaces. Watch the video before the yank. Gus was about to walk into a teleprompter. Placing myself in Tim Walz’s shoes, Tim reacted the way any responsible parent would if, say, a child was about to run into oncoming traffic.

With his simple cry of “That’s my dad!,” Gus Walz showed unrestrained joy and love, something all parents wish for. Perhaps a child might lead us back to our better selves.

Susan Maricle

Dodge Center, MN