Summary
Kennedy described autism as an “individual tragedy” and “catastrophic,” claiming children with autism “will never pay taxes,” “never hold a job,” or “never go out on a date.”
Dr. Peter Hotez and other advocates pushed back, calling his comments harmful and reductive.
“He set up this litmus test of what it is to be a person,” said Zoe Gross.
“They deserve better than being a rhetorical prop,” she added.
I thought he was a crazy idiot, but he says I don’t have to pay taxes anymore so I’m happy.
But I think he made a mistake. Just because Elon doesn’t pay taxes doesn’t mean other real autistic people don’t pay taxes. I guess only people who claim to be autistic because they think it makes them more interesting don’t pay taxes.