<p>Dear Sharron Angle,</p><p>The remarks you made in 2009 about autism and autism insurance coverage were downright hateful. You implied that people are taking advantage of an autism insurance mandate by claiming they "falsely label other symptoms as under the umbrella of autism." You even used air quotes around the word "autism."</p><p>Autism therapy can cost families into the hundreds of thousands of dollars. Most average families could never foot these bills out of pocket. That's why it's necessary that insurance carriers are mandated to provide this kind of treatment and therapy. The disorder that you so cleverly put into quotes is a real issue that affects an estimated 1.5 million Americans. Add to that number the family members and friends who lend help and care to their loved ones with autism. That's how many people you offended by what you said.</p><p>Worse, you have never once apologized for your comments. In fact, your campaign team has repeatedly attempted to defend them.</p><p>You need to admit you were wrong once and for all and apologize to the autism community.</p>