What is all the fuss about? Why are so many pretending to be outraged just because President Obama said that his bowling score was almost good enough for the special olympics? Was this comment really so bad or are we just looking for excuses to complain about something? I have heard the argument that President Bush would have been in a lot of trouble if he would have said it and I agree with that. I would have thought it just as wrong to be critical of him and so I want to speak out about this.
First, let me tell you a little bit about myself. My oldest brother Tommy, was born with Cerebral Palsy. He never learned to walk or talk. He was confined to his bed his entire life which ended shortly before his 21st birthday. I have always been very sensitive to people who make fun of people with mental and physical disabilities. I am someone who has direct personal experience with the feeling that comes when somebody makes fun of a loved one.
I don't think our President was doing that. I think he was making fun of himself and I was not offended by his comment. The special olympics were designed for the purpose of putting together a venue for people with disabilities to compete in athletic events. It is common knowledge that the people that compete in the special olympics lack the skill and talent to compete in the regular olympics. That is why we call them the special olympics. The people who compete in them are wonderful and they compete to the very best of their abilities which makes it wonderful to watch. But they don't compete at the same level as those who compete in the regular olympics. Is it really so terrible to compare a low skill set to a special olympic type performance?
How Would You Answer This Question?
Have you ever said that one of your friends rides the short bus? I am sure that you have either made a comment or been involved in a conversation where somebody made a comment that truly was degrading to people with disabilities.
One of my pet peeves is the ease at which people use the word retarded. I hear it all the time. People say, "you are acting like a retard", or "that is so retarded", and nobody really says anything about it. Let me assure you that using that word is much more offensive to those of us who have family who suffer from severe mental or physical disabilities. Just pay attention to that word over the course of the next few days, and I guarantee you, that you will hear it many times without apology.
Then next time you hear it used, I would like you to look right at the person who said it and say something like, "my friend Andrew's brother was mentally retarded and he finds it very offensive when you use that word so casually. Now that I have had a chance to think about it, I do too." Let me know what the reaction is. Using that word is making light and fun of those who truly suffer. If President Obama's comment draws any attention to the use of the r-word, then it will be worth the trouble. Check yourself on this and let me know what you find out.
He Is One Of Us
Our President is a normal human being. He regretted saying what he said as soon as he said it. You could tell by the look on his face. But what he said was funny. He wasn't belittling anybody but himself. As the President, he must be careful with what he says. We should all remember that he is just a person and will make some dumb mistakes and comments just like I do and just like you do. We shouldn't be so hard him. He is going to do things like this all the time.
I got sick of all the attacks on George Bush for his poor communication skills. I don't want us to keep going in that direction. In some ways, I think the idea of Political Correctness has gone too far. Do we really want to live in a world where we can't make fun of ourselves? Do you think it is better that people say what they are thinking then to be afraid to speak? There are so many ways to offend others these days, how can we possibly keep up with them all?
What if he commented about Jay Leno's weight and said, "you look like a candidate for the Biggest Loser". Would there have been outrage over that? Probably, but I think that saying that would have funny too. Perhaps I am warped after all.
What Do You Think?
Am I being insensitive? or Do you see my point? I would like to know your thoughts on this. I want to know what you hear out there and if you think President Obama is bad because he said what he said. Do you think our society is going to change because we are giving so much attention? What is the best way to make difference in lead in this area?
I am looking forward to your thoughts.
Life Is Good!
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