Your entire column could be rewritten using faggot instead of retard and still make a very valid point…. except that while the country has begrudgingly learned to accept the fact that the disabled exist, and fashioned legislation to support them — faggots continue to be the whipping boy of politics. We are faced with referenda on whether faggots should be allowed to marry — or at least be granted the same rights as non-faggots. Can you imagine putting “retard rights” to a vote? I have yet to read a news story of gunmen walking into a church and shooting the congregation because they support rights for the disabled (but unfortunately that happened last month to a church that supports gay rights). We hear lots of homophobic statements from pulpits and are told we must accept that hate speech as a freedom of religion. Gay rights are cast as “special” rights, etc. And this comes from educated adults who should know better, not insecure teenagers trying to fit in.

Most families who have developmentally-challenged children come to grips with reality, supporting, loving and cherishing their children as gifts from God. Yet many families with gay children will cut their kids off, sending them into a dangerous world to be bashed and abused. Its no wonder the suicide rate for gay teens is so high.

So while I share your frustration with dimwitted people who use derogatory language to make themselves feel superior, I really don’t see how your situation is much different (or worse) than lots of others. That said, I do applaud your efforts to change the dialogue and wish you the best of luck.