Comments on: Shriver to Emanuel: Let’s work together to end ‘R-word’

By: Ann Smith

Ann Smith — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 10:10:11 +0000

Mr. Emanuel needs to be fired. Period. Apology not accepted. My son has been made fun of all of his life.

Mr. Emanuel used this vicious comment that came from his heart. Now that this has become public and an embarrassment to our President a public apology will be issued, but will it be from the heart?

Mr. Emanuel needs to come and visit my son and walk a mile in his shoes. Maybe there will be a real change of heart.

It is a shame that a public figure of this magnitude cannot control his mouth. People who cannot control their mouth, do not need the responsibility such as Chief of Staff!

Ann Smith
Mom to Daniel who experiences Autism
Milton, Florida

By: Opus

Opus — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 17:12:52 +0000

As supportive as I am of NOT using the R Word, and having respect for all, this R Word policing is becoming sadly obsessive and rather self defeating. You should keep your attention on the big issues.

By: Gene Emmer

Gene Emmer — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 10:57:53 +0000

I am an Obama supporter. But cutting Emanuel loose would be a clear message to the world that there is no room anymore for disablism.

If Emanuel had used a slur against blacks, Sharpton and Jackson would be expressing outrage. They would demand Emanuel’s resignation.

If Emanual had used a slur against Jews, the ADL would be expressing outrage. They would demand Emanuel’s resignation.

Where is the outrage from the disability community?? Why isn’t anyone (aside from Sarah Palin) demanding Emanuel’s resignation?

I think that the disability community should come together with one voice and make it clear that this has to stop. An apology is not enough. Obama should let Emanuel go.

Gene Emmer

By: Rachel

Rachel — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 05:12:04 +0000

I know I won’t be popular but there have been so many opportunities that Mr. Shriver could have responded to and maybe he has but we seem to only hear about the high profile situations like these. I wonder who is using who to get into the news. These days it seems any news is just a publicity stunt. To get into the news for offending the “retarded” is a easy mark without many repurcussions. I personally am getting so tired of this…. Don Imus was fired for his comments – when are we going to get serious? When are we going to demand true equality? I am tired of the empty apologies.

By: Mike Baroody

Mike Baroody — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 14:38:54 +0000

Guess I was wrong. Good to see Mr. Shriver’s quick response.

Also, I did get a return call from Special Olympics – they indicated that there was a conversation between Emanuel and Shriver, and Emanuel apologized. And apparently, there will be some sort of formal public apology by Emanuel at the White House, I am told.

Thanks again, Patricia, for all you do.

By: Diane

Diane — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 16:00:41 +0000

Again…….