From an embattled White House aide, the ‘R-word’
January 27th, 2010
Peter Wallsten of the Wall Street Journal reports that the relationship between White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel and the President’s liberal backers has gotten increasingly contentious.
Among Wallsten’s evidence: Emanuel’s choice of epithet when he heard in a meeting about a plan by liberal Democrats and White House staffers to attack conservative Democrats on health care. “F–ing retarded,” participants remember him saying.
Emanuel’s use of the word “retarded” as an insult follows Obama’s “Tonight Show” jest last year linking his poor bowling score to the Special Olympics. The gaffe drew criticism from leaders of the disability community, who called on the President to advance public understanding and acceptance of people with disabilities.
See earlier posts about Obama’s Special Olympics gaffe here.
See also:
Special Olympics’ site “Spread the word to end the word,” campaigning against the use of the word “retard.”
Posts on the use of language describing people with cognitive impairments.
Posts on the use of the “r-word.”
Coverage of bipartisan federal legislation that would strike the term “mentally retarded” from the federal lexicon.
(Photo from the Wall Street Journal)
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February 1st, 2010 at 3:58 pm
Tim-
Wouldn’t you think that if Mr Emanuel DIDN’T say this, there would be all kinds of responses coming from the media and the WH condemning the Wall Street Journal for irresponsible reporting? Have you seen anything like that? Me, either. Sure looks like it was real to me.
it is interesting to note that your whole concern seems to be with the politics of the people both reporting the story as well as those who are being reported on..in my opinion, ‘f… retard’ is an insult, no matter which political party is involved in saying it. In fact, if I had voted for someone who had this guy as an advisor, I would be doubly disappointed, because he sure wouldn’t be representing my views..and I would make sure that he knew I was disappointed, instead of making excuses for him and his staff.
And have you actually read Pat’s site instead of popping in and out making snarky comments? There is a wealth of information on here — too bad you choose to ignore that fact.
January 28th, 2010 at 6:05 pm
Spare me the lecture Tim.
My first post was obviously a swipe at Obama and his lame apology for his Special Olympics insult.
My second was in defense of Pat for your sarcastic criticism of her posting the article on her website.
Regarding the article, I really don’t care about the in-fighting of the Obama administration.
I do care, however, when someone thinks so little of my daughter to “allegedly” used the word “retarded” in a derogatory manner.
January 28th, 2010 at 12:11 pm
The article doesnt appear on many other news sites? It’s from the Wall Street Journal!
The reason other news organizations might not pick it up is becuase it is an un-attributed quote. Tim Shriver made it very clear in his statement, which was smart on his part, that he doesn’t even know if this was actually said. And neither do I and neither do you, but you are one to jump when you see the opportunity to take advantage of something.
You throw the word “retard” into a story, you’re looking for a reaction. That had nothing to do with the story, the story was actually about the perceived in-fighting within the Obama staff. So once again my son’s disability is used for political advantage, for one side to say I’m better than you, for finger pointing, for saying I win, you lose. That’s where we disagree, Scott. You don’t see that, and I do. I don’t need you to point me in the direction of something to read. Maybe you should spend a little less time coming up with cute quips, and trying to be the first to comment on a story negatively portraying once side or the other and bring something real to the table, becuase you haven’t yet.
January 28th, 2010 at 9:24 am
I liked Mike Baroody’s letter to the President. I sent an e-mail to the White House as well. I think the more that make their voice heard on the subject of offensive language at the expense of those with disabilities the more likely such language will stop.
January 28th, 2010 at 8:38 am
This has to stop now.
Sticks and stones won’t break my bones
names will never hurt me
so let’s get on the stick now
not later.
January 27th, 2010 at 6:11 pm
Tim,
Check out the “About the Site” section in the middle of the page. You’ll see that “This website attempts to aggregate news and commentary about disability….”
This article probably doesn’t appear on many other “news” sites, but I’d say it belongs here.
January 27th, 2010 at 4:06 pm
Thanks for posting the article, Patricia. I think that Tim Shriver really ought to call the White House, though I seriously doubt he will – he let the President off last year with an apology to himself (Shriver), as if he was the offended, and not thousands or millions of Special Olympians. By the way, I called the Special Olympics Communications office to inquire if there was any statement forthcoming. I don’t expect a call back but it was worth a try.
More importantly, following is a letter (email) I sent to the White House:
Dear Mr. President:
I realize that you have a great deal of ordinary, and extraordinary, business to attend to, but I feel the need to comment on a report in yesterday’s Wall Street Journal that White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel apparently referred last August to fellow Democrats as “F—ing retarded”.
As the father of a 6-year old girl with Down syndrome who participates in Special Olympics activities, I am dismayed that such expressions are condoned in our nation’s highest office. It is disappointing, especially following your quick apology last year regarding the Special Olympics.
I hope once again the White House will do the right thing and issue a public apology, and that going forward it will become an environment where such language is deemed unacceptable. People with intellectual disabilities deserve respect, particularly from those who aim to serve them, and I am sure you agree.
Thank you for the opportunity to comment.
Respectfully,
Michael E. Baroody Jr.
Centreville, VA
January 27th, 2010 at 3:29 pm
Slow postings at the ‘Ol Patricia Bauer News and Commentary website, better post a story about someone connected to the Obama administartion using the word retarded. How pertinent and thought-provoking.
Oh and look, Scott has already commented on it.
And wow, it’s from a Wall Street Journal story, I’m absolutely shocked!
Self-serving awesomeness at its most awesomey! Yay for this site!
January 27th, 2010 at 2:06 pm
Really? the Obama administration needs to pull their act together.
January 27th, 2010 at 1:58 pm
This also comes on the heels of the White House creating a new Office of Olympic, Paralympic and Youth Sport. Why was Special Olympics not included???
January 27th, 2010 at 1:24 pm
I’m sure his boss called Tim Shriver to apologize.
January 27th, 2010 at 11:53 am
These people are insensitive, whatever their politics.