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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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!