Palin, Limbaugh skirmish over ‘R-word’ — or do they?
February 5th, 2010In the Washington Post Company’s Plum Line blog, Greg Sargent reported that Sarah Palin, through a spokesperson, attacked Rush Limbaugh’s repeated use of the word “retard” on his radio broadcast as “crude and demeaning.”
In response to a query about Limbaugh’s comments, Sargent wrote, he got the following email response from Palin spokesperson Meghan Stapleton:
“Governor Palin believes crude and demeaning name calling at the expense of others is disrespectful.”
Sargent later updated his report to say that Palin is now accusing him of misrepresenting her statement as part of a “secret plot to help the White House.” Palin officials told Fox News that they provided the same comment to Sargent that they have given reporters for a host of other instances where someone had used the “R-word,’ and are not singling out Limbaugh.
RELATED STORY:
New York Magazine “compares Palin’s response to the ‘retard’ comments of Rahm, Rush”
Their conclusion: She called for Rahm Emanuel to lose his job. She did not call for Rush Limbaugh to use his job. An excerpt:
Got that, Rush? Go ahead and “slur on all God’s children” as much as you want to your millions of loyal listeners. The country’s No. 1 “R”-word watchdog won’t single you out.
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February 7th, 2010 at 8:48 am
Once the Sarah Palin shine dulls, I wonder who will be the next group to be used for one side to say it’s better than the other?
And honestly, in this day and age, how dumb is Palin to come out the way she did? Anyone could have guessed that the left would go out and find people from the right using the same word and she wouldn’t be able to react the same way causing everyone to point to double standards and for her camp to claim a vast left wing conspiracy. And ultimately take away from the actual point that this word should not be used.
The ndss, ndsc, special olympics, etc. should have written letters stating that we as a community will not allow our loved ones to be used as a way to point the finger, to be used for their political opportunities, left or right.
Sincerely,
I Told You So
February 6th, 2010 at 11:07 am
Where is Palin demanding that Limbaugh be fired, just like she did for Emmanuel?
February 5th, 2010 at 9:17 pm
Since we’re on the subject of language, it’s Down syndrome – not Down’s.
February 5th, 2010 at 3:12 pm
I hope that people continue to let it be known that this use of the “r” word is a slur to those with disabilities — no matter who says it. I have a child with a cognitive disability and every time I hear this word, it hurts — and it hurts me and my child. Maybe Mr. Limbaugh doesn’t realize it, but my 10 year-old-child understands the slur! He must not know that people with cognitive disabilities still understand and have feelings. How are we supposed to fight for a good education and more jobs for our children when people with persuasive voices (who usually claim to want to help those with disabilities) can’t even use language that is not blatantly offensive? I can’t understand how anyone can defend the use of the word when we tell you it hurts our loved ones. What kind of example do those kinds of people set for “typical” children?
And please, don’t give me that weak argument about if we stop using this word, another one MAY come along to take its place. You don’t continue to use a word that is offensive now because another one MAY be offensive later. Maybe it’ll be like the “n” word; it was offensive, it became unacceptable and another equally offensive word didn’t replace it. And if a word does come along that is just as offensive, then stop using it, too! This is not about free speech. You can use any word you want — the “r” word, the “n” word or whatever. But, I don’t have to like or respect anyone who chooses such a word.
Mandy, the Huffington Post did have some horrible posts in the past, but it was the Huffington Post who recently ran the article by Liane Kupferberg Carter which, I think, was great and most of the comments have been positive. Pat’s site here had it. Also, I am glad that Mrs. Palin went after a Republican in Texas who used the “r” word. Now, I think Mr. Limbaugh should understand the pain he inflicts on those who struggle everyday to maintain their dignity when someone like him uses that language. Where’s his decency?