Comments on: Palin, Limbaugh skirmish over ‘R-word’ — or do they?

By: tim

tim — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 13:48:20 +0000

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

By: Mark Hobratschk, JD, MPA

Mark Hobratschk, JD, MPA — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 16:07:36 +0000

Where is Palin demanding that Limbaugh be fired, just like she did for Emmanuel?

By: Scott

Scott — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 02:17:11 +0000

Since we’re on the subject of language, it’s Down syndrome – not Down’s.

By: Laurie

Laurie — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 20:12:31 +0000

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?