"We must build a world free of unnecessary barriers, stereotypes, and discrimination.... policies must be developed, attitudes must be shaped, and buildings and organizations must be designed to ensure that everyone has a chance to get the education they need and live independently as full citizens in their communities."
-- Barack Obama, April 11, 2008
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This sort of attitude is hurtful.
Really.
I'm not saying it to be melodramatic. I genuinely feel that way.
Hurt that the leader of our country would make people with disabilities, people like my son, a punchline.
On national television.
Not. Cool.
So Mr. President, if you are reading this, I would ask you to take this situation and turn into something good. Look into the television cameras and admit that you screwed up. Tell America that the kids on the short bus are so much more than a punchline. They are hardworking heroes.
That sort of change is the change we need.
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Here's a comment from Tim Schriver, head of the Special Olympics.
http://abcnews.go.com/video/playerIndex?id=7129870
Pretty much says it all for me.. A great teachable moment.
here here
I think you should send a like to your blog to the White House email. Just saying!!!
Leader of the Free World didn't act like it now did he?
i was going to link to shriver's comment. glad you saw it. i'm relieved he took ownership and that he did so preemptively. it was insensitive and thoughtless, but thankfully his actions thereafter were not.
Love this post. It was an honest goof for him, but I hope it brings awareness to more people that using such jokes is in poor taste.
-Jill (mommy to Andrew and Henry)
Here is a copy of my post
"Words hurt" is the common mantra among parents who try to educate their children. We who live with autism spend countless hours on navigating social repartee. Drilling appropriate conversation is an understatement.
The Washington Post reported President Obama's gaff about his bowling game (remembering his gutter ball last year) ...." I have been practicing . . . I bowled a 129."The audience roared with laughter, and the late-night talk show host assured Obama "that's very good, Mr. President." To which Obama interjected, "It's like -- it was like Special Olympics, or something."
Now the White House is announcing a myriad of apologies and comments likened to "some of my best friends are............" Although those exact words were not stated, accolades about his respect for Special Olympics have been reiterated in the press.
Well I say, put your money where your mouth is. Hours of community service might be a start, and remember funding for people with differences. Attention Mr. Obama remember that special olympics are people too!
http://www.examiner.com/x-3565-Hartford-Parenting-Examiner
p.s.
The White House has commented yada yada yada about how the president is a supporter for Special Olympics. Tim Shriver (aka Kennedy clan) head of Special Olympics has accepted the personal apology from Obama.
Let the president speak. Let the president set an example for the country. "I was wrong, and this is my plan to educate people about special needs".
http://www.examiner.com/x-3565-Hartford-Parenting-Examiner
All I can say is Amen, sista.
That one hurt (and makes me mad), especially after our experience with Special Olympics this past weekend.
A friend told me that Dennis Leary has taken time to speak with families of autism. That was news to me. Somehow his intended "gaff" to sell books made a bigger splash than his effort to apologize.
Sadly, President Obama should take the lead....get out there and speak about it!
I agree. He needs to personally right this wrong. We need to hear it directly from him.
Now Palin is getting into the act.
This is my take on that:
Barack Obama is President of the United States of America. He is human. He can make a mistake. He made a mistake on Jay Leno, referring to his bowling expertise as "special olympics". Now fix it, really fix it!
Otherwise, we find ridicule for his actions. Sara Palin found a vehicle for chastise.The Daily News reports her outrage. "This was a degrading remark about our world's most precious and unique people, coming from the most powerful position in the world," fumed former GOP veep pick and Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, whose youngest son, Trig, has Down syndrome. "
She is right, in this case. Step up to the plate, President Obama. Fix it. Set an example, please.
It is time for a public apology: "I was nervous, I was pumped on Leno, I was giddy, I was foolish".....all of the above. Obama needs to take air time to specify what he is going to do about his inappropriate words. Tim Shriver's acceptance means zilch, nada, nothing. It is not his choice.
Our son, who is 21 was mimicked in High School. A young man who received perfect SAT board scores made fun of our child with autism. Everyone witnessed the joke, except our son. One brave student reported the harassment to my daughter. When I approached the mother of the guilty boy her reply was "oh, not my son, you must be mistaken".....She was sadly shocked when the charge was corroborated.
A president can change thinking, by example.
http://www.examiner.com/x-3565-Hartford-Parenting-Examiner~y2009m3d21-Palin-slams-Obama-on-special-olympics
What a silly thing to say and he must have been really kicking himself afterwards. It's clear that he never meant to be hurtful but he needs to realize how powerful words are (you'd think he'd know that!), it's what we teach our kids.
Great comment from Tim Schriver, thanks for the link, Judith U.
The great thing about Obama is that his administration have put autism as a priority - good news.
Here we go again
Palin angry at Obama part II
http://www.examiner.com/x-3565-Hartford-Parenting-Examiner~y2009m3d22-Palin-angry-at-Obama-part-2
I've just linked to your blog post from my blog and quoted you - hope you don't mind!
Chun,
You can quote my drivel anytime. :)
We need a link to your blog so we can all stalk you! Do tell... :)
ju
Hi Judith,
Thanks!
My blog is actually connected to my website and is http://www.newautismcure.com/blog
I focus on biomedical treatments and autism news.
I love your blog by the way.
Thanks,
Chun
Agreed.
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