factbat.com

Can this country truly be so intemperate and illogical as to say that a slightly teasing remark about any form of competitive sporting event, Special Olympics included, is somehow abusive or intolerant toward that event, or those who compete within it? As well, what respectable person on this planet could feel in any way demeaned or singly oppressed by such a remark as was made by Barack Obama on the Tonight Show?

Each and every one of these special needs children and adults are just as valid and viable a citizen as any one of us, and they should be allowed to laugh at themselves like anyone else. To coddle and protect them from such comedic jest and gestures merely attempts to further denegrate, demoralize and dehumanize them.

The only thing these types of media frenzies and politically motivated witch hunts do, is attempt to exploit these special needs people, and excessively place their efforts within a pitiful realm devoid of any true respect for their many courageous efforts, regardless of how impassionately these claims are voiced.

Barack Obama did not even come close to using such foul terms as were made several times by the mother of a special needs child who is claiming she is so "upset and offended" by Obama's slight reference to his bowling game when he stated it was likened to "the Special Olympics or something".

On the other hand Hannah Jacobs, the allegedly incensed mother, in an interview on Fox News, uses the despicable word "retard" several times on national television. Regardless of how the term is being presented, she does not appear to have any problem stating the word quite provacatively.

While it is certainly true that some people appear to have no compunction toward abuse of special needs children and adults, most of the nation is extremely compassionate and adoring of these people. One may at times consider them unfortunate, but once again this is still an inclination or penchant toward feeling sorry for them...which they likely seldom enjoy.

The happiest and most well adjusted of any of the people in todays world are always those who can occasionally take a moment to laugh at themselves. To preclude anyone, even special needs children and adults, from availing themselves of this personal power tool of life, is unconscionable.

The remarks made by Barack Obama which likened his bowling score to that of a Special Olympics posting, merely helps to bring them closer to the realms of validitation we all seek when those around us honestly expose that everybody has their short-comings.

My hat's off to the president for having the courage to associate himself with those of special needs, and apparently render credit where credit is due.