I have a daughter with Down syndrome and although I think Obama's classic foot-in-mouth comment was pretty bad, he did do the right thing in IMMEDIATELY apologizing. He apologized before it aired to the director in charge, and invited some athletes from the S.O. to the White House bowling alley. So people see this as OK.
I get pissed when I hear people making fun of disabled people. And even though he was making fun of himself, he was mocking those with challenges. Am I angry and will I try and find him to throw my shoe at him? No. Because living in this country means hearing this garbage every day. I can't let myself get so offended that I lose my faith in humanity and live angry all the time. So I spend my time educating the ignorant instead. Obama will be on my list.
exactly. that makes ALL the difference IMO, no matter who made the comments.
Rember when Limbaugh made the comment and was shown shaking, that was taken as an insult to people with Parkinson's at Michael J Fox. Limbaugh was hammered for that. I wonder if people on this board that are defending Barry thought this was funny. The left has always been prone to double standards. Then they use classic comments like "it was just a joke", "that was ot what he meant" or "Limbaugh is an idiot anyway". It is really laughable.
Limbaugh's was a bit different... basically accusing a specific person with a debilitating illness of faking it for sympathy.
Obama said an idiotic thing that someone in his position shouldn't have made... he apologized for it... if people are truly offended by it, then that is there right. But the false-outrage is pretty humorous and pathetic at the same time.
I'm so tired of the manufactured outrage by people on both political sides of this country...
edit - I just noticed your username Pats54... I'm guessing that you are from the Boston area. You can't be at a bar or sporting event in Boston for more than 15 minutes without hearing someone call someone else a "retard"... How do you feel about that being used as and insult so regularly?
My whole life
was like a picture
of a sunny day
“We can complain because rose bushes have thorns, or rejoice because thorn bushes have roses.”
― Abraham Lincoln
I wonder, where are the anti-PC folks...you know, the ones who say the US has become too Politically Correct...
I figure those sort of folks would be defending Obama and telling everyone to get over the comment...hmmm...what a minute, those Anti-PC folks are usually republicans...
“Our choice of language frames how we think about others.
It is time to respect and value people with intellectual disabilities.
It is time to accept and welcome us as your friends and neighbors.”
I wonder, where are the anti-PC folks...you know, the ones who say the US has become too Politically Correct...
I figure those sort of folks would be defending Obama and telling everyone to get over the comment...hmmm...what a minute, those Anti-PC folks are usually republicans...
now there's your hypocrisy...
boo-yaaoo! good point.
*~Pearl Jam will be blasted from speakers until morale improves~*
I wonder, where are the anti-PC folks...you know, the ones who say the US has become too Politically Correct...
I figure those sort of folks would be defending Obama and telling everyone to get over the comment...hmmm...what a minute, those Anti-PC folks are usually republicans...
now there's your hypocrisy...
...
I'm wondering the same thing... I thought all of this 'Politically Correct' bullshit was merely a Liberal thing. You know, crying about how, "Oooohhhh.. someone might get offended", crap.
Personally, I hate this Politically Correct shit. Let the people who ARE offended about this... say something about it. If someone says something that offends me... I'll be the one to tell them. I don't need some fucking shithead speaking up for me.
I'm surprized that some of the people here adhere to Political Correctness... then, again... I'm not surprized because of political partisanship.
Allen Fieldhouse, home of the 2008 NCAA men's Basketball Champions! Go Jayhawks!
Hail, Hail!!!
Let the people who ARE offended about this... say something about it. If someone says something that offends me... I'll be the one to tell them. I don't need some fucking shithead speaking up for me.
right on cosmo!
that's why i posted the link (bottom pg1) of a disability chat board i'm on, so you abled-bodies can see how some of the disabled community feel. Straight up, no filters.
ask somebody how they feel. don't assume or listen to a third party about it.
*~Pearl Jam will be blasted from speakers until morale improves~*
Let the people who ARE offended about this... say something about it. If someone says something that offends me... I'll be the one to tell them. I don't need some fucking shithead speaking up for me.
right on cosmo!
that's why i posted the link (bottom pg1) of a disability chat board i'm on, so you abled-bodies can see how some of the disabled community feel. Straight up, no filters.
ask somebody how they feel. don't assume or listen to a third party about it.
...
Thanx.
I'm old enough to remember when L.A. was changing the curbs at intersections so wheelchairs could have easier access. And when Restaurants and other public buildings had to allow for wheelchair access. It wasn't all that long ago.
And... there were complaints about the cost (in dollars) to the taxpayers and private business owners... how it was a waste of tax dollars and how small businesses wouldn't be able to afford it and go out of business or pass their costs to the consumers. And the uproar about handicapped parking spaces... it was ridiculous. The complaints were mainly that it was 'Liberal Bleeding Hearts' that wanted this this.
Well, i'm glad the 'Liberal Bleedig Hearts' wanted this becuase it is easier to ride my bike and skateboard to the taco joint, now.
Allen Fieldhouse, home of the 2008 NCAA men's Basketball Champions! Go Jayhawks!
Hail, Hail!!!
Well, i'm glad the 'Liberal Bleedig Hearts' wanted this becuase it is easier to ride my bike and skateboard to the taco joint, now.
lmao! love it!
whenever i'm advocating of course i mention how big the disabled community is. over 50mil. But i also say how whatever change i'm asking for benefits other people too. mom's with stollers.......
your skateboard! na i don't mention skateboards but you bring up a good point, by accepting/making changes a certain group it makes things better for all.
*~Pearl Jam will be blasted from speakers until morale improves~*
This thread is kind of disheartening to read. Obama definitely needed to apologize for suggesting that his bowling was equal to the Special Olympics. That's not being Politically Correct, that's just being sensitive to others and realizing that you've made a mistake, then making strides to be a better person. That's called growing as a person, and not being a belligerant ass. Does politically correct mean that if it were correct Obama said something that was true? Does bowling poorly mean that you are somehow (dis)abled? Why wasn't it just that he was bad at bowling? Liberals defending this are embarrassing to liberal sensibilities.
Simultaneously, however, what a freaking joke to have those who have defended W., Rush, and Imus suddenly grow a heart and brain jump on Obama's case. In other words, conservatives also need to stop conveniently forgetting history so that they continue their political argument as well. Seriously you and that neo-con Coach K are mad at Obama for filling out a bracket at the White House? Really? Let's not forget that you are the same people who rose and rejoiced in W. throwing a strike at Yankee Stadium during the 2001 World Series a month after 9/11/01 in some sort of ridiculously contrived moment with flying bald eagles, fake flags from ground zero, and god bless america being sung. You are also the same people who weren't pissed that W. was sitting at the Little League World Series 10 days before 9/11/01, and you are also the same people who loved it when W. gave a stone face to Iran (part of the "Axis of Evil"), and told the U.S. national team "let's roll" right before the 2002 Salt Lake City Olympics.
This thread is kind of disheartening to read. Obama definitely needed to apologize for suggesting that his bowling was equal to the Special Olympics. That's not being Politically Correct, that's just being sensitive to others and realizing that you've made a mistake, then making strides to be a better person. That's called growing as a person, and not being a belligerant ass. Does politically correct mean that if it were correct Obama said something that was true? Does bowling poorly mean that you are somehow (dis)abled? Why wasn't it just that he was bad at bowling? Liberals defending this are embarrassing to liberal sensibilities.
Simultaneously, however, what a freaking joke to have those who have defended W., Rush, and Imus suddenly grow a heart and brain jump on Obama's case. In other words, conservatives also need to stop conveniently forgetting history so that they continue their political argument as well. Seriously you and that neo-con Coach K are mad at Obama for filling out a bracket at the White House? Really? Let's not forget that you are the same people who rose and rejoiced in W. throwing a strike at Yankee Stadium during the 2001 World Series a month after 9/11/01 in some sort of ridiculously contrived moment with flying bald eagles, fake flags from ground zero, and god bless america being sung. You are also the same people who weren't pissed that W. was sitting at the Little League World Series 10 days before 9/11/01, and you are also the same people who loved it when W. gave a stone face to Iran (part of the "Axis of Evil"), and told the U.S. national team "let's roll" right before the 2002 Salt Lake City Olympics.
...
It all comes down to the double edged sword that is political partisanship. It cuts both ways... either the people who were indifferent to people like Limbaugh's or Imus' remarks that jump all over Obama... or people who were enraged over Limbaugh and Imus, but dismiss Obama. The key word in this point is 'Cut'... meaning it is devisive... based upon the worst of all lines.. political partisanship. If you are really 'enraged' by either... you should be enraged by all.
As for me... I feel all of those remarks show insensitivity. Were they wrong? I feel so. Was I enraged? Not really. I admit it... I am an insensitive jerk at times. Hey... sometimes I fuck up. When I say shit that offends somoeone, I admit it and offer up apologises.
As for political correctness... I don't care for it because it drives people's WORDs underground, but not their true feelings. Like, I WANT the Neo-Nazis and Klansmen to speak up, so I will know who to avoid. I would perfer if they flew their flag high or wore their uniforms out on the streets, so I could easily tell who they are and what they are about. I find it laughable, as you do, when I hear the same people who brushed off Imus and Limbaugh by 'over sensitive Liberals' employ the very same tactics to the guy on the other (a.k.a. 'The Blue Team'). Just as I find it equally funny that people will offer up the same excuses for Obama that their counterparts used in defense of 'The Red Team'. It makes them look exactly the same as the people they say they hate.
Allen Fieldhouse, home of the 2008 NCAA men's Basketball Champions! Go Jayhawks!
Hail, Hail!!!
...
Whoda thunkit?
Are you one of those people who do NOT see someone who has a different opinion than you as an enemy.. and merely another American who has a different view? ME TOO!!!
I don't think Liberals 'Hate America'... and I don't believe Conservatives only love money, guns and Jesus. I don't think America is Red or Blue.... but, a mixture of both. I am loyal to the country, the principles of the Constitution and our Bill of Rights... and NOT to a political ideology. I believe ALL political pundits are entertainers who peddle their opinions to people with no opinions of their own. And I believe that those people who DO take the so-called 'experts' at their word... and who tow the party line... will tell you they do not.
Politics is difficult and complex and cannot be explained and understood in 5 minute arguements, broadcast over the cable, by two people shouting at each other from the extreme ends of the political spectrum. But, that's where we are. We got here somehow, right? I just wish that people took politics more seriously and studied all facets of an issue, rather than echoing the arguements they've either seen on T.V. or a page or two on the InterNet.
One of the worst statements I have ever heard was, "Support the President ... right or wrong... in time of war". I believe is supporting the President... only when he is right.
Allen Fieldhouse, home of the 2008 NCAA men's Basketball Champions! Go Jayhawks!
Hail, Hail!!!
Exactly, I voted for Obama but the dude screwed up, and he should say he's sorry. Do people make mistakes? Sure. I've said some things that I wish I could have back, but instead apologize and move forward. Hopefully this can be used to help those with a disability demonstrate how they are often just as talented at sports and other things as those who are able bodied. Still it is shameful that 'bleeding heart' liberals are defending Obama when we, rightly, would never let a conservative get away with this (no one should), and shame on those conservatives who use this for their convenience. You are exactly right politics shouldn't come in the way of good behavior.
One of the worst statements I have ever heard was, "Support the President ... right or wrong... in time of war". I believe is supporting the President... only when he is right.
or rather when you think he's right. hehehehe
reminds me....
I feel that’s how Bush W. got elected again. I heard a lot of people say we have to support our Commander and Chief in times of war, we can’t be changing chiefs that gives the impression that we are weak.
yeah but that's not the point. did you agree with him?
And to me patriotism doesn’t mean always agreeing with the president.
*~Pearl Jam will be blasted from speakers until morale improves~*
3. He said, "I bowled a 129... it was like special olympics or something." Now I don't know anything about bowling - in general or in the special olympics. But is it possible that this was a factual, accurate statement? I mean, what's the average score for special olympics bowling? Maybe it's 129 - who knows.
I read this the other day, I think it's all that needs to be said on this subject, from a Special Olympian himself.
Washington, Mar.21 : A 38-year-old Down Syndrome victim, who has been bowling for 30 years, has said President Barack Obama needs to practice more if he wants to bring his recent score of 129 anywhere close to his average of 165.
Tim Maloney, who has won awards for his bowling in the Special Olympics, has urged Obama to focus and practice more to improve his score.
Maloney's comment came a day after Obama had joked that his bowling ability was suitable for the Special Olympics, a comment, which invited strong criticism from the physically, visually and mentally challenged communities, as also parents and relatives of such victims and politicians.
"Focus, take his time, and relax" were the simple-but-effective tips Maloney offered the president in a phone interview Friday with FOXNews.com from his home in suburban Milwaukee. "Keep your eyes on the alley."
Maloney also competes in basketball, golf and track and field. In 2007, he won the gold in the 800-meter speed walk and a silver in the 400 meter speed walk at the international Special Olympics in China.
But Maloney said he enjoys bowling most, because "I stay around my dad and my friends and loved ones."
Maloney comes from a bowling family. His father, Larry Maloney, said he bowls a 190; his mother, Nancy bowls a 160; and his sister, Shawn, who also competes in the Special Olympics, bowls a 125.
On his way back to Washington on Air Force One, Obama called the chairman of the Special Olympics, Tim Shriver, to say he was sorry -- even before the taped episode of the "Tonight Show" aired late Thursday night.
Shriver accepted his apology but told FOX News on Friday that the joke still stung.
3. He said, "I bowled a 129... it was like special olympics or something." Now I don't know anything about bowling - in general or in the special olympics. But is it possible that this was a factual, accurate statement? I mean, what's the average score for special olympics bowling? Maybe it's 129 - who knows.
I read this the other day, I think it's all that needs to be said on this subject, from a Special Olympian himself.
Washington, Mar.21 : A 38-year-old Down Syndrome victim, who has been bowling for 30 years, has said President Barack Obama needs to practice more if he wants to bring his recent score of 129 anywhere close to his average of 165.
Tim Maloney, who has won awards for his bowling in the Special Olympics, has urged Obama to focus and practice more to improve his score.
Maloney's comment came a day after Obama had joked that his bowling ability was suitable for the Special Olympics, a comment, which invited strong criticism from the physically, visually and mentally challenged communities, as also parents and relatives of such victims and politicians.
"Focus, take his time, and relax" were the simple-but-effective tips Maloney offered the president in a phone interview Friday with FOXNews.com from his home in suburban Milwaukee. "Keep your eyes on the alley."
Maloney also competes in basketball, golf and track and field. In 2007, he won the gold in the 800-meter speed walk and a silver in the 400 meter speed walk at the international Special Olympics in China.
But Maloney said he enjoys bowling most, because "I stay around my dad and my friends and loved ones."
Maloney comes from a bowling family. His father, Larry Maloney, said he bowls a 190; his mother, Nancy bowls a 160; and his sister, Shawn, who also competes in the Special Olympics, bowls a 125.
On his way back to Washington on Air Force One, Obama called the chairman of the Special Olympics, Tim Shriver, to say he was sorry -- even before the taped episode of the "Tonight Show" aired late Thursday night.
Shriver accepted his apology but told FOX News on Friday that the joke still stung.
Thanks for clearing that up for me! And I couldn't help but notice their (inappropriate?) use of the word "victim".
Comments
exactly. that makes ALL the difference IMO, no matter who made the comments.
Let's just breathe...
I am myself like you somehow
Limbaugh's was a bit different... basically accusing a specific person with a debilitating illness of faking it for sympathy.
Obama said an idiotic thing that someone in his position shouldn't have made... he apologized for it... if people are truly offended by it, then that is there right. But the false-outrage is pretty humorous and pathetic at the same time.
I'm so tired of the manufactured outrage by people on both political sides of this country...
edit - I just noticed your username Pats54... I'm guessing that you are from the Boston area. You can't be at a bar or sporting event in Boston for more than 15 minutes without hearing someone call someone else a "retard"... How do you feel about that being used as and insult so regularly?
was like a picture
of a sunny day
“We can complain because rose bushes have thorns, or rejoice because thorn bushes have roses.”
― Abraham Lincoln
I figure those sort of folks would be defending Obama and telling everyone to get over the comment...hmmm...what a minute, those Anti-PC folks are usually republicans...
now there's your hypocrisy...
Sign the R-word pledge: http://www.r-word.org/
“Our choice of language frames how we think about others.
It is time to respect and value people with intellectual disabilities.
It is time to accept and welcome us as your friends and neighbors.”
boo-yaaoo! good point.
I'm wondering the same thing... I thought all of this 'Politically Correct' bullshit was merely a Liberal thing. You know, crying about how, "Oooohhhh.. someone might get offended", crap.
Personally, I hate this Politically Correct shit. Let the people who ARE offended about this... say something about it. If someone says something that offends me... I'll be the one to tell them. I don't need some fucking shithead speaking up for me.
I'm surprized that some of the people here adhere to Political Correctness... then, again... I'm not surprized because of political partisanship.
Hail, Hail!!!
right on cosmo!
that's why i posted the link (bottom pg1) of a disability chat board i'm on, so you abled-bodies can see how some of the disabled community feel. Straight up, no filters.
ask somebody how they feel. don't assume or listen to a third party about it.
Thanx.
I'm old enough to remember when L.A. was changing the curbs at intersections so wheelchairs could have easier access. And when Restaurants and other public buildings had to allow for wheelchair access. It wasn't all that long ago.
And... there were complaints about the cost (in dollars) to the taxpayers and private business owners... how it was a waste of tax dollars and how small businesses wouldn't be able to afford it and go out of business or pass their costs to the consumers. And the uproar about handicapped parking spaces... it was ridiculous. The complaints were mainly that it was 'Liberal Bleeding Hearts' that wanted this this.
Well, i'm glad the 'Liberal Bleedig Hearts' wanted this becuase it is easier to ride my bike and skateboard to the taco joint, now.
Hail, Hail!!!
lmao! love it!
whenever i'm advocating of course i mention how big the disabled community is. over 50mil. But i also say how whatever change i'm asking for benefits other people too. mom's with stollers.......
your skateboard! na i don't mention skateboards but you bring up a good point, by accepting/making changes a certain group it makes things better for all.
Simultaneously, however, what a freaking joke to have those who have defended W., Rush, and Imus suddenly grow a heart and brain jump on Obama's case. In other words, conservatives also need to stop conveniently forgetting history so that they continue their political argument as well. Seriously you and that neo-con Coach K are mad at Obama for filling out a bracket at the White House? Really? Let's not forget that you are the same people who rose and rejoiced in W. throwing a strike at Yankee Stadium during the 2001 World Series a month after 9/11/01 in some sort of ridiculously contrived moment with flying bald eagles, fake flags from ground zero, and god bless america being sung. You are also the same people who weren't pissed that W. was sitting at the Little League World Series 10 days before 9/11/01, and you are also the same people who loved it when W. gave a stone face to Iran (part of the "Axis of Evil"), and told the U.S. national team "let's roll" right before the 2002 Salt Lake City Olympics.
It all comes down to the double edged sword that is political partisanship. It cuts both ways... either the people who were indifferent to people like Limbaugh's or Imus' remarks that jump all over Obama... or people who were enraged over Limbaugh and Imus, but dismiss Obama. The key word in this point is 'Cut'... meaning it is devisive... based upon the worst of all lines.. political partisanship. If you are really 'enraged' by either... you should be enraged by all.
As for me... I feel all of those remarks show insensitivity. Were they wrong? I feel so. Was I enraged? Not really. I admit it... I am an insensitive jerk at times. Hey... sometimes I fuck up. When I say shit that offends somoeone, I admit it and offer up apologises.
As for political correctness... I don't care for it because it drives people's WORDs underground, but not their true feelings. Like, I WANT the Neo-Nazis and Klansmen to speak up, so I will know who to avoid. I would perfer if they flew their flag high or wore their uniforms out on the streets, so I could easily tell who they are and what they are about. I find it laughable, as you do, when I hear the same people who brushed off Imus and Limbaugh by 'over sensitive Liberals' employ the very same tactics to the guy on the other (a.k.a. 'The Blue Team'). Just as I find it equally funny that people will offer up the same excuses for Obama that their counterparts used in defense of 'The Red Team'. It makes them look exactly the same as the people they say they hate.
Hail, Hail!!!
Whoda thunkit?
Are you one of those people who do NOT see someone who has a different opinion than you as an enemy.. and merely another American who has a different view? ME TOO!!!
I don't think Liberals 'Hate America'... and I don't believe Conservatives only love money, guns and Jesus. I don't think America is Red or Blue.... but, a mixture of both. I am loyal to the country, the principles of the Constitution and our Bill of Rights... and NOT to a political ideology. I believe ALL political pundits are entertainers who peddle their opinions to people with no opinions of their own. And I believe that those people who DO take the so-called 'experts' at their word... and who tow the party line... will tell you they do not.
Politics is difficult and complex and cannot be explained and understood in 5 minute arguements, broadcast over the cable, by two people shouting at each other from the extreme ends of the political spectrum. But, that's where we are. We got here somehow, right? I just wish that people took politics more seriously and studied all facets of an issue, rather than echoing the arguements they've either seen on T.V. or a page or two on the InterNet.
One of the worst statements I have ever heard was, "Support the President ... right or wrong... in time of war". I believe is supporting the President... only when he is right.
Hail, Hail!!!
or rather when you think he's right. hehehehe
reminds me....
I feel that’s how Bush W. got elected again. I heard a lot of people say we have to support our Commander and Chief in times of war, we can’t be changing chiefs that gives the impression that we are weak.
yeah but that's not the point. did you agree with him?
And to me patriotism doesn’t mean always agreeing with the president.
I read this the other day, I think it's all that needs to be said on this subject, from a Special Olympian himself.
Thanks for clearing that up for me! And I couldn't help but notice their (inappropriate?) use of the word "victim".