By now word of Sarah Palin’s impending resignation is old news. The media has come up with all kinds of reasons why Palin has chosen to abandon (!) the state of Alaska, calling her everything from a Schmuck to just a plain ol’ quitter
Because, really, it couldn’t have anything to do with those costly ethics complaints turning her into a lame duck Governor or anything like that.
Or the fact that the media couldn’t keep their poison arrows pointed only at Palin, they had to take below the belt shots at her children too.
Then again, maybe she did decide to take the book money and run.
Eh, what do I know about politics? While I may be mostly Republican at heart, I haven’t voted straight party lines since the first time I visited a voting booth. And Palin isn’t one I would have chosen to be the next GOP pick.
However, I do know a little bit about advocacy. How what is written in print, and seen on the big screen can effect the public’s perception of those with special needs. And how public perception can translate into action where discrimination and abortion are concerned.
How many of us who are parents of children with special needs were greeted with messages of condolence when our children were born?
How many of us lost friendships, family, and even spouses because those who we believed would be in our lives forever suddenly couldn’t handle the thought of being around a retard.
The idea that the life of a person with special needs is somehow worth less is only intensified when Barack Obama cracks a joke by comparing himself to Special Olympians.
So, Mr. President. How ’bout that wasted failed stimulus money? Now THAT’S a joke. Bi-partisan even!
One of the reasons Sarah Palin gave for making her decision for stepping down from office included the hurt her family had encountered by Trig, her son with Down syndrome, being mocked.
While Palin may have opened herself up to attacks on her actions, her children, most especially Trig, did not.
Yesterday, Erik Sean Nelson, a ‘comedy’ writer for the Huffington Post, had this to say concerning Palin’s reasons for resigning:
She said that the “world needs more Trigs, not fewer.†That’s a presidential campaign promise we can all get behind. She will be the first politician to actually try to increase the population of retarded people. To me, it’s kinda like saying the world needs more cancer patients because they teach us such personal lessons.
Her first act as President: To introduce a Pre-K lunch buffet that includes lead paint chips.
Her policies will increase jobs because Wal-Mart is building new stores each day and someone has to be the greeter.
This will lead to smaller government because fewer Americans will have the cognitive ability to hold a government job.
Kinda makes you wonder if Nelson’s been channeling a bit of Letterman, no?
What I find really funny is how that once an apology has been issued, everything is then supposed to be all better. Gee, he’s sorry he wrote or said that.
But not for having those sort of thoughts to begin with.
And it is the people who harbor these type of thoughts that scare the hell out of me. The ones who will try and squeeze in those ideas whenever and however they can.
And then try to disguise them with the cloak of comedy.
Each time I write a post like this I receive many emails telling me to just let it go. Ignore it. It isn’t worth my effort. Quit being so sensitive. It wasn’t meant in that way.
But I disagree. Vehemently. If nobody stands up against this type of hate speech, then it slowly becomes an acceptable norm.
Whether you have a child with special needs or not, EVERYONE should take a stand against tearing down the worth of another life.
As you work to make the world a better place for my child, you are ultimately insuring the world will be a better place for yours.
Tammy Hodson is, in Erick Sean Nelson’s words, one of those moms who “hold off pregnancies until after their 40’s just to mix up some chromosomes’.  She the proud Mama to Parker, her 4.5 year old with Down Syndrome.
You can find her at her personal blog, Praying For Parker as well as 5 Minutes for Special Needs.
{ 13 comments… read them below or add one }
Standing up against the tide with you.
Great, great post, my friend.
Yeah- it’s me. You’re long-lost, MIA “Proud to Be Your Friend” Friend.
I totally agree, and I think, unfortunately it has already become the norm. I think special needs family’s are speaking out more, but people still think joking about them is normal. Its very sad.
Well said!! It always goes back to the old saying “The squeeky wheel……” If we don’t stand up for what we believe it and verbalize it, the other side always wins!!
Thank you for sharing this with me. I honestly think it is sick how so called comedians feel it is acceptable today to use hurtful words. They need to think before they talk and realize that families with special needs will not tolerate their tasteless “jokes” and nasty words. Kuddos to you for doing this here. The sad part, as you know, is items like this happen daily outside of the major media where common every day people (not the Palin’s) are the targets of the ridicule that needs to end. The “R” word and others need not be used at all.
It is SO good to hear from other Mother’s who have a child with Pulmonary Hypertension. Honestly you are the 1st Mother of a CHILD that I have been in contact with. Mostly it’s adults that I talk to about this. I will be praying for Parker! Please keep in touch!
Hugs – Tiff
Standing tall right next to you!!!
Awesome, Tammy! Can I post and link back to you? This is fabulously worded!
This just breaks my heart! What the hell is the matter with people? Ugghh!! This so called comedian makes me sick! I would like just five minutes with the jerk! Tammy, I love you and I am right there with you. You are right in everything you say and feel.
Love you,
Amy
GREAT POST! I hate it when people sit back and say nothing. If you want change your have to let your voice be heard! I think comedians should be fined for making jokes of that nature…and big fines!! You go Girl – let your voice be heard! You are making changes in the lives of those that follow your blog – I’m one of them!
As a retired Special Education teacher, I was horrified to hear the comments by Erik Sean Nelson and the use of his term “retarded” when referring to Sarah Palin’s child. If Ariana Huffington does not make an example of him, then the Huffington Post should be an outcast among news sources.
The self-proclaimed Christian woman, Sally Quinn, of the Washington Post didn’t see any thing wrong with these comments, so she is just as ignorant as he is! I feel so bad that people have been hurt by clueless individuals who write these lame editorials.
I agree if you do not condem something you condone it. Try to keep things like this from getting under your skin. Ignorent people like that chould not be given that kind of power.
When people tell me not to take things like this seriously, like their language, I have to point out several thinks. If someone used the word “wetback” in a sentence to me, I would be extremely offended because I am Latina. If someone said a racial or offensive epithet towards another group around me, I would still be offended and think that person a racist or immature because, although I am by no means perfect, I have a social conscience that dictates that no one is immune from hurtful language or actions. Therefore, that argument is mute. If no one had ever stood up against racist or offensive language (even in the name of so called “comedy,” this nation would not have progressed to the point that it has. My little sister has Downs Syndrome, and when people use offensive language in front of me, I remind them that it is hurtful and ask them not to use that language around me. Somethings are done in the name of comedy. And some things cannot be let go of so easily.