So many of us talk often about what it’s like to live with
an invisible disease and what it feels like when people make nasty and negative
comments that hurt. We all know how that feels and none of us likes it! We have
talked many times about how people should be more aware, think before they speak
and in general just avoid making assumptions about people and of course, never
use derogatory remarks toward people with invisible diseases.
Well, how would you feel if you have a special needs child
or family member that you have loved and supported and helped work to develop
their self-esteem that was put through the same thing we often complain about?
We teach our children, and especially special needs children, that it’s
unacceptable to name call and then they see a person of high visibility name
calling the President of the United States and using a word meant to belittle
and insult him
Well, if we all believe strongly in what we so often
complain WE must deal with, we should all be beyond outraged by the comment
that Ann Coulter posted on Twitter after the debate earlier this week, calling
the President of the United States a “retard”. She is constantly making disgusting remarks,
but we all know what that feels like and
we don’t like it one little bit. Her comment has hurt and offended so many
special needs individuals that I believe we have a unique perspective of
understanding and should stand together to support the condemnation of this
woman and her comments.
Here’s a link to an excellent editorial in The Chicago
Tribune that I feel is important to read, as well as an open letter written by
a Special Olympian in response to these disgusting remarks.
I hope everyone takes a moment to read these articles, think
about how this feels and how you would feel if someone you loved read this
comment and it hurt them deeply. As
patients suffering from chronic illness and fighting to create awareness and
understanding for ourselves, we of all people, should strongly object to this
type of negative stereotyping and name calling no matter what your political
affiliation may be.
Let’s all stand together in condemning this type of cruel,
insensitive and frankly low class bullying by Ann Coulter and everyone,
everywhere! If we want better understanding for our struggles; how can we
ever hope to achieve understanding and kindness for people with all types of
illness, special needs and challenges if we stay silent?
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