The "Foot-Mouth" Disease

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Wrong is wrong and stupid is stupid, no matter which side of an issue you sit on or which political ideal you support. We have to stop making excuses for people in positions of power who do dumb things. They should be held accountable for what they say. People listen…and some of those listeners are not intelligent enough to think for themselves.  In the philosophical words of the Spiderman universe, “with great power, comes great responsibility.”


Despite generally being an eloquent speaker, Barack Obama has put his foot in his mouth few times. His comment last year about his bowling skills being equivalent to the “special Olympics” was dumb and thoughtless. If he has any defense, it was that the statement was made off the cuff, without the assistance of his usual teleprompter. He was appropriately raked over the coals for his comment and apologized. Still, it was stupid. He should know better.


Rahm Emanuel, White House Chief of Staff, might consider a strong piece of duct tape over his lips after his statement in a private meeting calling some liberal activists “f**ing retarded.” He has been barbequed by Fox News, Sarah Palin and others in conservative media for being insensitive to those with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Palin, whose son has Down’s syndrome, has demanded his resignation. He too, issued an apology over his poor choice of words.


Unlike a lot of offensive words, the word “retard” had meaning before it became politically incorrect. As a verb, it means: To cause to move or proceed slowly; delay or impede. The term is also used in music, as a means of slowing down the tempo. It’s a word that has meaning and usefulness, if used in the correct context. Although the use of the word as a slang descriptive is definitely considered offensive, I hope we don’t get to the point that a music teacher is reprimanded for using the word in class. Thinking must be done by both those who speak and those who hear.


There also seems to be a double standard among the guardians of political correctness. Sarah Palin posted on Facebook this statement about Rahm Emanuel, "I would ask the president to show decency in this process by eliminating one member of that inner circle, Mr. Rahm Emanuel, and not allow Rahm’s continued indecent tactics to cloud efforts." She continued her attack on various televised interviews, expressing her outrage at his insensitive comment.


Fair enough. If anyone has a right to be upset, she certainly does. A parent should stand up for their child, and if she were consistent in her outrage, it would be commendable. Unfortunately, her response to fellow conservative Rush Limbaugh was rather muted.


Limbaugh, in a strange broadcast in which he almost seemed to be supporting Rahm Emanuel, claimed “Our political correct society is acting like some giant insult’s taken place by calling a bunch of people who are retards, retards. I mean these people, these liberal activists are kooks. They are looney tunes. And I’m not going to apologize for it, I’m just quoting Emanuel. It’s in the news. I think their big news is he’s out there calling Obama’s number one supporters f’ing retards. So now there’s going to be a meeting. There’s going to be a retard summit at the White House. Much like the beer summit between Obama and Gates and that cop in Cambridge.”


When asked for a comment about Limbaugh’s remarks, a Palin spokesperson said, "Governor Palin believes crude and demeaning name calling at the expense of others is disrespectful." Ouch! That’s a far cry from demanding someone be fired. The next day, when asked to clarify that statement, the Palin camp answered that it was "the same comment they have given reporters for a host of other instances where someone had used the 'r' word and they are not singling out Limbaugh."


Maybe she should write this on her hand, “My child is not a political tool.”


I am curious what her response will be to Virginia State Delegate Bob Marshall. Last week, at a press conference opposing the funding of Planned Parenthood, he made the following statement, "The number of children who are born subsequent to a first abortion who have handicaps has increased dramatically. Why? Because when you abort the firstborn of any, nature takes its vengeance on the subsequent children.”


You might want to read that again to let it sink in. He went on to say, "In the Old Testament, the firstborn of every being, animal and man, was dedicated to the Lord," he added. "There's a special punishment Christians would suggest -- and with the knowledge that they have in faith, it's been verified by a study from Virginia Commonwealth University -- first abortions, of a first pregnancy, are much more damaging than later abortions."


After his comments sparked outrage by advocacy groups and parents of disabled children, he issued an apology, explaining that he was taken out of context, “Nevertheless, I regret any misimpression my poorly chosen words may have created as to my deep commitment to fighting for these vulnerable children and their families."


We all say stupid things. I’ve apologized many times to my family for slips of the tongue and thoughtlessly hurtful things I have said. Much as I may try, I’m sure it will happen again.


Still, I have not placed myself in front of a microphone. I have not stepped forward as a representative for others.  I do not anoint myself worthy of making decisions that will affect the course of our nation and the lives of my fellow Americans. Those who took those steps can accomplish great things or create great damage. Every word they say and every action they take should be weighed against the benefit of the greater good. It’s the price they pay for the choice they have made.