Point and Counterpoint
The blogosphere is abuzz with President Obama’s comment, comparing his bowling ability to a Special Olympics level, on Jay Leno last night. More noise than light, I rather think. As in everybody loves to use whatever ammo they can find for their own political purposes.
But I heard the comment on the show and at the time I actually thought I misheard. Quite frankly, I didn’t think someone in his position could actually make such a ‘stupid’ mistake. And, in all honesty, being a black man I would have credited with a little more awareness around issues of discrimination and how hurtful the casual, unthinking use of language can be.
But he has ‘fessed up and apologized. And even been challenged to a face off by a Special Olympian bowler.
And yet that’s not what I really want to talk about.
Except to offer a counterpoint to this, Sarah Palin’s video on the subject of the Special Olympics.
I don’t care what your politics are, Palin could well and truly teach President Obama a thing or three on this topic. Perhaps she could offer him a course, gratis like, as a service to the rest of the country world.
And lest we forget, best line ever:
What’s the difference between a hockey mom and a Special Olympics hockey mom? Nothing.
She definitely pegged that one, she did.
H/T to Take Five
Posted by Michelle
On March 20th, 2009 under Disabilities, Gratuitous slap, Politics.
Comments: 5
Comments
Comment from MissBirdlegs in AL
Time: March 21, 2009, 1:13 pm
I hadn’t seen this vid. When you’re right, you’re right! 
Thanks, Michelle.
Comment from virgil xenophon
Time: March 21, 2009, 10:33 pm
When I was in college my fraternity, as it’s annual “Community Service Day” project (the national organization gives out a huge trophy for the nat. winner, with gold & silver star framed certificates for runners up–it’s a big deal in my fraternity–and that was back in the early 60′s) one year volunteered to assist with Baton Rouge’s Special Olympics contest. I missed it as I was out of town on a road trip with the tennis team that spring, but everyone in the house that participated said that it was one of the most rewarding experiences that they had ever had (up to that point in their as yet short lives.) Which rather unexpectedly impressed me, as college fraternity guys can be–just like fighter pilots–a fairly cynical and jaded lot. Must be SOMETHING rewarding about it, n’cest pas?
Comment from lex
Time: March 22, 2009, 7:46 pm
Can’t wait to see Tina Fey run with this one.
Except, oh yeah: She won’t. It makes Palin look human.
Comment from Joe Norman
Time: March 26, 2009, 12:23 pm
There IS a reason they hate her so much. She is everything they wish they could be. I hope she stays on the national stage…..she is one of the few REAL conservatives on it.
But if she does…..they will eviscerate her at every turn. She will have to be absolutely grounded in her core beliefs and values. Somehow….I think she is, and always has been.
Comment from Idaho Joe
Time: March 27, 2009, 8:04 am
My son and I several years ago were part of a team that pulled a FedEx 727 across the ramp for Special Olympics. Fun and for a good cause.
It’s wrong to put down these special people of course, but they have so many people on there side you’d never be able to keep them down. And with a great conservative like Sarah Palin on their side they’ve got even a better position now.
Write a comment