Mar 20 2009
Obama Insults Millions With Special Olympics Comment
Last night, on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, US President Barak Obama insulted millions of people throughout the world when comparing his poor bowling skills to those of the Special Olympics athletes.
Obama told host Jay Leno that his bowling score, with practice, had risen to 129.
“That’s very good, Mr. President,” Leno deadpanned.
It’s “like the Special Olympics or something,” the president replied.
The problem is, the majority of Special Olympic Athletes bowl far better than Obama’s measly 129 score. They are hard working athletes just like any Olympic athlete is and they take their sport just a seriously as any athlete does.
A White House spokesman said the remark was not intended to disparage Special Olympics athletes, who have intellectual disabilities.
The president “thinks the Special Olympics is a wonderful program that gives an opportunity for people with disabilities from around the world,” said White House deputy press secretary Bill Burton.
The Special Olympics CEO, Tim Shriver said that Obama called him and “expressed his disappointment and he apologized I think in a way that was very moving. He expressed that he didn’t intend to humiliate this population, certainly did not want to embarrass or give anybody any more reason for pain or, just, you know, kind of, suffering I would say.”
During a Good Morning America interview, Tim Shriver said “Well I think it’s important to see that words hurt and words do matter, and these words that in some respect can be seen as humiliating or a put-down to people with special needs do cause pain and they do result in stereotypes. They do result in behavior that is neglectful and almost oppressive of people with special needs. This kind of language needs to be a teachable moment I think for our country. I would hope every parent who is at home this morning watching this show could turn to their children and say this is a chance for us to recognize that when we talk about Special Olympics, when we talk about people with special needs, let’s make sure we talk about it in an affirming way.”
When people say things, no matter what the words or who it is about, this is something that is in their mind in the first place. Obama, no matter how hard he tries to back pedal his remarks, obviously views people in the Special Olympics as less than him. He obviously believes that people with special needs have disabilities instead of Abilities. Obama is sadly mistaken on the abilities of those with special needs-especially when it comes to bowling. But what is even more disturbing is when he goes home tonight to his two little girls, who are in the midst of all this whirlwind of celebrity status, he will continue on with his private views of those with special needs and continue to teach his daughters that these people-the ones who learn differently-are people less than them, that it is OK to make these people be the brunt of their jokes-as long as you don’t do it publicly.
Comments like those made by Obama are not “missteps” or “blunders”. Comments do not suddenly come from your mouth if they were not in your head in the first place. And when a comment comes from a powerful man that is leading a nation, what kind of example does that lead for this country and all the other countries throughout the world?
11 Responses to “Obama Insults Millions With Special Olympics Comment”
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excellent points, Kristy. I agree…he was showing his true feelings…and I don’t see how he thinks he can explain his comments away.
Why didn’t he immediately apologize on the Jan Leno show? Why wait. Oh, he needed a White House rep to try and sugarcoat what his true feelings were, which of course we all heard ‘ON AIR’
It is so disturbing for me as a parent ,especially when it is told by Obama who is expected to improve today’s crisis which is affecting the whole world.
I have to take Barack’s side on this side. And as Paul Harvey used to say: And now for the rest of the story: Special Olympians are invited to the White House to bowl and shoot hoops with Barack. Let’s not forget that Barack is very good friends with the Kennedy’s, and also what the Kennedy family has done for the Special Olympics. Almost forgot to mention Paul E. has a Black Belt in Karate, and Trophies up the “GUMP-STUMP” Plus there is a young lad that has been bowlng perfect games. By the way I occasionally put My foot in My mouth, look at all our politician’s if you will. Where do We start? As Always Otto W. Hansen aka Sam.
Well said Kristy. The man who holds the highest office in the land should not get a “free pass” and I feel he did get one- from the Shrivers.
I also feel everybody that’s posting in this thread should give it some thought. Would they want Connor Gifford reading their post. And by the way that bowler from Michigan has bowled five perfect games, and has an average of 212. His name is Kolan McConiughey, and He’s 35 years old. As a little footnote I would call Him a whole lot more than just “HANDI-CAPABLE like Connor who I think the world of. As Always Otto W. Hansen aka Sam.
Great blog, Kristy.
It hasn’t been widely reported that the White House spokesman also said Obama didn’t intend to make fun of Special Olympic athletes, but meant to make fun of his own bowling. Well, duh. Talk about not them getting it! What do they think it means to make fun of his own bowling using people my daughter, who is a Special Olympics bowler, as the comparative standard of poor performance?
I also think it’s remarkable how the media has ignored this booboo from their darling, compared to what would have hit the fan if a Bush had made this “joke”!
Hello,
I have always admired the work that you do, and have nominated you for the Sisterhood Award. Please stop by and visit my site as I have a special note for you on my blog.
(BTW, Obama blew it, and as a person who usually only gets time to take her foot out of her mouth long enough to eat, I hope you forgive him. He was wrong, but knew it.)
http://wearmanyhats.pnn.com/9201-the-front-page
Hope you drop by!
great blog kristy. very well written
As a parent of a child with special needs, I was very hurt to hear what obama said.
Kristy well done and thank you for opening this forum for discussion and to blow off some steam.
First of all, to all of those that would make excuses for “the most intelligent”, “the most enlightened” president of all time, don’t bother. Or, are you saying he isn’t? Oh! Sorry! I don’t mean to hurt your sensibilities about an able bodied (as noted by every magazine, news paper, and ogling news caster) adult, black, male in his full prime. Let’s all bow down and say “Master!” “We’re sorry you errorred.” But, but, but, but, but, that’s all I hear from the left, oh so feely, lovies.
If you followed events prior to 01 a.o. (2008 a.d.), then you would realize why the rest of us cognizant types are upset.
Recent appointees to Obama’s administration are extreme pro-abortion (they would say pro-choice … I have to watch my P.C.) activists of the highest level. Their “Ultimate Solution” is to abort all those not worthy of “normal” life according to their standards (not yours or mine). Then there will be no need for a wait list because no one will be on it! Yea! no Nay? There will be no need for special education, special anything (including Special Olympics).
The evidence is as plain as the last appointee. … A lawyer from the ACLU who described being pregnant as slavery. She will be in charge of Constitutional Law for B. H. Obama. Don’t look for any warm fuzzies from her concerning you disability or your child’s. (Recently, Obama told disabled Vet’s to start looking for private insurance to cover their war wounds.)
We all became a little complacent while President Bush was in office concerning hope for the disabled:
“As people with disabilities find more opportunities to use their gifts and talents, we also become a stronger, more productive nation.” Some barriers remain, however; and, as long as they stand, our work is unfinished.” Pres. G. W. Bush
President Bush Signs the ADA Amendments Act of 2008 - Expanded Disability Coverage Under the Americans with Disabilities Act
President Bush Signs Bill to Help Reduce Abortions on Disabled Unborn Children
The Pre-natally and Post-natally Diagnosed Conditions Awareness Act is designed to help reduce the number of abortions of babies with Down syndrome and other conditions.
President George W. Bush issued a Presidential Proclamation to commemorate the 15th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) on July 26th (originally signed by his father).
President Bush Signs SSI Extension for Elderly and Disabled Refugees Act
Bush Proclaims October National Disability Employment Awareness Month
Bush Calls for Simplifying Military Disability System
So, Sam you can take your apologies and that wool over your eyes and start trying to convince some other group of Barrack’s compassion. Remember his voting record at the IL senate? He voted FOUR times against giving medical aide to a child surviving abortion. Remember?
This was no simple slip of the tongue (what from the president with the highest I.Q. ever?) it was a Freudian slip of the brain.