So, as the brother of a special needs person, I've had a rough day

[AllentownJake]

I don't fucking know why people think they can score political points with me over this idiotic Leno thing. Let's see I've had to smack down one well meaning but ridiculous ex-girlfriend, an ex-debate partner, two friends from college, and a fucking co-worker.

Someone said yesterday what makes you the representative of the disability community....well the moment it was said I knew I would have to give my standard I don't give a flying fuck if he makes a joke as long as there is funding in the budget to ensure people like my brother have a decent place to live after they are the cute kids on the special olympics commercial.

Seriously, my brohter has severe behavior problems, he gave me a concunsion by breaking a graphite golf club over my head the last summer I came from college and tried to stab my mom. He's ok now but on top of his autism we think he hears voices and a whole bunch of supposedly well meaning republican asshole friends want to know what I think about the special olympics because my dad helped out there and in tow me as well as with independent soccer and baseball leagues for people with disabilities.

I visit my brother once every 3 weeks at a minimum and he lives an hour a way. He's doing well. He works 3 days a week and is more socially adapted than my parents or I could ever have hoped for. He's that way because of state assistance. So when these supposedly well meaning people, want to attack my President, who I know has increased funding for people like my brother accross the country....I have a very hard time from not punching them in the face.

[appleannie1]

1. I can relate. My son is mentally challenged and participates in Special Olympics.

It was hard explaining to him why he could no longer ski because funds had been cut. To me, like you, actions speak a heck of a lot louder than words do.

[AllentownJake]

2. That's what I've been saying

all day. I don't care if the President made a bad joke, as long as there is money in the budget to continue to offer my brother an ok life and isn't cutting that funding like Bush did...I'm happy because at the end of the day my brother doesn't know the President said anything about a track meet he ran 10 years ago.

[masuki bance]

3. Exactly, and it's incredible that this has to keep being stated.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

4. I think that you speak with authority on this subject.

And I am glad to see it!

K&R

This needs to get onto the Greatest Page, and pronto.

[pansypoo53219]

5. PERSPECTIVE is a good thing.

his humor got the best of him, but he bested it by apologizing he IS funding it. unlike mr. all show and cut funding after the cameras go away.

i have a cousin with severe CP, no olypics for her, but she gets help.

[Suich]

6. You're a good brother, AllentownJake!

K & R!

[Jennicut]

7. Hey Allentown Jake

:hug:
Hang in there. I have worked with special needs kids in the past and I know how tough it is. The funding is scarce. The President has shown more with actions then others have with words.

[Name removed]

8. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[NorthernSpy]

9. How often do most people visit their adult siblings?

You're just ticked off that not everyone who has a special-needs person in their family agrees with you.

[Truthiness Inspector]

11. He is establishing himself as the authority on the topic

and I am saying I think he is full of shit.

I am entitled to hold that opinion. I don't care if you disagree, that is life.

[AllentownJake]

16. That my brother is better off under President Obama in an economic

crisis when the states are cutting funding on shit left and right than under a President Bush?

Or am I full of shit because I get more offended with what politians do than making a stupid joke on Late Night TV.

Or am I full of shit because I don't meet your standards of seeing my brother.

[JTFrog]

18. And you are establishing yourself as something, that's for sure.

I don't care if you disagree, that is life.

[Teaser]

20. you're not entitled to dick.

you have an opinion, a fuckheaded opinion, but an opinion nonetheless. And we can't do anything about it.

You're not entitled to it, but you sure have a sense of entitlement about it.

[Maraya1969]

10. WTF is your problem? You are not in this person's shoes. You don't

know the circumstances.

And who the Hell are you to accuse this person of lying when there is no evidence.

[namahage]

13. Learn how to read (emphasis added):

I visit my brother once every 3 weeks at a minimum and he lives an hour a way.

Not the same as "once every 3 weeks," though the distinction might be lost on the inept.

For someone who uses women, LGBTs, and Muslims to try to make a (very poorly expressed) point, you've got some nerve slamming someone who advocates for a family member--or insinuating that he's lying. WTF do you know about his circumstances?

[AllentownJake]

15. Sorry,

If giving up an entire day every 3 weeks isn't enough sacrifice for you.

He lives an hour a way and I spend probably 4 hours with him. I also work full time and do a shit load for the party and other volunteer activities. I admit I'm not as committed as my mother who is up there every week.

[FrenchieCat]

12. Thank you for your story.

The President is doing good, he just ain't perfect.

Don't let others get you down, cause then they win.

[beac]

14. I appreciated your comments yesterday and this post today.

I am so SICK of hearing about this. I get that it hurt some people's feelings but for crying out loud, the man is the human and he made an offhand stupid remark that in NO WAY matches his ACTUAL POLICIES. Enough is freakin' ENOUGH!

I think you are an amazing brother and wish your family hope and strength as you deal with your brother's challenges. And I know Obama does too.

[Rusty5329]

17. Gald to hear...

your brother is doing well.

You're definitely right that President Obama's actions are more important than his words.

[MadMaddie]

19. AllentownJake I am sorry you have to deal with people that

are not able to distinguish bad joke from being malicious like the previous * administration.

This is another faux anger distraction. I expect there to be more. President Obama has been in office for almost 3 months and the attacks and idiocy has ramped up.

I am glad your brother is doing okay.

[kwenu]

21. Your family needs to proof your house so dangerous things won't be within reach of your brother.

[donheld]

22. Did you every read "I Know This Much Is True"

By Wally Lamb? If not you must.

[loyalsister]

23. And by extension.

One could argue that John McCain could automatically excused from any joke since he was a supporter of the ADA restoration Act..... the strongest civil rights act we've got.
Or the fact that W signed it and his father signed the original gets them out of prickly situations as well? They can't be busted for abusing stereotypes like the rest of us because they have been very right in the past?
No.

When people make these kinds of mistakes, assuming they were not malicious.... they allow for "teachable moments." President Obama was open to it and by extension created an opportunity for a lot of people to join him in learning about stereotypes toward people with disabilities.
The lesson here is the frequency, thoughtlessness, and desire if not demand to overlook any damage when it comes to people with disabilities.
He held himself accountable like a mature person would and president should.
Yet, controversy continues over whether or not he should have or whether or not the people who cared about what he said had a right to.....

Your loyalty is admirable but I am not sure that things are so cut and dry.