The invariably politically correct Obama made this gaffe on Thursday when he made an unprecedented appearance for a sitting US president on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.
Of course nobody believes President Obama harbors any prejudice against children with disabilities. But this gaffe betrays an ignorance that I suspect is as embarrassing for him as it is offensive to kids who participate at the Special Olympics.
The president made an offhand remark making fun of his own bowling that was in no way intended to disparage the Special Olympics. [He] thinks that the Special Olympics are a wonderful program that gives an opportunity to shine to people with disabilities from around the world.
(White House Spokesman Bill Burton)
So Obama bowled a gutter ball with this joke… Enough said!
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Jordan says
Remeber Don Imus’ Comment?
Obama said: “He fed into some of the worst stereotypes that my two young daughters are having to deal with today in America. The notions that as young African-American women — who I hope will be athletes — that that somehow makes them less beautiful or less important. It was a degrading comment. It’s one that I’m not interested in supporting.”
Therefore, laughter and the lack of reaction from Obama’s remarks suggest Americans have a set a rules for race, class and gender: If you touch them you will pay.
And another set of rules for individuals that have a mental or physical disability: If you touch them, it’s ok if you apologize. Oh, and by the way, it’s okay to laugh at the jokes that come at the expense of the latter.
It is just cruel.
http://tinyurl.com/cgpymq