Special Olympics to Rahm Emanuel: Apology not accepted
posted at 5:46 pm on February 3, 2010 by Allahpundit
Or rather: Apology unacceptable — literally.
Not a fight I would have picked, but it’s fun to watch Rahm squirm, I guess.
Seeking to damp down the controversy over Rahm Emanuel’s reported, months-old use of the word, a White House official yesterday told me and other reporters that Emanuel had called Special Olympics Chairman Tim Shriver to apologize.
“The apology was accepted,” the official said yesterday.
The vice president for communications at the Special Olympics, Kirsten Seckler, told me that this account of the conversation is “inaccurate.”
“Tim didn’t accept his apology,” she said. “Tim can’t do that. He can’t accept an apology on behalf of all people with disabilities.”
Having been informed that his apology can’t be accepted, Rahm duly apologized again and promised to sign an online pledge to end the use of “retarded.” Which is super, but (a) given what a sharp comic sensibility can do with the word, I don’t think it’s going anywhere anytime soon, and (b) the fact that Rahm’s malice was directed at lefty activists and not at the mentally disabled is going to lead a lot of people to shrug this off. It’s a White House version of that South Park episode when the boys started calling obnoxious Harley riders “fags.” Is a slur that’s traditionally used to denigrate group A still offensive when it’s reappropriated for group B?
Blowback
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Ha!
+1
darii on February 3, 2010 at 7:59 PM
Well, only liberals put people in ‘groups’. :)
HornetSting on February 3, 2010 at 8:03 PM
I agree with your point but just a note that Rove was never Chief of Staff.
KittyLowrey on February 3, 2010 at 8:06 PM
This is February, the revelation was first made in January about an August meeting. None of these add up to “a year ago”.
In addition, the story came out for a reason, and that reason has nothing to do with Republicans.
KittyLowrey on February 3, 2010 at 8:09 PM
Cheney told Pat Leahy to go f himself. I wasn’t the least embarrassed and thought Leahy had it coming after the way he had behaved (and continues to) toward Cheney. It would have been just between them, as opposed to Rahm’s words spoken to a group, except Patsy went crying to the media about mean old Dick Cheney.
You are 100% correct on the point on Rahm’s manner and tactics.
KittyLowrey on February 3, 2010 at 8:17 PM
A good question. A timely example might be, is “teabagger” still offensive to homosexuals when it’s reappropriated to insult conservative Americans?
I think most homosexuals (who aren’t reading from the Harry Reid/Al Sharpton playbook) would say yes. Homosexual activists are certainly offended when words such as “qu..r”, “f….t” and “gay” are used as insults aimed at non-homosexuals.
Like the use of the n-word in the black community, it may be acceptable for them to use such words about themselves and each other, but not for non-homosexuals to use them as insults for anyone at all.
I think the corollary is that, yes, it is offensive to a person with developmental disabilities to use the word “retard” and its variations as an insult, whether aimed at the disabled person or anyone else.
mcc4 on February 3, 2010 at 8:22 PM
I’m certainly no fan of rahm but I do have a problem with people taking out of the dictionary and collectively banning words that I spent the time and effort to learn.
whiskeytango on February 3, 2010 at 8:37 PM
It seems like every blog I go to I see multiple instances of Mr. Emanuel’s no-no words.
Good job, Sarah!
happyfeet on February 3, 2010 at 8:38 PM
Can’t wait to see all you clowns tear down Rush Limbaugh for exactly the same offense.
And Sarah Palin too.
That is, if she/you aren’t hypocrites.
Dave Rywall on February 3, 2010 at 8:40 PM
At one of my favorite blog places someone just coined the word FROTUS. Which, lol.
Pop culture has a way of happening, doesn’t it?
Too bad cable news superstar Sarah Palin didn’t get the memo.
happyfeet on February 3, 2010 at 8:42 PM
Just as we’d be appalled if any public figure of Rush’s stature ever used the “N-word” or other such inappropriate language, Rush’s slur on all God’s children with cognitive and developmental disabilities – and the people who love them – is unacceptable, and it’s heartbreaking.
A patriot in North Andover, Massachusetts, notified me of Rush’s “retarded” slam. I join this gentleman, who is the father of a beautiful child born with Down Syndrome, in asking why the Special Olympics, National Down Syndrome Society and other groups condemning Rush’s degrading scolding have been completely ignored by the White House. No comment from his boss, the president?
As my friend in North Andover says, “This isn’t about politics; it’s about decency. I am not speaking as a political figure but as a parent and as an everyday American wanting my child to grow up in a country free from mindless prejudice and discrimination, free from gratuitous insults of people who are ostensibly smart enough to know better… Have you no sense of decency, sir?”
Dave Rywall on February 3, 2010 at 8:43 PM
What did Rush say that you’re complaining about, while ignoring Rahm?
Tell us true!
BTW–you lefties have been saying for decades that only those in power could possibly be bigots. Well, the Dems are in power, sooooo…
Again, what did Rush say that has you flustered and being all self-righteous again? And what about Rahm Emanuel? Or are you giving him another pass?
Liam on February 3, 2010 at 8:47 PM
Again, 502 times: Sarah isn’t responsible for Rahm’s own words.
But, hey! Stay right where you are.
Liam on February 3, 2010 at 8:49 PM
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.
——-
Give Rush a pass and stfu.
Dave Rywall on February 3, 2010 at 8:50 PM
Or, better, go to a lib site where you can be happier, and bash Rush for things he never said. You know–make up lies, while Rahm apologized (to wit: admitted guilt) for things he actually said, in truth.
Liam on February 3, 2010 at 8:54 PM
No way. Sarah really induced Mr. Limbaugh to broadcast the no-no word to kajillions of people?
She doesn’t mess around.
happyfeet on February 3, 2010 at 8:54 PM
wow… he sure did. They has audios.
Oh, Sarah.
FAIL.
happyfeet on February 3, 2010 at 9:01 PM
Hey Drywall why don’t you go pull some donkey meat and let happyfeet take pictures. Then you can discuss amongst yourselves the significance of progressive incest and its impact on society as a half (or whole if you really get busy).
9
ontherocks on February 3, 2010 at 9:07 PM
Or, better, go to a lib site where you can be happier, and bash Rush for things he never said. You know–make up lies, while Rahm apologized (to wit: admitted guilt) for things he actually said, in truth.
Liam on February 3, 2010 at 8:54 PM
—–
Ohhh I get it.
You think the direct quote of exactly what Rush said is just a bunch of crap I made up.
Silly you.
Dave Rywall on February 3, 2010 at 9:10 PM
What will Palin say to Rush next time she calls in?
Will Palin write a stinging facebook bit chastising Rush?
OOOH THE ANTICIPATION IS KILLING ME I KNOW IT’S KILLING YOU TOO
Dave Rywall on February 3, 2010 at 9:12 PM
You liberal idiots get sucked in every time!! Rush always gets you for the lesser intelligent beings that you are. I love it when Rush does his “tweaks” and you fall right into the trap. Love, love, love it!!
gina4 on February 3, 2010 at 9:13 PM
How is it a tweak, ‘gina?
happyfeet on February 3, 2010 at 9:15 PM
You liberal idiots get sucked in every time!! Rush always gets you for the lesser intelligent beings that you are. I love it when Rush does his “tweaks” and you fall right into the trap. Love, love, love it!!
gina4 on February 3, 2010 at 9:13 PM
——
Please do come back when you learn how to read.
Dave Rywall on February 3, 2010 at 9:18 PM
It’s also called sarcasm, but you don’t get that. Which is okay.
But, the Left has made up things about Rush, and done countless distortions. But Rush isn’t the issue, though you try making it that.
The issue is what Rahm Emanuel said. Ignore that, as you want to, if it makes you feel better. But Rahm said his words, and his apology is his mea culpa there. About the same way Obama said on the Tonight Show, “I bowl like I’m in the Special Olympics.”
Really–go to a lib site where you can ignore such things. Really, you’ll be happier.
Liam on February 3, 2010 at 9:18 PM
No, you morons, it’s called using Rahm’s own words to tweak you ! Hahahahahahahahahah, I laugh in your general direction!!!
gina4 on February 3, 2010 at 9:22 PM
I would spit, but that would be unladylike!
gina4 on February 3, 2010 at 9:23 PM
Drywall it’s not reading that’s a problem, it’s listening. As in you didn’t really listen to Rush, as anyone who did, knows. You’re just a driveby, and very sloppy as well.
He knows you people get info from talking points and you stepped right into it sucka.
ontherocks on February 3, 2010 at 9:23 PM
Tit-for-tat is the usual lib ploy, to change the focus of a story away from their own guffaws. Don’t play! You mention jihad, a lib will call up the Crusades.
Clinton gets caught cheating on his wife, ‘but’ every president does it.
Complain about abortion? Well, American bombs have killed babies in Afghanistan!
So on, and so on.
Liam on February 3, 2010 at 9:26 PM
Enough with the PC crap, already. Although, since it is one of the hard left leaders, it is particularly hilarious to watch Rahmbo try to dance his way out of this one.
With the left SOOOOO willing to cry Raaaaacist, SEXIST, Whateverist, this is particularly satisfying to observe. Live by the
sword, die by thesword.hillbillyjim on February 3, 2010 at 9:29 PM
Is gina ok?
happyfeet on February 3, 2010 at 9:29 PM
Apparently, Rush said there was going to be a “retard” summit at the White House.
I don’t find this offensive. It’s actually quite clever.
N.B. to you who might want to label me a hypocrite, I didn’t care about Emmanuel’s usage either.
darii on February 3, 2010 at 9:30 PM
Rahm could very easily be turned into a liability, especially if he keeps helping.
ontherocks on February 3, 2010 at 9:34 PM
You can read the Rush transcript here.
darii on February 3, 2010 at 9:34 PM
If you don’t care about either Rush or Rahm, why are you pushing so hard about Rush? We know what he said, or can easily find out on our own. (I read the page already)
Are you trying to prove something?
Liam on February 3, 2010 at 9:36 PM
I’m sorry, Happyfeet, did I hurt your iddy biddy feelings? Hahahahahahaha, love it!
gina4 on February 3, 2010 at 9:37 PM
Great bit from Ace:
Ahahahahahahahahaha!
darii on February 3, 2010 at 9:38 PM
Gotta go, as much as I like getting some play time here. Later
gina4 on February 3, 2010 at 9:38 PM
Nope. Just providing links and my thoughts.
darii on February 3, 2010 at 9:38 PM
Well let’s just wait and see if Palin applies her moral standards to everybody equally.
Congratulations on giving Rush a pass. You can pick up your double standard badges at the front desk.
Dave Rywall on February 3, 2010 at 9:39 PM
I take it you have quite a collection of your own?
darii on February 3, 2010 at 9:39 PM
Link, please?
hillbillyjim on February 3, 2010 at 9:41 PM
I take it you have quite a collection of your own?
darii on February 3, 2010 at 9:39 PM
—–
I’m pretty sure I’ve used the term retarded on this very site.
Palin is still mad at me.
Dave Rywall on February 3, 2010 at 9:42 PM
we’ll see you later gina… take care.
happyfeet on February 3, 2010 at 9:42 PM
Dari, that wasn’t a thought. But that’s alright, save em, there can’t be many.
ontherocks on February 3, 2010 at 9:42 PM
Good link, and funny!
Liam on February 3, 2010 at 9:43 PM
–No. This is political correctness gone amock. Would South Park apologize? Would Ace apologize?
Jimbo3 on February 3, 2010 at 9:43 PM
And Sarah Palin too.
That is, if she/you aren’t hypocrites.
Dave Rywall on February 3, 2010 at 8:40 PM
Link, please?
hillbillyjim on February 3, 2010 at 9:41 PM
——
Reading: not your strength.
Palin has yet to respond to Rush’s insensitive comments.
Dave Rywall on February 3, 2010 at 9:43 PM
Congratulations on entirely missing the irony and the point. Damn, Dave, I thought you were a little better than this.
hillbillyjim on February 3, 2010 at 9:46 PM
Quit being such a damned whining liberal all the time, will you? Can’t you people find anything good in the world, to truly smile about without mocking others and their values?
Liam on February 3, 2010 at 9:46 PM
Drywall you ought to be selling that kind of advice, not giving it away here for free. Or maybe it is paid for.
ontherocks on February 3, 2010 at 9:47 PM
Who cares about Palin?
Has Harry Reid responded to Rahm’s comments? How about Pelosi? And where is the president on this?
Liam on February 3, 2010 at 9:48 PM
Read for meaning, Davey boy.
I give up. I thought we had at least one troll who could make a coherent argument every once and awhile, but it seems that I was mistaken. My bad.
hillbillyjim on February 3, 2010 at 9:48 PM
Just another typical try at deflection by the Left, to change focus of the matter at hand. Stay on topic, and they can’t win.
Liam on February 3, 2010 at 9:50 PM
Idiot Drywall, do you not get that Rush’s comments were an ironic mirror of Rahmbo’s genius spewing? Get a damn clue before you come on here all self-righteous and peacock-proud, and making a complete ass of yourself.
hillbillyjim on February 3, 2010 at 9:52 PM
I think I see what you did there.
darii on February 3, 2010 at 9:53 PM
You tried, and that’s noble. Libs need to win, and all else be hanged. They try browbeating their opponents into submission or surrender; it’s all a ploy. That’s why, so often (and using gross hyperbole), you start out talking about the war on terror and end up debating whether Lincoln dallied about freeing the slaves in 1863 instead of during the Crusades.
Liam on February 3, 2010 at 9:54 PM
The more that Rahm is out front for the left, the better for everyone else. He can only help Obama behind the scenes. Daylight doesn’t suit cretins like him. This is a gift. The more we see of the tiny dancer the better.
ontherocks on February 3, 2010 at 9:56 PM
ha ha ha carry on
Dave Rywall on February 3, 2010 at 9:57 PM
I believe Rahm Emmanuel burns up when exposed to daylight, no?
darii on February 3, 2010 at 9:57 PM
We can forgive children for fearing the dark, but what can we say about men who are afraid of the light?
Liam on February 3, 2010 at 9:57 PM
To the HA community:
I apologize for my last post; not because of inaccuracy, but because y’all deserve better discourse than this. Again, sorry folks. It’s just that this kind of drivel cannot be left unchallenged, and I tend to get carried away with my own brand of hyperbole. Thx.
hillbillyjim on February 3, 2010 at 9:58 PM
–I have friends of ours with a Down’s Syndrome kid. I have another friend of ours that teaches developmentally challenged kids. And certainly almost all of us probably were picked on/called names/bullied at some point growing up, so I can understand the hurt and all of that.
But this idea that we have to tread so carefully about what we call people with mental disabilities/mental developmental issues is ridiculous to me. It’s especially silly, in my view, when the choice of words hides what is going on. Calling them “exceptional” or “special” is, to me, like giving everyone an “A” on a test because someone is going to feel hurt or left out. The fact is, they have developmental problems. Let’s not pretend that they don’t and let’s not use words to hide the truth.
And did you know that the terms idiot, imbecile and moron once had a scientific definition connected with mental retardation. Should we stop using those terms as well because someone will be offended?
“From 1906 to 1918 Goddard was the Director of Research at the Vineland Training School for Feeble-Minded Girls and Boys in Vineland, New Jersey, which was the first known laboratory established to study mental retardation. …
At the May 18, 1910 annual meeting of the American Association for the Study of the Feeble-Minded, Goddard proposed definitions for a system for classifying individuals with mental retardation based on intelligence quotient (IQ). Goddard used the terms moron for those with an IQ of 51-70, imbecile for those with an IQ of 26-50, and idiot for those with an IQ of 0-25 for categories of increasing impairment. This nomenclature was the standard of the field for decades.”
Jimbo3 on February 3, 2010 at 10:03 PM
darii, THAT creeped me out! Good dental hygiene is essential, and reassuring.
ontherocks on February 3, 2010 at 10:03 PM
No that wasn’t an ironic mirror. What Rush said is distinctly at odds with Sarah Palin’s pretend gasping shock that the r-word would be deemed at all acceptable for broadcast.
“Have you no decency,” cable news superstar Sarah Palin said with a straight face.
happyfeet on February 3, 2010 at 10:05 PM
When I see Rahm, I think Ugarti in Casablanca, complete with the breathless gasping.” Reeek, it’s because you hate me that I trust you.’ Seems to fit the guy to a T.
ontherocks on February 3, 2010 at 10:08 PM
Just having some fun. :D
darii on February 3, 2010 at 10:10 PM
darii on February 3, 2010 at 10:10 PM
ontherocks on February 3, 2010 at 10:18 PM
How very progressive of you…
hillbillyjim on February 3, 2010 at 10:21 PM
Yeeeeeeah. For the moment, let’s ignore your assumption that the whole thing is a shtick on Palin’s part. I think the two usages are different. Rush was tonuge in cheek, mocking and parodying the Dems. Emmanuel was wholly unironic, and emphatically using the word retard in an intentionally perjorative sense to refer to the President’s base. So they both were talking about the President’s base. Rahm, using an insulting term unironically; Rush, using Rahm’s language to lampoon the Democrats with Rahm’s own words.
Hopefully you can’t see a difference between these two. Because there is a difference. And no doubt Sarah Palin can see this difference as well. If you don’t recognize the difference, you create a false standard for her to live up to.
Ultimately, it seems the point of your argument is that calling Sarah Palin is stupid, hypocritical, petty, and oportunistic because she does not/will not live up to the oversimplified, outrageous standard which you set for her.
darii on February 3, 2010 at 10:23 PM
;)
darii on February 3, 2010 at 10:23 PM
oops
darii on February 3, 2010 at 10:24 PM
Yes, it was. I’m sure 98% of the people who heard it, took it in the understood context; and then there’s you and your sad ilk. Grow up.
If you don’t “get it”, then I can’t help you. You’re on your own.
hillbillyjim on February 3, 2010 at 10:25 PM
That’s it every time. Set up a straw dog or a false premise and backfill selected facts to suit. That’s the progressive game plan. That and creative wordplay. But it all falls apart when you call them on it, as you just did.
ontherocks on February 3, 2010 at 10:30 PM
can you quote to me the parody part? Cause I don’t see it.
Rush sounds like he’s being defiant of political correctness and sees no reason that Sarah’s r-word isn’t a perfectly good word and quite apt in numerous contexts.
That is not the attitude cable news superstar Sarah Palin was seeking to foster.
happyfeet on February 3, 2010 at 10:33 PM
did you actually listen to what he said? It’s about as ironic or lampoony as a stick in the eye I think.
happyfeet on February 3, 2010 at 10:36 PM
Come on, you expect anyone to believe even you’re that friggin’ stupid? Then again.
ontherocks on February 3, 2010 at 10:39 PM
No. I don’t think Mr. Rush thinks the r-word is a no-no word like Sarah Palin does.
I think he made that a lot clear.
happyfeet on February 3, 2010 at 10:44 PM
Your link is a progressive driveby blog. You just gave proof positive that you aren’t a Rush listener. You have to listen to him on the show, stupid. PATHETIC.
ontherocks on February 3, 2010 at 10:49 PM
Hey Drywall, must you complain of double standards. You know the leftists controll the gov’t and the MSM. They commit many double standards daily thought the last decades. You squabble about Rush and you go into hysterics about double standards. Your plan is that leftists can’t call conservatives names and get away with it but when the tables turned you cry.
garydt on February 3, 2010 at 10:50 PM
You don’t have the mental stability to question somebody elses. Back under the bridge troll.
portlandon on February 3, 2010 at 10:51 PM
Drywall I meant to say that the lefists can and want to get way with insuling their opponents but thy dont like it when the tables are turned. I should have proof read the previous post.
garydt on February 3, 2010 at 10:56 PM
You have to listen to him on the show, stupid. PATHETIC.
Mr. ontherocks I use that link cause they have a clip of Mr. Limbaugh’s show where he gets his r-word on.
happyfeet on February 3, 2010 at 10:57 PM
It’s multimedia!
happyfeet on February 3, 2010 at 10:58 PM
And you still don’t get it? Wow. You really are stupid, happyfeet. You don’t get that you’re being played? Scarey!
ontherocks on February 3, 2010 at 11:01 PM
Current nomenclature is “a good solid B+”.
justltl on February 3, 2010 at 11:02 PM
Hey Drywall, must you complain of double standards. You know the leftists controll the gov’t and the MSM. They commit many double standards daily thought the last decades. You squabble about Rush and you go into hysterics about double standards. Your plan is that leftists can’t call conservatives names and get away with it but when the tables turned you cry.
garydt on February 3, 2010 at 10:50 PM
——
You can’t even stay on topic.
If you find out that you can someday, then defend/condemn Rush, and then I’ll answer your ridiculous post.
Dave Rywall on February 3, 2010 at 11:02 PM
Maybe we’ll have a breakthrough here, an epiphany. Ya never know.
ontherocks on February 3, 2010 at 11:04 PM
Drywall I meant to say that the lefists can and want to get way with insuling their opponents but thy dont like it when the tables are turned. I should have proof read the previous post.
garydt on February 3, 2010 at 10:56 PM
——
What does this have to do with Emanuel and Rush both using the term “retarded” in an offensive way and Hotair clowns’ predictably different reaction to each?
The answer is nothing.
Dave Rywall on February 3, 2010 at 11:04 PM
Nothing is what is going on between your ears Dryrot.
ontherocks on February 3, 2010 at 11:06 PM
Meh. Sounded like he was intentionally overusing Emmanuel’s language throughout.
But since I really don’t care about whether the word was used or not, I’ll change the subject from Palin. How does it make you feel to have Rahm Emmanuel use the term “f–king retards” to refer to the netroots (among whom I assume you would count yourself based on your strong dislike of Palin)? Cause if I was a liberal blogger or travelled in those circles, I’d be pissed off.
darii on February 3, 2010 at 11:06 PM
Aren’t you ultimately saying the onius is to defend Palin regarding something which you say if she doesn’t do, she’s a hypocrite?
darii on February 3, 2010 at 11:08 PM
Right now you are like a white hot octopus. And I’m still getting a little Stephen King vibe.
These trolls don’t have a chance in hell.
ontherocks on February 3, 2010 at 11:15 PM
She’s a hypocrite cause she’s l’il miss not-pc when she thinks that’s who she needs to be and becomes a shrieking pc harpy when she thinks that will work for her.
I honestly think she’s convinced herself she’s cut of presidential timber.
Poor woman.
happyfeet on February 3, 2010 at 11:16 PM
Drywall, I don’t agree with everything on Rush especially his opinion on how second hand smoke is not harmful. When he does screw up I let others know that I don’t agree with it especially around my family who are all lefties. Rarely do they condemn a lefty when they go over the top. Not all of us conservatives are lap dogs for conservatives in the media 100 per cent of the time.
garydt on February 3, 2010 at 11:17 PM
Cut of presidential timber? Jeesh! cut back on the sauce.
ontherocks on February 3, 2010 at 11:24 PM
presidential timber
you ones make me work, but I don’t mind
happyfeet on February 3, 2010 at 11:28 PM
Really, I’m trying to cut you some slack, especially after that last Google presidential timber search. Call it a night, I’m embarrassed for you. I’m embarrassed to be tipping you off. You’re making foolish, get it now?
ontherocks on February 3, 2010 at 11:36 PM
you’re overexcited I think
happyfeet on February 3, 2010 at 11:37 PM
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