The Fallout Over Rahm Emanuel's Comment: Ryan John

First of all, I think as usual Sarah Palin is using this an opportunity to instigate a political firestorm between Democrats and Republicans.  And of course, its easy to play the victim role here because she does have a child with Down syndrome.  But, why is Rahm Emanuel using the term "F-ing retarded" anyway?  If Rahm should be fired for anything, it should be his stupidity not insensitivity.  He should both know better and have more couth than to say that in any White House meeting open or closed door.  I'm surprised a man of his intelligence and status would be inclined to use that term even if he was talking to his closest friend at a bar.  They say someone who uses a lot of vulgarity does so to compensate for their lack of adequate vocabulary.  Rumor has it, Rahm curses quite often.  I appreciate what he's known for.  He is said to be fiery, sharp and blunt.  But, If you want to be able to use words like that freely and often in the workplace, the White House is the last place you should be working.  Political correctness only exists because of the White House.  I expect to find that kind of talk in a meeting of salesman or mechanics, but not the White House Chief of Staff addressing liberals of all people.

Clearly Rahm meant didn't use the term to be demeaning to the mentally disabled.  In fact, Rahm could say that he used the word at its definition meaning to slow down or delay progress.  In order words, the liberal groups planning to run ads criticizing conservative democrats who may oppose the health care bill is "F- ing delay progress" of Presidents Obama's health care bill because it would be alienating and insulting to integral lawmakers.  I think Palin uses this stuff as a way to increase sympathy and her political popularity.  The Letterman thing, the McCain visor, and now this are what she's been in the news for most recently and all three mean absolutely nothing to a serious political dialogue. To call for his firing is extreme, uncalled for and petty.  Nevertheless, Rahm shouldn't be saying things like that so candidly in any white house meeting.  Furthermore, I think President Obama should publicly reprimand the use of such words used in a meeting where women were probably in attendance, as well as others who may not be as comfortable with any vulgarity, let alone a word li ke retarded that has been conditioned in us to be an insult to the mentally handicap. 

Should Palin be at fault here for perpetuating an offensive stereotypical word like retarded?  Hmm, maybe.