Personally, I take no issue with conservatives, generally speaking, nor do I take issue with liberal thinking - everything in moderation as they say. Most of us have sound wisdom and skills worthy of contribution to the world... Just think what we could all accomplish together if we stopped the ridiculous power-plays and political tangos we engage ourselves in tirelessly - time, energy, and resources that, if spent wisely and consciously, could ease the suffering of so many on this earth and in this very country - in our own communities - if we'd just stop trying to force our own ideals, beliefs, and way of life upon others... Though apparently, being self-righteous is a slippery slope - and a long fall off the proverbial turnip truck.
I am rarely a soul of few words and yes I have much I would like to say in response to Ann Coulter's vile remark, "I highly approve of Romney's decision to be kind and gentle to the retard."
Really Ann? You had to go there? Could you think of no sharper dagger to poke into the gentlest hearts of mankind? And you think this strengthens your platform or lends credibility to your cause? I'm pretty sure even your beloved Republicans are sickened by your cruel thoughtlessness too, at least they should be. Because, regardless of what side of the political fence you ride, there is absolutely NO EXCUSE for your hateful comment. It's not the President you hurt with your idiocy. You just spat in the face of millions... Millions who are much stronger than you.
Millions who love and know love like you only dream of.
Shame, shame on you Ann Coulter.
I could go on... But I could not say anything any better than Mr. John Franklin Stephens.
Thank you Mr. Stephens. You do us proud.
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An Open Letter to Ann Coulter
Posted on October 23, 2012 by Tim Shriver
The following is a guest post in the form of an open letter from Special Olympics athlete and global messenger John Franklin Stephens to Ann Coulter after this tweet during last night’s Presidential debate.
Dear Ann Coulter,
Come on Ms. Coulter, you aren’t dumb and you aren’t shallow. So why are you continually using a word like the R-word as an insult?
I’m a 30 year old man with Down syndrome who has struggled with the public’s perception that an intellectual disability means that I am dumb and shallow. I am not either of those things, but I do process information more slowly than the rest of you. In fact it has taken me all day to figure out how to respond to your use of the R-word last night.
I thought first of asking whether you meant to describe the President as someone who was bullied as a child by people like you, but rose above it to find a way to succeed in life as many of my fellow Special Olympians have.
Then I wondered if you meant to describe him as someone who has to struggle to be thoughtful about everything he says, as everyone else races from one snarkey sound bite to the next.
Finally, I wondered if you meant to degrade him as someone who is likely to receive bad health care, live in low grade housing with very little income and still manages to see life as a wonderful gift.
Because, Ms. Coulter, that is who we are – and much, much more.
After I saw your tweet, I realized you just wanted to belittle the President by linking him to people like me. You assumed that people would understand and accept that being linked to someone like me is an insult and you assumed you could get away with it and still appear on TV.
I have to wonder if you considered other hateful words but recoiled from the backlash.
Well, Ms. Coulter, you, and society, need to learn that being compared to people like me should be considered a badge of honor.
No one overcomes more than we do and still loves life so much.
Come join us someday at Special Olympics. See if you can walk away with your heart unchanged.
A friend you haven’t made yet, John Franklin Stephens
Global Messenger
Special Olympics Virginia
EDITOR’S NOTE: John has previously written powerful opinion pieces on the R-word. Read one here.
