Please know that this is not intended as a partisan political attack. Quite the contrary, I find that far too many in the various parties are all too happy to make personal attacks and unkind remarks to further their time in the spotlight, increase their fame or notoriety, and/or attempt to further their cause.
I find that far too often politics divides and finds faults and differences rather than focusing on attributes and uniting people to work together toward common goals and the good of all. This post is intended as a way to further the latter.
I just read an article that saddened me about a letter that inspired me. It was written by a Special Olympian who was responding to a comment made referring to someone as a “retard”.
In my judgment this Special Olympian’s response was powerful, eloquent, and most of all, kind. Here are some snippets from his open letter:
“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,” Stephens wrote. “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 [sic] 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…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.”
Stephens concluded by inviting the person to whom he addressed his open letter to the Special Olympics:
“See if you can walk away with your heart unchanged.
A friend you haven’t made yet,
John Franklin Stephens”
Thank you, John Franklin Stephens for rising above the name-calling and insults, and answering unkindness with kindness.
Russ
http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/lookout/open-letter-ann-coulter-special-olympics-133341583.html
Russ
Russ Towne's A Grateful Man 
Words are interesting. They can hurt deeply, but to outlaw words on the base of interpretation borders on tyranny. So sadly, I have to fall back on the “I may not agree with what you say, but I defend your right to say it” cliche.
That said, the issuer is a bully and a fool ( whoever he is ), and I think John a very thoughtful man. And if you have to think a bit before speaking, then you are likely better than most of us who rarely think at all. — bw
Thank you for your insights, Bill. I agree that “to outlaw words on the base of interpretation borders on tyranny.” How is that much different than banning or burning books full of words?
All of that said, John wasn’t advocating outlawing words. He was just pointing out the damage that can be done and the pain that can be casued by using certain words such as “retarded”, “retarded”, as an insult.
One of the reasons I didn’t indicate who the name of the person who said the insults was because I believe that person intentionally uses insulting and incendiary words to keep alive the fame/notoriety that publicly speaking such words has given to people who use them. I have no desire to put a spotlight on such people as I believe that is exactly what is sought by them.
Russ
I am glad John rose above it, and he really did. Which is the mark of a good man.
I agree, my friend. Sometimes it’s even the mark of a great one.
Russ
yes, it is. easy to step down, much harder to step up.
LOL! So true! Fortunately, stepping UP is a LOT easier when one is surrounded by loving people who support one to do so and firmly fortified by guiding principles!
I suspect that for you stepping up is a habit and a virtue. You strike me as the kind of man who watches his step and knows where he is going, but is not afraid to leap into the thick of it when action is needed to help or protect others.
In one of my circles, a very high compliment is to say, “I’d want him in my fox hole.”
I believe that you are such a man.
Russ
Using words such as the “r” word (as John calls it) to describe someone is a sign of a limited vocabulary and an even more limited heart! I hope “the person [who] intentionally uses insulting and incendiary words” will have an ah-hah moment one of these days and will have the opportunity to develop a compassionate heart. Thanks for sharing John Franklin Stephens’ thoughtful and wise response. You’re a good man, Russ!!
Thank you for you comments and compliment, Jan. I believe that you are a wonderfully good woman.
Russ
I read this letter earlier today and applaud this man…unfortunately it is adessed to an arrogant individual…so the wisdom and intelligence in this poweful letter will be lost on her.
*addressed
We can have hope that all hearts can find enlightenment and humility. I wish that for everyone.
It is a selfish wish, as my world brightens a bit more with each heart that becomes aligned with the goodness and love inside virtually everyone that craves to be shared with the world.
I feel sadness for those whose words and actions are out of alignment with the goodness and love within. I believe that most people know at some level that what they are doing is harming others and therefore harming themselves the most, and that has got to be a terrifying realization, and a heavy and lonely burden to carry.
May they find a way back to their better selves, and to begin to heal and forgive from within, and then do the same for others.
Russ