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The "R" Word
The issue of terminology comes down to a very simple question, and the question has nothing to do with semantics or political correctness: Why would anyone use words that they know will surely hurt someone else?
In fact, I find some kind of sociopathic element to knowingly using words that are hurtful.
Political correctness involves innocuous language that some people are needlessly offended by. In the case of "mental retardation," the offense is genuine and justified.
I remind those who argue it's a PC issue that they happily refrain from using certain words every day, simply because they know those words will cause others to feel offended, hurt, uncomfortable, embarrassed, angry, etc.
The disability community simply asks that terms like "mental retardation" be added to the list of things nearly all of us voluntarily refrain from using every day.
Disability shouldn't equal poverty
Thanks for your comment. You're right -- the definition (not to mention our understanding) of "disability" has broadened over time.
But I don't think people with disabilities want anyone's sympathy. Many are in need of some assistance, but that's quite different from sympathy.
Hate Crimes
Even if the law doesn't end up having a huge impact in terms of protecting people with disabilities from violent crime, it's still hugely important to recognize that it is a population that is often targeted for violence.
The law is significant in terms of making Americans aware of the challenges -- many of them unnecessarily imposed by our culture -- faced by people with disabilities.
Deaf Jazz Singer
Don't forget Mr. Beethoven, who also had a hearing disability!
Social Security
The stabilization of consumer prices is a double-edged sword for older Americans and people with disabilities.
While it may be true that the consumer price index is now relatively flat -- resulting in "no need for an increase" in Social Security benefits -- it's also true that health care costs for seniors and people with disabilities are continuing to skyrocket.
Let's hope our representatives in Washington are mindful of that fact when they're deciding on whether to increase SS/Medicare/Medicaid payments.
Wheelchair-friendly UM?
It's a shame that UM is evidently not interested in doing what's right.
But the Justice Dept. gets just as much blame on this. Our nation's laws should not be open to negotiation.
Clearly, the current Administration isn't interested in ensuring that all Americans are treated with equality and respect.
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