March 20, 2009 8:17 PM
Obama, Special Olympics and Jonny
Speaking of Special Olympics, our Jonny is off to a Special Olympics Basketball Tournament. Jesse, Daniel and Justin are also in Special Olympics basketball, but too young for the tournament.
So exciting! Can't believe he will be 17 on the 31st!
How my life changed the day he was born. The gift that keeps on giving.
How sad that Obama lacks any tender regard or respect for the disabled. When speaking without his teleprompter, he speaks from his heart, and his heart is hard. For all their vaunted compassion, I find political leftists big talking elitists, devoid of compassion and anxious to exploit groups of people like Hispanics, the disabled and elderly while preferring to hobnob among the rich and famous.
The timing of Obama's disastrous night on the town sans teleprompter right after Sarah Palin's poignant Special Olympics speech - which was like healing balm for families of children with disabilities - was uncanny.
The picture above is from last year's season. But here are some pictures of Jonny from last month's Partners Dance at Loudoun Valley High School, which celebrates friendship between differently-abled teens. The sweet blond is Jonny's sister Maddy - our ninth child, born a year after Jonny.
Posted in Disabilities, Down syndrome, Family, Obama Nation | Permalink
Comments
Hi Barbara, I don't know if you heard Maria Shriver's (Whose mother, Eunice Shriver started the Special Olympics) comments today on Obama's Special Olympics gaffe, but it was pretty direct.
"While I am confident that President Obama never intended to offend anyone, the response that his comments have caused, coupled with the reaction of a primetime audience, demonstrate the need to continue to educate the non-disabled community on the issues that confront those with a developmental disability. My mother has dedicated her life to fighting stereotypes and ridicule for this community, and there is still much work to be done."
“Often times we don’t realize that when we laugh at comments like this it hurts millions of people throughout the world,†added Shriver."
~from the LA Times
Posted by: Elizabeth M Thompson | March 20, 2009 10:03 PM
My family had the pleasure of volunteering recently at a Special Olympics Free-Throw event in Loudoun County. I also volunteered with Special Olympics regularly when I was in high school, many moons ago. The Special Olympics athletes deserve Obama's respect, not derision. I have been impressed with both the attitudes and skills of the athletes. Obama could learn a thing or two from these men, women, boys, and girls! (BTW Barbara, I think I spotted some of your children at the event :-)
Posted by: Donica | March 21, 2009 10:46 AM
Hi Barbara,
You have a very talented and beautiful family. I love the last pic!
Been really busy here lately but you are part of my everyday reading!
Love,
Shannon
PS: Come help me raise my almost 3 year old boy!!! lol (he's driving me insane with the "No" word! lol
Posted by: Shannon Best | March 22, 2009 4:48 PM
