Ann Coulter's backward use of the 'r-word'
By Emanuella Grinberg, CNN
(CNN) - Parents of children with special needs are demanding an apology from conservative political pundit Ann Coulter for tweeting after Tuesday's foreign policy debate that she approved of "Romney's decision to be kind and gentle to the retard," in an apparent response to critiques of Mitt Romney's performance.
It wasn't the first time Coulter used the "the r-word" during this election season, and it's not the first time blogger Ellen Seidman has called her out on it.
"At this point, I'm thinking the woman must surely be aware that the word is offensive, and she chooses not to care. That's pretty vile and heartless," said Seidman, the mother of a special needs child who shares her world on the blog "Love that Max."
"You want to slam the president, go ahead. But you can't think of any other word to use? Come on."
Ending the r-word: Ban it or understand it?
The word "retard" demeans Max and millions more with intellectual disabilities, Seidman tweeted at Coulter. Still, the comment was favorited 1,215 times and earned 2,993 retweets as of this writing, presumably by a number of people who didn't find it offensive.
About In America
What defines you? Maybe it’s the shade of your skin, the place you grew up, the accent in your words, the make up of your family, the gender you were born with, the intimate relationships you chose to have or your generation? As the American identity changes we will be there to report it. In America is a venue for creative and timely sharing of news that explores who we are. Reach us at inamerica@cnn.com.
Black in America
iReport
Hey, how can we be sure Coulter isn't some neurotic tranny with a raging case hormone therapy gone wrong? That would certainly explain a LOT of things, I mean, just look at that ADAM'S APPLE!
Republican playbook
I just saw her defending this on CNN. As a friend of someone with downs who has a job supporting himself in the public and gets this kind of "retard" feedback on a regular basis, I am disgusted by this women. Utterly speechless and disgusted. Why do people listen to such a hateful excuse for a human being. There are plenty of conservatives with brains worth listing to – this one's bimbo blonde hair dye seems to have seeped into her brain and it appears to me she is actually referring to herself.
Congress banned the use of the words "retard" and "retardation" in 2010 in federal health, education and labor laws in favor of using the words "intellectual disability." The American Psychiatric Association also plans to replace the term "mental retardation" with "intellectual development disorder" in the fifth version of The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, to be published by in 2013.
All Americans should try to encourage Mitt Romney to speak out against Ann Coulter's use of the word "retard" to be spiteful and disrespectful towards our president twice in recent weeks. Political aggression is bad enough, but when it hurts innocent Americans-it is unbearable. Regardless of what party you are supporting, her comments are extremely hurtful towards the families in this nation who have mentally disabled children and adults. Please Mr. President, all republicans, all democrats, all undecideds, and those who aren't even old enough to vote, make your voice be heard. As divided as we are at this time, we should all unite on this issue. Let Mitt Romney know that his silence on this issue speaks volumes about his character. If Mitt Romney cannot get Ann Coulter in check, he is surely unable to run our country. If he is afraid of her, he certainly cannot lead our military. Let's use the type of strategy on StopBullying.Gov to try to make this stop. If our nation can unite with a strong message, the hurting can be stopped.
This woman is simply trying to sell books. She is so ugly on the inside.
wow i cannot believe that you get air time with your offensive comments it is clear that you have not experienced a family member with special needs you are beneath the rock i found in lake superior yesturday shame on you you are educated????
Coulter – you are absolutely embarrassing. I can't believe you think you are worthy to listen to, or to read your book??? seriously???!!! retard is not a word you can use to describe ANYONE
Oh dear, Mr. Coulter trying to speak for other men.
Well, I feel pretty lucky. I only have to hear from this "woman" once in a while, but she has to live in her head 24/365. What a nightmare that must be.
All words are offensive! Blerg!
A word only has power if you give it power. STOP GIVING IT POWER.
Why was this taken off today's news?
It's not news only offensive commentary. Totally agree she should not have been given the time of day on Piers Morgan–understand though why Fox wants her as a regular. This is the venum they dish out daily.