Pundit Ann Coulter shows no regret in using a slur that insults people with intellectual disabilities.
Conservative provocateur Ann Coulter doesn't care about the fallout from her use of the r-word in a tweet after the last presidential debate.
It plays into her desire to remain a topic of discussion and in headlines.
She will not apologize or change her highly charged language.
She isn't the first public figure to feel the push-back from her choice of this derogatory word.
But it would be nice if she were one of the last.
No one has made a case against her use of the slur better than
John Franklin Stephens , a Special Olympics athlete who has Down Syndrome.
Stephens passionately points out it should be "a badge of honor" being compared to people like him.
"No one overcomes more than we do and still loves life so much," he wrote in an open letter.
If you were ambivalent about this word before, you will ban it from your lexicon after reading this letter.
If that doesn't do it, go to a Special Olympics event or a classroom of special needs children.
There is an unconditional joy that we can learn from people with intellectual disabilities.
Coulter has made millions and amassed adoring fans by using hate-filled speech and incorrect information.
She is unapologetic about offensive language she has used toward many different groups of people including gay and lesbians, religious minorities and even 9-11 widows.
After Monday's debate, Coulter posted on Twitter: "I highly approve of Romney's decision to be kind and gentle to the retard."
The next day, she tweeted: "Obama: "Stage 3 Romneysia" - because cancer references are HILARIOUS. If he's "the smartest guy in the room" it must be one retarded room."
In her defense to the New York Observer, Coulter said: "The only people who will be offended are too retarded to understand it.”
Coulter meant to insult the president, she ended up insulting so many more who don't deserve her malevolence.
Conservative commentator Bill O'Reilly rightly puts Coulter into the category of "assassin," meaning a person who is paid well to hate, even if they don't always believe what they say.
Words carry weight.
They can be hurtful or demeaning.
Or, they can heal, encourage and love.
When previous political leaders or pundits used this word - Rahm Emanuel and Rush Limbaugh among them - groups were outraged and demanded apologies.
They were right.
It's time to say enough.
The word continues the belittling and bullying so many people with disabilities experience.
As a society, we need to evolve beyond this, show compassion and get rid of using this word.
