I agree. Once again this has become political. Dems have plenty of terrible things to say about republicans too. His comment was uncalled for. I say fine him. Make him pay a large sum of money to people who have special needs. Not a slap on the wrist either, make the amount of money he pays hurt.

@Chad – Your comment was uncalled for and it deeply offends me. Because what you posted was uncalled for, please remit $25,000 to my Paypal account to rectify the matter. My account name is RespecttheFirstAmendment. I expect payment within seven business days.

True. Let's see what the GOP is made of. Sarah Palin should personally request this man's removal, in defense of her own child. There is no room for this kind of "unthinking" when presenting in public, especially as a professional politician.

this looks like a freedom of speach issue: if you are offended by something some one else said, that's your problem. my guess is, the guy has doubts about his mental acuity, so it offends him. Mostly blonds take offense at blond jokes, after all.

The exuberance of victory often results in people saying things they will wish they hadn't. I remember Chase Utley dropping the F-Bomb at the Phillies' victory parade. Right in front of thousands of admiring kids. But this reveals a human core value that was so easily dismissed for a joke. I leared a long time ago you usually can not shame people into changing their ways, especially when they are sitting on top. That tasks is up to the person. I have friends intellectual disabilities, and I do not think that they would want this guy to resign. Their ability to forgive usually trumps the insults directed at them.

DO YOU KNOW HOW THW THE POLITICAL SYSTEM WORKS...EVEN A LITTLE BIT?

BEING INVOLVED WITH CHILDREN WITH CONGNITIVE DISABILITIES (tHIS IS THE NAME THE EDUCATION ORGANIZATION CHANGED IT TO SO KIDS WON'T FACE THE SLUR RETARD) WHAT DOES THAT TELL YOU. sLIP OF THE TONGUE? YOU PEOPLE WHO SUPPRT RODDY ARE JUST AS COMPLICIT IN HIS DEED.

Agreed whole-heartedly. Politics aside; anyone who makes a "joke" like that shouldn't be allowed in public, let alone in public office. not only does it show poor jugement and poor character as a human being, but it proves the unwillingness to work together for the common good of your people as a public servant.

@John – I agree. Anyone who makes a joke that others find offensive should not be allowed in public.

How great would traffic be if this were the case?

Retarded shouldn't be a slur, though. My son is delayed, and by some would be called "retarded". I think he is remarkable. I wish we could change the feel of that word. Being retarded doesn't make you less than anybody else. It makes me sad to know even some political leaders are continuing the negative connotation of this word.

Sara I agree with you. Parents need to teach their children right from wrong. I have a friend that has a mentally challenged son and he cries when someone calls him retarded. He is slow but is a very bright boy and has feeling just like everyone else. He might not excel in all his classes but he is a very bright boy.

Walt - what if you had a child that had a disability, would you want people to call your child retarded. Roddey did offend a lot of people with his remark.

Walt - There are Republicans asking him to step down as well as the Democrats. The local Republican party deserves better leadership.

So rather than say he shouldn't say potentially offensive things, you put the blame on the offended people saying they shouldn't be so easily offended. Uhhhhhh ok.

So if he called you and people like you a horribly ugly slur, that would be OK?

@Amanda – Personally, I couldn’t care less what Roddey says about me or people like me. Why give this guy the power to make you so upset?

@Walt, calling someone the R-word is equal to that of someone using the N-Word or any other extremely negative and deragatory word. It isn't acceptable! To say people are easily offended is ridiculous. Is that true in some cases, yes. But this man is a PUBLIC figurehead and his actions and words set a tone and example for those he represents. Is he and his "jokes" who Republicans want as a representaive of your party? The fact that people are disregarding his words as "no big deal," is a pure example of what is wrong with our country and a prime example of how elilist people feel they are. Disgusting!!!

good point, Walt. People are too easily offended these days. I took a sensitivity training class back in the 70's, as part of teacher's education. the gist was, if you are white and you react to it, expect to get called a honkie. your reaction fuels the fire. smiling because you aren't hurt throws water on the taunts. The one who takes offense is the one with the problem.

I think it would be an excellent idea for Mr. Romney to denounce this "joke"- especially in a way that shows he values everyone as people. But he hasn't. That tells ME alot.

I think the real issue is anyone with an Obama bumper sticker might think he was taking to them. And if he was, so what?

Well the obama need denounced for his ignorant remarks that he made and should step down as president.

Denise, A refreshing statement of logic when there is so little in politics these days.

Sorry Don but I wouldn't vote for you no matter what party you were running under.

Don Bindas - I'm sorry to hear that. Please don't let this hamper you from future political endeavors.

I don't know anything about the corruption you speak of, but i agree with what you said about his arrogance inspiring him to say that.

Wow .... they have those "fixes" in every area around here especially the one being the district Chelsa Wagner recently vacated and the "unbeloved" Schmotzer was put into but thank God will not be running in the fall. Sickening. Disgusting.

There is major corruption in the government in this area absolutely. In county government you get a great job if you know or are related to someone. At the airport there are more "bosses" than grunts. And there have been custodians who have been made bosses of departments for which they know nothing about. There are secretaries who get made bosses who have no clue what they are doing. It is because of who they know. Corruption runs deeply in the county government.

Jean - There are Republicans asking Mr Roddey to step down. The local G.O.P. deserves better leadership.

And as someone who just had this slur used against her son, I certainly have taken notice of the arrogance of Mr. Roddy and the pain he thought was funny.

Mike it was the democratic party that asked for Roddey to step down.

Denise McConnell have you not seen any of obama's commercials. all they do is slam the republicans. I am ashamed that we have obama as a president as he is so negative and blames Bush for things that he wasn't even involved in. At lest Romney knows how to create jobs compared to the 377,000 jobs that obama has created in almost 4 years in office. If they would count all people that aren't working and collecting unemployment the number is up close to 30%. But they only count the ones that are collecting. I totally don't want to see obama in office doing more destruction to this country. Now obama wants to give everyone welfare, free medical, take in millions of illegals and make them citizens. Who is suppose to pay for all of this

CC - Stop changing the subject. We're all discussing Jim Roddey and the his comments. Focus!

CC - Where are you getting your information? Turn off Rush and do some research. Look at things objectively and not just from his ridiculously biased ($$$$$) opinion.

allison k, i don't watch nor do i listen to rush. I did do research.

Mike you forgot to slam Denise McConnell for changing the subject "Republicans these days live to destroy people for something like this" when it is in fact the democrats that destroy people.

cc and her aluminum foil hat are cracking me up.

mike must be related to ml, both full of hot air that knows little about nothing.

YeeHaw!!!!
cc - Queen of Horrible Spelling, enemy of punctuation and Royal Patron of Aluminium Foil Hats doesn't like me!

I must be doing something right.

obama would of blamed George Bush if he said it.

yankeedoodlenotcorporatediddle maybe if you democrats didn't run all your credit cards up to the max and purchased homes you couldn't afford then maybe you would be able to purchase your own health insurance instead of expecting the Republicans to pay for you to have free obamacare. It is the Republicans that create jobs not Democrats. Not all Democrats are pro choice either. During the 1992 Democratic Convention Robert Casey wasn't allowed to speak because he was pro life. J F Kennedy was also Pro Life. You need to do your homework to find out who is Pro Life and Pro Choice. I'm sure you woud be shocked at the number of Democrats that aren't Pro Choice. Quit drinking the kool-aid from obama's lemonade stand.

CC - I'm sure you would be shocked at the number of "pro-life" people who get abortions from the very clinics they are protesting. Furthermore, you want to chastise "yankeedoodle" for saying all democrats are pro-choice and making other blanket statements, meanwhile, you make a blanket statement saying it's only democrats that do things like run up their credit cards and purchase homes they can't afford. No matter how much money you make, no matter what side of the fence you are on, $700 a month to protect yourself simply *in case something happens* is TOO MUCH. I think we all can agree on that. People shouldn't have to go into mounds of debt because their appendix burst. Please, open your eyes and understand that situations aren't as black and white as you and MOST republicans seem to think.

alison k why are you on yankeedoodlenotcorporatediddle for her statements that she is making about Republicans. I forgot your a kool aid drinker that obama is trying to pass off as lemonade.

cc, you do know that in history, all business have done better under Democrats? Funny thing, that. And I don't have maxxed cards, I have a comfortable and affordable home, and I pay for my own healthcare through my own small business. You might be shocked who in MY neighborhood has lost their homes to foreclosure for going underwater and running up their cards.

Amanda i pay for my health care and over 75% of my employees heath insurance and don't want to be paying for welfarecare under obama for others. I did better when Bush was in office then under obama as most small business owners that I know did.

@Amanda – Pittsburgh sure has flourished under Democratic control.

Youngstown has flourished under Democratic/mob – interchangeable here – control.

Cleveland has flourished under Democratic control.

The entire state of West Virginia has flourished under Democrat control.

Philadelphia has flourished under Democratic control.

Detroit – heck let’s just say the entire state of Michigan – has flourished under Democratic control.

Chicago has flourished under Democrat control.

The entire state of California has flourished under Democrat control.

You’re right Amanda, all we need is more Democrat control.

steve he is a democrat and allowed to make fun of people and when caught he loves to blame bush for the stupid things that comes out of his mouth.

CC - Did he blame Bush for that remark? No. You're like a broken record.

I agree! Obama said the same type of comment and he was not asked to step down!

obama should step down for that comment since it offended others. alison your the one that is a broken record. go drink more kool aid.

Yes, and he got the feet to the fire for it, too. And apologized. And then met with leaders for several disability groups and families, wanting not only to apologize, but to understand and change. Let's see what THIS politician does, making the SAME mistake.

He is the biggest hypocrite, he blames everything on Bush, STILL., He can't speak anything that makes sense without his teleprompters, he has done nothing but bring this nation into further ruin, and make it much less respectable, all the while with his arrogant 'After all, I AM the president!" attitude. His Obamacare is going to cost ungodly amounts of money and give controlling authority to healthcare workers to say who lives and who dies.. in other words, who is worth spending all the healthcare monies on, if you are old and no longer productive in someone elses' eyes.. well... He is not a BORN IN THE UNITED STATES citizen, his own grandmother said so, it is proven by a panel of experts and investigators that it is a computer generated document of birth.. BUT he is Obama, he can tell bad degrading jokes and not have to serve by the same standards the rest of us do, because he is YOUR PRESIDENT. So anyone who votes for him again,should not be likened to the unjustly ridiculed handicapped community, they are just non-logical thinking persons who have been Obamalonied ..

JustMyOpinion totally agree with you. obama needs to go. Clinton put a bill into effect that welfare people have to work in order to collect. obama is getting rid of this even though Clinton saved our country millions of dollars. obama just wants votes and will do anything to get them. He was so against gay marriages his first time running but now for them why so he gets votes. these people need to quit drinking the kool=aid that he is passing off as lemonade

cc: but did your employees do better under Bush? You do know that a happy employee is usually a better employee. And it is NOT "welfare" any more than your
ability to deduct your business expenses is welfare. Large subsidies to huge corporations making bags of profit, IS welfare.

ML, once again obama changed that you don;t have to be seeking a job to get welfare, there was an article in the Post Gazette about it. Once again your on the attack as you always do.

be careful what you say. tomorrow challenged will be the new retarded and you will have stepped right in it

go drink your kool-aid that obama is trying to pass off as lemonade.

NO IT'S NOT OKAY. And he apologized too.

then by the same standard Mr. Roddy apologized and now we should move on!

Yeah, he apologized. Unfortunately, it won't just go away immediately.

they want roddey to step down and he apologized but that thing that is president can do it and were suppose to accept his apology, i don't think so, let obama step down first.

Mr. Obama also called in people with disabilities and their families to discuss and learn. Lets see what this politician does making the same mistake... since he obviously didn't learn from someone else making it for him.

obama didn't call people with disabilities families to discuss and learn that is a bunch of bull. Also why didn't whitehouse chief of staff rahm emanual step down when he made this remark while working for obama "White House chief of staff Rahm Emanuel apologized to the head of the Special Olympics today after the Wall Street Journal reported the fiery Chicagoan privately called a group of liberal activists "f—ing retarded."
http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/politics/2010/02/rahm-apologizes-for-privately-calling-liberal-activists-retarded/

democrats and especially obama think they are above everyone and that isn't the case at all. i happen to compare obama to hitler as they are both totally alike.

bd - The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act is not called Obamacare. Also, President Obama has been called some horrible things by people who can't be bothered to respect the office of the President of the United States.

Blame Democrats (or as you call them Dems) for quite a bit but the misspelled signs and name calling are really apparent at Right leaning events.

bd obama just blames bush for his nasty remarks, way of the democrats.

mike why does obama refer to it as obama care, go drink your kook aid too

I find people that refer to Tea Party members by that ugly terms to also be ignorant and offensive. Yet those people choose to be members of a very radically conservative party, and are not subjected to severe discrimination because of it. People with disabilities have no choice in their state, and are often treated as being less than human or second-class citizens in our severely ableist culture. If you can't see the difference, you should do some volunteer work for your local special education classrooms and discover the difference.

amanda it is you democrats that are the ugly people that expect others to pay for your health care and everything else. obama wants to share the wealth. take from the people that made money, created jobs for others but wants them to take on paying for others to have obamacare. democrats are about entitlement because that is what obama preaches to you. mr social planner needs to go back to being a party planner.

John - Sorry we're not as "politically astute" as you are. We were confused when somebody in a position of authority said something stupid. We'll check with you first the next time we're prepared to be outraged.

By the way, your comments regarding those who supported and those who continue to support President Obama are way offbase.

But what would I know. You think I'm a closet racist and stupid.

I love this argument. "People only voted for Obama in the last election to prove they aren't racist." It had nothing to do with his policies, ideals, or the fact that McCain would have run us even further into the ground (yes, further than we are with Obama in office) and had a looney tune as a VP candidate. You sir just proved your racism. Furthermore, unless you make a killing per year, don't vote for Romney or you will be proving your stupidity as well.

@Mike – John used “active” not “astute.” Not sure if the misquote was intentional or a mistake as they mean entirely different things.

Also, I’m more than prepared to attest to the fact you’re not a racist.

Outraged Citizen - Astute or active, that was my mistake.
Posting something condescending about supporters of President Obama is all John's fault.

@Alison – John stated “if” you voted for Obama to prove you’re not a racist. If you’re going to quote someone, at least use copy and paste to capture it correctly.

Please explain to me how those who “make a killing per year” are the only citizens that will benefit from a Romney victory this November? Also, it would be helpful for me if you were to define “make a killing each year” for a frame of reference.

@Mike – I expect you to reach out to Alison regarding her comment, “Furthermore, unless you make a killing per year, don't vote for Romney or you will be proving your stupidity as well” to tell her it was way off base.

MSgt - Way to uncork an anti-Obama talking point, play the race card and call all that disagree with you stupid all in one unrelated thread. Very impressive. I would call anyone not making a million dollars a year voting for Romney against their own interests lacking in intelligence also, but this wouldn't be the place to do that. I wouldn't bring race into it at all, but that's just me, it's more important to some people.

This Roddy thing is a tempest in a teapot, not worth all the uproar in my opinion. I like Roddy, he's one of the sensible Republicans, unlike the brand in power today. I even voted for him against Onorato. Democrats are going to jump on this, Republicans jumped on Obama's special olympics comment, both men apologized and have generally good records on standing up for the handicapped. Next earth- shattering issue, please.

OutragedCitizen - In regards to the "voting for Obama to prove you're not a racist" comment, I wasn't quoting what John said. I was quoting an argument I've heard over and over again, which John reused, in which people think anyone who voted for Obama only did so to prove they aren't racist. And that's ridiculous.

Also, when I said that voting for Romney will prove your stupidity, I was just rearranging John's words. If I'm way off base, so is he, although I didn't mean what I said. Everyone is entitled to their opinion and we all have a right to vote. That's the beauty of this country.

JS - Well said, my friend.

@Alison – It doesn’t really matter to me if you, or anyone else, believes that those on the other side of the political argument are stark, raving lunatics that need to removed from society for the greater good. That is the beauty of this country.

What I find maddening is hypocrisy, on both sides. Both sides just sit back and wait for something to be offended by all the while demanding civility and common sense when it comes to their own.

I understand you were using exaggeration for effect in responding to John. That’s why I directed my note to Mike. He took issue with what John said about Obama supporters. I wanted to see if he would also take issue with the converse.

Outraged Citizen - I don't have a problem with Converse. I wear my Chuck Taylor sneakers all the time.

As for your statement about Alison K...What I took from it was if you make a killing as in you make a ton of money.
If that offends you then fight your own battles.

@Mike – Love the Chuck Taylor reference! I didn’t realize they still made those. Or are you wearing an old pair?

Any who, I suppose you’re fine with people calling Romney supporters stupid while taking offense when the same is said of Obama supporters. No real shocker there.

So, “making a killing each year” equals a “ton of money.” That certainly clears things up. Tell us cricket master, are we using “ton” in the literal or the abstract? If I were you, I would use the literal.

Not fighting any battles here Jiminy. I’m just living life and enjoying the gifts with which God has blessed my family.

Outraged - I don't care. The purpose of all of this is to put a stop to someone using a particular derogatory word.

What on earth are you talking about with the whole Jiminy Cricket thing? Instead of being Outraged you should try being Coherent.

The problem I had with John DeLallo's post was his ridiculous assertions concerning my support of President Obama.

If you want to read more into it go argue with a park bench, I don't care.

@Mike – I would have thought your memory was sharper, my mistake.

Interesting point you make, “put a stop to someone using a particular derogatory word.” How does this reconcile with the First Amendment?

OutragedCitizen - Because of the first amendment, he is free to say however many derogatory words as he wants. However, we are also free to voice our opinions of him and his choice of words. Furthermore, the person in charge of him can get rid of him or ask that he resign. I'm not saying whether he should or shouldn't resign, just to be clear. But if the powers that be feel he should...?

OutragedCitizen - Because of the first amendment, he is free to say however many derogatory words as he wants. However, we are also free to voice our opinions of him and his choice of words. Furthermore, the person in charge of him can get rid of him or ask that he resign. I'm not saying whether he should or shouldn't resign, just to be clear. But if the powers that be feel he should...?

@Alison – A post so nice, you made it twice.

I agree with you. Roddey can make all the statements like these he wants. I also agree that he’ll have to answer to those in the Allegheny Republican Party for his statement.

I was asking Mike how his post, “put a stop to someone using a particular derogatory word” reconciled with the First Amendment. I asked because it wasn’t clear if he was calling for a ban on the word.

A point that many amatuer Consitututional scholars fail to understand is that with rights come responsibilities.

You are guaranteed the Freedom of Speech. But you're also responsible for what you say.

There's nothing wrong with being responsible.

@Mike – Well said.

A tad off color? My child has this "tad off color" term hurled at him on a daily basis in public. If he had told a joke using a severely offensive term about you or your family, would it be "a tad off color"? What if that term was often used to deny your existence and feelings as a human being, and was used to justify discrimination against you? Ever had the word hurled at you while being bullying from a playground or a lunch table? Ever had it whispered in giggles behind your back, as you work your hardest to learn a new skill or get through your day?

Politicians know better. They are professional public speakers, and should certainly be aware that being "off color" is not appropriate. Enough has been said recently about these kinds of "off color" jokes that you would think he would know not to have one come out of his mouth, and not expect consequences.

MSgt. I love your logic!

So amanda it is ok for obama to make his off color remarks and get away with it and your slamming Roddey. obama should be ashamed of himself and step down from running this country into the ground.

Bingo! Political Correctness is never correct. People pick apart every word said and then go on the attack! No substance!

I have no problem with someone speaking their mind. If they spew inaccuracies, call them on it!

Don't pay attention to what they say - Pay attention to what they do.

No, it wasn't. People demanded an apology and he apologized. Same with Roddey. Everyone will move on eventually but it won't happen overnight.

obama should step down for his rude remarks and the Republican party should demand it as the democratic party is demanding that Roddey step down. Fair is fair.

Natalie - There is a difference between a joke and a disparaging term.

You do know that, right?

Raise a Downs Syndrome child and THEN tell me it's a HARMLESS joke!

Allison, once upon I time, when I was very young, "the powers that be" were supposed to be the ordinary people, not politicians, moguls controlling political parties or corporations now declared people by 5 creeps on SCOTUS. You also said "we all have the right to vote". Not quite - actually a few thousand of us will not, according to Corbett, Turzai and a bunch of others in our legislature. A plague that is spreading across our nation but funny, thus far mostly quarantined to GOP run states.

@Art – In your lifetime, citizens still couldn’t directly elect their US Senators (OK, just tweaking you on this one), almost every large city was run by corrupt Democratic political machines, the Teapot Dome Scandal rocked the nation’s capital, the President of the US was attempting to pack the Supreme Court to force through unconstitutional legislation, discoveries of war profiteering after WW II, the “Checkers Speech”, “McCarthyism,” Chappaquiddick, Big Labor goonery and Watergate just to name a few.

To quote your soul mate Archie Bunker, “Those were the days.”

Regarding Voter ID, just get off your lazy behind and get the ID. It really is that simple.

so why did obama not step down when he did the same thing obama's remark was just as degrading to the Special Olympics.

No Outraged, it is certainly not "that simple". Unlike the elderly, students, many urban dwellers not exactly living in condos, Afro-Americans, disabled and other potentially not pro GOP people that this complex and confusing, demonstrably not needed legislation, seeks to exclude, I have easily voted every year. Perhaps, longer than you have been on this planet. Try reading thru all of that wondrous and skilfully conceived document.
Yes I can "get off my lazy ass" but many thousands of people, in PA alone, cannot so easily do so. As for "those were the days" - the 1950's sure were monuments to the greatness of America and it is exactly where ex-governor Mitt and buddies would like to take us back to. And thanks for your astute observations on my ass.

@Art – That’s hilarious, you’re dreaming if you believe that at your age anyone would desire to observe your behind astutely. Also, you’re like that racist, curmudgeonly old uncle who says inappropriate things in public like “Afro-Americans.” Maybe you should go hang out with your buddy Joe Biden. I know, you would be the perfect villain in a Scooby-Doo episode.

Let’s get back to Voter ID laws. While some “cannot easily do so” that doesn’t mean it’s impossible to do so. Again, it’s time for these people to get off their lazy behinds and get their IDs. They still have almost three months to do so.

Michael but it was ok for obama to make comments about the special Olympics and get away with it. Would you of knocked his front teeth in for his bowling comments. if your saying this about Roddey ,then also say it about obama.

A then obama needs to step down first for his crude remarks but why aren't you jumping all over him?

And what is happening to Chickafik? Lots of folks have no problem with his being way beyond ignorant but legal use of language and is donating bags of money to organizations that advocate and promote bigotry, hate and vicious or violent acts against groups of people they don't like. That's a tad beyond the 1st amendment and not very civilized.

@Art – Please tell me more about “Chickafik.” Their name sounds dangerously close to Chick-fil-A. Do they also serve delicious chicken sandwiches, waffle fries and tremendous lemonade? There could be a copyright infringement here.

Additionally, if you have evidence this “Chickafik” you speak of is funding “vicious and violent acts” against American citizens, please make the Justice Department aware of these actions so they might initiate an investigation.

Peggy agree it is the democrats that are stupid for drinking the kool aid that obama is passing off as lemonde

@momof2 – You will probably find this hard to believe, but I do feel for those that raise developmentally disabled children. My point is that you can’t legislate tolerance, or gain acceptance by banning words or thoughts. When you tell a citizen that they’re not allowed to use a certain word or harbor certain thoughts, you push away those you want to reach.

I’m sure you know this, but real change comes through education. Give people time and they’ll come around. Education on the issue is starting to take root. Poll after poll indicates the nation is moving in your direction.

@momof2 – If you’re expecting a world free from hurtful or derogatory comments, you’ll constantly fight windmills. There will always be those that disagree with you and use words that hurt you. It is their right in this country to do so. There is nothing that can be done to remedy this situation. The best you can hope for is to encounter these people so infrequently they seem to not exist.

but what is hurtful and derogatory is defined by the listener. when did we become such a nation of thinned skinned people?

@Jeff – Disregarding the fact for a moment that Mr. Roddey does not currently hold public office, you make an interesting statement, “I am a supporter of the constitutional right of free speech, but I don't believe it fully applies to those in public office because theyare held to a higher standard than the rest of us.” I would be interested in your constitutional arguments on this point and if there are any other constitutional rights one gives up when assuming public office?

Though in this situation it does not apply, to Jeff's general statement, he is correct. Anyone in the public eye is monitored more closely and has more of an opportunity to violate First Amendment related laws. We have defamation, obscenity, clear and present danger, etc. We do not have "free speech." Consider a little historical context. the framers could not have imagined the ease with which we distribute information publicly now, and they were not intending to protect (or have to protect) some guy cracking jokes at a Monte Cellos. It is freedom of speech as far as the good of society and the nation is concerned. Basically, you can say what you want, but be prepared for law suits and the possibility of arrest if you harm others through inciting violence/defamation/slander or anything along those lines.

And just a small note, but none of the framers intended for the Constitution to still be used today, just as none of the framers were satisfied with the document produced. For Example, Jefferson felt the constitution should be revised/rewritten every 19 years for every new generation and thought the original left too much opened to interpretation. The Constitution was a poorly crafted document by exasperated men who were just trying to hold a new country together and relied heavily on the assumption that future governments would revise and fix their mistakes.

Also, hurtful and derogatory comments are _not_ always protected under the first amendment.

@Erin – Your post begins with a faulty premise and never quite recovers. I’ll be brief.

First you equate greater visibility with loss of the Freedom of Speech because as a public official - with assumed greater visibility – you’re more closely monitored for any possible First Amendment violations. Does that about sum it up?

Riddle me this Erin. If there are established violations of the First Amendment and someone – for arguments sake let’s say anyone – commits one of these violations was that speech “free” to begin with? Second riddle, does it matter if the person committing the violation is or is not an elected official?

I suspect the answers to these are obvious.

I do agree the US Constitution isn’t perfect. As an instrument created by man, it never could or ever will achieve perfection. But, it’s what we got and while not perfect, it’s done a heckuva job Brownie.

It is not about Democrats or Republicans, it is about standing up for whomever cannot defend themselves. I would and have said the same things to both, I'm sure. I look at content not Political choice.

Amen!!! Someone with a brain realized how America is turning into a melting pot of mess.

I'm actually not talking about what either man said, but that YOU said it made you laugh out loud. I find that very telling.

I certainly didn't "laugh out loud" at that poor excuse for a joke.

@Julie – You will find no disagreement with me. I think the statement was idiotic and I wouldn’t shed a tear if Republicans decided to replace him as chairman. I also agree there are limits to speech for all the reasons you mentioned.

What I find appalling are those out there that want to fine, physically assault or banish this man from society for simply uttering a word. It makes me cringe when you have those here that want to ban words or thoughts just because they hurt their feelings. We’re supposed to live in a society where it’s OK to disagree with each other, even passionately so. Does that mean it gets ugly at times, yes. In fact, it gets real ugly at times. But I would rather live in a country where Westboro Baptist Church is allowed to protest at the graves at fallen soldiers than one that fines or imprisons its citizens for using words or having thoughts it disagrees with.

Outraged: Point taken but I still cannot find out what or why these Westboro Baptist creeps are protesting. Which graves - just those fallen during one of our recent stupid wars, or all of them back to Mayflower passenger skirmishes with the heathen savages occupying the land they wished to seize?

@Art – Does it really matter? It’s free speech, it doesn’t have to matter or make sense to you. That’s the beauty of it.

Susan ... yes there are bigger issues out there absolutely. Yes, in a way, get over it.

We teach our kids respect for others, especially those who, through no fault of their own, were born with a disability or retardation. Not all parents do that. Being the parent of a special needs child it is just a little harder to "get over it already". Those who are blessed with children with no special needs have no idea what these children endure every day. Sometimes it is not as easy as one thinks to "get over it already".

I am saying prayers that all of those people out there (Roddey and Obama, especially) who feel the need to make fun of these beautiful people who are challenged and/or retarded learn to be better human beings and have more respect for these beautiful human beings that God created to be special.

Sid M...they are wonderful children, but my point was: NO ONE was calling your child names. Yes, it was insensitive but why are people taking it so personally? Stop thinking everyone is out to get you because you have a mentally challenged child. People say stupid stuff all of the time. It's not directed at you....it was a joke....