Western Pennsylvania political figures and advocates for the disabled are reacting with dismay to a wisecrack from Former Allegheny County Executive Jim Roddey, who at a victory party Tuesday compared Obama supporters to people with mental disabilities.
"I was a little surprised,” said Nate Locklin, president of the Ross Township Republican Committee. “Jim likes to tell jokes. That one was a little off. I was a little disappointed. I did not think it was appropriate. Disabilities aren't funny."
On Wednesday afternoon Roddey issued an apology for the remarks.
"I regret my comments," he said. "I have a long record of supporting people with disabilities and should have remembered that before I spoke. My remarks were inappropriate and I apologize."
The GOP chairman of Allegheny County, Roddey served as master of ceremonies for the victory party for state Rep. Randy Vulakovich at Monte Cello’s restaurant in Hampton Township.
About 300 people attended the party for Vulakovich, the Republican in the special election to fill the seat of former state Sen. Jane Orie in the 40th District.
Orie resigned after being convicted for using her office staff to do campaign work. She was sentenced to 2 1/2 to 10 years in prison.
After speaking to the crowd about Vulakovich's victory, Roddey launched into the Obama joke, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, which gave this account:
"There was a disappointment tonight. I was very embarrassed. I was in this parking lot and there was a man looking for a space to park, and I found a space for him. And I felt badly—he looked like he was sort of in distress. And I said, 'Sir, here's a place.' And he said, 'That's a handicapped space.' I said, 'Oh I'm so sorry, I saw that Obama sticker and I thought you were mentally retarded."
The crowd at the restaurant responded to Roddey’s joke by clapping and hollering, the Post-Gazette reports.
But some local Democrats aren’t laughing.
“Jim Roddey should be ashamed of himself,” the Allegheny County Democratic Committee tweeted after learning of the former county executive’s statements.
Allegheny County Democratic Committee chairwoman Nancy Mills of Moon Township on Wednesday called on Roddey to apologize to the people he offended and to resign from his post as GOP chairman. She asked Republicans to press Roddey to do the same.
"If I made a comment like that my own friends would have called on me to step down immediately," she said. "Furthermore, Mitt Romney needs to show leadership and hold his supporters like Jim Roddey accountable for their attacks. Romney should join me in denouncing Roddey.”
Reached Wednesday, Brown said, "I honestly don't think he was thinking. To make a joke out of a person with a disability is unconscionable."
Butler County Republican Committee Chairman Jeff Smith, who attended Vulakovich's victory party, admitted the jest didn't portray Roddey in the best light.
“It was clearly not one of Jim’s better jokes," he said. "While no one can condone a joke made at the expense of the handicapped, I think he was probably caught up in the euphoria of the moment. Jim’s longtime involvement with civic and charitable causes is more indicative of the kind of person he is than one unfortunate, off-color remark.”
A petition calling for Roddey’s resignation has been started in light of his comments, Mills said. As of 6 p.m., it had 84 signatures.
What do you think of Roddey’s joke to the crowd? Did you find it offensive? Overblown? Leave your opinions in the comment section below.
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.
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.
ability to deduct your business expenses is welfare. Large subsidies to huge corporations making bags of profit, IS welfare.
I know this pain. I am the parent of a young man with learning disabilities who was "labeled" retarded so that he would get the special education he was so desperately in need of in elementary school .. especially after the so called professional educators in the BW district overlooked it. These children and people are wonderful individuals who deserve the love and respect that all of us should be giving to every child and adult. Unfortunately, children are not taught respect and manners any more. Obviously Mr. Roddey and Obama were not taught that respect and as adults displayed this with their careless, insensitive comments. Shame on both of them and anyone who would act like this.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.