I enjoyed this post very much. I really support and appreciate the work of Special Olympics. My sister, who has physical and intellectual disabilities has participated in Special Olympics for years and not only her, but our entire family has found it incredibly rewarding. Growing up, both my sister and I learned the hard way how hurtful the word "retarded" and many other words like it truly are.

Usually, the word "retard"/"retarded" is not used to intentially hurt those with disabilities, but to indicate that someone has done something "dumb". This fact, however, does not excuse the meaning behind using this word -- where this word/idea comes from. I agree with this post that we could all use a little more compassion and love.

Of course, I am not for censoring out a word but like Mr. Shriver I hope that this debate opens people's eyes to the problems in the world and even right in our front yards. Our world is full of unique and inspiring people - of all different shapes and sizes and capabilities. I hope we can all realize that, regardless of our IQ or physical abilities, we can learn something from each and every person we come in contact with.

I don't know if *censoring* helps, but we certainly shouldn't accept people who claim to be 'moral guides' who are caught not just using 'retard' as a slur, but blurting out other signs of bigotry on a constant basis.

As a queer person, I may be able to reclaim the word *queer,* but that neither means that it's OK to use it as a slur, nor does it mean that people who aren't likely gifted with the gab have that opportunity.

We all grew up in this country. We all know how these 'exemplars of 'morality' *actually treat people.*

My answer to Rush and Palin and all them is this:

Mean people suck.

Intellectually disabled is not entirely accurate. The population of which we are speaking are often strikingly intuitive and intuition is a function of intellect. However, if this is the label they choose, so be it.

In any case, it is preferable to "retard." Dr. Shriver's efforts to ban it from public discourse are to be commended. He, in fact, is to be commended for all the wonderful work he does.

Language shapes thought. Do any bloggers who are not African American refer to African Americans as "Negros"? I would imagine they do not, and I would think they know why. Shriver and those who stand with him are attempting to enfranchise a segment of this population that deserves to be enfranchised. Part of that effort is surely to change the way we think of these people and how they think of themselves, to begin a new history.

This country has done remarkable things with respect to combating racism against African Americans and some other groups. It has done much to combat sexism and is engaged in ending homophobia, agism, etc. The rights of the intellectually disabled are no less important than those of any other group.

The word "retarded" has a dictionary definition that would allow it to apply to any number of domains aside from the human. This change is long overdue.

Intellectually disabled is not entirely accurate. The population of which we are speaking are often strikingly intuitive and intuition is a function of intellect. However, if this is the label they choose, so be it.

In any case, it is preferable to "retard." Dr. Shriver's efforts to ban it from public discourse are to be commended. He, in fact, is to be commended for all the wonderful work he does.

Language shapes thought. Do bloggers refer to African Americans as "Negros"? I would imagine they do not, and I would think they know why. Shriver and those who stand with him are attempting to enfranchise a segment of this population that deserves to be enfranchised. Part of that effort is surely to change the way we think of these people and how they think of themselves, to begin a new history.

The objection is to the word "retard," used as a noun, with its obvious referent. There is no reason why we cannot eliminate it in this usage, preserving the verb for use in other domains. See dictionary.

This country has done remarkable things with respect to combating racism against African Americans and some other groups. It has done much to combat sexism and is engaged in ending homophobia, ageism, etc. The rights of the intellectually disabled are no less important than those of any other group.

Tim, thanks again for offering an important issue with your unprecedented eloquence.

What is the love affair between some people and the “R” word? Why do they feel they are being “censored” if asked to refrain from using it, in order to spare another human being’s feelings? Hasn’t history taught us that words are coined to be used one way or another, but many times those word usages are so very insensitive? For example, “darky”, “deaf and dumb”, “hearing impaired”, “queer”, etc, were words/terms chosen to identify groups of people, by other groups of people. That doesn’t make those words/terms appropriate, or sensitive. In fact, it takes a word that had a benign definition, and restructures it into a very negative context.

When a group has been labeled with the negative, it is very difficult not to be hurt every time they hear the words, whether directed toward their “group”, or not. If I am Deaf, and someone mentions the word “dummy”, what do you think goes through my mind? It is not about political correctness, it is about being a sensitive, caring and nice human being. It is about trying to make the world a better place for everyone. It is about acceptance and open-mindedness.

Yes, we have the right to say what we want. However, if a narcissistic person wants to say something that will hurt others (just because he has the right to do so) then his egoism will be apparent to everyone. We all have the choice to care about others rights and feelings, or just nurture our own selfishness. I choose to abolish the “R” word from my vocabulary, and in my home.

I always thought that a-Retard was used to slow or stop a fire. Never did I think it would become a prohibitive word in every day conversation. I will remember to use the "Idiot" word in place of "retard"