Sarah Palin rips Bill Maher over alleged remark insulting son with Down syndrome

by John Jalsevac from lifestylenews.com:
Sarah Palin lost her cool on Twitter today after reports emerged that comedian Bill Maher had insulted her disabled son Trig during a routine this past weekend.
According to Ron Futrell, a former TV host who was present at the gig, Maher referred to Trig as a “retard” in the process of making a joke about him.
When Futrell, who himself has a special needs child, reportedly stood up to the comic in defense of Trig, he was ushered out of the show.
Palin took to Twitter today, calling Maher a “bully,” and saying that “on behalf of all kids whom you hatefully mock in order to make yourself feel big, I hope one flattens your lily white wimpy a#*.”
She also said that she would be in Maher’s “neck of the woods” this weekend. “Care to meet so I can tell you how I really feel?” she asked.
The frequently offensive, liberal host of HBO's Real Time with Bill Maher has a history of targeting Palin and her son with offensive remarks, on various occasions referring to Palin as a “c—t," a "twat," and a "bimbo."
On another occasion the comic reportedly repeatedly referred to Trig as “it” during a monologue questioning Palin’s qualifications to be vice president, before concluding, “Does anyone in that party understand the concept of pulling out?”
In a post on his blog, Futrell said he was “disgusted and a bit surprised” by Maher’s joke, but even more disgusted by the crowd’s laughter, which he said was “the most disturbing part of all this.”
Maher has in the past referred to himself as "consistently pro-death."

Audience Member Confronts Bill Maher After Comic Slammed Sarah Palin's Special Needs Child shar.es/wLtXO via @breitbartnews
— Sarah Palin (@SarahPalinUSA) June 13, 2013

Hey bully, on behalf of all kids whom you hatefully mock in order to make yourself feel big, I hope one flattens your lily white wimpy a#*.
— Sarah Palin (@SarahPalinUSA) June 13, 2013

I'm in your neck of the woods this weekend, little Bill. Care to meet so I can tell you how I really feel? shar.es/wLpR6
— Sarah Palin (@SarahPalinUSA) June 13, 2013

How to Respond to Unhelpful Comments: Top 10 Comeback Lines For Individuals With Special Needs

by Karen from Friendship Circle.org:
It happens sooner or later to just about everyone who lives with a disability: someone will say something nosy, rude or truly offensive.

It may help to have a response prepared for that day.  Having that comeback line at the tip of the tongue gives a little edge of confidence that actually prevents people from saying rude things in the first place.  

Here are ten simple responses that work in real life situations.

10. “Excuse me?”  Miss Manners says that this is always the most polite response.  It causes the person with the original comment to pause and re-think his words.  If he repeats the rude comment, simply repeat in a sweet voice, “Excuse me?”  Keep going with it until the light bulb switches on.

9. “I’m sorry that my (or my child’s) permanent disability has caused you a temporary inconvenience.”  One of my buddies uses this line, and it is a conversation-ender.

8. “Thank you for your concern.”  With a smile.

7. Silence.  With a smile.  And walk away.

6. “Why do you want to know?”  Sometimes it is necessary to answer a question with a question, especially when you are cornered by a personal question on a delicate topic.

5. ”Why would you say that?” Force them to think about what they just said.

4. “Nothing is wrong with her.  Is something wrong with you?”  Ask with genuine concern, without sarcasm.  Often the person is asking because of a family member with a similar condition.

3. “Yes, he can talk.  He can also hear and understand everything you say about him.” For just a little guilt trip.    

2. “I respectfully disagree.” 

1. “I have (or my child has) an equal right to be here.” This is the line I’ve been saving all these years – but I’ve never had to use it in any of the many, many awkward public situations I’ve found myself.  My belief in equal rights is what makes me stand taller.

What is your standard response to unhelpful comments or questions?  Please share in the comments below.

13 Things Never to Say to the Mom of a Child With Down Syndrome

by Jeanne Sager from The Stir:
People can say some of the most hurtful things to one another. Think you've heard some truly awful stuff?

Try being the parent of a child with Down syndrome.

Babies with Down syndrome are born with 47 chromosomes instead of 46, and the severity of their symptoms varies. But there are some pretty common physical signs that accompany Down syndrome, and that opens these kids -- and their parents -- up to everything from rude staring to downright cruel comments.

Sadly, some people don't even realize they're being offensive!

The Stir asked the parents of some children with Down syndrome to share some of the ridiculous comments they hear most often about their beautiful babies. If you've ever said anything on the list, consider this your notice not to say it again!

1. Oh, he looks so normal -- Normal as opposed to what?
2. I'm so sorry -- "What the hell are they sorry for?" asks Jennifer Lister, mom of little Riley, who refers to her daughter's condition as "Up syndrome." "For not being blessed themselves with a child who has UP syndrome?"
3. What's wrong with her face? -- Nothing! She was born that way!
4. She doesn't even look Downs -- Kids with DS aren't carbon copies of one another!
5. They don't live very long, do they? -- Actually, medicine and science have come a long way. According to the National Institutes of Health, "Although many children have physical and mental limitations, they can live independent and productive lives well into adulthood."