There has been much in the news lately about White House Chief of Staff, Rahm Emanuel’s use of the word “retarded” as reported by the Wall Street Journal.  The subsequent outrage over the use of the word has eclipsed the real issues facing those who are mentally and physically disabled.  While Governor Sarah Palin and others are right that the term is indeed derogatory and offensive, what is even more offensive than the word itself is the policies that the current administration is pursuing.

South Carolina Lt. Governor (and current Gubernatorial candidate) André Bauer recently pointed out that these policies date back to President Lyndon B. Johnson’s “Great Society.”  While those policies actually go back even further to FDR’s “New Deal.” Lt. Governor Bauer is right on the money.

While the government should be giving a hand up to those who are the most vulnerable in our society through policy, instead the Government is in the business of giving handouts that are tied to a ball-and-chain.  With only reward for staying in our place and no incentive for bettering ourselves the “vicious cycle of public dependency” that Governor Bauer referred to is exacerbated by the supported policies of the current administration, such as socialized health care, cap-and-trade, and tax increases for the producers in society.

Indeed, the choice of words by Chief of Staff, Rahm Emanuel is offensive. However, the most offensive thing of all is the administration’s support for policies that are far by more hurtful to the lives of the mentally and physically disabled.  Sticks and stones may break our bones but words will never hurt us.  These “progressive” policies are the sticks and stones.  We deserve much better!