The Most Egregious of Double Standards

This a reprint of I post I generated back in 2008. Unfortunately, it is still a timely topic.  

   Since I work with people with Developmental Disabilities, I take great exception to those who would deride or demean them. I believe it is the product of a life lived in ignorance and shows a considerable lack of compassion for others.
   To those who would disagree, I would tell you that a person with a Developmental Disability did not choose his/her lot in life, just as those who are not disabled did not chose their skin color, national origin, religion, etc. at birth.
   Some people have made choices in lifestyle which are in direct conflict with social and/or religious standards. Yet still, you DEMAND acceptance from society. You deem it to be your right under a free and democratic society.
   People with Developmental Disabilities deserve nothing less than you! Which brings me to the use of the epithet RETARD. I hear this insult bandied about with impunity. It's in our public places, on our airwaves (shock jocks), and in other forms of entertainment.
   In a society in which one cannot use derogatory language to describe any group without incurring the wrath of any number of civil liberties organizations, people CAN AND DO use the word retard to describe a person or a thing that hey deem is defective or stupid.
   Generally, Developmental Disabilities result from a number of situations, including genetic conditions, traumatic brain injury (due to car collisions, sports injuries, etc), social deprivation, or lack of love and attention. Most are the result of uncontrollable circimstances (Car collisions being a primary cause of Developmental Disabilites in children - from inappropriately installed child safety seats).
   It's AMAZING (not to mention outrageous)! The very same people who take umbrage at the use of any term which is denigrating or demeaning to them, their lifestyle, their religious affiliations, race, or national origin, think nothing of tossing out this word which insults people whose only "crime" is that they may learn more slowly (the word hypocrite jumps to mind here - don't use demeaning/denigrating language to pigeonhole me, but I can do the same to a very helpless and vulnerable population).
   If you are a person who has had occasion to use this unfortunate slander (Retard), please reconsider and stop using it and encourage others to do the same. There is a whole population of people out there who will be thankful, as will those of us who know the joys of associating with and serving them.
   One other thing to consider. "There but for the grace of God (or whatever Deity you worship) go I." If a member of your family ever experienced a disabling injury (and I hope that never happens), you would hope for patience, compassion, understanding, and empathy from society for that person who means the world to you. Please don't deny the same for those who already live that reality.