"The Republican Party remains committed to addressing the concerns and needs of Americans living with disabilities and recognizes that derogatory remarks demean us all." Said Michael Steel, RNC Chairman. "The use of the word 'retard' is unacceptable in almost any forum.
Controversy arose when White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel referred to a group of activists as 'fucking retarded'.
Former Alaska Gov, Sarah Palin, who has a son with Down's Syndrome, was offended by Emanuel's reported remark and commented "Just as we’d be appalled if any public figure of Rahm’s stature ever used the 'N-word' or other such inappropriate language, Rahm’s slur on all God’s children with cognitive and developmental disabilities – and the people who love them – is unacceptable, and is heartbreaking."
In direct response to Emanuel's comments, Chairman Steel issued a strong rebuke, indicating that the use of the word 'retard' is not appropriate.
"I can think of no scenario or circumstance where the term retard is appropriate...except perhaps........
when referring to Philip Klein."
