Ricky Gervais calls Susan Boyle 'a mong'

http://www.musicrooms.net/showbiz/7654-Ricky-Gervais-Calls-Susan-Boyle-Mong.html

However, unlike Frankie Boyle, Gervais has at least made an attempt to justify his comments....see "Week one hundred and nineteen - May 2010" - "I clearly explain that words change and that at no point am I referring to anyone with Down's Syndrome. Not only am I not referring to people with Down's Syndrome I also explain that I am not associating the word with its old derogatory meaning. I also do it as part of a routine about comedians taking responsibility for everything they say. I hope this is acceptable."

http://rickygervais.com/thissideofthetruth.php

Eight years on

I was struggling with the photocopier. How many bits of paper can get jammed in one machine? Text message: who's that? Well, it was from the Mrs., forwarded from Stan's speech and language lesson. A video of Stan, clearly saying: "XXX is eating chocolate cake."

The text came in eight years to the moment that Stan was being prepped for his first heart surgery on 20 May, 2002.

It was a wonderful moment this morning because it reminded me of how far we've come. And reminded me of the amazing friends and family that stood by us in our darkest hour. And reminded me of the incredible team at Great Ormond Street who I thank every minute of every hour for saving Stan's life.

Thanks to them, every time I look at both of my boys, my heart skips a beat.

disability hits the election

The story about Samuel Bartley's education..........

News report:
Cameron ambushed by father of disabled child

Jonathan Bartley blog:

Why I raised the issue of inclusion with David Cameron today

twitter:

Jonathan Bartley on twitter

"My sister has Down's........"

Thanks to Jason Fitch, who has blogged on this really important issue of sibling love >>>>> I asked my oldest if he wanted to read it, however and he turned down my kind request, pointing out eloquently that he lives it daily.....................

Frankie is a Boyle

Comedian Frankie Boyle had an on-stage run-in with a mother of a Down's syndrome child after he made fun of victims. The former panellist on BBC quiz Mock The Week devoted five minutes of a stand-up show to a foul tirade against sufferers and their parents by criticising their hair, clothing and voices. He then turned on the audience, picking on a couple - Sharon and Keiron Smith - in the front row and accusing them of talking. Laughter turned to awkward silence when Mrs Smith told Boyle: 'My daughter has Down's syndrome and I'm very upset.'
Boyle was unrepentant. He made fun of the couple before saying: 'This is my last tour. I don't give a **** what people think.'

Frankie Boyle story here >>>>>

Sharon's blog >>>>>

Eighteen year old with DS from Scotland responds >>>>>

Interesting discussion by people not directly involved in the story>>>>>

My letter to Frankie Boyle's management company:

Hi Frankie - one way that my son doesn't live up to the tiresome stereotypes that you were pandering on stage is the really rude sign he gives when people upset him. We're trying to discourage him from using this, but in your case we're happy to make a massive exception. Steve

Sarah's been Palin'ed

Former US vice-presidential candidate Sarah Palin has criticised TV show Family Guy for "mocking" her son who has Down's syndrome. Sarah Palin criticised by an actress with Down’s syndrome. 

But I think that this is a great development. The character depicted in Family Guy was a positive role model. The reference to Sarah Palin could have been looking to the future when Trig is accepted for what he is, going out to dinner and being 'in charge'. Well done Family Guy and to this actress.

Letter to the Independent

Letter to the Independent 
The ups of Down's
What prospective parents of children with Down's do is 100 per cent their choice (report, 27 October). However, I urge anyone who is looking to make an informed decision to go to www.the-specials.com to see a number of young adults, mainly with Down's Syndrome, sharing a house together in Brighton and having the time of their lives. I'm looking forward to a day when my eight-year-old son Stan, who has Down's, enjoys an independent life, contributing to society and developing friendships.
Steve Palmer

Letter here