Last week, President Obamas appearance on the Tonight Show occasioned an attempt at humor that fell flat. Although self-deprecating. Obama muttered 'Special Olympics' as a phrase descriptive of his lack of bowling skill. He has been apologizing and has taken some steps to repair the disappointment of those involved in the needless-to-say laudable program that the Special Olympics has become. The president called Tim Shriver, chairman of the Special Olympics, to say he was sorry.
"He expressed his disappointment, and he apologized in a way that was very moving. He expressed that he did not intend to humiliate this population," Shriver said today on ABC's "Good Morning America."
On March 20th, Sarah Palin, in her capacity as mother of a special needs child, issued a statement imbued with indignation.
"I was shocked to learn of the comment made by President Obama about Special Olympics. This was a degrading remark about our world’s most precious and unique people, coming from the most powerful position in the world.
"These athletes overcome more challenges, discrimination and adversity than most of us ever will. By the way, these athletes can outperform many of us and we should be proud of them. I hope President Obama’s comments do not reflect how he truly feels about the special needs community."
But how is it that Palin is incensed over the two words that Obama said, (as regretable as they were), while refusing to accept the stimulus money?
Alaskan educators a scrambling to reverse Palins decision to decline 172 million dollars for Alaskan schools. Under the stimulus guidelines, 74 millions of those dollars were targeted for poor schools and SPECIAL NEEDS programs. Anchorage schools alone were scheduled to receive 26 million for special education and Title One programs, programs that have now been thrown into doubt. According to the Anchorage Dailey News, reaction from the states superintendents ranges from dismay to panic and many of the 53 superintendents are drafting a letter to the legislature in hopes of overruling Palins decision.
"This is the kids' money, not our money," said Lower Yukon superintendent John Lamont.
"We will need our Legislature to take a strong stand and pass the emergency resolution to receive this money on behalf of Alaska's children," wrote Norman Eck, another superintendent.
So while Palin is getting her muckalucks in a knot about Obamas comment, she is denying funding for the education of those very special needs kids that she purports to champion. The hypocritical result is another example of what it means to be a compassionate conservative; that oxymoron that is alive and well in Alaskas governors mansion.