Comments on: Soeren Palumbo’s Eye Opening Speech On The Word “Retard”

By: Steph B.

Steph B. — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 09:04:59 +0000

I cried my eyes out. People like Soeren’s sister are so vulnerable. And unfortunately are taken advantage of a lot and sometimes abused. Not in the home environment. But out on their own. We all should be there for them. In too many countries people who are “different” are not growning up as part of the society. In those countries where it is possible it is up to us, to be there for them too. Your mothers’ heart is big enough for them too. Try to attend the activities or fun fairs that many special schools organise with your kids. So they can see that everyone like themselves is unique and has his or her own value in society.

By: Gina Alessi

Gina Alessi — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 18:42:42 +0000

I read this speech to my highschool senior AP English class today. It almost had me in tears at certain parts. Two of my sisters have downs syndrome and the speech moved me so much that I shared it with my peers. The room was dead silent at the end of it, when I read the words “I love you Olivia” I could only picture the faces of my two amazing sisters. I know that this speech moved every senior in that classroom. I just hope it stays with us all.

God bless you.

By: Jen P

Jen P — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 00:17:38 +0000

This moved me to tears. Thanks for the transcript.

By: Karen DeGroot Carter

Karen DeGroot Carter — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 15:26:05 +0000

Thanks, Melissa and Carol O. (and Niksmom for sending me here via Good Job Mama!) for this. My blog promotes tolerance and celebrates diversity and I’m really (!!) looking forward to highlighting this speech very soon. Karen in Denver

By: Casdok

Casdok — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 09:40:35 +0000

Beautifuly written with such an important message.

By: jontyhoe

jontyhoe — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 08:17:25 +0000

It is really inspiring and heart touching story. This could inspire every person to speak open minded and whole hearted. The story reflects how the Speech Privacy system is helpful in putting ones own thoughts and personal information.

By: Niksmom

Niksmom — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 03:13:33 +0000

I found this through Good Job Mama’s blog. Thanks for this. It is so incredibly inspiring.

By: Michael Jones

Michael Jones — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 20:31:54 +0000

I had not realized what Adam had said until I read something on my internet homepage. As a father of an Autistic son, we face many challenges with him on a daily basis. We do this with smiles on our faces, open hearts and minds. Our son was diagnosed at 18 months, after several ear infections, and two “tube” operations the ENT Doctor recommended we seek assistance at the local university medical center that deals with diagnosing Autism. My wife and I reluctantly take our son to the center, walk into a room filled to the rafters with white coats and begin the process. A week later we get the phone call that not only broke our hearts, but gave us the strength to march on.
My wife and I have taught our children to respect everyone. Regardless of race, sexual orientation, creed, national origin or otherwise. We have taught them that there is no black, white, red, purple, asian, african american..there is just one united people. We immediately sought assistance from the local infant/toddler center in our home town. When we started this journey, our son would not talk, look at you, point, laugh, or otherwise communicate. Our son hated large crowds, bright lights, loud music, etc. Alot of therapy went into this young boy, and alot of tears, sleepless nights, worrying in general. Now our son is 9 years old, holding an “A” average, and is participating in a general 3rd grade classroom..YAH! He has a para professional that sits with him on a daily basis. So for all this work, and dedication to have my son overhear such nasty, evil, vile crap being spewed from an uneducated man such as Adam Jasinsky on Big Brother only sets the whole process back. When you set the process back with an Autistic Child, things go WAY back!!!!!

By: Jenn

Jenn — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 06:12:41 +0000

OMG, written by a young high school student no less. So wise and powerfully written. If only more people could see things that way. I hope his speech touched many hearts. Surely it did mine – I barely got through it without batting away the tears.