It has been pointed out to me that I wrote in haste a few days ago about the reported comment White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel made in which he used a disparaging term to describe the intellect of some fellow Democrats.
To be exact, he allegedly referred to them as "f*****g retards."
The remark earned more attention after former Alaskan governor Sarah Palin blasted Emanuel and called for his resignation. Palin's son has Down Syndrome, a condition that is synonymous with mental retardation.
Then it was revealed that radio host Rush Limbaugh had also used the term "retard" to describe folks in Washington with whom he does not agree. He seemed to be poking at Palin for not wanting Emanuel to call a spade a spade, so to speak.
Palin was asked about Limbaugh's comment and apparently she blustered her way through a defense of some sort. After all, she and Rush are technically on the same team, right?
Critics said Palin's lack of rebuke in the Limbaugh case made her a hypocrite.
I've thought hard about this and I come to a different conclusion.
Anyone who sits at the right hand of the president of the United States is, by default, a representative of the American people. He lives and works in quarters maintained by American citizens and is beholden to them for pretty much everything he does or says while in an official capacity. Emanuel made his unfortunate remark in a closed meeting -- but a meeting held on American taxpayer-owned property and on the American taxpayers' dime.
He should be held to a higher standard.
Rush Limbaugh, on the other hand, while a public figure, is not an elected or appointed member of the U.S. government. He does not represent our citizenry in official business and cannot be held to the same standard as someone who does.
It's like the Bible says in Luke 12:48, "To whom much is given, much is required."
Rahm has a bigger title, ergo he should exercise his privilege with greater care.
'Nuff said.
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