Wednesday, June 17, 2009

Alzheimer's is NOT (Political) Fair Game

As we've noted more than once, although we are not apolitical, IB is not a "political blog" (poliblog). We don't, for example, endorse candidates or particular legislation. Sometimes, though, the political class oversteps its bounds and, in the popular lingo, "jumps the shark." The outrageous and utterly despicable smear against (now former) Inspector General Gerald Walpin is without honor or decency, and directly slights every Alzheimer's patient, their families, and those who care about them.
Regardless of one's political persuasion, there is simply no excuse for casually claiming that someone with whom one is in political disagreement is suffering from dementia or senility. Mr Walpin was fired from his post for reasons political, but President "57 States" Obama felt it appropriate to claim that the IG was dismissed because he was "confused, disoriented, unable to answer questions and exhibited other behavior that led the Board to question his capacity to serve;” all text-book definitions of Alzheimer's.
Having watched and cared for a real Alzheimer's victim, and having seen how Mr Walpin comports himself on television (indeed, passing a standard state-approved "mini-test" for dementia), it is obvious that this is a man in complete control and awareness of his faculties. It is an insult to my mother, and to the thousands of others who truly suffer from this horrid affliction.
It is simply inexcusable.
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