I recently spoke up attempting to explain why I felt that it was important to express our opinions in a respectful manner and not use divisive words or personal attacks. Stress is high in the political arena. Defenses mechanisms flare at the first word. Please read completely to fully understand and hopefully consider my point of view. Please be sure to share your thoughts on the matter as well. We learn and grow from each others experiences in life.
This is a political neutral request being presented with kindness please continue to read.
I am speaking up about the use of the word “Libtard”……….. If I would have seen signs and posts that stated “conservatard” I would be speaking up about that as well.
At the risk of looking like a Prude or an oversensitive person I am feeling the need to explain the education I received from many beautiful people who have a diagnosis of intellectual or developmental disabilities in their medical histories.
I see the use of the word “libtard” (Which is a derogatory term – combination of the words liberal and retarded) unnecessary, unkind, and offensive to those who may have head injuries, intellectual disabilities or developmental disabilities from birth.
Any one of us could wake up tomorrow and have a diagnosis in our medical charts of mental retardation due to brain injury.
To those who may be recovering, or have a family member recovering it is sad and traumatic and may not be something that is easily laughed off.
When you work with those afflicted you see and feel the seriousness of it. I post this in hopes of gaining respect and awareness for the people I have worked with like those who work with people who are in the Military or Veterans.
As a caregiver I literally find myself saying OUCH when I have to take a bandage off someone I am giving care too. It hurts me to see them hurt! I was trained the “R” word should be respect.
It pains me to see so many people use words, labels and names to deliberately attempt to belittle someone or a group with an opposing viewpoint.
My post has nothing to do with democrat or republican it is simply speaking out requesting respect for all people with mental disabilities.
The very first step toward positive solutions is finding common ground, and treating each other with respect.
This is impossible when we intentionally call each other names and attempt to diminish and discredit the opposing side using demeaning words and “name calling”.
I truly believe in free speech but my heart believes also in having and expressing respect for one another.
It is possible to voice one’s opinion without calling the person with the opposing opinion a derogatory name. This only causes division, anger and hurt.
I pray Americans will soon join together, humbly realize and admit when we have said things, done things or communicated things in an inappropriate manner.
Resolutions to conflicts begin with the willingness to compromise and show respect for an opposing opinion.
Peace comes to those with open hearts who welcome in Wisdom and Strength to make positive changes.
A willingness to humbly open ones heart to feel another person’s pain will open our eyes to a new found clarity and wisdom.
I pray others will join with me in attempting to communicate and articulate our opinions in a manner that does not instigate or enrage emotional responses and belittle other human beings.
With Respect, Hope, Joy and Love, Carmela
Aim high show respect for everyone and everything
Stand firmly for opinions if you feel they are right, but respect those of other. 
Examining reasons why we become so angry over an issue will often lead us to a new level of contentment, peace, understanding in inner Joy.
Nothing destroys self worth, self acceptance, and self love faster than denying your feelings. Without feelings you would not know where you are in life, nor would you know what areas you need to work on. Honor your feelings, allow yourself to feel and communicate. Be mindful of choosing words that are not harmful to others when expressing yourself.
Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better. -(Maya Angelou)
Although our minds may continue trying to make us focus on human differences if we choose to stop the thoughts, concentrate on the breath and listen to the Spirit within us. Our thoughts can turn from negative “selfish thoughts” to positive “Divine inspiration”.
Carmela Snelbaker 