Posted on 06/14/2006 1:19:13 PM PDT by churchillbuff
At his press conference this morning, President Bush, who often makes inside jokes when familiar reporters pose questions, asked Los Angeles Times reporter Peter Wallsten, who was wearing sunglasses outside, “Are you going to ask that question with shades on?” Bush noted that there was "no sun" but added, “I’m interested in the shade look, seriously.”
Turns out Wallsten is legally blind and wears the sunglasses due to a rare genetic disorder called Stargardt’s Disease.
But Wallsten later told the ThinkProgress web site that Bush’s comments did not offend him at all. “I never advertise it to him. I’ve never told him,” he explained, according to the site.
I'm sure Wallsten is being honest and that he is legally blind - but actual blindness and legal blindness are two different things.
You have to play it backwards. George W Bush said that all blind people should be jailed.
I am legally blind without correction. I have extreme light sensitivity, as one of the small percent of people who have that side effect from dyslexia. I would never think ill of anyone who wears sunglasses when the rest of a group isn't.
That's interesting, but I just find it odd that he's been in other pics without sunglasses on, and frankly, if I were going to be in a press conference I would have told the WH that I would be wearing sunglasses but it's not a sign of disrespect, it's for medical reasons. That has nothing to do with the guy playing victim, it's a sign of courtesy to your host.
Wallsten is not blind. He's just an obnoxious little jerk and someone is providing cover for this jerk.
You know I thought that Kayne Wests' statement was funny until my 5 year old daughter heard it, and asked me "Why does George Bush hate black people?" I know she's only 5 but there are probably some people out there who would believe it if someone on TV says it.
Well I'm sure they'll provide it for you.
But that's because you have that situation. If one person in a crowd is wearing sunglasses, they stick out, and it's not going out on a limb to make the connection with someone having a star trip.
As a member of the press it wouldn't be a big deal to mention, while getting credentials, "BTW I need these for my medical condition," so the President doesn't think someone in the crowd is showing a lack of respect for the office.
After 3 corneal transplants and a recent cataract surgery I know exactly where this guy is at. There are times I have to wear dark glasses inside just because light, any light, hurts too much.
I get pissed at people who know about my eyes who give me grief about it, make some "snappy" comment. I do NOT take offense with someone who makes a comment when I haven't told them what's going.
I'm on board with those that applaud this guys approach and comments on this "incident" so far. I would like to have a very long talk with the clowns who are trying to drum up a problem for Bush out of this, however... preferably in a quiet alley someplace...
If you don't believe me, you hate blind people.
Another reason to impeach Bush! /sarc
I've done the same thing - TWICE!!
I gave a form to a client once and when he didn't appear to be reading it I said, "What are you, blind?" He replied, "Yes, I am".
I proceeded to shrink to a 2" height.
A couple of years later we went into a restaurant in Northern Michigan while on vacation. We were seated by a young man and then waited and waited.
I finally went up to the behind -the-counter cook and complained about the long wait.
He told me that most of the staff had called in that day and they were extremely short staffed. He said they had no one to take our order.
I told them that someone had seated us and why couldn't he take our order.
The cook replied, "He isn't able to".
I said, "What is he - retarded?"
The cook replied, "Yes sir, he is". (the guy did not have Down's Syndrome and looked perfectly normal)
This time I shrank down to a 1 1/2" height.
I might be a slow learner - but twice was enough. I never make statements like that anymore!
More importantly, what does Ann Coulter have to say about this!?
I can appreciate the reporter not wanting to make a statement about it. Bush just happens to speak directly to things that seem out of the ordinary to him. The exchange was very civil. By now, W probably knows "the rest of the story."
Legally blind does NOT = blind. I suspect it's a liberal inspired scale for victimhood. I know several people who are legally blind......they can see some, but not enough to live a normal life. NO driving, they use walking sticks.....but with one lady I know if I stand to either her right or left side she CAN see me just fine. She manages to get out and about daily......God bless her.
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