Physical disability makes Johnson unable to lead

Published/Last Modified on Tuesday, Oct 07, 2008 - 06:05:20 am CDT

Dear Editor:

Tim Johnson is unable to participate in any debates.

If one has ever visited our legislators in Washington, you will know that our representatives need to be physically capable of moving vigorously from place to place.

It is obvious that Tim Johnson’s health will not permit him such movement. Tim cannot even say, “My name is Tim Johnson and I approve this message.” Tim is a good fellow but he is obviously incapable of effectively representing South Dakota in the U.S. Senate.

This is not the first time that South Dakota faced such a dilemma. Karl Mundt, our Republican senator years ago, had a stroke and was unable to function but refused to resign; thus South Dakota had no senatorial representation in the Senate and no way to require his resignation. This time we do have recourse, Sen. Johnson must stand for re-election next month.

In addition to his physical handicap, he is part of the failed team that has led our nation to a $10 trillion deficit and to the edge of fiscal catastrophe.

If we want to change the outcome of our government we must change the people who have led us into this mess.

Robert Parsons

Pierre

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Comments

7 comment(s)

Outsider wrote on Oct 17, 2008 2:12 PM:

" I am glad that the Americans that elected FDR doe not have the same view as you. When we come into the next Great Depression, maybe we need someone that is physically challenged. "

returned local wrote on Oct 11, 2008 9:41 AM:

" To Mr. Parsons. I have been in health care for over 25 years. Your words are appalling to me. To think that just because of this disability you think he needs to resign. You say he is part of the 10 trillion problem in Washington. So don't you think we should get rid of Thune and Herseth as well as the entire government? Your comments make no sense to me "

Oh my wrote on Oct 10, 2008 12:42 PM:

" Mr. Parsons I would just like to say that just because Mr. Johnson my have somewhat of a speech problem his mind is as sharp as ever. I can not believe you think it is okay for you to talk about someone like you did. Shame on you. "

S.O.S. wrote on Oct 9, 2008 12:16 PM:

" Senator Johnson has served South Dakota and the United States of America well. However, I do think it is time for him to retire. Because he is a person with disabilities, I believe this will keep him from functioning at 100%. I wish the Johnson family would have had the foresight to push his son into the limelight. I hear he is going to make a wonderful politician some day, hopefully sooner than later! "

gramma wrote on Oct 8, 2008 10:37 AM:

" MR. PARSONS: Talk about off base and totally way out there! Tim Johnson's one of the best leaders for our state. He's very concerned and fights hard for issues that would be good for South Dakota citizens. In the very least, you owe Senator Johnson an apology!!!! Shame on you! "

A Local wrote on Oct 7, 2008 6:19 PM:

" Senator Johnson talks just as well or better then some of these guys from down south that come up here to shoot pheasants. Mr. Parsons sounds like he has been living in a fishbowl in the middle of South Dakota. "

MyThots wrote on Oct 7, 2008 1:37 PM:

" This letter says more about the writer than it does about Johnson.

The fact that the author used the word "handicap," tells me that he has little knowledge about people with disabilities.

Because of mobility devices, people have the freedom to be a contributing part of the workforce. Tim shows his wisdom in utilizing devices that gives him freedom. Regarding his speech, there are people from all across the country who serve in the congress, some have thick accents that makes them difficult to understand to the unfamiliar listener.
Should they be banned from serving? "

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