Vulgarity must be condemned

In a Feb. 13 post on X, White House Director of Communications Steven Cheung referred to Congressmen Ro Khanna and Thomas Massie as “some of the dumbest (the R word) ever to be in Congress.” From the director of communications, of all departments.

I find the use of the R word to be absolutely abhorrent. In 2016, I struggled to come up with an adequate answer when one of my adult sons with intellectual disabilities asked why a candidate for president — now our current president — was making fun of a reporter with cerebral palsy. Now, 10 years later, someone serving in the White House administration is using a similarly offensive term without batting an eyelash.

I don’t care what issue motivated Mr. Cheung’s post. That is a distraction. The use of the R word, especially by those in positions of power, should be condemned.

I have reached out to Senators Dick Durbin and Tammy Duckworth, as well as my representative, Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi, urging them to speak from the floor of their respective legislative bodies to denounce this language and to call on Mr. Cheung to issue a public apology.

Too many vulgarities pass without comment. I will not let this one.

Micki Coppel

Schaumburg