Well played, sir. Well played.

In the final weeks of presidential elections, words often get heated. This week, a right-wing American pundit referred to President Obama as a retard. The use of such a word by a prominent individual is fairly shocking, but all the more surprising is this brilliant, grace-filled response that the pundit received from American Paralympian, John Franklin Stephens:

"I’m a 30 year old man with Down syndrome who has struggled with the public’s perception that an intellectual disability means that I am dumb and shallow. I am not either of those things, but I do process information more slowly than the rest of you. In fact it has taken me all day to figure out how to respond to your use of the R-word last night. 

I thought first of asking whether you meant to describe the President as someone who was bullied as a child by people like you, but rose above it to find a way to succeed in life as many of my fellow Special Olympians have. 

Then I wondered if you meant to describe him as someone who has to struggle to be thoughtful about everything he says, as everyone else races from one snarkey sound bite to the next. 

Finally, I wondered if you meant to degrade him as someone who is likely to receive bad health care, live in low grade housing with very little income and still manages to see life as a wonderful gift. 

Because, Ms. Coulter, that is who we are – and much, much more.

After I saw your tweet, I realized you just wanted to belittle the President by linking him to people like me.  You assumed that people would understand and accept that being linked to someone like me is an insult and you assumed you could get away with it and still appear on TV.
I have to wonder if you considered other hateful words but recoiled from the backlash.

Well, Ms. Coulter, you, and society, need to learn that being compared to people like me should be considered a badge of honor.

No one overcomes more than we do and still loves life so much. 

Come join us someday at Special Olympics.  See if you can walk away with your heart unchanged. 

A friend you haven’t made yet, 

John Franklin Stephens
Global Messenger
Special Olympics Virginia"

What better way to confront hate and prejudice than with this? Were that we all be known for speaking with such grace and truth in the face of injustice.

Shared from the Justice Matters Facebook Page

A summer like no other

If you are anything like me, then you will have been deeply inspired by this summer's Olympic and Paralympic Games. Despite not being especially into sports, I found myself engrossed and emotionally involved with the efforts (and considerable achievements) of the athletes.

While the heroes of Team GB were undoubtedly hugely talented, I was struck by how ordinary many of them where - not in any pejorative sense, but rather that they seemed like normal people who you might see on the street or the supermarket; ordinary people who had taken a decision to dedicate their lives to achieve something extraordinary and had set the world ablaze as a result. This sense was redoubled by the Paralympians, who demonstrated that there are no barriers too great for those determined to make their mark on the world.

This term at Justice Matters we will be looking at ways that we can be more dedicated and deliberate in our efforts to “learn to do right, seek justice [and] defend the oppressed.” (Isaiah 1:17). Like those athletes, we are ordinary people with a radical ambition. We may never stand in a stadium before 90,000 roaring supporters (at least not that we can see), but we can each live our lives with that same purpose and passion such that we cross the finish line having changed the world for the better. Join us this term as we learn how to do that together...

Olympic truce

Evidence of hope in unlikely places. In connection we discover our common humanity...

Shared from the Justice Matters Facebook Page

A summer break and a BBQ

So, did you watch that Opening Ceremony? What a feast for the eyes, ears and imagination! I'm finding it very interesting this morning to read how different people have interpreted the evening (some foreign commentators seem unsurprisingly baffled by parts of it). Personally, I thought the opening sequence depicting the transition from rural pastures to industrial engine was very powerful - a reminder that the many positives of progress come at great expense. I was also pleased to see the unashamed nods to women's suffrage and other reform movements. What was your favourite moment?

If you came along to our gathering ten days ago, you will have heard a challenging talk from Lizzie Feltoe (Justice Matters leadership team and AgeUK) on the subject of ageing and the mixed blessing and challenge that people living longer brings. We will try to put a summary of her talk on the JM website soon, but she did also mention some local befriending opportunities that you might be interested in. AgeUK Barnet have details about how to volunteer on their website. Let us know if you decide to give it a go! Alternatively, Ann-Marie also suggested the older people's Wednesday Club at St Barnabas Church for anyone looking for a rewarding volunteering opportunity during the day.

You will also have heard that the last session was out final formal gathering until September when we will be launching into an exciting new programme with a slightly revised format. We will still be meeting on the first and third Wednesdays, but watch this space for further details.

In the meantime, we will be holding a BBQ on the 8th August at Dave and Fiona's house in Mill Hill. If you are interested in going, please email them on forgetful@ntlworld.com so they can coordinate who brings what etc. We hope to see some of you there. Otherwise, enjoy your summer and see you again soon!