Mr. President, Please Stop Calling People Retarded 

 
We get it, you're blunt. You speak your mind. But words matter. 
 
Last night, you referred to a public official as "seriously retarded." That word is outdated. It's hurtful. And it wounds millions of people, people like my son John, who has Down syndrome and who also happens to be a successful entrepreneur, keynote speaker, and a global ambassador for inclusion. 

 
Let me be clear: this is not about political correctness. It's about human decency. 

 
Every time someone in power uses the r-word as an insult, it reinforces the false idea that people with intellectual disabilities are less than. It treats them as if they are not fully human. It undermines decades of work by advocates, families, and individuals with differing abilities who are proving every day that ability matters more than disability. 

 
I am not asking you to be soft; I am asking you to be better. To rise up. To lead by example. 

 
Because if you're truly about strength and greatness, that starts with how you treat others, especially those society has historically marginalized. 

 
We built John's Crazy Socks to spread happiness, to show what people with disabilities can do. More than half of our team has a differing ability. They are not "less than." They are not punchlines. They are hardworking, capable, valuable citizens. 

 
Here's our invitation: Mr. Trump, meet our team. Look them in the eye. Hear their stories. You might see that inclusion isn't a weakness; it's powerful. You might see they are part of the America you say you love.  

 
Mark X. Cronin 
Co-Founder, John's Crazy Socks and Abilities Rising 
Dad. Advocate. Employer. Voter.