Use Of The Word ‘Stupid’
To The Editor:
Last week, while in earshot of a six year old, I used the word “stupid” — not to describe a person, but to describe an object. The child quickly admonished me by telling me that “stupid” was a bad word that we shouldn’t say. I responded by saying that the child was absolutely correct and I apologized.
A few days later, I was catching up on some back issues of the Newtown Bee, when I read a letter from Derek Pisani, an elected representative in our town. In that letter, Legislative Council member Pisani, somewhat bizarrely switches to third person (as though narrating from his own letter) to call his constituents “stupid.” Such is the disdain of this character “Derek Pisani,” that it’s not just common “stupidity” from which he believes his constituents suffer—it’s “gross stupidity” and a “magnitude of stupidity” that “is incomprehensible and needs to be addressed.”
My first thought upon reading his letter was that Mr Pisani could benefit from speaking with a child about whether calling people “stupid” is acceptable behavior. My second thought was that you’d have to be pretty darn … uh, “lacking in political savvy” … to call your constituents nasty names if you want to be re-elected.
Wendy Leon-Gambetta
Newtown
Totally agree. But hey, at least his poor judgement is consistent. This is the same guy who suggested that building a stadium would be a good compromise for the environmentally sensitive property next the Catherine Violet Hubbard Animal Sanctuary on what is now Newtown’s newest open space (aka 6 Commerce Road). SMH
Let’s ask an imaginary third grader shall we Wendy?
Is it a good idea or a bad idea to protect Newtown businesses from being impeded because of a protest? Third grader; “GOOD IDEA”. Is it a good idea or a bad idea to make Newtown traffic safe during a protest? Third Grader “GOOD IDEA”. Is it a good idea or bad idea to pay have Newtown taxpayers pay $15k in police OT EVERY PROTEST that could be avoided with ample notice? Third grader; “BAD IDEA. VERY BAD IDEA!!”. Is a good idea or a bad idea to protect Newtown from any legal risk because they were negligent in providing any preparation in the event anyone was killed, injured, or property damaged? Third grader; “Good Idea. Anything else is just stupid!” Now third grader, we shouldn’t use that word. Do you know what does the word “Stupid” even means? Third grader: “Yes, According to the Merrian Webster dictionary, it means tending to make bad decisions.”
If Newtown wants to re-elect me to always keep their best interests at heart, they will re-elect me. It they want officials sitting on the LC that are more sympathetic to protestors then they are acting in the best interests of Newtown, so be it.. One more thing Wendy, Kerrville, TX; the legislative body there had the opportunity to vote for a Flash Flood siren warning system. They voted “no”. Now over 200 people are dead. Family’s are destroyed. Was that a good idea or a bad idea? Don’t answer that; let me answer that for you. Derek Pisani: IT WAS STUPID! I intentionally wanted to offend those who need to be offended and if you are one of them, you tell me where that imaginary third grader was wrong in answering those questions. I’ll wait.