[John Cole]

Katy,

I don't think I've ever called anyone retarded in my life or used the word in connection with another such as you did when you called someone's excuses retarded. I have, however, and still do use the term "mentally retarded," but only when it applies to people who are mentally retarded--and I see little difference between "mentally retarded" and "mentally challenged." However, I'm certainly willing to listen to arguments against my use of the term, and if I find them substantive, I will not use "mentally retarded." I figure it's no skin off my ass to adjust my vocabulary to save someone else's feelings.

Oscar Wilde said that "a gentlemen is someone who never insults someone unintentionally." It is, I think, a thought to live by.