(MO State) Senator (Nodler-MO-32), caregiver spar

[usregimechange]

An argument over the behavior of a few developmentallydisabled adults attending a matinee in a Joplin theater has pitted a local politician against the group's 20-year-old caregiver, and both are claiming the moral high ground.

State Sen. Gary Nodler, a 54-year-old Joplin Republican, wants a formal apology and a reprimand for what he says was rude behavior on the part of certified nurse aide Amanda Richardson. He claims Richardson used a common four-letter word during the exchange.

Richardson denies using the word, and says her clients are the ones owed the apology.

"He said people like that shouldn't be allowed in places (such as movie theaters)," she said. "In his position, he should be helping people like this."

http://www.joplinglobe.com/story.php?story_id=200419

Nodler at one point said, "Do you know who I am?" What a callous crook of a human being.

[noamnety]

1. The only proper answer:

"Do you know who I am?"
"A public servant."

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

2. another example of compassionate conservativism

hope that a progressive running against this bozo next year quotes him....

[usregimechange]

3. Editorials expressing anger at Nodler

Angered at attitude

I am the proud parent of an 18-year-old son with autism and other developmental delays. I am angered and heartsick to hear the attitude of state Sen. Gary Nodler toward these wonderful people. He obviously does not have any kind of clear understanding of what they add to our society. Perhaps the people of Southwest Missouri should ask themselves if this is the kind of person we want as a leader. Mr. Nodler claims that he did nothing wrong and has, indeed, cleared himself of any wrongdoing by taking a polygraph. I, for one, would like to see what the questions were and exactly what his answers were.

It makes no difference who said what at the theater, nothing can change what I heard with my own ears on the evening news. My question to Mr. Nodler is, "What would you suggest be done?" Are we to go back to the dark ages and lock anyone who is a little different up in an institution? And just who do you think would pay the cost of something like that? As far as Mr. Nodler's being set up, it doesn't matter if he was or wasn't. His comments and actions remain the same. Besides, he is not the victim here. The victims are those who cannot speak for themselves.

I am very proud of my son and his behavior. He goes most everywhere I go. Anyone who knows him likes and respects him. No, he is not perfect, and we have to work a little harder at life in general. But I will not now or at anytime apologize for having him in public. Mr. Nodler needs to remember that people who live in glass houses should never throw stones and that just because he is healthy today it does not mean that one day disability won't find its way into his life.

Dorothy Pridemore

Diamond


Not a license

Regarding state Sen. Gary Nodler's comment: "(Being) disabled is not a license to act inappropriately," he told the Globe. Neither, Mr. Nodler, is being a state senator.

There, but for the grace of God, go you!

Christina Waldeck

Torrance, Calif.

http://www.joplinglobe.com/story.php?story_id=202418&c=96