I had a mild stutter as a child that I overcame myself, but I also had a terrible, terrible lisp (I was almost incomprehensible). I also had a Deep South accent when I moved to Bergen County NJ as a child in 1969.
I overcame my lisp with intensive speech therapy at school, and studied and learned to speak NY Metro English.
However I acquired a life long detestation of bullies. I was big and smart and friendly, so no one messed with me, but I HATED how others were picked on. That has persisted all my life.
There are millions and millions of us who were “different” in some ways as children. You better believe we all remember that today.
21
Captain,
Your words are spot on.
While I disdain Joe Biden for many reasons, including his hypocrisy re the credit card and banking interests he championed for decades without regard to the working class he pretends to support, to mock his stutter is cruel, stupid, and has no place in political discourse.
Sully, you are my hero no matter who you vote for.
And you display the same courage with which you landed that plane. You never let a handicap stand in the way of your dreams or your chosen career.
I'm glad to know that there are still Democrats like you, with integrity, proud Americans, and heroes who can cross partisan divides.
Why aren't you running?
5
Who is Lara Trump and why is she relevant?
148
The rude comment came from a member of trump’s family. What more could you
expect?
128
Wow! Just wow! Thank you, Sully.
113
Right on Captain! Way to tell it!
80
I do not think I've ever seen or heard of any family that is lower than the Trump's. They are disgusting.
179
Unfortunately, 40% of the country don't have the combined class that you have Capt Sully.
Thank you for standing up generalizations is this type.
74
Wow, Captain Sullenberger, I didn't think I could respect you any more than I did. I was wrong.
112
"It's better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak and to remove all doubt."
To Lara Trump from Mark Twain.
147
Captain Sully - profound, moving words; thank you.
Lara Trump - petty, cruel and insensitive, just like her daddy-in-law and Don Jr.
Waiting for Donald Sr. to weigh in as he relishes the the chance to mock, belittle, denigrate or destroy others.
67
Thank you for writing this piece, Captain Sully!
43
Is it just me who thinks the guy in the wheelchair, the one who was president, did a pretty good job?
66
Sully, a true hero for our time. Shame on you, Ms Trump!
52
Those Trumps are a classy group! Must feel great wearing one of those MAGA hats. A family of bullies leading a party of bullies.
75
No end to Trump and his immediate family's cruelty
47
I didn't think I could be a bigger fan of Sully, but now I am.
54
Such a wonderful well presented article that giives the lie to anyone mocking a stutter.
All of us as human beings have our faults and challenges in so many areas of our lives. Do Trump supporters when they hear this coming from the trump family understand its cruelty to all of us with challenges. As this family mocks a democratic candidate in this way, they are also mocking their follwers as well. Can't they see that?
33
Cruelty to any kid who's different seems to come naturally to kids. Our president, & apparently his daughter-in-law suffer from a failure to have matured into adulthood. So does Julian Castro, with his bullying of Biden at a presidential debate. Biden is not my pick for Democratic nominee for a slew of reasons, but he like everyone else deserves to be treated with respect. Why has this infantile cruelty come to the fore in politics at this time? It can't just be Trump.
26
Thank you for standing up for empathy and humanity. There are scores of people everywhere that know the humiliation of being different and being shamed of and laughed at because of it. Thank you for getting down to the heart of the matter!
27
I grew up a stutterer long before anybody thought you were anything but a dullard and an easy mark to make fun of. Teachers and other adults didn’t mind piling on either. So you learn to keep your head down your mouth shut and study and read and take care of your buddies. You also figure out that you don’t accept other people being made fun of or picked on for things they have no control over. Maybe we all could use something like looking a little odd or a stutter to teach us some perspective and empathy.
45
Sully, if you ran for President, you'd have my vote. A true American hero.
38
Capt Sullenberger’s op ed piece and his life demonstrates the difference quite forcefully between a living a life of substance and service versus the venal, self serving, corrupt, and morally bankrupt (plus 5 actual DJT bankruptcies) lives of the entire trump crime family and most especially Donald j trump.
44
I dearly love and cherish all messages and acts of compassion.. this compassionate message that came from your heart, is precious, Captain "Sully"
19
Just what we need more of Sully. Decency.
35
I'm a speech pathologist and I've seen many recent videos of Biden's communication difficulties. He may have been a stutterer, but the pauses, the groping for words (often unsuccessful), and the statements of strained coherence/relevance are more characteristic of anomia (word-finding difficulty) and dementia.
9
C. B. Sullenberger III for President, any hour, any day, any year. What a man. What a mensch.
25
Is is shamefully extremely petty and superficial to emphasize that Joe Biden occasionally mis-speaks, stutters or flubs a sentence. That is the superficial nature of the media, both left and right, in failing to judge the man. Did you ever see films of Harry Truman and Dwight Eisenhower? Their delivery was no better that Joe Biden's. Let Trump make fun of Joe on the debate stage for all of America, and his narrow minded base, to see what a petty, immature child Trump is. Trump has nothing to offer, Trump is nothing. As for the media, grow up and evolve beyond your "Housewives of New Jersey" mentality.
20
I certainly wouldn’t wish it on a child, who can’t choose what family s/he is born into. But imagine how ashamed Ms. Trump would be of her words if a child of her own was born with this disability.
Too bad that’s the only thing that might cause her to regret her shameful words and conduct. But then, her father in law famously mocked a disabled journalist during his first campaign. So I guess we shouldn’t be surprised that this is how the next campaign will be run. But we can be saddened. And disgusted.
Utterly disgusted.
46
Lara Trump has never accomplished anything in her life, aside from looking decorative and marrying a Trump. She has no room to ridicule a true public servant with an exceptional resume. It is a measure of her crassness, along with all the Trumps.
72
The voice recording of the flight still raises the hairs on the back of my neck. Especially when Captain Sullenberger is offered a runway at an airport nearby and there is only one calm response: “Unable.”
37
Trump treats people who don’t agree with him according to his 3 D’s: Demean, Diminish, and Destroy. It has rewarded him immensely.
No appeals for civility, including this one, will affect him or the people around him. He won the presidency. He has proven that cruelty works, in business, in politics, and in eliciting criticism that his loyalists can laugh at, as their own way to be “tough,” like their role model.
I can only imagine how loyalists who’ve read this column have reacted to it.
29
Fantastic essay. Moving, thoughtful, inspiring.
It’s a shame that many of those who need to hear his message will instead continue to be cruel.
27
Dear Captain Sullenberger,
Thanks for your wonderful essay. I too, stuttered through grade school and beyond and yes, had many fears of speaking way into the future.
How could I ever get married because I couldn't say my name? I lived in a town that I couldn't pronoun. Phone conversations were brutal. But I could whisper and sing without stumbling and biting my tongue. But I was drafted during the Vietnam war. They said I don't have to talk to shoot. Once I reached the point where I could be grateful for my handicap, which made me more aware and considerate of other people's handicaps, I started to talk. And haven't shut up
I am now a public speaker and still have compassion for anyone who has a speech defect. My grandson stutters and I suffer with him. I cried when I watched "The King's Speech."
I wasn't aware of Mr. Biden's stutter, but now that I know I admire him even more than I had before. I agree, it's far better to have a speech disability than a moral one.
50
“Sully” Sullenberger
Thank you for taking the time to write a beautiful article. “A speech disorder is a lot easier to treat than a character defect. You become a true leader, not because of how you speak, but because of what you have to say..."
Says it all -- good for you.
25
Thank you sir. Your essay is thoughtful and inspirational.
It’s a shame that cruelty and a lack of kindness are in vogue with certain people right now. Let’s all stand up and say stop it.
22
I thought this was a wonderful piece, and Sully is such an inspiration in so many ways for most of us. Unfortunately, I can hear Trump defending his daughter-in-law now: "I like heroes who don't stutter."
22
@rwright He doesn't like heros...he likes sycophants and people that are the complete opposite of McCain and Sullengerger and anyone else who has done something good for another human being.
21
Most health care professionals recognize three forms of stuttering: developmental, neurogenic, and psychogenic. Developmental stuttering most commonly appears in children under the age of five. As children develop their language and speech abilities, they may experience issues vocalizing their thoughts. Neurogenic stutters are the result of issues that inhibit the abilities of the brain, nerves, or muscles to send and receive the signals that enable speech. Psychogenic stutters originate from the area of the brain that controls thinking and reasoning. Originally, medical experts thought all stutters had a psychological cause and were therefore psychogenic. Doctors now know this is incorrect and realize that psychogenic stutters are rare.
5
What a sensitive and powerful piece by Chesley Sullenberg. It is a commentary on overcoming a personal difficulty, embracing a sense of one's own worth with pride, in service of helping others. This is living a life of purpose, generosity and love. We need more demonstrations of dignified character, empathy and grace especially in this current political environment.
28
Thank you Captain Sully! Your words just might help people become more sensitive, more kind, to take a step back and realize we are all different, we should all be more accepting of people.
If we all could just be kinder! We all do not have to agree, but just because a person doesn’t agree with you does not mean one has to bully, shame and disrespect another human being.
I agree, this culture of cruelty is what drives decent people from public service, and what makes millions of Americans recoil from politics, and even from participating in our democracy.
Be KIND!
14
You imply that her words were not offensive in the way that many imagine them to be, and those people are subsequently commenting here without actual knowledge of the event in question. I would offer that Mr. Sullenberger was offended by her actual words to the point of bothering to write this message. Perhaps you should read what he has to say and try to understand where he stands on this, rather than downplaying this as the latest supposedly unfounded attack.
6
Language is what you say.
Speech is how you say it.
He is intelligible.
He is not able to consistently convey his thoughts.
He knows he has a problem.
He knows he's not stuttering.
He went ahead and declared his candidacy.
He doesn't want or need our pity.
103
Compared to Trump he's John Kennedy.
61
Your first definition is wrong.
Your second definition is wrong.
If somebody’s intelligible.
They are able to convey their thoughts, by definition.
You don’t know what Joe Biden knows.
You got the part about his declaring right.
i don’t recall you being asked for pity. Decency, however...
Oh, and before I next insulted Joe Biden this way, I’d take a good hard look at my own langue and parole.
150
Capt. Sullenberger, you are a hero and a wonderful man.
I developed a stutter as a result of a brain injury.
Sadly, it is my observation, that no one, no political party, not liberals or conservative, have patience or respect for a stutterer.
None of them have patience. None of them have respect. None of them have the patience to wait before they take over for me.
Trump is a strange man. But sometimes his honest, but embarrassing, behavior is a painful display of the truth that others try to hide but is revealed in their impatience.
1
Many thanks for an articulate, heartfelt response to Ms. Trump. Your words mean so much to those who struggle with any disability. To those who have endured bullying, exclusion, and heartbreak, those words of encouragement and actual achieve will inspire young to continue on that path--wherever it may lead.
That you would have to direct such a response towards an adult who should know better is really sad. In this age of social media ruled by a wild herd mentality, it takes moral courage to speak out. Thank you for your example and for your service to our country.
12
Thank you, thank you, Capt. "Sully". This needed to be said, loud and long.
I thought there was a White House "Be Best" program. Must have missed the family.
33
I am fortunate enough not to have a speech impediment, though I've had my own challenges in life, as all of us have. But as a patriotic American, I am disgusted and outraged by Ms. Trump's recent insults. Captain Sullenberger is an American hero and exemplar; not because he saved 155 lives on the Hudson that day, nor because of his candor about his own experience with stuttering; but because he has had the moral courage to speak out in the name of simple human decency. These qualities are in short supply in the current Administration, and we as Americans need to find them again - quickly! As has been said before, thank you, Captain Sullenberger, and thank you again.
38
I applaud Mr. Sullenberger for taking the high road and writing an affirming piece, but it’s impossible to overlook the irony of Lara Trump going after another candidate’s manner of speaking when her own father-in-law has a grade-school vocabulary and is incapable of speaking in coherent sentences. Mr. Biden has participated in the debates, imperfectly, but he’s faced the test. Will we see Mr.Trump on the debate stage this time around? I have my doubts ...
26
One of my dearest friends from elementary school stuttered badly and was teased mercilessly. He outgrew it and is now a much sought after and highly successful counselor and government official.
7
Dear Mr. Sullenberger:
You concisely illustrated the very fact at issue, character. I am not siding with any party in my discourse, but I felt compelled to respond to your letter. CHARACTER is always the true definition of a person, not they way in which he or she enunciates. I truly admire you for placing President Trump's daughter-in-law's (Lara Trump) cruel and misguided words to the for-front. In most cases, stuttering can be overcome, but FLAWS in CHARACTER can't be.
29
Dear Captain Sully,
Thank you! I am a speech pathologist and have worked with children who stutter for over 30 years. Your words are life changing for both children and adults. I can’t wait to share this article with all my students! My students who stutter, who live with autism, selective mutism, articulation and language delays. Your words will come through loud and clear, softening the shame and maybe one day, allowing all to accept each other just the way we are! Thank you for sharing your heartfelt and triumphant journey! I’m still trying to control the lump in my throat!
Have a wonderful day!
Sara B Leonard M.S.,CCC-SLP
34
I have had family members who stuttered when young and overcame this through hard work. People like Lara Trump and her family think just because they are rich and powerful they can get away with cruel and nasty bullying of people! She is wrong! I have contempt for Ms. Trump for her behavior and hope to see her off the national stage in 2020! Thank you, Captain Sullenberger for calling her out!
24
Thanks Sully, from those of us who grew up with this handicap. Even if one does eventually grow out of it and is even able to speak publicly, I think the problem always affects you.
9
I had just about forgotten there were decent people in public life, people like Captain Sully Sullenberger. Thank you for reminding us that cruelty, name calling and ridicule have no place in our society. Those who show bravery, compassion and principles deserve our respect. Cowards who mock and disrespect only show how small they are.
23
You can imagine the Trump clan sitting around the dinner table at Mar a Lago plotting campaign strategy. They’re certainly not talking about ways to make the country a better place. It must be a cross between the film A face in the crowd and a Mamet film. “Dad, went you mocked that handicapped reporter it was great. “Yeah we never heard from him again. “Those evangelicals, we sure do have them in our pockets!” “Yeah if they only knew”. “That cartoon snuff film shown at Doral when you off the media enemies of the state, Awsome!”
There really needs to be a reckoning for this repulsive behavior and the damage it’s caused our nation. More Sullys as well as the everyday people who act heroically and humbly on a daily basis and fewer Trumps.
10
After seeing Trump mock a handicapped person prior to the 2016 election, this Lara Trump's actions should surprise nobody--the apple doesn't fall far from the tree.
19
To the people who are commenting here: Have any of you actually seen what Lara Trump said? NO, probably not....
1
@Patty Are you suggesting she was not making fun of or mocking him? I had not seen it until I read this opinion piece, so thanks Sully for highlighting how cruel the extended Trump family is.
11
@Patty ...No, but I saw Trump mime a handicapped person. I saw people cheer. Pretty sick.
16
There doesn't really seem to be an issue where stutterers in general need defending or protecting. In all my life I have only ever hard one person mock a stutterer, and that was Lara Trump. Come to think of it, her father-in-law is the only one I've ever seen mock a disabled person. I know hit happens, but not in my world. Not until 2016.
So let's put a finer point on it. The problem has a name: Trump. He has encouraged and emboldened white supremacists, gay haters, Jew haters, and naturally, the people who think it's funny to mock disabilities, telling them to stop being "politically correct" and to let fly with the insults and mockery.
20
The last piece I read by Capt. Sullenberger was the one where he was taking Boeing to task for their behavior before and subsequent to the 737 Max crashes. At that time he said they will find out that nothing is more costly than a crash. That has certainly been borne out- well, except for the ex CEO, of course. There's a surprise. Today's writing is every bit as true as the Boeing piece.
11
Any regular person who failed in their job to the extent of Boeing’s upper management would not be getting millions of dollars as a reward.
8
Thank you Captain.
And a reminder of what this country has become...a population of people who don’t care that the President makes fun of people. And his daughter-in-law too.
22
Bravo, Captain Sullenberger. As a child psychotherapist who specializes in anxiety, the issue of fear over being teased and bullied, particularly re: the way we may look, speak, play, is REAL. Words HURT. Please GROW UP and be an adult. This is not a partisan issue. It is a KINDNESS issue. You have a choice when you speak. Inspire or mock. If you do the former, you can, like Captain Sullenberger, be admired by all, regardless of your politics. If you do the latter, you may garner some laughs by those who are your true believers, but the majority will dismiss you as ignorant, insecure, and a bully. Choose wisely. Children are watching you.
20
Thanks for sharing about common disabilities and how having the mercy and compassion by society and informed people in your life can make a huge difference. The Trump clan is simply a cruel lot and we need to get them out of our daily lives as fast as possible. They are a bunch of ruthless children. They are the bullies of our society.
9
Everybody should have to read this article.
14
I understand, I'm old school like yourself but realize I'm too old to go thug I'd like to do. I hate to tell you this but on the internet anything can be said without reprisal. You must have been a tough guy to go through the stuff you to after landing that plane in the Hudson. It was your decision to make and you took it.
Do you think being bullied and having gone through what you did helped you become the pilot you became?
Biden is too old.
1
@JoeG No one is "too old." That's called ageism. If you can't speak about why his policies make in not electable then you're doing what Lara Bush did. Age is not a disease.
9
@Adrasties
Did you get it wrong about Ageism? Not a disease but as you get older most people slow down and, sorry to say, can't do it anymore.
Corporations used to discard an employee at 55 now 40 is the new 55. Do you know many 50-year-olds that can do the work of a 20-year-old?
If you own shares in it would put up lost productivity? HR with profit sharing is going to put up with your mid-life crisis?
Even further back corporations used to take into account their older employee's age and years of service and accommodated them. They gave them a lighter load so they didn't die at their desk. Now they toss it them away like garbage.
1
Lara Trump, wife of Eric Trump, daughter-in-law of the president, seems cock sure of herself in denigrating Joe Biden before an audience of women. We don’t know how many of those women had a stutter or other speech problem as children. How many of them have hearing difficulty now? Lara doesn’t ask. She’s all about herself and her father-in-law. In watching her speak I noticed that she has a rather common manner of speaking, as though all those women were “guys”.
I am glad to see Sully Sullenberger speak up for all those who have or had problems stuttering. Even the King of England (see the film “The King’s Speech”) was a stutterer and he overcame his problem. Could Lara take a lesson from him and from other world leaders and politicians who have suffered from speech impediments?
Perhaps she should study videos of her father-in-law when he is in a rage and castigating some of our top military leaders at the White House. He reveals a mindless anger that gets the better of him. He becomes, at times, speechless.
13
As Captain "Sully" demonstrated and encouraged, those who stutter can become anything they wish to be - with, perhaps the sole exception of a King of the United Kingdom. That undertaking is a factor of the accident of birth. King George VI, the father of the present Queen Elizabeth, stuttered almost all of his life. It is widely believed that the beatings and cruelty and mocking from his father and elder brother, for being born as a left-hander, were the reasons for the King's disability. And yet, in spite of this drawback, King George, reigning during World War II, performed his duties, both public and private, with bravery, strength and courage, leaving a legacy of a unified Realm that his daughter inherited, from which Her Majesty no doubt greatly benefitted. The film "The King's Speech" of a few years ago demonstrated how this disability can be worked through, with competent help, rather than beatings, bullying and insensitive comments from others who are more "perfect". I don't wish to make this a political comment, but it seems as though the entire Trump family has learned from its head, that rudeness, lack of civility and lack of compassion towards others, can become a learned or inherited "family trait". How despicable for such a public utterance from a family that should be promoting unity and goodwill to everyone - irrespective of each of our disabilities or abilities.
8
It takes a lot to make me weep, but I admit to copious tears when I read this op-ed and again when I could bring myself to re-read it. Forget the political situation we’re facing with a Flawed Family spewing hate and divisiveness designed solely to ensure their grip on power. Instead, focus on a simple story of a young boy who met a challenge and overcame it all on his own. And grew up to be a hero. It made me cry because it was my story too. I didn’t become a hero in my adult life, but I eventually overcame my stutter and the focus and determination it took helped me become the best man I could be. Lara Trump could apologize for her comment; she could even record a PSA urging kindness and support for children who stutter. That would be heroic. But she’s not a heroine
23
Wonder what it will be like for those with the Trump name after DJT is no longer in office?
Already we hear the man that openly mocks and is mean complaining how unfairly he is being treated. It is such a tragedy to see the Trumps so poorly treated after they have been such exemplars...oh wait maybe this Karma thing is real?
11
Captain Sully, you said it beautifully. Thank you!
14
Anytime compassion is lacking among people is a sad day for humanity. Bullies are always those that make fun of someone’s impairment or way of speaking. I don’t stutter but I often speak slowly, measuring my thoughts in my mind before blurting them out. I’ve been told “get to the point!” I respond calmly, “It’s about listening. Try it. You may learn something.” Also, I am a storyteller so I can be long-winded, but I promise you I’m never boring. I once witnessed a very intelligent person, my friend, ridiculed publicly because he stuttered and it was like a pain I suffered myself, I was so embarrassed for him and incensed by this attack of more than rudeness.
The woman, a town council person, actually laughed at her cruel comment, like a bully will do. My friend, who is such a smart person had something important to say, some continued anyway, ignoring her low jab. That is the difference between class and lowlife behavior. Lara Trump is part of the bully family in the White House. They wouldn't know compassion and class if they tripped over it. Shame on them. When we stop taking a stand against bullies, we have failed all humankind. Bravo Sully! Keep speaking, Mr. Biden. They can’t shine your shoes.
9
And Lara Trump's accomplishments are, what exactly? Snagging Eric doesn't count.
24
Ridiculing anyone is bullying, period. Question for Mrs. Lara Trump: Ok, you want VP Biden to get the words out; Pls explain to all of us how to deal with the words that are getting out of our President in Twitter everyday?
12
That Trump the most inept and mentally stunted president in our time, or his minions would say anything about the speech of another is ludicrous. I defy anyone to find a completely coherent a statement among Trump's speech not written for him that really makes any sense at all.
But beyond this it is totally withing Trump's character and those who swoon over him to debase personally any person who displays any human or physical challenge at all. All one needs do is watch any of his rallies to watch character assassination at work.
Are Trump or his family human at all? It takes more than walking on two legs or form syllables to qualify.
10
I can totally identify with dreading to be called on in grade school and asked to read out loud. I eventually overcame my stutter. But what have we devolved to as a country and as human beings when we have a president and his family who think it is OK to make fun of anybody for any reason. Perhaps if they were not all deeply flawed individuals. But they are hardly the ones to be making fun and anybody else's expense.
2
I totally support this editorial! As a childhood stutterer, I also know the shame and agony of being teased about my garbled words. But I've learned to slow down and be a public speaker and only occasionally do I still stutter. Because I know I can't often say "statistics" I automatically try and substitute "numbers" or "figures" when I can. Adults need to support children, never mock them.
3
So sad yet so predicable of the trump family. They boast, they demean, they judge everyone & everything against themselves.
Nothing is off limits. No opportunity to diminish someone else is ever missed.
It's as if they are parasites on everything they encounter that doesn't measure up to their standards: immigrants, the poor, the sick.
But criticize the trumps on any of their "leader's" misdeeds, and they will reign holy hell on you:
--ran from his flag and country like a coward to avoid the draft
--cheated on multiple wives and paid off affairs
--used his charity for personal gain, was caught & paid millions in fines
--collaborated with foreign leaders to stain political opponents
--twice paid fines for racism in his NY apts
--spews hate about immigrants but uses illegal ones in his resorts
Thank you Capt. Sully for standing up to a bully.
25
Ms. Trump posted on Twitter that it's clear she never mentioned a stutter. Seriously. That's the hallmark of a bully just like her father-in-law. When a man says, "That skirt really accentuates your assets," he doesn't mention a woman's body at all and can proclaim wide-eyed incredulous innocence. But we know exactly what he means. When he says, "These boys could have some fun with you," he can say piously that he meant they might have tea together or go to a movie. We all know what he means. Lara Bush just pushed women into the same category as men like that.
17
Captain Sullenberger, your words mean a lot to me. As a child, I had difficulty speaking in front of audiences, on phones or in other situations that caused me social anxiety. I never received a diagnosis and although it diminished over time, I still tend to avoid intercoms and work phones. I am now an elementary school teacher who has had the privilege over the years to teach children with speech issues from stuttering to selective mutism. I teach all children the traits and behaviors of bullies and prepare them to stand up for themselves. The only value I see in the Trumps is a powerful non-example of how to be human in this world.
12
The Walter Cronkite Republican wonders if Ms. Bush is aware that Mr. Biden was part of the the Presidential team that blocked the prosecution of her father for war crimes for taking our nation into war with Iraq under false pretenses in a futile gesture of reconciliation with Republicans? We know from the evidence of hereditary aristocracies around the world (and political and financial dynasties in this country) that leadership qualities do not breed true from generation to generation. The question appears to be whether pettiness does.
"Show some decency. People who can’t, have no place in public life."....Amen to that. Which is why I will never understand why anyone would support Trump. Seriously, are they saying that there is one else who would better represent the Republican Party in 2020.
13
As the Chair of the National Stuttering Association, a person who stutters myself and a medical doctor who treats and researchers stuttering, I applaud Captain Sullenberger for his brave comments. It is never right to mock someone who stutters especially to hear such from those in the public eye. We now understand that stuttering arises from differences in brain physiology. It is a medical disorder like any other. I doubt Ms. Trump would mock someone (at least I hope) for having difficulty climbing stairs with a broken leg, Everyone should have the compassion and understanding for people who stutter. People who stutter accomplish great things in this world, like Captain Sullenberger. The community should focus on our abilities not our disability. We need to decrease the stigma of stuttering and with Ms. Trump's horrible comments, similar to her friend, Sarah Sanders who also mocked stuttering, the community will reject them and their ignorant and hateful nature. We in the stuttering community are making progress in decreasing stigma and misunderstanding and am deeply grateful to "Sully" for him taking this important step forward.
20
"A speech disorder is a lot easier to treat than a character defect". There is nothing much else to say.
40
Not much to add except you go, Sully. This is a compassionate and passionate call for kindness and decency in this "culture of cruelty." Honestly, someone must put some kind of soul-removal elixir in the water of all of the Trumps, as if the cruelty of children (and adults) toward one another--especially those seen as especially "different"--wasn't bad enough before the Trumps made bullying (in spite of Melania's "Be Best" hypocrisy) almost fashionable.
I was in Hoboken on the day your extraordinary calm and heroism on the river probably less than a mile from where I sat saved those lives (and it was SO cold!), and you made an indelible mark on the world's psyche. This piece gives you double-hero status, in my opinion. I hope the bullies who taunted you as a child are reading it.
11
The Trumps are not only just plain mean, they seem to think that being mean qualifies as being clever and charming.
22
Of all the terrible things that the cancer of the Trump Presidency has brought forth, the casual cruelty and utter lack of decency is one of the worst.
Making fun of disabled reporters and stuttering candidates is not what decent people do. That Ms. Trump's comments were made with forethought as part of a campaign speech is beyond words. And, as always, Republicans' silence is defeaning.
I hope this beautiful essay about respect and civility finds a broader audience than just Times' readers. Like so many others, it made me tear up. What we have lost as a country, or more terrifying perhaps, what has been revealed about us, is profoundly disappointing.
18
I feel sorry for the Trump family because they have to live with their own morals. When I think about all of this I am so grateful for Capt. Sullenberger just for letting me know that there are still people around who are just plain good. Mr Trump will never be able to "Sully" himself.
6
"A speech disorder is a lot easier to treat than a character defect."
Are the character defects that Trump and his cultists share treatable?
5
What a great article. What a great "instruction set" for those overcoming challenges and those who would mock or belittle them for those challenges. Sully's loudly said-unsaid is how Trump and his ilk will likely never recover from mean-spirited bullying behavior as it is woven into their DNA. In the case of Lara Trump, the rotten apple doesn't fall far from the family tree.
6
His wise words apply to many differences that children may have, not just to stuttering.
"You are fine, just as you are. You can do any job you dream of when you grow up."
We need not let our children/ourselves be defined by the insecurities of others.
3
Standing up for those that are bullied is the ultimate act of courage. Once again, Captain Sully shows he is a true American Hero.
9
I would not have bothered answering a mocking from Lara Trump, she is having a difficult time being married to a man who is a continuously targeted for his mental challenges. Joe Biden can take a mock or two and it does not hurt him a bit, she is just venting her unhappiness. Let's pray for Lara.
2
@hugo Aren't other people likely to suffer from what this woman said? Sully's letting those who might be hurt by her words know that there are others who can speak with more knowledge and authority about the condition than a woman shotgunning hurtful comments intended for one that also strike many others. Foot-in-mouth disease apparently is either infectious to spousal Trumps, or a qualification for the so-called honor.
4
If the election does become a contest between Trump and Biden, I dare Trump to mock Biden's stutter. To do so would trigger a popular and electoral landslide.
But, you know what? I don't think Trump has the self-control to not do it.
4
I always consider the source of any criticism; Lara is part of the Trump clan-enough said. They lack any credibility.
9
I was deeply touched by this.
5
Joe Biden is not stuttering.
His problem is language, not speech.
6
And as for Biden being a great guy... let’s just ask Dr. Anita Hill or anyone who lost their son or daughter in Iraq, shall we?
4
@Pia And you know this how?
5
I lost a friend and collaborator who mostly managed his stuttering over the years, but it still surfaced now and then. He was a producer, bass and national steel player, and songwriter. Jay also managed to incorporate some of his stutter into the vocals. His EP, three years back, addressed all this in "Edge of a Dream", which opens with, "I'm sitting at the edge of a dream, I've got some tales to tell...", a line that was singled out with Robert Christgau's review of "Bluedog"
"I learned that Jay Ward is a lifelong stutterer who escapes his prison not just by singing but by singing about his prison.
'Standin' at the edge of a dream gettin' ready to jump', nothing special in itself... "I've got some tales on the tip of my tongue / Gettin' ready to speak"? Now you're talkin'.".
Jay also used a bit of his stutter to color his vocals of a song or two on his album "dograin: Nest". And within the liner notes his EP "dogbrain: Blue Dog" he wrote: "I share this life with the stuttering child who lives within. The need to express myself well and truly has shaped me in so many ways, but especially. as a musician and songwriter." He also wrote "profits from CD sales will be donated to SAY, The Stuttering Association For The Young. I wish it had been there in my youth." Jay would have loved this piece. https://store.cdbaby.com/cd/dogbrain5.
6
I recall Michelle Obama’s offering, “When they go low, we go high,” and believe that inspiring and uplifting invitation applies here. Lara Trump went low. Most of the Trumps seem to do that...led by the POTUS, sadly. Captain Sullenberger chooses to “go high,” and reminds us all (as did Mrs. Obama) to do the same. Well, I’m on board with that!
15
I doubt anyone can say they're surprised about Lara Trump's low-brow comment. Look at who her father is.
6
Dear Captain,
Thank you for this article and thank you for any child who stutters who reads this article. As far as Lara Trump- the fruit doesn’t fall far from the tree.
4
I wish that kindness or patience or some sort of gentle re-education could lead bullies to enlightenment and change. I have not observed that to occur.
By long-suffering, patient, friendly son decked the bully in his pre-K class. Till that morning on the playground, the bully had tormented, touched, pushed, and punched, often sneakily, and without consequences he cared about.
It ended that day.
On November 3 this year, I hope Joe Biden--or Mr. Bloomberg or a fiscally responsible Republican who has not sold out--SOMEBODY...ANYBODY-- gives the Bully in Chief and his gang the decking they needed to have received on the playground.
Mr. Trump is not brave or strong or smart. He's a bully, a mean kid in an old man's body. He's cowardly, weak and not very bright.
He's in charge, but he's not the leader of the United States of America. He's the one who has a handicap and his is the only kind of handicap that matters--a handicap of the soul and the character.
7
Thank you for standing up. My father, a Republican, stutters. This kind of juvenile cruelty has no place in politics. It says much more about the person/people who taunt than the person who stutters. Bless you.
3
Like djtrump, his spawn ridicule people with disabilities as easy as they breathe. This is a mean, cruel family--in its taunts and in its policies to limit food stamps -- a little hunger never hurt anyone, right?, cut health insurance, wreak havoc on the environment (don't they get cancer too?) and cause misery throughout the world.
4
"People have remarked upon my stuttering.
I do not think of myself that way."
Joe Biden
5
This still doesn’t make Biden our best choice for president.
3
@Lilly
My point was to illustrate that he doesn't stutter.
He is correct.
He has a language disorder.
He may have stuttered as a child, but not now.
He is not my choice.
4
@Pia I suggest that you read this article: https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2020/01/joe-biden-stutter-profile/602401/
1
I stuttered badly as a kid, real tongue twisters that we’re terribly embarrassing. I once couldn’t pronounce my name to a teacher alone with me in her classroom. I was frightened. But I came out of it slowly and, as this author, I could speak publicly. But what a horrible way to grow up. Those out there who experience(d) the same distinction understand completely. Those who don’t, never will. It doesn’t have to mean an absence of compassion.
207
@Richard C. Gross @Richard C. Gross Remember, this is the daughter-in-law of man who mocked a disabled reporter and then denied it.
41
Cap, you don’t have to dare them, they’ll do it on their own...
1
'A speech disorder is a lot easier to treat than a character defect'. Amen to that Sully, and thank you for your inspiring words. I'd take an imperfectly enunciated delivery of kind words every single time versus a crystal clear pronouncement of ignorance. Don't they say girls marry men that remind them of their fathers ? Seems like Eric got that a little confused and married a girl just like his own pops.
7
I wonder about evolution. By all accounts Frederick Trump was not a particularly nice human being - a brothel keeper in Seattle and the Yukon, perhaps a gold-rush claim jumper. Fred was caught at Klu Klux Klan rallies and fined for racial discrimination in housing. We all know too much about Donald Trump's character and Eric's. Now Eric's wife Lara makes me fear what the next generation will be like, the role models they will be exposed to.
4
Sully’s right. Much harder to fix a character defect.
Lara Trump has a lot of work to do to fix hers. I’m not optimistic. She is such a boor...must run in the family.
Thanks for a brilliant column.
7
Decent people deplore Lara Trump's comments and her failed attempt at walking them back. Lara Trump married into the right family where offensive and repugnant comments are the order of the day. The op-ed by Capt Sullenberger provides a good life lesson for all of us. Outside of Trump world there are still decent people in our nation. Lara Trump should be ashamed.
4
Bravo! Thank you.
2
Thank you Captain Sully.
2
For those of us who see the GOP and their president a treat to democracy, our number one goal should be to defeat them in 2020. The choices are between 5-6 democratic candidates, all capable of being much better presidents than him. If you take all of them and put them in a blender, you will get Elizabeth Warren.
Pelosi proved that a strong smart woman can run circles around him, another in Elizabeth will do like wise in November. Warren fits both of the party's desires, a progressive candidate who can win in November. This election is about Trump, no matter who the democrats chose, it will a choice between two personalities, to beat him, why not chose the most opposite candidate to him, which is Warren.
2
Yes, Lara Trump is nasty for mocking the way someone speaks.
That said, where was Biden's stutter during the 2012 debate with Paul Ryan? Or the Clarence Thomas hearings? It wasn't there or barely noticeable. When he challenged a voter who was criticizing Hunter Biden, he spoke perfectly clear. I don't think its his stutter that is causing him problems in the debates.
Lara Trump should be called out for mocking someone, but Biden is not suitable to be President. He is past his prime and feeling the heat from Bernie, Mayor Pete and now Bloomberg, who is slowly rising in the polls.
2
@Dave My best childhood friend had a sever stutter. It went away when he sang, or did impersonations, or, sometimes, when gave a prepared speech in school. Stutters can come and go, and the stutterer grows and learns to manage it, the circumstances that bring it out vary further still. It's not always all or nothing.
8
Captain Sullenberger - I was in New York City the day you landed that plane in the Hudson River and I was convinced then that you were nothing short of an American hero. Now I’m convinced of it. Thank you for this. Thank you so very much.
10
I've stuttered my whole life and can usually pick up the 'tells' of a stutterer. I had no such clue with regard to Joe Biden. Good for him and Sully. I wish I could have beat my 'curse'. Just wasn't in the cards for me.
Having a disability that makes you vulnerable to bullying gives you greater insight into how people behave. It's as if I can see into their soul as they react. And fortunately for me, compassion grew faster than hatred.
And maybe this is why Joe Biden sees hope for reconciliation with the Reps. He can see the good in them and understands the forces driving them, making them do what they're doing. I only see the frontline forces whose souls appear to me to be dried up and offer no hope.
2
I'm so sick and tired of these mean spirited bullies running the country, running off at the mouth, and just hurting people for the sport of it. For God's sake, grow up, and show some decent human kindness to others.
8
I don't object to Joe Biden because he stutters, I object because he's a crook and a hypocrite, who put tens of thousands of drug users in jail for life while excusing his own son's repeated pattern of drug abuse, well detailed in police, military, and divorce court proceedings.
3
Truth. Sad but true. Sometimes we need to speak up, even though it hurts to do so, because the consequences of not speaking up are too catastrophic.
3
I am reminded of the saying, “the fruit doesn’t fall far from the tree.” The Trumps are crass, gaudy, small-minded, childish, lacking in decency and, above all, lacking in class. They are even ignorant enough to believe that because they have money, they must have class — which is in and of itself further testament to the fact they are devoid of character. Shame on the Trumps.
6
I have always understood that The Don was cruel and spiteful. I wasn't wrong in assuming his sons where the same. I really regret to read here that his cruelty, bullying, and intolerant personality traits are sliding down over anyone related to him.
What a horrible man.
6
Sully, Thank you. Every person in my family needs speech therapy when young. My brother had cerebral palsy. He stuttered badly, on occasion. When people stutter when they are with me, I tell them I will stay forever if necessary so they can finish their thought. So what if Joe Biden stuttered? So what? Frankly, I never noticed a stutter from Joe or from you.
So sad. It grieved me when the disabled NYT reporter was mocked. I could not believe my ears. Americans know better! It left me in tears. Ignorance is reigning. Let us retire ignorance and malice.
5
Very disappointed that Sully fell for fake news. What made Sully think Lara was mocking Biden's stuttering?
2
@Eric Dr
Because she was, indisputably.
Case closed.
14
Lara Trump fits right in with her father-in-law, who has mocked disabled people himself. Ignorant, self-centered, and coddled in the privileged world she's grafted herself onto, she could be a person of character and integrity. But she would be woefully out of place among Don Jr., Eric, and Ivanka - who all take after Trump. And that's not a compliment. Be classy, Lara -- keep your mouth shut when you only have stupid, harmful things to say. Getting applause from a Trump rally audience is -not- a badge of honor.
5
We need more superheroes like you Sir Sully.
Your timing for decency and leadership in the face of this hateful menace is finely tuned, with as much nuance and precision as landing a plane on the East River.
Bravo Sir, Bravo.
4
Bravo, Captain. Bravo.
4
Who in the dear Lord's name is Lara Lee Trump? What has she ever achieved to warrant so much as a nano-second of stage time?
9
The eloquence of this piece left me speechless.
Shame on Lara Trump.
7
It seems that lara trump is not paying any attention to her step mother's anti bullying campaign.
7
Capt. Sullenberger, you dared someone to mock you over your history of stuttering. Well, if you ever decided to run for office as a Democratic, your Republican opponent would find something to mock you about and you can bet it will be either infantile, juvenile, or false. They would take your incredible act of heroism and professionalism and somehow turn it against you, i.e. John Kerry and the swift boats. The amazing thing is that at a minimum, 40% of the population will believe them.
4
If you want to fit in with Lara's husband's family, you need to engage in mockery and cruelty. Her choice, though
2
Not a speck of decency in the entire trump crime family.
Thanks, Sully.
11
Well said, Sully. :-)
3
Stuttering is a disorder that afflicts about 1% of the world population, 70 million souls. Men are four times more likely to stutter than women.
One question for Ms. Trump, have you heard your father in law "express" himself? Now, that's embarrassing....
4
Thank you, Capt. Sullenberger, for saying what needs to be said, and forcefully. The Trump family, whether by birth or marriage, are shallow, insecure bullies. They exhibit no moral compass, faith, virtue, original thoughts, compassion or decency. Their first instinct is to mock those who oppose them for their obvious “flaws,” in the basest sense. They’re not even clever. Biden stutters. The NYT reporter is disabled. Marco Rubio and Mike Bloomberg are too short. Warren is Pocahontas. John McCain was captured. On and on. The biggest joke of all is Melania’s “Be best” campaign, which is nothing but an empty slogan.
I’m no expert but if this isn’t textbook bullying, then what is? The worst part is we have 60 million “fellow” Americans who either feel the same way, or are too insecure or scared to do anything but giggle, even though they know deep in their hearts it’s wrong. They can overlook all of the Trump family’s obvious flaws, as long as their 401k’s are doing well and Trump nominates/appoints conservative judges who will overturn Roe v. Wade and put ”illegal” children in cages.
We’re two decades into the 21st century, where diversity and inclusion is commonplace in the workplace and schools, yet the Trumps and their sycophants somehow missed the memo or resent this. People with disabilities should be shunned, neither seen nor heard. They are telling us and showing us who they are, daily. Believe them.
3
Wonderfully said, AMEN.
2
Thank you Sully! My late Father was a Navy pilot and he had the utmost respect for you.
For someone like Lara Trump that probably can't boil water without a Youtube and and a Tweet family to support her, shame on you!
2
And so, Lara Trump, it's up to you now. Will you shock us with grace and remorse in response to Mr Sullenberger? Or will you just play a Trump card? (Many people here would love to be proven wrong.)
3
Right. We're all Joe Bidens now.
1
No, I have more integrity than to vote for a war that caused unconscionable death and destruction for no reason. I wouldn’t have put a generation of Black men in prison, while my son was addicted, but free. I wouldn’t look the other way while my son (and like Clintons, like Obamas now), has made millions essentially off my ‘public service’, and of not addressing the obscene levels of dynastic wealth accumulation that is turning this country into exactly like any other corrupt, third-world oligarchy. No, it’s not strictly illegal, but maybe it should be. And no, we aren’t all Bidens now, thank God. Our democracy couldn’t survive more ‘good guys’ like this.
3
I wonder what she says about her younger brother in law Barron?
1
You can tell so much about the character of a person by how they treat others especially in the face of pressure from peers, in this Laura Trump has laid bare this deficit in Trumplandia.
Even hero Captain Sully stuttered and even better, he called petty and cruel Lara Trump out on it. Thank you, though we need to see more people like Captain Sully out in public calling her and every Republican and evangelical out for this kind of “the cruelty is the point” behavior towards everyone who is not a blonde white evangelical Christian Republican. I include evangelicals because Trump was speaking to ”Women for Trump” which includes evangelical women who clearly condone her bullying and my own experience growing up with evangelicals.
I never stuttered but when I lost my two front teeth, I had difficulty pronouncing certain words. During Wednesday night Bible study at my church, young children were cared for by an evangelical couple. When I answered “tree” with “free”, the husband started laughing and imitating my lisp. “Free, free, free, haha haha!” I was so mortified, I refused to return and asked my parents if I sat very quietly could I sit with them instead in the adult study. They never asked why and I never told them. They just assumed I wanted to be a “big girl” since I was the oldest of five.
From then on, my precociousness accelerated. I began to realize a significant portion of the people at the church where I grew up weren’t very smart, often made assertions about the world that weren’t true, and were judgmental and mean towards others, Christian or not. I realized then that Christianity seemed to attract them and the Trumps continue to confirm it.
Sully embodies all the greatness of what America is and can continue to be. Lara Trump represents the venal, petty, and grotesque darker forces. We can and will do better
4
Well done, Sully. But you can pretty much count on Trump mocking Biden's stuttering, and yours. He mocked a reporter in the last election. He will do it again this time and whine when someone mocks him.
1
Having grown up with a lisp, and my name is Janice, I can relate. Do not lisp any more and I miss it. It taught me a lot about what matters. Will always be the little girl who learned that defending those that cannot defend themselves is what defines us.
2
Best thing I have ever read. Please run for public office.
3
To all those who deliberately “miss” the point of this wonderful article and still can’t let go of bashing Biden in this context: You are living proof for the cruelty Mr. Sullenberger is referring to.
I’d take an occasional Biden gaffe over the endless stream of incoherent ramblings uttered by the very stable genius in the White House any day. Read a transcript of a Trump interview and you know what I mean.
5
What is about being related to Donald Trump, by birth or by marriage, that makes an adult person become a nasty piece of work?
2
Would you please run for President, Capt. Sullenberger?
4
Shame this piece appeared here. It needs to on a conservative site, whose readers -if any- really need it. What Lara Trump said marks a low, even for Trumpian politicking.
2
The Trumps, all of them, by birth and otherwise, need to be gone. and soon. Join me in sending them and all of a similar disposition, away and marginalizing their kind for a long, long time.
1
The cruelty and basic inability to empathize with others seems to run in the family, no? From Don Jr.'s proudly posing with an endangered sheep, to the Don's (bend the knee and kiss the ring) mocking Serge Kovaleski - a reporter who suffers arthrogryposis (a congenital condition affecting the joints) - a basic lack of respect for others seems endemic to this clan. "I really don't care, do you?" Where have we heard that before? Sad...not only for the Trump's, but for the nation.
Joe Biden, not my president. Ever.
3
@AutumnLeaf If he turns out to be the Democratic candidate and you don't vote for him, you're essentially voting for DJT. Is that what you want to do?
6
I didn't know that Biden had a speech problem as a child. It's amazing to see how well he has managed it and how fluidly he speaks even under the pressure of presidential debates.
Trump and his family are bullies and cowards who are so insecure about themselves that they can only feel good when they are making fun of someone else. If the target of their petty criticism has a physical difference, they will attack them for it. If they have no physical or psychological problem, they will make up something that they ridicule them with. (little Marco Rubio, quiet Jeb, etc. or they will slander their family as in the case of Ted Cruz.
How did people justify voting for a cruel coward like Trump. I hope they don't make the same mistake this year.
1
Captain: You are a role model for many many others. Thank you for speaking up.
2
Her name is Lara TRUMP.
What else can one expect from that family?
There is never a bottom to their mean spirited commentary.
While #45 leads the way the others choose to follow him down the path of dividing the USA.
Apparently the entire trump family will never rise above the mud.
4
Children in cages, trillion dollar annual deficits, massive insults towards women as well as our valued allies, while embracing the brutal autocrats of the world...I don’t think repubs have the moral decency or integrity which would lead them to being angered by mocking Biden’s stuttering...and let’s not ignore they cheered when he mocked a handicapped reporter.
This horrible repub party and corrupt trump administration needs to be tossed out with the rubbage.
2
Now, we have Lara Trump, Eric Trump's wife getting caught mocking Joe Biden's stutter, and now claims ignorance.
Well, it's pretty clear Lara Trump has the same lying gene that seems to be hereditary in the Trump gene pool, and she also has that same stupid gene, too.
I'm 64 years old and my parents always ingrained in me never to make fun of older people, ones my own age or anyone for that matter; there is something that is harsh and mean-spirited, just like Donald Trump insulting people for their looks or disability, it says more about the person's lack of character or decency.
3
This man Sully Sullenberger is a national hero, both for his service flying in for our military, and again where he saved all the passengers in his plane in the Hudson River.
Lara Trump with her unwarranted, crass, bigoted comments, along with those of her false, bone spur, draft dodging father, in our Peoples' White House, don't even belong in our hemisphere.
Enough of their continuous, Trump bigotry!
“Regardless of how you feel about Joe Biden, or his chances of becoming the Democratic nominee for president; whether you are a Republican, a Democrat, or none of the above; whether you stuttered as a child or laughed at one who did; whether as a parent you try to protect your own stuttering child from taunts such as those made by the president’s daughter-in-law; these words come without hesitation: Stop. Grow up. Show some decency. People who can’t have no place in public life.”
Thank you, Captain Sullenberger.
4
America has many great, inspirational, exceptional people.
Then you have the exact opposite as in the ex-game show host, pathological liar and tax cheat who occupies the Oval Office.
1
Trump's daughter-in-law is now to be viewed as pitiful as President Trump. Have you no shame Madam?
2
Bravo, bravo, bravo! Thank you sir!
2
Sir,
Have you ever thought about running for President?!
2
Thank you, Sully. You are even more a hero for publishing your message to kids.
3
Well, if he hadn’t made it political and mentioned a weak candidate to beat Trump, yes.
2
The ugliness of what we can expect for the next 11 months of the president's reelection campaign can be foreshadowed by the cruel comments of those of Lara Trump. It has only just begun. Trump will exploit any of what he perceives to be weaknesses in his opponents in an effort to project himself as a strongman. This man is indeed very sick.
2
Words to live by.
2
Biden sounds just fine. It's Trump who slurs. Every time Trump needs to give a somewhat presidential speech (reading it) he slurs his speech and snorts his nose like he's been drugged. Lara Trump, people who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones.
And let's not forget Lara Trump married Eric Trump. Now that's something not to be proud of.
2
Right on Sir!
1
I guess they've given up on the Ukrainian investigation so, let's see, what else can we do to smear Joe Biden?
Of course, after Trump himself mocked the disabled reporter at one of his sleazy rallies and got away with it, nothing should be surprising.
What a low life crew, the lot of them.
2
Stutterers can overcome the impediment. It's doubtful Lara Trump will ever overcome her ignorance.
2
I wonder if Lara has ever spoken anything important or interesting, thought provoking or life changing in her perfect diction. Or, how many American lives she has saved or enemies of America she has faced.
1
Sully, this issue certainly does “go beyond politics.” And your contribution to America—your very Americaness—goes far beyond that of our pathetic president and his family. Yes, indeed, “you are fine, just as you are.” Sadly, the same cannot be said for Mr. Trump, his family and so many members of his administration. I’ll be voting with you in November
trump and everyone associated with him are the dregs of America. unfortunately, millions of Americans lie in the gutters with them. these are the truly deplorable, with no redeeming features whatsoever.
Biden's incoherence goes beyond "stuttering." He's a sloppy, muddled thinker and always has been. Not presidential material. Sorry, Sully.
2
In the age of Trump, mocking weakness, difference, or frailty is revered by our highest moral authorities: Evangelical Christians. His entire entourage disdains any cultural difference be you LGBTQ, Black, Hispanic, Moslem. It does not matter. Biden's stutter, a reporter's handicapped arm....all are fair game in Trump's moral universe. Get ready for much, much more if this man avoids being removed from office by impeachment or the vote in November. He's just getting his hatred warmed up. There will be camps beyond the southern border land. Reminds me of Munich, 1923.
2
The media has turned politics into a daytime TV movie.
Well said, Sir.
1
Hey show a bit of compassion for the poor woman. She has go through life married to Eric Trump.
No, she doesn’t. She has agency to make her own choices. We reveal our character through our choices and our friends.
3
@Erik Asphaug Her choice.
3
I feel sorry for Ms. Trump. She married a man who grew up in a household where the strongest male figure influencing his life was a father who openly makes fun of people in a deliberately cruel manner, cheats on his many wives, sleeps with porn stars and talks openly about the sexual appeal of his stunningly attractive sister. Whatever attracted Lara Trump to that kind of personality is puzzling and unsettling, given that she has two children in her household and doesn’t seem to mind setting this sort of example for them either.
Call her out, yes, but the certain path is to muster up forgiveness. This behavior must be some sort of a product of her environment growing up as a kid, meaning it’s not entirely her doing.
Joe Biden could not set a more exemplary tone than by simply walking away and ignoring her. Good for you, Joe. You’re the better person.
@Rich r
Spare your pity for someone who deserves it.
She chose to marry into one of the most corrupt and venal families in the USA. She's on board with all of it.
1
Well said, sir.
1
Dear Captain Sully,
I am a 10 year old girl named Stella. I live in Toronto, Canada, and I stutter. My parents showed me the article you wrote in response to Lara Trump, as well as some videos of you landing “The Cactus” in the Hudson River. It was really inspiring. I have never really been bothered by my stuttering as much as other kids may have, but there are definitely times where I wish that I did not stutter. It is can be embarrassing to stand up in front of your whole class trying to say something, but only to come out with “uu-u-u-um.” It makes you think that they are all judging you. Some of them probably are, but it helps me to think that besides that, there are also the people who don’t care about it at all. They know that our imperfections do not define us, even though some people, (like Lara Trump) don’t.
I think that you should run for president, even though I do not live in America. I also know that there are some kids who are extremely insecure about their stuttering, and will have reactions similar to the ones that you said you would have as a kid. Now I feel even worse for those knowing that there are more awful people like this than people may think. It can make you feel like nobody wants to listen to what you have to say. That can be really discouraging.
I liked your last paragraph where you say that you can be anything you want to be, like a pilot or a president who really respects people. Right now, I want to be a mixed media artist.
From,
Stella
1030
@Stella ...There are two kinds of people in the world. Those that make the world a better place and those that are never encumbered by wisdom.
72
@Stella Stella, how lucky you are to have parents who shared this article with you, but even more lucky are they to have such a wise and thoughtful daughter. I think you're going to be successful at whatever you choose for your future.
102
@Stella - what a beautiful post. You write so well, I hope you can incorporate that into your future plans! Your thoughts are clear and well organized; and I hope you achieve every success you dream of! You are obviously a kind and generous person, and that will serve you well in life. Best wishes, always,
92
It's more than just a stutter. Joe Biden constantly gets things wrong or mix up. If we are considering Joe for the presidency, the most powerful position in the world, is it wrong for us to be concerned about his age and mental health? Is Mr. Biden going to be sharp in 7 years? If the answer is probably not, then we as American citizens have a duty to vote for a better candidate.
2
Overcoming childhood stuttering doesn’t automatically bestow greatness.
Sally’s a great pilot (although who knows whether other pilots soundly have performed the same in a similar situation.)
Biden’s a buffoon.
4
@JQGALT
1. No one said it did.
2. It's Sully, not Sally.
3. Whether or not other pilots have done what he did is irrelevant to anything being discussed here and Sully himself never claimed singular heroic status for that landing.
4. Have whatever political opinions you want but insulting the man with name calling just proves the relevance of this article.
6
@JQGALT
And what have you accomplished in your life, that you are able to judge from afar in such lofty tones?
2
It may be technically correct to characterize Biden in that way though, given the catastrophic suffering his decisions have caused.
2
Anyone who does not fully agree with Captain Sullenberger's sentiment is a monster. Plain and simple. Then again, this mockery comes from the current president's camp - the same man who mocked a reporter for his disability to the delight of the goons with which he surrounds himself.
2
We have a President who speaks in tongues and who is apparently not in possession of his own mind.
3
Mr. Sullenberger, thank you. Lara Trump, be best.
1
Thoughtful comments by a truly decent man. Enough said.
2
That is a tiresome and irrelevant argument. Joe Biden isn't a child struggling to overcome a stammer. In fact he isn't a stutterer. He has difficulty getting his words out when he is making up "facts" as he goes along. He is a disgrace to the Democrat Party. The though of him become president makes my skin crawl.
2
Mr Sullenberger personifies the difference between the strong, generous, and idealistic America the framers imagined and mapped out, and the selfish, self-absorbed, small-minded one that Trump, his family members (except perhaps Melania), and his bevvies of sycophantic Republican toadies typify.
1
More evidence - as if more evidence were needed - that the Trump family represent the bottom of the barrel of American society, a repugnant clan of repugnant people. Captain Sullenberger, of course, shows once again why he represents the very best of America. The contrast could not be more stark.
2
Again, Sleazy is a euphemism for the entire Trump family. That so many Americans celebrate them is embarrassing. Sully nails it here "I dare you to mock me".
Once again Captain Sullenberger you have proved yourself to
be a truly remarkable human being.
Can you run for President?
2
When I was in the navy I had a guy that worked for me who would stutter in a normal conversation.... sometimes we would have to stress him out by yelling a few cuss words at him to get him to enunciate and when we did we not only got the information we need but an asschewing to go right along with it. He was a great guy but passed at about 50 from a heart attack and it would not surprise me if the stuttering was an influence
1
The person who mocked Biden is married to Eric Trump. Enough said of that.
Vote blue, people.
3
Vote for progressive policies by the only progressive running, you mean. Blue, neoliberal policies brought us closer to becoming just like every other corrupt oligarchy.
1
Apparently, the cruelty gene gets passed on to the in-laws in this family somehow. Sadly, it's a sickness that seems to travel from the top down and has infected most of the Republican party. The way to get on Donald's good side is to be as nasty, hateful and ignorant as he is.
Captain Sully , please stop the Hate Speech. It’s time to Move On.
1
Lara Trump’s despicable behavior is typical of Trump supporters.
The rotten apple doesn't fall from the Trumpian bush.
1
Sadly, this is how our “first” family operates.
Insults. Innuendo. Intimidation.
Oh, yeah. And lies. Lots of lies.
2
Any comment from ANY Trump is vile, hateful, and comes from the darkness of their souls. My brother stuttered, he suffered, and often wondered how different his life would have turned out had he not been terrified to be called upon by a teacher. He too overcame his stutter, though until he passed I could still hear a slight pause when he pronounced particular words. There are no words I can conjure to adequately express my disgust about this woman’s nasty comment regarding VP Biden. Her juvenile comments are truly a reflection of her terrible insecurity and utter stupidity.
2
She is a cruel and insensitive person and certainly found the right family to flourish in.
3
Bravo! So eloquent and well stated. And, just when one might think, or hope, the Trump clan has gone as low as they can possibly go in their collective verbal barbarism...they just keep on digging lower. Pathetic.
1
We have descended so far into shamelessness. That a President's surrogate would stoop to be so cruel to an opponent is discouraging. Our country is much much better than this. This President is an abhorrent aboration in our history. We can prove ourselves to be worthy of our potential greatness by ushering him out of office and all of his cruel and despicable minions
The entire Trump family lack any form of empathy whatsoever. In their shallow world, money, looks, celebrity are all that matter.
As far as they are concerned, everyone else is a loser, liberal, and ripe to be mocked.
1
Lara, and all the other Trumps, have far worse impediments than a speech impediment. A moral impediment and a childish sadism + willful ignorance is a far worse problem.
It seems most of that family is, well, toxic waste.
Sully's a hero, a life-saver. What has Lara Trump ever done besides marry a brainless son of Trump?
1
Mocking Vice President Biden's stuttering...vile and despicable, but what else would you expect. No shame for the shameless. Even more disgusting is the way the crowd apparently ate it up. The prospect of four more years of this nonsense fills me with equal parts rage and despair. "Grow up" indeed.
Captain Sullenberger, thanks for exemplifying what "be best" actually means.
1
Awesome OpEd Mr. Sullenberger! The Trumps have no decency, class or grace. They are horrible as a group and individually.
What a beautiful rebuke of the Trumps bullying attitudes. They are nothing more than third graders who bully. They are a disgusting example of the private school elites who belittle those with less money and power than them.
Why is it that those in the orbit of Trump, think, are, live, and speak only garbage?
Lara Trump has told us who she is. I believe her.
3
Dr. Anita Hill has told us who Biden is and I believe her. The families of soldiers killed or disabled, or who have committed suicide because of despair from the Iraq war and our rigged economy can tell us who Biden us too.
2
The politics of ridicule are the hallmarks of this president and his family members. The whole world knows who they are and what they stand for. Never has there been a slimier bunch as these sorry excuses for human beings.
1
Biden’s justly being criticized for his terrible record on Social Security, mass incarceration, coziness with the credit card industry, and more. His occasional incoherence on the campaign trail also had been noted.
But nobody, aside from the Trump bride and some other random idiots on the internet, is mocking him for stuttering.
1
@Malahat Sarah Sanders did.
The times invites my comments, but excludes me from reading most of its articles, except prepaid obituaries. I am a retired senior with insufficient discretionary income to subscribe, so to contribute my comments would be a one-way street. Sorry.
Facebook this article..make it go viral!!!!
1
Thank you. Well said.
I didn't realize stuttering caused you to lie about your record and point your finger at and berate voters who disagree with you. I hope there's someone studying this.
2
Every day brings a new revelation of just how horrible Trump and his circle are.
A new low, what can we say.
Beautifully said Captain.
Well said, Sully!
Decency- the operative word.
Surely the elephant in the room, in so many senses, is the inability of the President to utter coherent sentences much of the time, even without a speech disorder. The inability to recognize the need to frame a sentence with a subject and a predicate, and the inability to frame an argument orally or in writing are cognitive flaws that have been identified by many including the eminent linguistics professor, James McWhorter.
Professor McWhorter in an opinion piece in the New York Times on January 21st 2017 wrote “it’s hard to resist laughing at Trumpian syntax.”
The president’s resort to insult - e.g. “little Marco”; “Lyin’ Ted”; “crooked Hillary” - reflect not only cruelty, but verbal and frankly, intellectual inadequacy. If Lara Trump resorts to taunting Biden on alleged stutters, it is because she has (1) been scripted by her father-in-law’s entourage, and (2) is very likely incapable of articulating cogent response to points raised by Biden, stutter notwithstanding.
All Americans should take pride in the conduct of the Democratic debates which have re-instated reasoned discourse into the political sphere. This is a value deeply held by the Framers of the Constitution. Reasoned discourse was once a value shared by and practiced by Republican political leaders, but alas, no longer.
Americans should not have to listen to a President and constantly make allowances for his linguistic/cognitive disabilities, a much more onerous task than allowing for a minor stutter.
3
Lara Trump exhibits the same self absorbed behavior as her husband. Thank you, Captain Sully, for your encouraging words.
Biden’s speech deficit is not stuttering, which is trouble repetitively pronouncing letters in a word. Biden has trouble getting the correct word from his brain to his mouth.
3
@Turbo
And so it's okay for the President's daughter-in-law to mock him publicly?
3
I am tired of the disparaging, belittling and insulting commentary by this administration and those associated with it.
ha! Trump's daughter-in-law...they don't fall far from the tree, do they?
Captain Sully Sullenberger is the complete antithesis of the Tump family and their entire cabal.
Sully is a true American hero.
He provides a much needed model for those that continue to support the miscreant in chief!
Lara Trump, another "rising star" in the GOP firmament.
Lara Trump says she didn't know that Biden stuttered. That whole family is too much. Do they even tell the truth to each other.
The family that lies together wakes up with fleas.
2
Thank you, Captain. Shame on the Trump family and their apologists.
1
Here you have a genuine, real, actual hero. And then you have Lara Trump and her whole hideous family. All of whom had their own childhood traumas. And this is whom they have become. What a tragedy.
1
And it's not just the Republicans mocking Biden's stutter. Other presidential candidates have seized on that to question Biden's mental fitness. Shame!
Perfect!
How disgusting but these are --unsurprisingly-- the kind of people who populate clan Trump. From the top of the family on down,what you see is what you get. NOTHING to be proud of here.
Here we see what makes some people strong and brave and decent. We all have some little---or big---issue that forces us to overcome it and move on to our dreams. It can be height or weight or appearance or a stutter or disability.
Capt. Sullenberger is a hero without doubt; his coolness and mental acuity saved so many people.
And today, with no real need to act, he steps up to call out the ugly and soulness behavior of someone who shows what my mother called "An inbred lack of manners" , meaning that no amount of education or money would improve them.
These two guys overcame a hurdle to succeed and make their mark.
Don't see any hope for the other person involved in this.
"Stop. Grow up. Show some decency." Ha! She's a Trump, so she's incapable of decency.
The shameless hypocrisy of the Trump family, criticizing how Biden talks when Trump himself is the most inarticulate bumbling fool we've ever had in office.
Today Don Jr tweeted about Biden's brother capitalizing from his name and relationship with the VP. There lack of self awareness is amazing.
1
The Trump base love what Trump and his satellites, including Lara, do and say. Let’s admit that it’s a real uphill battle to change their lowness and tendency. If Americans keep the liar and liars in the White House, it’s a sign the US is firmly on the trajectory to the ochlocracy.
I was bullied terribly growing up. My late father took pleasure in it. In school it was worse. They pushed me until I cried. Then one day I decided not to be bullied any longer. Punching my antagonist in the face worked all so well. He never saw my fist coming. Same for adult bullies. They need a sock in the nose to make them..... stop.
1
Very interesting that the even the trump adherents commenting on this article can’t bring themselves to defend lara trump’s words. Rather they skirt the issue of her vile meanness and assert Biden’s senility as the problem, not stuttering.
1
Ms. Trump is married to Eric and she can still make fun of people. ONLY in America baby
Any Trump making fun of how someone speaks is the height of hypocrisy. Have they not listened to the jumbled nonsense that comes out of their dear father’s claptrap? They are lowlifes. Thank you Captain for pointing this out in such a dignified manner.
I would slap Lara Trump across her face and watch her stutter to respond. Keep it up with your words fellow Americans and find out what happens to your faces.
How low class of Ms. Trump.
3
I don't know why I am surprised to learn even someone on the peripheral of this family is ignorant and crass.
I have no problem with Biden's difficulty in getting words and sentences out. I do have a problem with the fact that 5 Biden relatives got jobs that they otherwise would not have had but for the fact that Biden was vice president.
https://nypost.com/2020/01/18/how-five-members-of-joe-bidens-family-got-rich-through-his-connections/
3
@MIKEinNYC
That's probably true of many politicians s on both sides of the fence. Our first exhibit...the Trump family.
4
There’s a difference between having a stutter and being senile.
Both of you need to save your push up competitions for the locker room. Stop embarrassing the party please.
Thanks.
3
Lara Trump suffers that peculiar addiction so many insecure Americans have - to Fox News. She propagates whatever they do - it's become all too common. I can't wait for her and the whole despicable family to go away and return decency to our national dialogue.
1
While Sully soars Trump grovels.
Captain Sullenberger is in Vice President Biden’s corner against moronic low brow vulgarity coming from trump’s ilk. No better endorsement could be asked for. This is a case of courage speaking truth to despicable cowardice.
1
Well written. Thank you.
Two words - Thank you.
Sully, you complete us.
Thank you.
What else would you expect from a member of the Trump family? The Donald set the tone when early in the race to be the Republican candidate he publicly mocked a NYT disabled reporter on live TV no less.The Apple-in-law does not fall from the tree.
Thank you Captain Sullenberger. Well said.
Jeffrey Bendler
The morally repugnant trump's and their burgeoning cult are the most base, vile and cruel people seeking to victimize and harm the less fortunate.
They are the antithesis of the ideals that made America truly great and they are the epitome of the ugliness of 1930's Germany that plunged the world into darkness.
Thank you, Sully, for your service and for your words of kindness and wisdom. None of which could ever be said about the current occupant of the White House or his parasitic family.
Even Sarah Huckabee Sanders had the decency to apologize for mocking Joe's stutter. Imagine knowing that you are married to a worse person than Sanders.
The president and his family never pass up an opportunity to talk trash. Of course it's easy to talk trash when you're surrounded by security 24/7 and you know no one can touch you.
Putin speaks 5 languages fluently including English. Trump speaks no languages fluently including English. He only speaks gibberish.
Ah, Mr. Sullenberger, you forget: Lara Trump is a nobody! A nothing! Married to the lump of a son of the ignorant, ignoble current president, that's her only claim to ...whatever. She MUST say something to be relevant, which is what she lives for. Nobody of value is listening....
Gosh, I didn't even know Biden stutters at all. His problem may be his thought formulation, not his speech. His thoughts spring from his attitudes on various issues. He may stutter expecting negative feedback.
This op ed on Sully's own experience is eloquent and admirable.
But mocking of Biden's speech by a Trump in-law ( who is she anyway?) at a Trump rally--- where everything is staged and calculated-- is too trivial to merit a NYTimes op ed. With all the super- crucial issues going on now?
Anyway, Sully says her audience was mostly silent, with only a few giggles heard. (the few polite giggles some in the audience usually gives to a speaker?) So what's the big deal?
Sully attended a Biden fund raiser. That's it.
Didn't I read that Biden told his wealthy donors to 'not worry-- nothing is going to change for you'?
Just what did Biden mean by that? Whether he stuttered-- or whether it came 'trippingly on the tongue'-- as Shakespeare might say.
1
You seem to dismiss Sully's painful childhood experience. So there were "only a few giggles"? Or who is Lara anyway?
As Biden said to Sarah Huckabee Sanders after she mocked Biden's history of stuttering, show some empathy.
1
@MKW ...you seem to dismiss what I wrote---
"This op ed on Sully's own experience is eloquent and admirable."
1
Can you imagine, if James Earle Jones, allowed his stutter to hold him back?
Lara Trump! please.
2
"A speech disorder is a lot easier to treat than a character defect." Eloquent. A recent article informed me that the Nazi regime began its extermination campaigns, not by killing Jews, but by the mass murder of anybody the Nazis deemed had any kind of disability. Like stuttering. The Trumps and their ilk echo the mockery and violence of that dark Nazi era. I don't think it's just a coincidence. It's emblematic of a fascistic mind set. And millions of Americans just love it--to death.
3
Nicely said.
Great article, but morally-grounded individuals know trumps are low-lifes and not surprised by their trash talking.
"Grow up. Show some decency."
What odd words to address to any member of the Trump family. They're incapable of decency; they're incapable of shame or embarrassment. How strange that an entire family can be thus polluted and morally corrupt.
When will we stop being shocked at the lack of human decency coming from the Trump family. Sadly, mocking someone for their stammer is probably not even in the top 10 worst things the Trump family has done. Unless or until we rebuke their reprehensible words and deeds it will continue and it will it infect our culture and spread. It is our responsibility to speak out against this when we see it. Do it to their face and in the moment. Vote for a return to American exceptionalism in Novemebr. Vote against the cruel, ignorant, entitled family of ignorant brats.
Is every member of the trump family a jerk? Is there any of them who's ambition was more than being the best grade school bully?
3
@sjs
Tiffany Trump, perhaps. She seems to have deliberately stayed away from her appalling father since his election. Perhaps her mother injected some sense of decency into her.
3
Well, Donald Trump makes it a habit of mocking people with disabilities. Remember the way he imitated a bum-legged reporter. His daughter Lara is, I guess, a chip off the old block.
Pretty foul, pretty trashy. The worst is that a sizable number of Americans can appreciate that sort of "humor." Big fat guys in their MAGA shirts.
hear, hear
great column
He’s a standup guy and a leader
In order to marry into the Trump family, you must pass a meanness test. Those in the family already have it through heredity.
1
We love you Sully!
1
Well said!
Thank you very much Sully for everything in this article.
1
Well said!
Captain Sullenberger- We were at the same party in Malibu a few years ago. There were lots and lots of stars there but seeing you was the biggest and best star sighting of my life. You sir are one great American my regret was not telling you that to your face when I saw you. This piece underlines that sentiment with a big, fat Sharpie. Peace & Love from Portland.
1
It’s fascinating that not only Trump himself, who has so clearly failed in so many areas by which good character is typically measured, but even the wife of one of his sons is also vile. They cluster together, these abhorrent and mean people, like maggots on carrion.
1
Well said.
Well said captain, well said.
Thank you Captain Sullenberger. We need more salt of the earth honest honorable people like you.
Captain Sully, you are the best example that American kids can follow and the person that most aspire to be.
Lara Trump, you have redefined bottom, morally and ethically. You have no decency.
1
Well said.
Thank you Mr. Sullenberger for your fine essay here. As for the Trump kid's unfeeling remarks, no surprise here, when you consider who her father is. Public shaming and other folk's speaking out when they hear so-called grownups exhibiting these cruel and disgusting remarks is what is needed. Too bad more folks don't do that. They usually sit there in pained silence while the moron carries on thinking they are being clever.
Ye gads, everyone of the trumps are mean and cruel, despicable bullies all of them. How anyone supports these vile people is beyond me. Bravo to Cpt Sully, VP Biden, and any child that has overcome their struggles!
1
Why didn’t you run for President?
The Apple doesn’t fall far from the horse, eh?
I was surprised at how little media and public outrage occurred after Donald Trump mocked a Times reporter with a disability, in front of a crowd of thousands, by contorting himself onstage in late 2016.
This shameful behavior would not be tolerated for a clerk stocking shelves at a 7-11. Why was it acceptable for a Presidential candidate?
Lara Trump has no class, and is an imbecile who has revealed herself to be a pathetic extension of this assembly of lowlifes.
2
The casual cruelty exhibited by EVERY MEMBER of the Trump Family Crime Syndicate tells me everything I need to know about them. They are a family of sociopaths.
We need Joe.
Great piece, Captain Sullenberger. Have to state this though. Consider the source that inspired you to write this. A totally insignificant person, whose only claim to fame is that she occasionally makes racist comments, and is married to the son of a narcissistic, unqualified, inarticulate, mendacious, arrogant, amoral con artist, who happens to occupy the White House. For now.
1
Hear, Hear Sully!
So . . . it seems the daughter-in-law is now projecting on behalf of daddy-in-law, who is the most inarticulate person ever to hold the presidency--malapropisms, misspellings, non-words like "covfeve," topped off by speech that is often so slurred that he sounds like he's, um, on something: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gza7H3zG4g8
1
The entire Trump family clan is disgusting..and time will tell when several may end up in prison. That sais, the entire grifters live off the droppings on one DJ Trump..the fat guy with the very strange hair...and whose Slovenian wife has already told him..."I will not visit you in jail".
2
Lara Trump is as insidious and insufferable as the family she married into. It’s a sad commentary on our current politics that a man as decent and honorable as Sully has to even dignify the bile that emanates from Trump’s mouth.
When will the nightmare called Trump be over?
1
Thank you, Captain Sullenberger, for this beautiful response to yet another horrible, trashy, classless Trump event.
3
Not only is Donald Trump a despicable person but it seems that many people around him are also despicable. Our mothers (and the bible) are right: Bad associations spoil useful habits.
1
The Trumps are all despicable. They attract despicable people. It is unbelievable how high such people can rise in this country.
Thank you so much for this. It fills me with disgust every time trump mocks somebody's disabilities or looks or military service or height or weight or neck size or you name it. The trump family legacy will be one of cruelty and unusual stupidity. Sad
2
Is there not a single member of this disastrous family who is not a crude bully and arrogant egomaniac? Is there no decency?
2
Trump, his family and all of his associates represent the worst of humanity -- narcissistic, self-serving, completely devoid of humanity or shame. I can't wait until they are gone from the White House.
3
Trump is a cruel person. Very cruel and mean little sadistic creep. So are the people in his family and all those around him. They are cruel.
Who else but a sadistic cruel person would put children at the border in cages?
Who else would take away school lunches from children? Who else would want to jail the homeless? Who else would joke about a moat at the border with snakes and alligators? Who else would brag about killing an enemy and buddy up with / pardon war criminals? Trump - of course.
Lara Trump's cruelty in making fun of a stutter is in keeping with Trump cruelty and bullying.
We need a ton of empathy and compassion in America, but it will never come from Trump and his cruel family or enablers.
2
Readers, please forward this to everyone you know.
Lara Trump should be ashamed of herself.
Trump culture of cruelty.
1
Lara while not genetically a Trump, is one in her Heart or lack of one.
1
How disgusting can this entire Trump family be?
1
Most of us could care less about Joe Biden's speech impediment or even his creepy touchy feeliness. We are far more interested in drilling down to the bottom of his dealings with the corrupt pre-Zelensky Ukraine government, its oligarchic crooks, and the 'malarkey' behind his misbegetting if not misbegotten boychik snagging 50Gs a month to serve as a consiglieri to Ukrainian gangsters on matters he knows nothing about.
@JJ Gross well at least he didn't pay off his two mistresses just before the election.
2
@JJ Gross
I agree with you that nepotism is abhorrent. So Ivanka and Jerod should immediately leave the White House, right?
2
Please, run for office.
The Trump family members' habit of making fun of anyone with a perceived disability or difference from their own overstuffed, banal, barely literate utterances, should make us all ashamed that they somehow infest the halls of the White House, through which they scurry like rats down the hallways.
Compared to Lara Trump and the all messed up individuals in that family, the New York subway "pizza rat" has far better character and behavior.
1
Oh Captain, my Captain!
Gordon
Dear Captain C. B. Sullenberger III,
You write as you fly.
They came from your soul. Thank you, Sir.
All best.
Awesome. :)
If I ever meet this guy, I will definitely mock him.
Even in the little things, Trump is a jerk.
Trump is the Pot calling the Kettle "Black".
Trump is the person who lives in a glass house and shouldn't throw stones (but does).
Trump is the guy who can dish it out but can't take it.
Trump views the world as a Manichean Universe.
For all the things and power he has, I am thankful that I am not him.
Thank you for your kind and wise words Captain Sully.
1
Thank you for your op ed piece.
From a retired speech therapist.
Has Melania told Lara to be best yet?
3
Sully 2020.
Yep. Lara is a member of the Trump family, alright.
Bravo, Captain. Unfortunately, presenting your wise and courageous words to the current occupants of the White House (i.e. "Stop. Grow up. Show some decency.") is like throwing cologne on a pig.
1
Thank you Captain for once again showing your decency and class!
Lara Trump proves that the vile, amoral behavior epitomized by Donald Trump is a disease that anyone can catch by associating too closely with the carrier. And we know what the antidote is...
a perfect response to a woman--i mean family--whose mind thinks below gutter level.
1
Love ya Sully. We need 100,000 more Sullys and no more of these people from the Culture of Cruelty.
Ah, it's so good to see Sully put one of those useless grifter Trumps in their place.
Well done, Cap'n.
1
You, Capt. Sully, could have made a great leader had you decided to run.
Biden's issue is not just a stutter. Go to youtube and search the 2008 VP debate between Joe and Sarah Palin. Watch five or 10 minutes of it and you will see that Biden was a different man then.
Thank you so much.
Thank you!
And still no apology from Lara Trump?
Thank you sir.
Another fine example of your first family. Had enough America?
what a horrible statement from Lara Trump. how low can you go? Her silver spoon upbringing hasn't bought her any empathy.
1
This extended Family, the Trumps, are such a vile group!
Can you imagine the dinner table at that house?
I think it's time for Lara Trump to apologize.
Thank you, Sully, for speaking up. Who IS this "Lara" Trump anyway? A nobody married into a family of nobodies.
1
Sully Sullenberger for president!
Lara Trump and the entire Trump criminal family are boors, bores and blissfully ignorant.
They resemble the royal families of yesteryear who were hanged, beheaded or banished from their countries.
The Trumps exemplify everything the world hates about the rich.
If only you could go on FOX NEWS and repeat this statement! Bravo, sir.
"I Dare You to Mock Me." That's the problem with clowns like this, she wouldn't dare say anything to anyone that stutters to their face. Thank you, Chesley B. “Sully” Sullenberger III, job well done!
Bravo Captain Sullenberger !
The only thing that the pathetic Lara Trump did when she made her mocking comments about Joe Biden was to reveal herself, like her depraved narcissistic father-in-law, to be an ignorant and cruel individual utterly lacking in empathy and compassion. Then again, no one should expect anything different or better from members of the thuggish crime family who all think so little of themselves that in order to feel better about themselves they have to mock others.
Where is Melania’s Be Best message when you need it?
2
In a civilized society, stuttering is a non-issue.
Unfortunately, in the late 20th and 21st centuries, our society has become anything but civilized.
The Trumps, their base and far-right politicians see people with what they view as imperfections not as fellow humans, but as prey.
It makes them feel big and tough to mock humans who are in fact, better than they.
2
Bravo Sully and shame on the Trump crime syndicate.
Lara Trump.
The worst kind of Trump.
You could make the argument that as disgusting as the members of the Trump clan are, they can’t help that they were born into a low-class family of hucksters and conmen (and women).
Lara, on the other hand, chose to join them.
So here’s another fun quote from another hero: Who’s the more foolish (or inset any deplorable character trait from the Trump family)? The fool or the fool who follows him?
1
Well, the presidency is a bully pulpit....
Thank you Mr. Sullenberger for publishing this article and shame on you Lara Trump. Only bullies like you and your father in law with no character mock those with disabilities.
Thanks Sully.
Sully is a real hero - ignore him at your peril.
Tramp and his ... are the opposite.
By acting so cruel, Lara and Don,Jr. put their 5 kids in the line of bullying and ridicule. What goes around comes around.
1
I don’t understand how anyone in the trump family can mock others. The collective IQ of that gene pool is less than 10 and they have been free loading off others all their lives to make a living.
1
Thanks again, Sully.
I have no doubt that if Lara Trump reads this, she will laugh with derision at the author.
What’s a ‘Lara Trump’ and who could possibly care what she has to say?
American hero teaches spoiled brat manners.
1
Thank you Sully!
1
To Lara Trump "do you have no decency madam?"
Lara Trump -- although the offspring have sometimes to search, they often find ones who prove that the road apples don't fall far from the horse's rear.
Dear Lara Trump,
In your attempt to demean Mr. Biden, did you stop to think about the adults, children and teens you would hurt with your comments? Or was this yet another trip down distraction lane.
Nancy
Thank you, Sully!
Thank you.
Sully for vice-president!
Thank you.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Thank You.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Thank you, sir.
Making fun of stuttering, mocking a gold star mother for being Muslim, miming a handicapped person in public, calling Mexican immigrants murders and rapists. You either think that kind of behavior is ok or you don't. Hey Trump supporters, you define who you are by what you are willing to tolerate.
1
Thank you.
Lara Trump, your class is showing.
As Maya Angelou said: "When someone shows you who they are, believe them the first time."
Good thing you married money.
Too bad your husband didn't marry class.
3
Thank you Captain!!!!
There is no shaming these vile foul creatures
Isn’t Melania’s cause du jour supposed to be anti-bullying? The Republicans are really reaching here. Sad to see
Also who the heck is Lara Trump?
1
Amen. Thank you!
It's rather shocking and telling that two of the first ten comments are anti-Biden. I guess the trolls and bots are busy.
Wonderfully put. Thank you, Captain Sullenberger. Our world would be a better place if people took the time to put themselves in the place of someone less fortunate. “Privilege,” be it racial, ethnic, religious, or medical.. due to sheer luck.. does not make someone better than someone else. It’s hard to understand how people.. particularly adults.. can practice bullying of others. Ms Lara Trump.. do you stutter? Do either of your kids? Think about how you’d feel if you did, or how your kids would feel. There is no excuse for bullying, and you should be ashamed of yourself.
2
Regarding Lara Trump mocking Joe Biden’s battle with stuttering and her subsequent admission that, despite the national attention about this, she did not know that he battles stuttering:
I am disturbed that the liberal commenters refuse to give any Trump credit for anything. Ms. Trump should be praised for admitting that she is so stupid, ignorant, and uninformed that she was unaware of Biden’s stuttering.
Sully please go on the campaign trail with whomever the Democratic candidate is people respect you and your honesty and concern for truth and decency can help VOTE Trump and his corrupt henchman out !!!
What did you expect from a genius like Lara Trump after all her main claim to fame is crawling under a Trump. Heck that alone would make me stutter.
Thank you Sully. Again.
My gosh, Sully! Will you run?!
Cruely is alays the point. don't be fooled
Sir, you are and incredibly decent and compassionate person.
Please, run for Public Office. I’d crawl over broken glass to actually VOTE for You.
Seriously.
trumps are ignorant loud mouth bullies, with no class or grace and nothing to offer but turpitude and deception
Got news for you: Trump will.
Accomplishments:
Biden- long-serving Senator; two-term VP; Presidential candidate
Sully- saved hundreds of lives with his skill as a pilot
Lara Trump- ?????
You can buy tacky buildings and dreck art, beauty pageants and golf courses, and even elections-- and some mindless followers with empty promises. But you cannot buy decency and character.
1
God bless you!
Hear, hear, Captain!!
Thank you, Cap'n. Sullenberger. And to think she's married to Eric?????
Maybe Sully could be Joe Biden's VEEP?
What has Lara Trump ever actually accomplished? She is the vulgar spouse of a vulgar man who himself is the offspring of a man who personifies all that is vulgar and cruel in America. Melania’s anti-bullying campaign needs to start at home.
1
This dude landed a plane on the Hudson River? That's pretty cool.
2
I wonder what the merciless Ms. Trump thinks when she hears her father-in-law in full-on slur mode.
That entire family is so incredibly flawed they should be the last people pointing.
Disgusting.
This is how you respond to a bully.
1
Everyone is a loser in trump’s America and is worthy of mocking, disdain and humiliation.
He just hasn’t gotten to all of us....yet.
1
Dont you realize Lara Trump is just being a Trump? The only way the Trumps can hold the public's attention is by bad-mouthing, demeaning, calling names, being dishonorable and stupid. This is what got them 2016. They go by the same playbook. It worked before, they hope it will work again.
She's not worth it. No decent person would hear her speak and think this is not OK. The rest we dont care about because she echoes them.
Thank you for the thoughtful uplifting response to stupid cruelty.
1
Amen and amen.
Lara Trump. Married to a guy who defrauds charities.
Stay classy,
How dare you challenge the obvious senility that has taken over Joe Biden's life.
Using stuttering to shame people for obviously pointing out Biden's inability to express himself intelligibly is shameless Mr. Pilot Hero.
1
Bravo Sully!!! I suspect the wicked, deceitful and cowardly Trump clan will not reply to you. But we all love you for drawing a line iin the sand against these ignorant fools.
Did anyone in the audience object to what she said at that moment? We need to stand up to gratuitous cruelty. Thank you for your eloquent response.
1
Sullenberger is a legitimate hero, but he's being manipulated and used here. Biden may struggle with a stutter, but he's been in politics a long time and it hasn't hampered him before. The issue isn't his stutter, it's his obvious cognitive decline. Forgetting what state he's in, forgetting Obama's name, addressing a voter as "look, fat"--these aren't stuttering issues.
There are elements of the establishment, e.g. Wall Street, that are frightened Bernie will win. Biden is a safe alternative. Sullenberger is being used here to push an agenda.
1
How is it that every possible viciousness is concentrated in this odious family? There isn't a decent impulse--much less action--in the clan and their hangers-on. Timothy Egan has written quite recently about the moral contagion of Trump--and it's a terrible thing. It seems likely that a willingness to be around Trump itself signifies internal corrosion already underway. I can't imagine the lies that Bob Barr and Mike Pompeo tell themselves every day. Do they remember what Lear says? "A dog's obeyed in office."
So thank you, Mr. Sullenberger, for bringing a voice of calm and ordinary decency, for the reminder that while you can't touch pitch and remain undefiled, you can keep your distance from the sticky spreading stuff.
1
Agree completely.
I have a grandson who is working hard on his stuttering.
So, let me put any callous adults on notice, if you make fun of him in anyway within earshot of me, I will try my very best to forgive you, but I am not promising that I won't be tempted to give you a real good sock on the nose.
Maybe that will wake you up enough to become sympathetic and understanding to people struggling with stuttering.
1
Well said.
And this point bears repeating: "This culture of cruelty is what drives decent people from public service."
2
This is just politics, as usual.
Nothing new, but Mr. Biden chose this path.
Please, don't make him a victim.
@Pia
Criticizing his policies is one thing; mocking his stutter is another. Making fun of a candidate for a stutter shouldn't be part of political discourse. But, then again, I wouldn't call anything coming out of Lara Trump's mouth intelligent or discourse.
1
Watch the film The King’s Speech and watch the actual footage of King George VI speaking. He struggled severely but provided the most amazing example and stability and wisdom in the UK during WW2.
I am 85 and have stuttered very badly since I was 2. I had one elementary school teacher who did not humiliate me for my stuttering. I was raised on quacks and shrinks who thought my stuttering was due to suppressed rage, and they increased my feeling of hopelessness. At age 30 I did some neurological training that cut my stuttering by ⅔. I still stutter. Only this year have people told me that what I have to say is worth bearing with my stuttering. Long time coming, and I think people like Mr. Biden and Mr. Sullenberger will influence the larger public. Donald Trump's cruelty toward anyone less powerful than himself, is motivating a general intolerance for abuse and cruelty. Harvey Weinstein is one example, and there are many more. I'm grateful to see this influence lighten the abuse of stutterers too.
5
On the playground in fifth grade, I watched a stutterer's older brother come to his aid in a fight. When the teacher pulled apart the combatants, the older brother explained that he was fighting because his opponent had made fun of his brother's speech impediment. That day, I learned a powerful lesson in cruelty from the opponent, and courage, loyalty, and upright behavior from the older brother. The lesson from fifty years ago is front-of-mind today.
2
Like father-in-law, like children, bullying is acceptable in their world. It shouldn't be in ours. We need to call out such behavior like Capt. Sullenberger has so eloquently today. It's the person, heart and soul, who defines the person, and a good person is worth the patience it might take to here what he or she has to say.
4
Beautifully said, Captain. Thank you so much for showing us the positive side of our deeply flawed human nature.
7
Wow!
Thank you, thank you, thank you, Captain Sullenberger.
You speak directly from the heart, and to the hearts of those who are sickened by what passes for "public service" from many of our public figures today.
Sadly, there is a solid block of citizens in America who live in lock-step, no matter the circumstances, and cannot hear your message, because their hearts are shuttered so tightly against kindness, truth and justice.
7
Dear Captain Sullenberger: In this distressing time for our great country, with megalomaniacs and evildoers running roughshod unchecked, your thoughts have given me a glimmer of hope. I hope teachers bring this essay into the classrooms. You have described our moral deficiency, and it has hit a nerve as this one word is my mantra: respect. Give it, accept it, expect it. Those few who are given the privilege to make decisions for the great many should be held to this standard, and more. Thank you for taking the time to give your wonderful leadership advice. Respectfully submitted, Melanie
4
I have never before commented on any article in any newspaper. But rarely have I thought someone so perfectly diagnosed the affliction that threatens our country, and prescribed so precisely the treatment needed.
7
I've been privileged to know a lot of good men and women in my life. None of them have felt the need to degrade or belittle another human being in a vain attempt to elevate themselves. They don't all have 'Rambo' bodies and these values are not diminished by age or health.
These people defend the rights of others despite any negative effect it may have on them. They're not afraid to speak truth to lies, or step into danger despite obvious risks. They are sincere, honest people who leave the world a better place because they were in it.
Our world contains a lot of these people but we don't tend to notice because the don't seek attention and only act if the situation demands it. I thank and salute every one of these unnamed heroes!
4
Until I read this opinion piece I was ambivalent about who should be the Democratic Presidential nominee but I was not leaning toward Mr. Biden. Nothing against him, but he appeared a bit been there, done that. This piece by Mr. Sullenberger has made me reconsider and perhaps come to decisions in my own mind about who I would be comfortable voting for. More importantly, who might actually win.
Mr Biden might just be what we need as President at this time and I would be happy to vote for either Mr Sanders or Ms Warren as VP. That feels okay to me and for me.
2
She denies it. However, being that she is related to the family, it's too questionable to believe.
1
Courageous, thoughtful and generous. A role model for all. Thank you Sully.
1
Terrific stuff from an American hero.
2
There is stuttering, which is a speech disorder.
There is word finding difficulty, which is a language disorder.
There is therapy, for both.
2
And then there’s Joe Biden who given his age may be simply experiencing a decline in his mental powers resulting in memory lapses, embarrassing gaffes and overall poor debate skills - voters need to take this into account. We need somebody completely on the ball to be our next president.
2
I hope Lara Trump, Donald Trump, and the rest of Team Trump continue to display the Trump mean streak when it comes to using disability as a means of ridicule. There are perhaps millions of women who hold traditional values and would likely vote for Trump but who have children who stutter or have other disabilities or developmental challenges. Many of these women will be disgusted by these remarks—maybe disgusted enough to stay home on Election Day.
1
Three words to the entire Trump family: "Show some decency." Sadly, those words have been uttered many times in the last few years, beginning with candidate Trump mocking a disabled man. This entire family is nothing but people made powerful and invincible due to wealth, and the GOP afraid to speak against them.
2
Since when did being empathetic, thoughtful, and respectful of others, especially of those with disabilities, become "political"? But it has, sorry to say.
So, besides demographic characteristics, empathy, compassion, caring, respect, and concern for humanity and the planet now appear to be a fundamental constellation of values that separates Democrats from Republicans, the political left from the political right, progressives from conservatives.
I am no spring chicken and I didn't grow up this way, nor was it ever acceptable for politicians to mock and disrespect persons, science, institutions, the law, the rules of human decency--though there was more subtle dog whistling going on in certain regions of the country ever since Nixon's southern strategy.
Admittedly, in my mind, it seems to be a "Republican thing," almost a signature behavior from Trump, his family, right-wing media, and Fox.
And besides Trump's litany of lies (15,413 as of Dec. 2019), has anyone kept track of his rude-crude insults as our American President and his cruel acts (children in cages, abandoning and betraying the Kurds, a political assassination...)?
As Biden said at the last debate: this is not who Americans are. Or are we?
Even if you don't "like" politics and don't care about it, please vote against Trump and the GOP, if you value human decency
9
Wonderful! A stunning rebuke to the Trumps.They need to read this column and heed the wise words from Mr. Sullenberger. What have they ever done that compares to his courageous actions both as a child and as an adult - nothing!
4
Thank you for a beautiful piece, Mr. Sullenberger. I, too, stuttered as a child and was made fun of. Luckily my parents addressed the problem and brought me to a specialist. She said I'd grow out of it once I entered Kindergarten - which, miraculously, I did. But the sting of ridicule is still there - more than 50 years later. Lara Trump should be ashamed of herself, but on the other hand, we must remember that the apple has not fallen far from the tree here. Remember when her illustrious father-in-law made fun of a disabled reporter in the 2016 election? Just consider the source and chalk it up to more ignorance spewing from the mouths of the Trump Family.
5
Lara Trump's comments-- in addition to being repugnant-- signal the profound vacuity of the Republican and Trump platform. They have no real policy on offer-- foreign or domestic -- they really only have left the strategy of superficial attacks on their opposition.
2
Thank you, Sully. You speak the truth in a caring way. We need more people like you. Much respect.
2
TRUMP makes it acceptable for people to demean themselves. He actually encourages it. When you mock someone you demean yourself more than the person you are mocking. But that's OK with them. They have lost their way. As they are now, they are mean-spirited and deplorable. They do not deserve our respect and they are not examples to be followed. These people know better. Hopefully they will see the error of their ways. We are waiting and hope they find the courage to be a good person. Peace.
3
Moses, Marilyn Monroe,James Earl Jones and Churchill were all stutterers. Joe is in good company.
1
"A speech disorder is a lot easier to treat than a character defect."… Or "bone spurs".
5
Thank you Captain. I too have walked your walk. I so appreciate your forthrightness and discipline, and thank you for calling out this hubris fueled social cruelty.
4
Excellent presentation Captain Sully! Your laser beam focus addressing the matter illuminates the derisively demagogic atmosphere permeated by reckless indifference. Tragically, Lara Trump's father in law established the standard of mocking, denigrating, and demeaning individuals experiencing particular challenges during 2016 by publicly mocking the reporter doing his job simply because of his autism. And the crowd roared with enthusiasm, applauded cheeringly, and joined in the chorus! No Republican challenged him, denounced the miscreant conduct, or leveled criticism. Ringing muted silence followed, which now the GOP merely accepts as the "get over it" norm. "It is what it is", to quote Robert DeNiro's character in "The Irishman."
The challenges confronting the nation revolve upon character. Mocking others is not indicative of responsible leadership. Rather, that conduct confirms the patent absence of sensitivity, compassion, and understanding. America needs positive leadership in the White House to restore its image on the world stage as the beacon of hope and promise. The present situation of habitually pathetic loathing, paranoia, and scapegoating is intolerable and must be eliminated.
2
Elegantly put, sir. If only the Trumps could feel shame....
4
Thank you thank you!!!! Compassion and understanding is what we need to get back to. Your beautiful essay is possibly a start.........
1
Beautiful. I didn't realise that Biden had this lifelong issue and put it down to old age. I am enlightened ....so thanks Sully.
1
Look at Captain Sullenberger. With him as a model you need merely describe what you see to understand the definition of ‘hero’. Learn, then, that Lara Trump has fouled the air around her and beyond with the insult of a personal trait in another she deems an enemy, motivated this article. It is a profound wonder to me why anyone carrying the Trump surname simply can not refrain from mocking weakness in another to maintain their pathetic status or grip on power. Apples truly do not fall far from the tree, even if there is no actual genetic link between the apple and the tree. What a sad time in the history of our great country that we are being led by such preternaturally flawed stock.
3
Lara Trump's comments are further proof that this family is deplorable. Almost of us learned as small children not to make fun of people because of their appearance, their ethnicity, their disabilities. The Trumps never got that message, or if they did, they ignore it every day.
3
A character defect is not a disqualification for the GOP. It’s a recommendation.
Seriously.
4
It's reassuring to see the comments in response to Captain Sullenberger's brave and public repudiation of The Mean Girl's cruelty. It makes me wonder why we haven't heard the voices of some other allegedly-brave patriots. Come on Kelly, Mattis, McMaster: follow the dignified Captain's example and speak up. (Don't you know that your NDAs are unenforceable?!). The troops are hoping that you'll have the courage to publicly endorse more kindness and decency.
1
Sully, once again, job well done.
Thanks for writing this -- and for your integrity and strength.
This message is clear, and Lara Trump should apologize:
"Stop. Grow up. Show some decency.
People who can’t have no place in public life."
1
Thing is, they’ll do it. There’s no bottom with these people.
1
Take my word, Trump will mock during the general election. His audience will laugh.
1
As a former Speech/Language Pathologist I find Ms. Trump's mocking of Biden's, or anyone's, stuttering as disgusting as it is uninformed. If this is all Ms. Trump can come up with to criticize the policies and positions of Biden, then she has nothing.
I spent two summers working in an Adult Stuttering Clinic and found stuttering to be one of the most debilitating speech patterns one can experience. Any person who can conquer the fear, the embarrassment and challenges of stuttering is truly a courageous person.
Ms. Trump's sheer cruelty based on her unimaginable ignorance of this often times debilitating disorder should be called out by the press and by professionals. It is clear, Ms. Trump is as cruel as her father-in-law when it comes to this matter. Mocking people with disabilities or differences is simply unacceptable in today's world.
1
Thanks - in the words of the American Speech Language Hearing Association - for “let(ting) your voice be heard” and speaking out against anyone who mocks those who struggles to communicate.
1
This article is a dignified response to the despicable examples being set forth by the First Family. The Beverly Hillbillies could have represented America better.
2
I don't care what party you come, Trump and his family have now officially gone to for with the continued attacks on Joe Biden's stutter. I am a pride conservative independent that voted for Trump that happens to also stuttered. And I was turned off to Trump awhile ago, but after seeing him at a rally mocking Biden I was shocked, and saddened. And now hearing about the daughter in law. You Trump can't do it to much so his sends his human shields out there to do it for him so like this post we are talking about the daughter in law not the President. Look at the people who went to jail for this man, shields. I work in mental health, do you think I do see the twitches in his youngest son, no no one goes there. A bounty was put out on the president, but no one says anything about his son wearing the army jacket and walking close to the president going up in the plane and coming out of it...like a shield, no we don't go there. This president has been going there and going there. Donald Trump has now lost this Rep. vote. It's a shame I was the only black guy supporting him at my work, even against white men and women.
When is Sully going to run for the senate - we need him?!
1
Hear, hear Mr Sullenberger! Hear, hear!
1
Thank you, Capt. Sully. Our nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
The beating heart of Trump world is purposeful cruelty which is carefully propagated and tended to so that it spreads. In one of Trump's rallies (which really are more akin to cheap, sleazy, D-lister lounge acts), he cruelly mocked a disabled individual and encouraged his rapturous cult to clap and roar with laughter at this individual right along with him. It was the most disgusting thing I've ever witnessed in my life. Lara Trump is a perfect fit for that wretched cult.
Captain, you are a beacon of goodness and light. I'd like to imagine a world where we saw more Captain Sullenbergers and no Trumps.
2
Extremely well said. What Lara Trump said, and what others laughed at, was cruel, demeaning to all of them, NOT the person that the comment was made about. What is wrong with the people in this country ? Political beliefs aside, have so many of us no human decency ? Bravo to Capt. Sullenberger, who was the perfect person to call out this woman, and her incredibly cruel, thoughtless and ignorant comment.
1
God bless you, Sully!
You epitomize everything that is still good about our country and personify heroism and selflessness.
You clearly point out the inappropriateness of people like Lara Trump’s malicious comments about Joe Biden. Joe Biden has proven he can do his job at the highest levels of government. Lara Trump is a public figure and could be subjected to superfluous and mean-spirited comments about her Botox and collagen injections, among other treatments, but what’s the point of matching her at her low level? She should be challenged, however, with respect to her willful blindness in supporting an unhinged president who has spoken ill of a heroic deceased senator (McCain), a gold star family, and a handicapped reporter, for example, and has broken all kinds of other norms such as outlined in the impeachment charges.
She will have
1
It makes me so sad to think that the insulting and childish comments of the president’s daughter reflect where we’ve come to in this country. The insult was not simply the thoughtless playground rhetoric of one ignorant person, but an obvious reflection of the way she was raised by a father who has no concern whatsoever about severely harming people whom he considers a threat. She is the fruit of a poison tree.
1
"Stop. Grow up. Show some decency. People who can’t have no place in public life."
"A speech disorder is a lot easier to treat than a character defect. "
Words to live by, Captain Sullenberger. From your lips to the nation's ears.
2
Thanks, Sully. Considering who Lara Trump married, her awful behavior is not surprising, but is also not excusable.
What else can you expect from a Trump but mocking and being nasty to another human being?
1
Thank you, Captain 'Sully' Sullenberger, well said, your a wonderful role model.
An American hero speaks loudly and clearly.....and puts a tiny little twittering man in his wretched place.
Let's all take Captain Sully's sagely advice and show Cadet Bone Spurs the way out on November 3 2020.
Amen.
3
Mocking people with disabilities is a Trump trait. There is no known cure.
1
Those that make fun or chide people with some disabilities are just cowards, like Trump, publicly making fun of a person; before, he evaded the service in Vietnam using his father's money.
1
Bravo Sully. Shame on Lara Trump; she certainly fits in the Trump clan.
1
Public shaming is an immoderate approach to others. Unthinking and cruel.
1
To me, the issue is not about whatever horrid thing trump or his surrogates say or do, in this case his DIL - we fully expect this behavior by now. The problem is the enablers who support them and lie for them and the cowardly Republican party that mostly stands in silence
2
Trump and his ilk are just bullies. It's so obvious. What shocks me is not that they are, but that so many of my fellow Americans embrace him knowing this.
1
Low moral standards run throughout the trump family and friends. But worse than that; those low values are a national disgrace.
1
Apparently even the extended trump family carries the now familiar stain of donald. They are, to a person, petty, vulgar, offensive, tasteless and unlikable. They seem to even be incapable of marrying untainted people. There is something wrong with the family genome. And THIS is the lineage that sits in the White House and represents America to all the world. We need a change for the better in November.
Bravo Mr. Sullenberger. Unfortunately, the deplorables who support and make excuses for the Trump clan will not hesitate to mock you.
Sullenberger knows of what he speaks. The ignorance and utter depravity of Trump, his family, and his followers seems to never hit bottom.
Inspiring. Thank you for writing this Capt. Sullenberger.
1
Capt. Sullenberger you are a very courageous man to have opened up the eyes of people to those who have not had to overcome a disability. Shaming is the worst thing anyone can do and to hear it come from an adult is beyond reproach. Politics has no place for this behavior nor does society at large. As the mother of a son with a disability we are raising our children to be kind and generous people. Many thanks for your stand on this topic. You are a warrior for the disabled community.
1
An excellent article by Captain Sullenberger. As a stutterer who has almost overcome it myself, I couldn’t agree more.
We should thank the classless Trumps for creating an awareness about stuttering which I think is little appreciated by those who don’t suffer from it.
I can only hope that this episode helps create greater awareness and more humanity in society about stuttering and other disabilities.
1
I too stuttered as a child and understand the frustration and shame that comes with it. I am so proud of Joe Biden and Captain Sullenberger for telling their stories and showing all of us that you can triumph over disability.
Knowing that Vice President Biden stutters changes how I interpret his answers when he speaks. Instead of seeing a man who can’t seem to articulate his thoughts when he speaks or appears confused I instead see a man who successfully works around his stuttering. I now see his debate performances in a whole new light. If only the media could as well.
1
Thank you, Captain Sullenberger. I've never stuttered but was incredible shy as a child, with some pronounce difficulties and teeth projected forward and severe allergies and ashtma. I was also a nerd before being a nerd was cool. Because of all that I was mocked a lot as a child and I still remember the pain it caused, and as an adult I'm always appaled when I see adults bullying a child or others adults for their disabilities or other caracteristics. It has not to do with politics, or who is the better candidate. It is about human decency. It is about empathy. It is about what we want to teach our children and the kind of world we want to live in. Your words are a beacon of hope in a very troubled world. You are a incredible human being and the real definition of a hero.
2
A beautiful and thoughtful piece. Thank you, Captain Sullenberger. A hero once again.
7
Thank you, NY Times. Thank you, Capt. Sullenberger.
I know full well that the world is still full of decent people, but I sure appreciate the reminder.
13
This may backfire on Lara Trump. Many who were concerned about Biden's hesitation during the debates, may now attribute his hesitation to the difficult task of forming his thoughts into words in order to express himself clearly; something lacking in a president who doesn't think before speaking.
10
I have worked as a school nurse, so have worked directly with kids who not only stutter but who have numerous conditions that may require special ed sessions. One of my best friends is a speech therapist who works in schools. She has worked with many kids who just need some extra help.
Just knowing that ‘Sully’ has had to deal with the same issues may be enlightening to these kids. How great Mr. Sullenberger has come forth with his story. Kids like looking up to people who they know care and cheer them on and have a condition, for example, too.
I’m sending my speech therapy friend this article. I have the feeling ‘Sully’ is going to be a hero once again. I know if I would still be working in the school nurse’s office, ‘Sully’ would be in the midst of some of my upcoming conversations with kids. And as for Joe, being mocked and ridiculed is just one more thing to like about him, because despite his difficulty in speaking sometimes, and the classless ridicule from a Trump, Biden doesn’t let it stop him - and boy is that impetus and a lesson for kids!
547
Joe Biden's stutter history is there, and it affects him, and you can see it in the context of an event like a debate stage. ok. But for anyone doubting Joe Biden's ability to think and speak and answer tough questions (unrehearsed) go the the Times Editorial Board interview with him in yesterday's paper. Read the whole thing. He comes off as obviously and extremely well informed (his actual real world experience and knowledge as a potential president far exceeds his competitors, including Trump), he was thoughtful and, yes, pretty folksy and plain spoken (great). And able to absolutely command the room - that was obvious in the interview. The debates are actually a terrible measure of a future president. They have almost no resemblance to the performance or daily duties of a president. But sitting at a Board room table and firing off answers and questions while being surrounded by smart and inquisitive people - that is a much better measure of a potential president than one minute answers to questions on a television debate stage.
598
Sully and his article are both admirable. I agree with everything said here about the Trump family. I don’t, however, leap to the conclusion that Joe is the best Democratic candidate. He did, after all, support the Iraq invasion.
7
@Ralph
Ralph. can we finally get over the Iraq war vote of politicians at the time. EVERYONE agrees now that it was a horrible mistake. So was Vietnam (I was caught personally in that error -in the infantry). And so was electing Trump. But alas, we are all human beings with the inherent ability to miss a judgement. Biden has said this was a mistake on his part. Lets move on. Some of us learn from mistakes after all.
63
@Ralph Oh, people, knock it off with the Iraq war vote. It was a mistake that many have admitted, but it's not an issue that should define or kill (or promote) anyone's career. We learn and we move on. The key is not to make that mistake again. Are ya listenin', Bernie? Knock if off.
38
But this is the Trumps. I would expect even less of them than I do of the general Republican. Utterly devoid of character and putrid to the core.
14
For starters, Trump mocked a reporter disabled by a chronic condition - congenital joint contracture. Next, his daughter-in-law mocks a political opponent for stuttering. Who will the Trumps mock next - the kids in the Shriners Hospitals for Children commercials?
13
@SkepticaL
Lara Trump has two young children of her own. She should be mindful of that.
If Donald Trump were actually upset at his daughter-in-law's pathetic display, he would use someone else's money to make a donation to an organization that helps kids deal with this condition.
6
An eloquent statement. But it is still demoralizing that such a basic lesson in adult decency––don't openly sneer at anyone's disability––has to be published at all.
This is a lesson that shouldn't be necessary for anyone over 10 years old.
6
Reading the comments I can see that no one is surprised in the least that a member of DJT's family chose to denigrate and ridicule someone who once had speech defect and in effect all who suffer with this problem. What is wrong with these people and why do we allow it to continue? VOTE
11
I remember that as a child I received counseling for stuttering. It was mostly effective, but public speaking has always been challenging. It is not a case of not understanding things, but of having trouble expressing things.
I think that both Mssrs Biden and Sullenberger so not have trouble understanding things, although they may stutter. Better a stutterer than a lying, corrupt, psychopath.
10
Here's the thing about Captain Sullinberger and most of the people who have commented here. It is a fact that there are vastly larger numbers of Americans who think like you all do than there are of the low class ones who cheer the insults and the demeaning language. I'm absolutely certain of this and I expect to hear from you all in November.
10
And so did the King of England.
3
Stuttering is not the reason to mock Biden. His wishy washy incompetence and pretense to greatness is.
2
Behold, a mensch in our midst !
3
Thumbs up to Captain Sullenberger! Thumbs down on the Trumps, whether the born or married kind.
8
My god. What is the matter with the Trumps?
11
Wasn’t Sully a republican? If he’s attending Biden fundraisers, that’s a good sign!
8
Joe Biden is my hero.
4
Thank you, Sully! This means so much.
5
What else would you expect from a Trump Empathy, compassion, respect? Not in their gene pool or those of the people who are attracted, married and/or closely associated with them. Bravo Sully!
7
James Earl Jones too. Nothing more needs to be said.
6
Spoken (written) like the USA-trained Aviator that you are. Thank you for the clarification(s).
5
Any interest in running for President?
2