We have a mission at John’s Crazy Socks and Abilities Rising to spread happiness. Part of that mission is to show what people with differing abilities can do. We stand up for the rights of people with differing abilities, speaking on issues, meeting with elected officials. We engage politically, but do not take partisan sides. We have an obligation to use our platform at John’s Crazy Socks to speak up for those who might not otherwise be heard.

Late Thursday night, President Trump issued a statement on Truth Social once again using the word retarded (the R-word) to attack a political enemy. On Friday morning, John read this and he came to me and said, “There’s too much hate.” He said it makes him angry and sad.

We could not sit idly by. We have spoken out against the crude use of this term, an antiquated word that now hurts so many today. It dehumanizes people with disabilities and lessens their humanity. I issued a statement and reached out to President Trump. We are less interested in calling people out, but prefer to call them in, to invite them to understand and reach for their better selves.

More than four million people have now read that message with over 100,000 commenting or sharing it. John suggested that I share it with you. We all need to consider the language we use and the impact of our words. Here is that statement that has generated so much attention. If you agree, please pass it on.

Mr. President, Please Stop Calling People Retarded

We get it, you’re blunt. You speak your mind. But words matter.

Last night, you referred to a public official as “seriously retarded.” That word is outdated. It’s hurtful. And it wounds millions of people, people like my son John, who has Down syndrome and who also happens to be a successful entrepreneur, keynote speaker, and a global ambassador for inclusion.

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

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

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

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

We built John’s Crazy Socks to spread happiness, to show what people with disabilities can do. More than half of our team has a differing ability. They are not “less than.” They are not punchlines. They are hardworking, capable, valuable citizens They have earned our respect and admiration.

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

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