I stand corrected (slightly)

Jason Linkins

'Family Guy' Actress Responds To Sarah Palin's Criticism

Andrea Fay Friedman, the voice actress who played the role of "Ellen" --the character depicted as having Down syndrome on the Valentine's Day episode of Family Guy, has responded to the criticism of sometime-Alaska Governor Sarah Palin. Of special significance, Friedman herself has Down syndrome. Palingates has Friedman's complete response:

My name is Andrea Fay Friedman. I was born with Down syndrome. I played the role of Ellen on the "Extra Large Medium" episode of Family Guy that was broadcast on Valentine's day. Although they gave me red hair on the show, I am really a blonde. I also wore a red wig for my role in " Smudge" but I was a blonde in "Life Goes On". I guess former Governor Palin does not have a sense of humor. I thought the line "I am the daughter of the former governor of Alaska" was very funny. I think the word is "sarcasm".
In my family we think laughing is good. My parents raised me to have a sense of humor and to live a normal life. My mother did not carry me around under her arm like a loaf of French bread the way former Governor Palin carries her son Trig around looking for sympathy and votes.

I have to say, that's a pretty good burn.

I have to agree with Jason.. BURRRRRRN! I have seen many different kinds and levels of disability among family and friends. Everyone handles these things in their own way. I love what Andrea said about the way her parents raised her. She's obviously talented, bright, and a mind of her own. I have a niece with a boy with Downs. She's a great mom and he plays with the rest of the kids with no special treatment. When I discovered the degree of OCD my children suffered from I wanted each of their teachers to understand exactly what was the triggers and what to expect. I even asked permissions for my youngest to leave the classroom without notice if her obsessive behavior took over. We've been open and we've taught them that we aren't crazy. Kids don't need more reasons NOT to fit in!

BRAVO Andrea!! You are great.