Jerry Lewis fired.

[eng188]

Jerry Lewis has been fired from the MDA telethon. Just learned about it this morning.

http://www.latimes.com/news/la-et-jerry-lewis-20110805,0,5661164.story?obref=obinsite

[dahliafaolan]

Amen! Alleluia! Maybe we can leave behind the pathetic image of "Jerry's kids."

[angel]

I agree Dahlia!!!!!

Angel

[Justy Me]

good riddance, Jer'!!!

[Dodger67]

Take a look at the comments on the newspaper article - very scary.....
It seems like most people simply don't understand how wrong the "pathetic suffering cripple" image that Jerry projected is.
What I don't understand is how the MDA could have tolerated it (actually nurtured and promoted it) for so long.
The Disability RIGHTS movement has a huge job in reversing these attitudes in the general public - not only in the US but worldwide!

[Gymp]

...What I don't understand is how the MDA could have tolerated it (actually nurtured and promoted it) for so long...

It's probably money...
A quote from the article...

" The telethon's earning power had declined in recent years. According to public tax filings, the telethon brought in $56.4 million in gross receipts in 2005."

With the amount dropping to 45.6 million in 2009 they probably started thinking of letting him go.

Gymp

[eng188]

What I don't understand is how the MDA could have tolerated it (actually nurtured and promoted it) for so long.
The Disability RIGHTS movement...

I've not paid too too much attention to the MDA's antics, but I never thought they were much into rights anyway. Just a cure. So, to that end, I'm not surprised the MDA tolerated it. Maybe I'm incorrect though?

Hopefully the MDA changes now, but I wonder. I might actually watch the telethon this year. I've gotten through about 20 minutes before without screaming.

[Kent T]

In my area, the broadcast engineers and normal air talent are unionized. They're so disgusted at his trivialization of disability that they refuse to work a MDA telethon due to me and my colleagues. Who are regarded as full equals and well supported by their rank and file. This goes for the IBEW and other unions involved. We dislike the pity parties to a man and woman. Jerry, this song's for you "Don't Let The Door Hit You" by Jimmy McCracken.

[eng188]

So, if I recall, the MDA telethon happened maybe last week. Did anybody watch? I wonder if it was any better without Jerry around.

[Justy Me]

I didn't watch but I just wanted to add that it's sad how not ONE article that I've read recently concerning this man even touches on the fact that he uses/ has used such disparaging words toward his " kids". Not one has made any mention of it. Sad.