It’s always bound to be bad time when Mitch McConnell, the conservative Senate Minority Leader, makes the news. The Kentucky senator has spent his entire career shaping the Republican party into what it is today: a neo-fascist welcoming committee for white supremacists. But this past week, Sen. McConnell raised questions about his health after he froze—appearing to be suffering from a medical condition—for the second time this month. Doctors are suggesting it could be small seizures, as a result of his age or a concussion he had in March.
In return, there have been pointed, snide commentary about how ol’ Mitch finally got what was coming for him. The irony is not lost that for a man who has opposed accessible healthcare throughout his term is now, seemingly, losing his facilities.
But—and this is not out of any love to McConnell, clearly—when we allow those sentiments to roam freely, we do more harm to those around us than men of McConnell’s vocation. There is no doubt that Sen. McConnell will receive the best medical care that our broken institutions can offer; but for the 42.5 million Americans living with disabilities, this is a reality, not a punchline. McConnell will never see your snark about how failing health is his karmic due, but the disabled folks around you will.
When we frame disability as a punishment, we continue to alienate and harm our neighbors, colleagues, family, and extended community members who may or may not be open about their disabilities. We absolutely should be having conversation about how McConnell is responsible for millions of people’s lack of healthcare, yes, but using ableist language only reinforce his stance that poor health is somehow a personal failure.
I am not asking for sympathy towards McConnell nor more hollow acts of civility towards the leaders who want to take away our rights. I am, however, asking that we shift away from ableism to protect the vulnerable members of our society. There’s plenty to say about McConnell’s crimes, let’s not get sidetracked by making a mockery out of disability.