In a recent segment on MSNBC, hosts Joy Reid and Rachel Maddow made insensitive comments regarding a child cancer victim who was honored by President Trump during his State of the Union address. The remarks have sparked outrage and condemnation from many, including former Fox News anchor Megyn Kelly.
During the segment, Reid and Maddow mocked the young boy, Joshua Trump, for falling asleep during the President’s speech. They also made disparaging comments about his last name, insinuating that he was not worthy of the honor because of it. This callous and heartless behavior has been met with widespread criticism, with many calling for an apology from the hosts.
In a fervent response, Megyn Kelly took to Twitter to express her disgust at the comments made by Reid and Maddow. She wrote, “This is so cruel. These hosts should be ashamed of themselves. There’s no excuse for making fun of a child, especially one who is battling cancer. Shame on you, MSNBC.”
Kelly’s words struck a chord with many, as the issue of childhood cancer is one that hits close to home for so many families. According to the American Cancer Society, an estimated 11,060 children under the age of 15 will be diagnosed with cancer in 2019. These children and their families are already facing unimaginable challenges, and to have their struggles belittled and mocked on national television is beyond reprehensible.
But Kelly didn’t stop there. She went on to emphasize the profound implications of the hosts’ words, stating, “Words have power. They can lift someone up or tear them down. In this case, these words have caused pain and hurt to a young boy who is fighting for his life. There’s no curing you from the damage you’ve done.”
Kelly’s words are a powerful reminder that as public figures, it is our responsibility to use our platform for good and to be mindful of the impact our words can have. In this case, Reid and Maddow failed miserably in their duty to be compassionate and empathetic towards a child who is going through a difficult time.
It’s not just about politics or personal opinions. It’s about basic human decency. Regardless of one’s political beliefs, we should all be able to agree that making fun of a child with cancer is unacceptable. It’s a sad reflection of the current state of our society when even the most vulnerable among us are not spared from the vitriol and divisiveness that has become all too common.
In the end, it’s not about whether one supports or opposes President Trump. It’s about showing compassion and empathy towards a child who is fighting for his life. It’s about being decent human beings and treating others with respect and kindness. As Megyn Kelly so eloquently put it, “There’s no curing you from the damage you’ve done.” Let’s hope that Reid and Maddow take these words to heart and apologize for their hurtful and insensitive comments.
