I understand your reasoning. The problem is that it's just idealist and doesn't take into consideration the reality of the word.

I grew up being called retarded in school. That's how I grew up thinking about myself. I've worked hard to get over it.

You ever hear how people can hear their own name in a crowd more easily than other words? I swear I can pick out "retard" more than my own name. It's an instant hit to my confidence and mood because I can't know if they are talking about me.

So thank you for your willingness to freely use the word "retard" for my sake, but, coming from me, you are free to find another cause to fight for.