Gov. Paterson cites 'anger' against blind

ALBANY, N.Y., Oct. 25 (UPI) -- New York Gov. David A. Paterson says jokes made about his blindness indicate "anger" present in U.S. society toward the blind.

Speaking Saturday to an advocacy group for the blind, the governor spoke out about recent media portrayals of his blindness, including a skit on NBC's "Saturday Night Live," Newsday reported Sunday.

"A society where that attitude ... anger ... vitriolic conduct is excusable when it's waged on a governor, think of what happens to an individual (looking for a job)," Paterson said at a meeting of the New York chapter of the National Federation of the Blind.

The governor also criticized opinion pieces published in the New York Post regarding topics such as his use of an aide to help him read.

Paterson, 55, did attempt to minimize the guilt of the media in resorting to blindness jokes and comments.

"They are just reflecting the attitudes of society," the governor said of the media.

Paterson said, despite taxpayers' concerns, blind Americans are not responsible for raising taxes through special education and social services efforts.