bARTknows

Pete Costello of Tacoma, Washington is being accused of faking retardation for 20 years. Pete's mom claims "he couldn't read or write, shower, take care of himself or drive a car." The duo stuck to their guns, collecting $111,000 in social security benefits from the time Pete was 8 years old. [Obviously an 8 year old can't drive a car, so there's a loophole for retardation.] Psychologists and social security workers drank the kool-aid for 20 years without question.

At 28, Pete drives. While driving, Pete got a ticket. What happens when we get tickets? We get video-taped by the squad car behind us. Pete did too. Prosecutors have one video of 28 year old Pete pulling out his R-card at a social security office and now another video to prove his club membership expired, suspecting he never qualified in the first place. The traffic video wouldn't be a big deal if Pete hadn't busted out the pocket logic needed to contest the ticket with the officer. What are they saying? Can't people with mental disabilities start arguments? Wars?

Really Pete, let's run some numbers: $111k over 20 years == $5,550/yr. Good work. If Pete's actions are any indication, all things considered, I don't think the court has much of a case.

Now, a mom that asks her kid to play retarded? Who could ask for anything more?