[Blind-international-students] introducing myself and comments on your discussion

[David Andrews]

We have traditionally had a lot of unity in the NFB.  That is in part 
why we get things done.  I would not choose to characterize us as 
a  bunch of robots who blindly (no pun intended) support and follow 
the organization.  That is how our enemies describe us.  Yes, there 
may be some people who dogmatically repeat what they have read or 
heard -- they may not be as far along in their understanding of the 
NFB and what we are as some.  However, most of us support the 
organization because we agree with it, not because we are robots.

It is not necessarily what you do, but how you do it.  I have said 
things to members of the Board, that would probably shock you.  I 
could though because I have worked hard, and developed trust and 
respect with others.

Dave



At 08:24 PM 8/8/2010, you wrote:
>Hi anmol and Dave and all,
>This is another reason why I am a part of nfb.
>I want people to know that there are nfb members who don't just
>robotically support an organization -- just because we admire it or
>because we feel obligated by gratitude to do so.
>We do and can have a healthy debate.
>We may not see eye to eye.
>But, at the end of the day:
>(as I have stated before)
>I am an nfb member because I want to make a positive difference in the
>lives of other blind people.
>Sometimes, I find that NFB is misguided and can be a bit myopically
>focussed on "image" and "media."
>Yes, I said it.
>But, there is no  other organization (that I have found) that so
>strongly supports the blind teaching the blind.
>In the NFB "Braille" and "independence" are achievements for everyone.
>We want an equal playing field.
>And, I have found that (although there are some independent blind
>people making great achievements),
>there are many NFB members who have high expectations of themselves
>and encourage us to have the same.
>That is why I am a member.
>But, that doesn't mean that I aggree with every decision that the NFB makes.
>And, in my mind, although I disagree with the NFB, I can still be an
>active member of their organization because (by in large) I do fight
>for many of the same things.
>We all have heard horror stories of people being blackballed.
>I wish that I could set the myths to rest.
>All I can do is to tell people that the NFB should be a place where 
>you can grow
>mentally, spiritually (if you so choose), socially etc.
>It should not be a dogmatic organization and no one should feel
>pressured into saying what the organization wants to hear.
>

                         David Andrews:  dandrews at visi.com
Follow me on Twitter:  http://www.twitter.com/dandrews920