[blindlaw] Re Senator's Update Last Post

Elizabeth Rene emrene at earthlink.net
Sat May 19 00:47:00 UTC 2012


I think that the strongest argument you have is that the Coast Guard is 
governed by the Department of Homeland Security, and that you've served 
there in uniform already.
You could distinguish your situation from that of the regular armed services 
(Defense Department), and neutralize some of the arguments that might be 
raised against admitting an already-blind person to military service.  Then 
you could point to the competency of those blind servicemen still active 
after being wounded to bolster your argument that you, too, will serve 
competently.

My hope would be that this way you might win the support of people who might 
otherwise feel politically obligated to oppose you.

Since you would probably be only the third or fourth blind person to serve 
in uniform, and maybe only the first to get there without first being 
wounded, I wonder whether a "getting to yes"strategy might not have a better 
chance of getting what you want.

As you point out, the Coast Guard were more open-minded than the other 
branches.  Maybe if the other branches don't see you as a threat (dangerous 
legal precedent), they won't have reason to oppose you.

Having been around during all of the "don't ask, don't tell"debate, you know 
how all of the arguments, subtexts, and value avowals influenced decisions. 
Maybe you could use that knowledge to inform a campaign of strategic 
diplomacy that would get you in and leave you breathing room to serve 
harmoniously day-to-day, year-to-year with your commanding officers.

Best,

Elizabeth 





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