[Blindtlk] HR 3101: How would it impact us who are blind or visually-impaired?

[T. Joseph Carter]

Eric,

I know the NFB has argued for emergency warnings to be read aloud.  
We're also interested in seeing the devices used by the digital 
television shift not exclude us either.  There's a lot of other 
things in the bill that affect others with disabilities too.

For me the question is of unintended consequences and expenditures 
the country cannot afford.  Congress has been very good lately at 
passing legislation without reading it, let alone assessing whether 
or not the costs outweigh the benefits.  More importantly, I no 
longer trust Congress not to slip something onerous into a bill like 
this that seems innocuous based on the fact that nobody in their 
right mind would vote against disabled people!

It's not that I don't trust the weasels running our country..  Wait, 
yes, it is.  I don't trust them.  I want lots of people looking at 
these things--people who aren't quick to sign on to something because 
it sounds like it's probably good--before I support any piece of 
legislation at this point.

Joseph

-- 
How many children in America are not taught how to read?
If they are blind, the answer is 90%.
Find out how you can help: http://www.braille.org/


On Sun, Aug 23, 2009 at 03:59:29PM -0500, Eric Calhoun wrote:
>How you like it if "Call the number on your screen," is a thing of the
>past?  How would you like it if emergency warnings are read to you, the
>B/VI watcher?  How would you like it if you can get on-screen menu options,
>as to how to record your television shows and sporting events?  HR 3101
>makes these requirements.  I ask you to call 202-225-3101.
>
>NFB people, by the way, are on record, as supporting HR 3101.
>
>Eric
>
>P.S.  Let's get some discussion started on HR 3101!