[Blindtlk] Democracy in the NFB

[Gary Wunder]

Here are a couple of thoughts with the hope that they do not anger but cause
reflection. Term limits only save us from having to make the hard decision
to say "So long," but having them prevents us from saying "continue the good
work you are doing." I enthusiastically support Mark Riccobono. I like and
trust him, and believe he is energetic, passionate, and, perhaps most
important, compassionate. There is nothing to stop anyone who wants the job
from saying so, working between now and the convention to get support, and
running. I don't think a new candidate will change my conviction that Mark
is the next man for the job, but I am not uncomfortable with anyone saying
that she wants the job and making her case.

My observation is that sometimes we muzzle ourselves, thinking how
politically smart we are; then we complain that we've been forced to wear a
muzzle. The Federation I know has not always agreed with me, but what I have
said has been respectfully considered. In turn I have been expected to
support when a decision doesn't go my way, and I've been delighted to show
that, believing in the collective wisdom of our organization, I can be an
affirmative advocate for the side I once spoke against. I was not initially
in favor of the Jernigan Institute. Saying my mind did not hurt me. Once I
argued we should have the Braille Monitor on cassette and the reaction was
that we were not going to pass out cassettes that people could reuse for
their music by placing tape over the protection tabs. I was not harmed by
the initial proposal, and eventually it happened. Then there was an argument
I joined for indexing the cassette issue so folks could jump from article to
article. The initial reaction was that the Monitor was intended to be read
cover to cover, and indexing it would only cause people to miss important
information. Funny that now we have an indexed Monitor, but now, as the
editor, no one is more in favor of having it read cover to cover than me.

This is our Federation. She has traditions, but she serves those who work
and influence and press for change. Dr. Maurer noted in his discussion
before the board that our new leader will have to find the balance between
holding onto important Federation traditions and changing to meet the needs
of a new generation and its challenges. We're up to all of it.

Love to all,

Gary