[BlindTlk] No More Mixed Messages, Was Fwd.: [tech-vi Announce List] Who can be an astronaut? Accessible spaceships may be the future - Inverse

Tue Aug 3 01:53:05 UTC 2021

Hello Erica and everyone,

	That's exactly what I meant with this thread. With all of the discussion about diversity and making people feel welcome in the NFB the last thing we want to have happen to those with high expectations and strong desires to go where no blind person has gone before to have these expectations undermined by those who should know better than to put out mixed messages concerning our abilities and capabilities. . Not every blind person wants to own an autonomous vehicle or to sore to the stars, but let's maintain an environment of encouragement and high respect and aspirations for those who do. Comments like calling the NFB car a pipedream or stating that folks like Eric Wheihenmeyer are crazy for taking on Mount Everest. The Olympic Games teach us that everyone needs a hero. So it is for the blind. If a blind person with desires to pursue a dream you may not think is possible the response should be a question not a slamming door! I can live with a statement like "How might the NFB develop their car" instead of stating that the idea is ridiculous and unachievable. Raising such topics as questions allows one to raise a concern without putting out mixed messages concerning our abilities and capabilities. All the best.

Peter Donahue

-----Original Message-----
From: BlindTlk <blindtlk-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Ericka via BlindTlk
Sent: Monday, August 2, 2021 7:07 PM
To: gwunder at earthlink.net; Blind Talk Mailing List <blindtlk at nfbnet.org>
Cc: Ericka <dotwriter1 at gmail.com>
Subject: Re: [BlindTlk] No More Mixed Messages, Was Fwd.: [tech-vi Announce List] Who can be an astronaut? Accessible spaceships may be the future - Inverse

We in the NFB say “Live the life you want”, correct? 

That means to me that we have the freedom to choose . Do I want to drive ridea bus or Lyft. It will give rural living folks more freedom but honestly we are fighting to have choices. If not why do we allow NAGDU exist? Cane or dog is a choice. I don’t feel safe without a human in the vehicle. That is my personal choice. I’m not saying blind can’t do driving;.  Remember there are many sight that choose not to own a car but could get a license, afford a car and drive to desired location and back. 

Ericka Nelson

> On Aug 2, 2021, at 2:22 PM, Gary Wunder via BlindTlk <blindtlk at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> Hi, Pete. I may not understand your message, but may I suggest that there is nothing contradictory in saying that in the next decade I may be able to ride in a self-driven car, but today I better learn about Uber, Lyft, hiring my own people, and even occasionally dialing a taxi? I don't like the negative tone some display, but don't we have to walk a dual track here: working on tomorrow while living in today? Is this at odds with what the NFB should be representing?
> 
> 
> 
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