[Ct-nfb] FW: ACB Resolution on H.R. 3086

Fri Nov 9 16:03:09 UTC 2012

Hey folks:

For those of you who disagree with my past e-mail I will concede this. You're correct of course, with your opinion. I have known a few folks from the ACB, and yeah they're very nice folks. Of course you're also right that not everyone has to think, or feel the same way I do. That's what makes America the great country, that we have the pleasure to live in.

However, I still feel that in this case over opinionated as it maybe. his is the correct stand for me to take, along with many disabled individuals. For those who do not need too, all I can say is you're very lucky to be able to sit back, and not have to involve your selves. 

I also know that the NFB has not always taken a stand for folks with multiple disabilities. However when the cause is just, then I believe a united front is the best. As president Lincoln once said, or at least I believe it was he that said a house divided is sure to collapse upon it self. And in this case I feel that it would benefit all parties concerned if we stood together on this particular argument. However if not everyone agrees then as Suzanne suggested perhaps it would be better to just agree to disagree. 

Who know perhaps if I had a job that paid me a decent wage, and if I wasn't depending so much on social services I might have the same thoughts. All I can say is I wish you all well, and I will continue to fight for fair wages for all who need them.

Be cool Folks

Rich

P.S. Once again i ask your pardon for my lack of education, and articulation that my lack .

--- On Fri, 11/9/12, Chris Kuell <ckuell at comcast.net> wrote:

From: Chris Kuell <ckuell at comcast.net>
Subject: Re: [Ct-nfb] FW: ACB Resolution on H.R. 3086
To: "NFB of Connecticut Mailing List" <ct-nfb at nfbnet.org>
Date: Friday, November 9, 2012, 8:33 AM

I know many ACB members who are capable, competent blind people. They believe in independence, Braille, and the right of all blind people to become active members in the workplace and society. Marcia dresser, who used to live in Connecticut and was the first VP of the ACB here, worked with us to help pass a Braille bill back in 1999. I was on several BESB committees with her, and I admire Marcia and her husband Steve, also blind and an active ACB member, very much. I've met people at national convention who are members of both NFB and ACB--although Dr. Maurer would certainly excommunicate them if he found out. Again, these are capable, competent, admirable blind people, who are networking and not judging people by affiliation, but rather by character.

I see the ACB and NFB as completely analogous to republicans and democrats. Both groups have a vision for our country, but they have different ideas on how to get there. Neither side is evil, although I have my doubts about the folks at Fox news, but for some reason, people get fired up when they feel they have an enemy, which is how far too many NFBers and ACBers react. I've studied both organizations, and choose to be an NFB member because I think our philosophy best matches my own personality. But I don't think the ACB is wrong, just different. I would summarize this way: The NFB wants training and opportunities for blind people, while the ACB wants understanding and accommodations.

I listened to the ACB audio clip, twice, and I find it fascinating how different people react to the same stimuli. I didn't hear any slamming of the NFB, I just heard a single sentence saying 'it's an NFB bill'. The sentence wasn't said with love or enthusiasm, and in fact probably held a little disdain, but I certainly wouldn't call it slamming.

ACB's decision not to support HR 3086 is hardly comparable to Hitler gassing the Jews or the English exterminating Native Americans. It's a decision based on facts, math, and mission. NIB doesn't pay blind workers below minimum wage. Good will does, but by my calculation,it's very few blind people. The large majority of the few hundred disabled workers who receive below minimum wage are multi-disabled, almost all with severe cognitive disabilities. And the small percentage of blind people who are included in this class are also multi-disabled, with blindness the least of their troubles. Traditionally, the NFB has not fought on behalf of other disabilities, and DR. Maurer himself told me personally that 'it dilutes our message'. The NFB has decided to fight on behalf of people with other disabilities in taking on HR 3086, while the ACB has decided that they won't. It's not evil, it's simply a different viewpoint.

Deb, are you sorry you asked? Smile.

chris

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