[Massachusetts-NFB] our open list and Covid

[Al and Masha Sten-Clanton]

Hi, Shara and all.  I just saw this message, having mostly been away 
from e-maail over the weekend.


Shara, thank you for the kindness and understanding in your message.  In 
particular, I appreciate the reminder that we should be careful about 
accusing people of irresponsibility or misconduct without very good 
evidence:  I had not rushed to any judgment in this instance, but I have 
in the past and easily could again if I'm not watchful.


I want to comment on one other thing.  Although "squabbling," 
name-calling, and other forms of personal attack have no proper place on 
this list, I think this should be a good place to have substantive 
discussion and debate about NFB philosophical and practical matters.  
Chapter meetings may not allow time for debates we need to happen, but 
discussion on a list like this sometimes can compensate for that.  Long 
ago, I was on a couple of old-fashioned NFB bulletin boards.  Some 
discussions were quite useful, some worthless and obnoxious, and most 
mixed.  However annoyed I often got, I understood then and understand 
now that it is vital for democratic organizations to create wide spaces 
for them.  So, as long as we treat each other well, we should allow and 
maybe encourage debates here.  (I know that there's not perfect 
agreement by any means on what constitutes treating people well or 
badly, but I'd like to think that all of us here can bring both love and 
logic to this playing field.)


I wish everybody happy holidays.


Best!

Al


On 12/16/22 21:19, Shara Winton via Massachusetts-NFB wrote:
>
> Happy Holidays Everyone!
>
> I hope everyone is  happy and keeping healthy. We know for sure that 
> we have at least one member who tested positive for Covid, let’s keep 
> this person in our prayers. A stomach virus, the influenza and many 
> other bugs are all around us.
>
> Each of us, when   entering any public event are at risk of catching 
> any of these and even more undesirable things from the people we 
> encounter. Those who are at high risk, do not usually expose 
> themselves at all.
>
> Currently the CDC nor the state of Massachusetts is requiring that 
> anyone prove their COVID status, their vaccination status or to wear a 
> mask. We the NFB, are  following these standards of practice.
>
> We have many other members with serious medical issues, dealing with 
> family loss and tragedy, and going through many very difficult times. 
> I ask that we all practice compassion, understanding, and patience 
> with each other.
>
> The most important thing that we can give each other,  is kindness, 
> empathy, love and understanding.
>
> Anyone who was at the Cambridge  Holiday party was exposed. 
> Thankfully, as soon as this person knew of their positive status, they 
> reached out, to ask us, to let everyone know that they were exposed. 
> There is not one of us in that room that was more exposed than any 
> other. I happen to know that this person and some others did wear 
> masks during the gathering. Therefore, it is not likely that any of us 
> got the virus. Again, if it had been a server, an Uber driver or 
> someone else, none of us would know that we  were absolutely exposed. 
> Our member was gracious and responsible enough to let us know. The 
> identity of the person is  irrelevant and revealing their identity is 
> an invasion of privacy.
>
> I opened this list so that everyone could post about NFB matters and 
> other events that might be of interest to this community. However, if 
> debating, squabbling, name calling or anything unpleasant occurs,  we 
> will be forced to make it an announcement list only again. I don’t 
> want this to happen, because I like that we can all post about things 
> that are important to us.
>
> So if you have an issue, please contact your chapter president, a 
> member of the board or me privately to discuss the matter. I believe 
> in all of you and I feel strongly that we are all capable of being 
> respectful, kind and mature. This doesn’t mean that our emotions are 
> not important, because they are, but this list is not the place to 
> display them.
>
> We do not require vaccination or testing before you come to our 
> events, but both are suggested. Anyone who is experiencing COVID-19 
> symptoms should test themselves, and if positive cancel their plans to 
> join us. If you begin to experience symptoms and /or test positive, or 
> if you just aren’t feeling well, we kindly ask that you do not join 
> us, so that we all may stay healthy and we can continue to meet in 
> person.
>
> I hope each of you have a fantastic Holiday Season and we will see you 
> in the New Year!!
>
> Warmly,
>
> Shara Winton
>
> President, National Federation of the Blind of Massachusetts
>
> 617-600-8130
>
> Visit NFB MA Website for more information <nfbma.org>
>
> Visit the NFB website for more info <nfb.org>
>
> Visit us on Facebook 
> <https://www.facebook.com/National-Federation-of-the-Blind-of-Massachusetts-1593379944322253>
>
> *“*You can live the life you want; blindness is not what holds you 
> back.*”*
>
>
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