[nabs-l] Organizations express outrageoverrepublicandisabilitypolicy

Beth thebluesisloose at gmail.com
Tue Nov 4 03:54:50 UTC 2008


You didn't write a novel.  I have tried writing the Great American
Novel, but turned out I didn't. lol
Beth

On 11/3/08, Joe Orozco <jsorozco at gmail.com> wrote:
> Antonio,
>
> Wiktionary.org defines "plight" as the following:
>
> *Predicament: a situation from which extrication is difficult especially an
> unpleasant or trying one; "finds himself in a most awkward predicament";
> "the  woeful plight of homeless people"*
>
> I believe the reference to homeless people highlights the popular
> connotation of the word, the same popular connotation you are exercising in
> attempting to make your point.  In my post I said the word, and therefore
> its connotation, are reserved for people unable to overcome adversity.  I
> did not claim to be offering a literal definition.  If we look at the
> definition above, I would argue that Jewish people once experienced a
> so-called plight.  I would argue that Native-Americans once experienced a
> plight.  African-American slaves, refugees from war-torn African
> countries...Those people are victims of the type of plight you are
> attempting to associate with the blind.  Blind people have not been socially
> degraded.  The odds for the blind are high, but at no point have they been
> stacked up so high that no amount of education could ever hope to change the
> public's perception that the blind are equal human beings.  If we were
> holding this discussion in the midst of a third world country, I would grant
> you the perception, but we live in a country that has opened doors for the
> blind and other people with disabilities despite all its legal and
> legislative shortcomings.  Unlike the aforementioned groups, the blind are
> not inhibited by a social barrier so immense as to appear immovable.
>
> You've already offered this document outlining the comparison of Obama to
> McCain before.  I believe it heavily favors Obama despite its claims to be
> neutral, but the writer earned my respect for taking the time to build a
> case on more than ideological affiliation.  The author is voting as an
> informed individual who can support his choice with more than emotional
> claims about which candidate best fits his perception of what a candidate
> ought to be doing, and I guess when it comes down to it, I wish you could
> have built a similar case to convince us that the issue of disabilities is
> crucial enough to singularly consider in tomorrow's election and that Obama
> is the only logical solution to the alleged problems you see with the
> disability community.  Do your own research.  Draw your own conclusions.
> Build your own solid platform in support of your candidate so that naysayers
> like myself cannot overwhelm you with spreading arguments.
>
> Now, I'm not up for writing another novel.  Unless you post something
> completely off the wall, I think I've bored you long enough.  Steve pretty
> much summed up the discussion far more elegantly than I could have managed.
> If Obama wins, and statistically it is difficult to predict to the contrary,
> I'll buy you a pitcher of whatever you desire when I next see you.  If the
> Mac really does come back, you can spot me a Long Island or two.  Despite
> our difference of opinions, I'm glad we had the discussion.
>
> Joe Orozco
>
> "Be ashamed to die until you have won some victory for humanity."--James M.
> Barrie
> -----Original Message-----
> From: nabs-l-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:nabs-l-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf
> Of Antonio Guimaraes
> Sent: Monday, November 03, 2008 1:35 PM
> To: National Association of Blind Students mailing list
> Subject: Re: [nabs-l] Organizations express
> outrageoverrepublicandisabilitypolicy
>
> About plight, my dictionary defines it as
>
> "condition, state; especially a bad state.:
>
> No language in my dictionary, the version used in the Franklyn Master
> Special edition suggests that plight is reserved for those who can not
> overcome adversity.
>
> Turning to the dictionary in the Kurzweil software, plight is defined as
>
> "a cituation, especially a bad or unfortunate one."
>
> "To give a pledge, one's word of oath for example."
>
> "To endanger, put at risk."
>
> Again, nothing here directly indicating a lack of reziliency, or inability
> to overcome adversity.
>
> I have provided two pieces that point out why I favor the Obama camp. I have
> heard McCain refer to the disabled as people with special needs, as pointed
> out in the recent press release. I do not feel the need to research and
> present evidence for my every statement, but I know what I hear, and I know
> what I read. And, from what I hear, and from what I read, I have been able
> to make a conscious decision on who is best suited to lead America. My mind
> will likely not change, and neither is Joe Orosco's, or Mika Pikala. We have
> been politically defined in the same way for years, but I hope we are always
> able to carry on with maturity, and forceful arguments.
>
> I know who I support for president, and I know why I put my weight behind
> him. It is up to each individual to to the same for themselves. If anyone
> can show my original posts to be wrong, rather than to point out that it
> favors one candidate over another, I would reconsider my statements, and
> political leanings. Again, if McCain has such good record introducing laws
> on behalf of the NFB, why isn't such general favor for disability issues
> reflected in this document below?
>
> Does the Obama support for disability policy present itself so promenently
> here because the writer is left-leaning, or because Obama's policies are
> well-articulated, and generally more benneficial to people with
> disabilities, and the blind?
>
> Are there straight out lies about McCain, misstatements of his positions and
> voting record, and inflated statements about Obama? If so, what are they? Is
> this all a matter of perception, or can we trust in imperic data, and one's
> voting record?
>
> Sincerely
>
> Antonio Guimaraes
>
> ----------------------------------
>
>
>
>  Sunday, September 21, 2008
> This information is set forth in an effort to provide the reader with
> information about the Presidential candidates' positions concerning people
> with disabilities. It is not intended as an endorsement of either candidate,
> and is posted in my private capacity.
> Watch what they do (and did), not just what they say.
>
> Vote for the candidate of your choice, but vote.
> Please feel free to share this email and add it to your blogs.
>
>   Marc
>
> As we near November 4th, it is increasingly important that voters concerned
> about people with disabilities are well-informed about the candidates'
> positions. Each Presidential candidate has put forth positions on issues on
> their respective websites:
>
> McCain/Palen:
> www.johnmccain.com/informing/issues<http://www.johnmccain.com/informing/issu
> es>
> <http://www.johnmccain.com/informing/issues>
> Obama/Biden: www.barackobama.com/issues<http://www.barackobama.com/issues>
> <http://www.barackobama.com/issues>
>
> Please take a look at each of the websites to learn where the candidates
> really stand.
> A review of their respective records in the Senate is also revealing:
> OBAMA ON EDUCATION FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES
>
> Barack Obama supports full funding of the Individuals with Disabilities
> Education Act (IDEA), early intervention and developmental programs, and
> expanded college opportunities for students with disabilities.
>
> Obama voted for over $44 billion in funding for the IDEA.  [SCR 1, Senate
> Vote #94, 3/22/07]
>
> Obama will invest $10 billion per year in early intervention, educational
> and developmental programs for children between zero and five.  His plan
> will help expand programs such as Early Head Start to serve more children
> with disabilities.  His plan also will encourage states to expand programs
> for children with disabilities, such as IDEA Part C. [Obama Plan to Empower
> Americans with Disabilities
> <http://www.barackobama.com/pdf/DisabilityPlanFactSheet.pdf> ]
>
> Obama supports increasing opportunities for college students with
> disabilities.  He also will provide more support for these college students.
>
> Obama was an original co-sponsor of the Senate bill to reauthorize the
> Higher Education Act (S. 1642) which significantly expands opportunities and
> supports for individuals with disabilities to attend college and graduate
> programs.  [S.1642, 110th Congress]
>
> MCCAIN ON EDUCATION FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES
>
> John McCain has repeatedly voted against the IDEA even though he claims he
> supports full funding of it.
>
> McCain has repeatedly voted against funding for special education.
>
>>  McCain repeatedly voted against funding increases for the IDEA.
>> [H.R.4577, Senate Vote #170, 6/30/00; SCR 23, Senate Vote #103,
>> 3/26/03]
>
>>  McCain has chosen tax cuts for the wealthy over education funding for
>> students with disabilities.  Specifically, McCain voted against
>> increasing spending in the amount of $229 billion over 10 years for
>> the IDEA.  McCain also voted against an amendment that would create a
>> reserve fund of $73 billion in IDEA funding.  The spending would have
>> been made possible by reducing tax cuts.  [SCR 23, Senate Vote #103,
>> 3/26/03; SCR 23, Senate Vote #70, 3/21/03]
>
> McCain did not co-sponsor reauthorization of the Higher Education Act (S.
> 1642).  He also did not vote on passage of the reauthorization of the Higher
> Education Act in the 110th Congress. [S.1642, 110th Congress; S. 1642,
> Senate Vote #275, 7/24/07]
>
> OBAMA ON SUPPORT FOR LIVING INDEPENDENTLY IN THE COMMUNITY
>
> Obama is a co-sponsor of the Community Choice Act of 2007.  Obama believes
> that individuals should be able to make their own choices for their living
> arrangements and live independently in their communities.  [S.799, 110th
> Congress]
>
> Obama is a co-sponsor of the Community Living Assistance Services and
> Support (CLASS) Act Of 2007.  This bill would help individuals with
> functional impairments pay for services that they need to maximize their
> independence.  [S.1758, 110th Congress]
>
> MCCAIN ON SUPPORT FOR LIVING INDEPENDENTLY IN THE COMMUNITY
>
> McCain strongly opposes the Community Choice Act.  Asked about the Community
> Choice Act at a Town Hall in Denver, McCain said "The Community Choice Act
> is not a piece of legislation that I support." [McCain Town Hall
> <http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/07/07/AR200807070
> 1672_5.html>
> , 7/7/08]
>
> OBAMA ON SOCIAL SERVICES SPENDING
>
> Obama opposes a freeze on social services spending for people with
> disabilities.
>
> Obama voted against capping non-defense spending which means that social
> service spending for people with disabilities could continue to meet their
> needs.  In 2005, Obama voted against the Inhofe amendment that would cap
> non-defense, non-trust fund spending. [S.1932, Senate Vote #286, 11/3/05]
>
> MCCAIN ON SOCIAL SERVICES SPENDING
>
> McCain promises that he will cap non-defense spending for at least one year,
> meaning that social services spending for people with disabilities will be
> capped as well.
>
> McCain voted in favor of capping non-defense spending. In 2005, McCain voted
> for the Inhofe amendment that would cap non-defense and non-trust fund
> spending. [S.1932, Senate Vote #286, 11/3/05]
>
> McCain proposed a freeze of discretionary spending as illustrated when he
> said, "As president, I will also order a prompt and thorough review of the
> budgets of every federal program, department, and agency. While that
> top-to-bottom review is underway, we will institute a one-year pause in
> discretionary spending increases with the necessary exemption of military
> spending and veterans' benefits." [McCain Remarks on the Economy at Carnegie
> Mellon University, 4/15/08
> <http://www.johnmccain.com/Informing/News/Speeches/9bb4e69a-36cc-4ca3-b40d-0
> cdd41a1b812.htm>
>  ]
>
> OBAMA ON HEALTH CARE FOR AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES
>
> Obama will sign universal health care into law by the end of his first term
> in office, and he has supported expanding the State Children's Health
> Insurance Program ("SCHIP") and health care programs for people with
> disabilities, children, and veterans.
>
>
>
> Under Obama's plan to provide universal health insurance, insurance
> companies will not be able to stop individuals from getting coverage even if
> they have pre-existing conditions and disabilities.  Obama's plan allows
> individuals and businesses to purchase public or private health coverage
> through a national health insurance exchange.  Obama's plan would make
> health care more affordable and accessible to all Americans, particularly
> individuals who have been denied coverage in the private market due to a
> pre-existing condition or disability. [Obama Plan to Empower Individuals
> with Disabilities
> <http://www.barackobama.com/pdf/DisabilityPlanFactSheet.pdf> ]
>
> Obama is a co-sponsor of ending the Medicare Waiting Period Act of 2007
> (S.2102).  Before they can get Medicare coverage, people with disabilities
> must first receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) for 24
> months.  Due to the 24-month Medicare waiting period, an estimated 400,000
> Americans with disabilities are uninsured and many more are underinsured at
> a time in their lives when they need health coverage the most.  During this
> waiting period, many individuals develop secondary conditions, their health
> status worsens and many die.  Obama supports legislation that would phase
> out this harmful waiting period and provide individuals with health
> insurance. [S.2102, 110th Congress]
>
> Obama supported expanded health insurance for children.  In 2007, Obama
> voted to reauthorize the SCHIP at over $60 billion for five years.  Two
> children who live with a single parent who makes $51,510 would have access
> to health insurance coverage under SCHIP.  The bill would provide $100
> million in new grants to fund state outreach and enrollment efforts and
> allocate $49 million for a demonstration project to streamline the
> enrollment process for low-income children already eligible for coverage.
> [HR 976, Senate Vote #307, 8/2/07]
>
> Obama supported assuring accessible health care to people with disabilities
> by co-sponsoring the Promoting Wellness for Individuals with Disabilities
> Act (S.1050) The bill would require the U.S. Access Board to establish
> access standards for all diagnostic equipment (examination tables, x-ray,
> mammography and other radiological equipment, etc.).  It also educates
> physicians and dentists by requiring that medical schools, dental schools,
> and their residency programs provide training to improve competency and
> clinical skills in providing care to patients with disabilities (including
> those with intellectual disabilities) as a condition of receiving federal
> funds.  Finally, it establishes a national wellness grant program which will
> authorize funding for programs or activities for smoking cessation, weight
> control, nutrition or fitness that are tailored to the needs of individuals
> with disabilities and authorize funding for preventive health screening
> programs for individuals wi!
> th disabilities to reduce the incidence of secondary conditions.  [S.1050,
> 110th Congress]
>
> MCCAIN ON HEALTH CARE FOR AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES
>
> McCain's health care plan does not prohibit discrimination against
> individuals with pre-existing conditions and disabilities.  McCain's
> healthcare plan would replace the existing tax exclusion for
> employer-sponsored health coverage with a refundable tax credit for all
> Americans as an incentive to purchase health insurance.  However, many
> individuals with disabilities are denied coverage or unable to afford
> coverage in the private market due to pre-existing conditions and
> disabilities.  While McCain's plan would work with states to develop best
> practice models in expanding coverage to individuals who have been denied
> coverage, it would not prohibit discrimination. [Washington Post, 4/30/08
> <http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/04/29/AR200804290
> 2706.html>
>  ]
>
> McCain opposed reauthorizing SCHIP and providing insurance for millions of
> uninsured children.  According to Knight Ridder, "The [2007] Senate proposal
> would provide coverage to 3.2 million" uninsured children and renew coverage
> for the 6 million children already covered by the program.  The legislation
> passed 68-31. [H.R. 976, Vote #307
> <http://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_lists/roll_call_vote_cfm.cf
> m?congress=110&session=1&vote=00307>
> , 8/2/07; Knight Ridder, 8/2/07]
>
> VETERANS WITH DISABILITIES:
> Obama:
> The Disabled America Veterans (DAV) gave Obama an 80% rating in 2006.
> [Project Vote Smart]
> Obama supported expanding health care for veterans.
>
>>  In 2005, Obama voted for providing an additional $500 million per
>> year for the next five years for mental health services for veterans.
>> [S.2020, Senate Vote #343, 11/17/05]
>
>>  In 2006, Obama voted in favor of adding $430 million for outpatient
>> and inpatient health care and treatment for veterans.  Nearly half of
>> the military servicemen and women serving in Iraq and Afghanistan will
>> require health care services for the physical and psychological
>> traumas of war, yet the Bush administration and Republican-led
>> Congress have underfunded the Veterans Administration's medical
>> services by at least $1.2 billion for 2007 alone.  And, this was the
>> second consecutive year they had done so.  [H.R.4939, Senate Vote #98,
>> 4/26/06; The Independent Budget, A Budget for Veterans by Veterans,
>> 2/10/06; Newsweek, 1/19/06]
>
> Obama voted for $2 million for research of traumatic brain injuries to
> improve imaging for traumatic brain injury testing and adapting current
> technologies to treat brain injuries suffered in war.  [H.R.5631, S. Amdt.
> 4781, Senate Vote #222, 8/2/06; CQ, 8/2/06]
>
> McCain:
>
> McCain opposed expanding health care for veterans.
>
>>  In 2005, McCain voted against providing an additional $500 million
>> per year for the next five years for mental health services for veterans.
>> [S.2020, Senate Vote #343, 11/17/05]
>
>>  In 2006, McCain was one of 13 senators who voted against adding $430
>> million for outpatient and inpatient health care and treatment for
>> veterans.  Amendment passed 84-16.  [H.R.4939, Vote #98
>> <http://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_lists/roll_call_vote_
>> cfm.cfm?congress=109&session=2&vote=00098>
>> , 4/26/06]
>
>
>>  McCain voted against $2 million of funding for research of traumatic
>> brain injuries.  McCain rejected legislation that would help improve
>> imaging for traumatic brain injury testing and adapting current
>> technologies to treat brain injuries suffered in war.  [H.R.5631, S. Amdt.
>> 4781, Senate Vote #222, 8/2/06; CQ, 8/2/06]
>
>
>
>> McCain voted with the Disabled American Veterans 20% of the time.
>> Factcheck.org "However, he is correct in that McCain doesn't have a
>> perfect score with DAV (Disabled American Veterans), a group of 1.3
>> million disabled veterans that supports more funding for veterans health
>> care. McCain has a 20 percent record of voting the way DAV would like him
>> to in 2006...Senators were evaluated on five votes for amendments that
>> would have increased funding for veterans' health care." [Factcheck.org
>>
> <http://www.factcheck.org/askfactcheck/does_mccain_have_a_perfect_voting_rec
> ord.html>
>>  ]
>
>
> OBAMA ON CIVIL RIGHTS FOR AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES
>
> Obama strongly supports the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
> Restoration Act.  Indeed, he signed on as an original co-sponsor of the
> Senate version of the ADA Restoration Act.  [S.1050, 110th Congress]
>
>
>
> Obama will appoint judges who exhibit empathy for individuals with
> disabilities.  "Barack  Obama will appoint judges and justices who respect
> Congress' role as a co-equal, democratically elected branch of government
> and who exhibit empathy with what it means to be an American with a
> disability" [Obama Plan To Empower Individuals With Disabilities
> <http://www.barackobama.com/pdf/DisabilityPlanFactSheet.pdf> ]
>
> MCCAIN ON CIVIL RIGHTS FOR AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES
>
> While McCain has also co-sponsored the ADA Restoration Act, he has promised
> to appoint judges like those who interpreted the ADA narrowly and deprived
> millions of people with disabilities of their civil rights.  McCain said
> that as president, he would "appoint strict constructionist judges."  [AP,
> 8/7/07]  "In an address at Wake Forest University, McCain pledged to
> nominate jurists who believe 'there are clear limits to the scope of
> judicial power'...By way of example, McCain said he would look for people in
>
> the cast of Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. and Justice Samuel A. Alito
> Jr., and his friend the late Chief Justice William H. Rehnquist. He called
> them 'jurists of the highest caliber who know their own minds, and know the
> law, and know the difference.'" [Los Angeles Times, 5/7/08
> <http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/politics/la-na-mccain7-2008may07,0,
> 3233304.story>
>  ]
>
>
> OBAMA ON MEDICARE ELIGIBILITY
>
> In 2007, Obama voted against increasing Medicare Part D premiums for
> beneficiaries making over $80,000 annually.   Obama voted against the Ensign
>
> Amendment that would require Medicare prescription drugs beneficiaries with
> annual incomes over $80,000 and couples with annual incomes over $160,000 to
>
> pay a larger share of their Medicare Part D premium.[SCR 21, Senate Vote
> #93, 3/22/07]
>
> Obama opposed means testing for Medicare.  In response to a NCPSSM
> questionnaire, Obama said, "The bill added 'means testing' to Part B of
> Medicare, requiring individuals with incomes over $80,000 to pay gradually
> higher premiums. This undermines the basic premise of Medicare as an
> insurance program for all Americans and could cause wealthier and healthier
> people to leave the Medicare program."  [NCPSSM Questionnaire; Citizen
> Action Illinois Questionnaire, SEIU Questionnaire]
>
> MCCAIN ON MEDICARE ELIGIBILITY
>
> McCain voted to raise the Medicare eligibility age from 65 to 67. In 1997,
> McCain voted in favor of raising the eligibility age for receiving Medicare
> from 65 to 67 with the change being phased in between 2003 and 2027. The
> motion passed 62-38. [S 947, Vote #112
> <http://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_lists/roll_call_vote_cfm.cf
> m?congress=105&session=1&vote=00112>
> , 6/24/97]
>
>    OBAMA ON MENTAL HEALTH PARITY Obama is a long-time supporter of mental
> health parity legislation, having passed the Illinois Mental Health Parity
> Law.  He also co-sponsored the Mental Health Parity Act of 2007.  Obama
> co-sponsored a bill to amend the Employee Retirement Income Security Act
> (ERISA) and the Public Health Service Act to require a group health plan
> that provides both medical and surgical benefits and mental health benefits
> to ensure that: (1) the financial requirements applicable to such mental
> health benefits are no more restrictive than those of substantially all
> medical and surgical benefits covered by the plan, including deductibles and
>
> copayments; and (2) the treatment limitations applicable to such mental
> health benefits are no more restrictive than those applied to substantially
> all medical and surgical benefits covered by the plan, including limits on
> the frequency of treatments or similar limits on the scope or duration of
> treatment. The bill prohibi!
> ted the plan from establishing separate cost sharing requirements that are
> applicable only with respect to mental health benefits. [110th, S.558,
> Introduced 2/12/07; HELP Report, 4/11/07] Obama co-sponsored and voted for a
>
> mental health parity bill that requires coverage for serious mental
> illnesses to be provided on the same terms and conditions as other illnesses
>
> and diseases.  [92nd GA; SB 1341; 2001; Signed into law 7/27/01, PA 92-0185]
>  MCCAIN ON MENTAL HEALTH PARITY McCain's health care plan would eliminate
> the mental health parity requirements in 45 states.  [Wall Street Journal,
> 10/11/07; SOURCE: National Conference of State Legislatures
> (http://www.ncsl.org/programs/health/hmolaws.htm
> <http://www.ncsl.org/programs/health/hmolaws.htm> ), accessed 7/30/07;
> Council for Affordable Health Insurance, accessed 7/30/07
> (http://www.cahi.org/cahi_contents/resources/pdf/MandatePub2007.pdf
> <http://www.cahi.org/cahi_contents/resources/pdf/MandatePub2007.pdf> )]
> OBAMA ON AUTISM Obama will increase federal funding for outreach and support
>
> services for people on the autism spectrum.  Specifically, "Obama will seek
> to increase federal ASD funding for research, treatment, screenings, public
> awareness, and support services to $1 billion annually by the end of his
> first term in office.  Obama will also continue to work with parents,
> physicians, providers, researchers, and schools to create opportunities and
> effective solu!
> tions for people with ASD." [Obama Plan Supporting Americans with Autism
> Spectrum Disorders
> <http://origin.barackobama.com/pdf/AutismSpectrumDisorders.pdf> ] Obama is a
>
> co-sponsor of the Expanding the Promise to Individuals with Autism Act
> (S.937) which would improve services and supports for individuals with
> autism spectrum disorder and their families.  It would build upon programs
> within the Developmental Disabilities Act to increase interdisciplinary
> training of professionals, development and dissemination of evidence-based
> autism treatments, interventions, supports and services for children and
> adults, and protection and advocacy.  [S.937, 110th Congress] MCCAIN ON
> AUTISM McCain has not taken a leading role to expand services and supports
> for people with autism. McCain has not co-sponsored the Expanding the
> Promise to Individuals with Autism Act (S.937). [S.937, 110th Congress]
> McCain says he will work to advance federal autism research.  "As President,
>
> John McCain will !
> work to advance federal research into autism, promote early screening, and
> identify better treatment options, while providing support for children with
>
> autism so that they may reach their full potential." [McCain Statement on
> Combating Autism in America
> <http://www.johnmccain.com/content/?guid=24dc9c37-e739-4aa3-8a88-ebae650a2f1
> 1>
>  ] OBAMA ON VOTING RIGHTS FOR AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES Obama supports
> fully funding the Help America Vote Act (HAVA) so that we can ensure all
> polling places are accessible.   His administration would also assure better
>
> enforcement of federal disability rights laws - from HAVA to the Voting
> Accessibility for the Elderly and Handicapped Act to the ADA - to make sure
> the right of Americans with disabilities to vote is fully protected. [Obama
> Plan to Empower Individuals with Disabilities
> <http://www.barackobama.com/pdf/DisabilityPlanFactSheet.pdf> ] MCCAIN ON
> VOTING RIGHTS FOR AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES In 2002, McCain voted
> repeatedly against the !
> Help America Vote Act, which was offered to correct problems in the election
>
> system and impose detailed voting-procedure requirements on the states.
> McCain voted for final passage of the bill.  [S.565, Senate]
> Marc Dubin, Esq.
> Florida Coordinator
> Obama For President National Disability Policy Committee
>
> www.barackobama.com/issues<http://www.barackobama.com/issues>
> http://www.barackobama.com/issues/disabilities
> Register to Vote at  http://www.voteforchange.com
>
> To view John McCain's policy positions, visit
> http://www.johnmccain.com/informing/issues/
>
> 305-896-3000 Direct
> Fax: 877-731-3030
> mdubin at pobox.com<mailto:mdubin at pobox.com>
>
> Chair, Florida Bar Disability Law Committee
> www.disabilitylawcommittee.com<http://www.disabilitylawcommittee.com>
> Former Senior Trial Attorney, U.S. Department of Justice, Civil Rights
> Division, Disability Rights Section, Washington, D.C.  1992-2005
>
>
>
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Joe Orozco" <jsorozco at gmail.com>
> To: "'National Association of Blind Students mailing list'"
> <nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
> Sent: Monday, November 03, 2008 12:12 PM
> Subject: Re: [nabs-l] Organizations express outrage
> overrepublicandisabilitypolicy
>
>
>> Antonio,
>>
>> Laws change policies, not attitudes.  Further, the government cannot
>> realistically create jobs, unless you suggest the government only hire
>> people with disabilities to reduce the overall unemployment of that sector
>> of the population.  What is troubling about your continuing rhetoric is
>> that
>> it would appear you are counting on an Obama administration to
>> miraculously
>> make things better.  It will not.  To be fair, it cannot.  Vote for Obama
>> if
>> you must, but vote with the understanding that all the success you pretend
>> will be achieved by your candidate are actually successes you and I will
>> have to work to make important items.  And no, it is not a plight.  Plight
>> is reserved for those who absolutely cannot overcome adversity.  The
>> generation of leaders that built the NFB we see today overcame their
>> obstacles with far less accessories we have today, so spare us all the
>> unnecessary gloomy language.  It may be part of some people's skeptical
>> reality, but it does not have to be part of ours.
>>
>> Joe Orozco
>>
>> P.S. Let's see some examples of all the instances the McCain campaign has
>> hinted at negativity for the disabled community portrayed by the article
>> you
>> forwarded.  Claiming McCain and Palin have said this or that does not make
>> evidence, only hearsay.
>>
>> "Be ashamed to die until you have won some victory for humanity."--James
>> M.
>> Barrie
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: nabs-l-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:nabs-l-bounces at nfbnet.org] On
>> Behalf
>> Of Antonio Guimaraes
>> Sent: Sunday, November 02, 2008 5:06 PM
>> To: National Association of Blind Students mailing list
>> Subject: Re: [nabs-l] Organizations express outrage
>> overrepublicandisability
>> policy
>>
>> Hello Beth, and all,
>>
>> I don't think McCane and Palen are against people with disabilities, as
>> you
>> point out in your post. They are aganst some things, as are you and me,
>> but
>> they are surely not aganst the disabled.
>>
>> I do feel the Obama camp gets it more about the 54 million of us with a
>> disability, and would help our plight, yes, I said plight, more than the
>> concervatives.
>>
>> Now, about plight, if you thing 70 percent unemployment rate does not
>> qualify as plight, I don't know what does.
>>
>> So, rather than point out 70 percent of us are unemployed, lets hit the
>> books, and other places to change this number.
>>
>> Plitefully yours,
>>
>> Antonio
>>
>>
>> ----- Original Message -----
>> From: "Beth" <thebluesisloose at gmail.com>
>> To: "National Association of Blind Students mailing list"
>> <nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
>> Sent: Friday, October 31, 2008 4:56 PM
>> Subject: Re: [nabs-l] Organizations express outrage over
>> republicandisability policy
>>
>>
>>> Geez, why execute criminals with developmental disabilities?  Why?
>>> And please, somebody tell me why McCain and Palin are acting the way
>>> they do.  It's bad enough that Palin is against the LGBT community,
>>> but against people with disabilities?  I knew this was going to
>>> happen.  I don't know if I'm psychic, but I just know it's going to
>>> happen.
>>> Beth
>>>
>>> On 10/31/08, Antonio Guimaraes <aguimaraes at nbp.org> wrote:
>>>> Hi all,
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> Just received this press release, and am providing it for your
>>>> information, as you look to be informed to vote in the 2008 election.
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> Antonio Guimaraes
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> ADAWatch.org
>>>> National Coalition for Disability Rights
>>>> 1701 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Suite 300
>>>> Washington, DC 20006
>>>> 202-448-9928 - info at ncdr.org
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> NEWS RELEASE
>>>>
>>>> October 31, 2008
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> Disability Rights Organizations Express Outrage Over Attacks at
>>>> McCain-Palin
>>>> Rally
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> Contacts:
>>>>
>>>> Jim Ward, Founder and President
>>>>
>>>> 202-415-4753 or jward at ncdr.org
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> Marcie Roth, Executive Director
>>>>
>>>> 301-717-7447 or mroth at ncdr.org
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> (Washington, DC) The National Coalition for Disability Rights (NCDR)
>>>> pushed
>>>> back today against the McCain-Palin campaign for ridiculing the legal
>>>> rights
>>>> of people with disabilities. News reports describe McCain-Palin campaign
>>>> representative Senator Kit Bond (R-Mo), joining Vice Presidential
>>>> candidate
>>>> Sarah Palin at a rally in Rush Limbaugh's hometown of Cape Girardeau,
>>>> Missouri, mocking Presidential candidate Senator Barak Obama for stating
>>>> that he's looking to nominate judges who empathize with "the disabled."
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> "It's Halloween and it seems that Sarah Palin's mask of support for
>>>> people
>>>> with "special needs" is slipping. Despite past pandering to people with
>>>> disabilities, McCain-Palin are actually opposed to vital disability
>>>> legislation like the Community Choice Act and they want to appoint
>>>> judges
>>>> who will further roll back the civil rights protections of the Americans
>>>> with Disabilities Act," declared NCDR's founder and president, Jim Ward.
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> NPR's Nina Totenberg has reported that McCain-Palin's and conservatives'
>>>> "most oft-mentioned prospects" for nomination to the Supreme Court
>>>> include
>>>> Ohio Judge Jeffrey Sutton. Sutton was opposed by hundreds of disability
>>>> organizations when he was nominated by President Bush after successfully
>>>> weakening the ADA with states' rights arguments. As a sitting judge, he
>>>> has
>>>> recently supported the execution of criminals with developmental
>>>> disabilities and has undermined the Help America Vote Act(HAVA).
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> Disability rights advocates are further incensed that the McCain-Palin
>>>> campaign has reframed this civil rights struggle, one founded in
>>>> concepts
>>
>>>> of
>>>> equality, dignity and self-respect, as an issue of "special needs."
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> Disability rights advocate, Steve Gold states, "Yes we need support
>>>> services. Yes we need inclusive education. Yes we need integrated
>>>> employment. Yes we need equal rights. This not "special". These needs
>>>> are
>>>> based on us, people with disabilities, equal members of our communities.
>>>> We
>>>> are not inspirational nor are we "special". We are PROUD PEOPLE WITH
>>>> DISABILITIES who should push back when anyone describes us as anything
>>>> but
>>>> equal members of our communities."
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> The National Coalition for Disability Rights is a nonpartisan nonprofit
>>>> that
>>>> does not endorse political candidates.  We are a coalition of national,
>>>> state and local disability, civil rights and social justice
>>>> organizations
>>>> united to protect and promote the human rights of children and adults
>>>> with
>>>> physical and mental disabilities.
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> _______________________________________________
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>>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
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>> ail.com
>>>>
>>>
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