[nabs-l] Ending the NFB/ACB feud

[Jedi]

Jim,

There is some long history between the NfB and ACB. It's not just about 
disagreements on philosophy even though philosophical differences 
certainly set the two organizations culturally apart.

The first members of the ACB split from the NFB mostly because of 
political banter. said individuals thought that Jacobus tenBroek and 
others were dominating the organization. Certainly, they had a right to 
their views, and they certainly had a right to leave. Unfortunately, 
these individuals went about voicing their opinions in all the wrong 
ways possible including undermining the organizational structure and 
creating a lot of bad feelings between people who would otherwise be friends.

In the sixties and seventies, the NFB was under siege by agencies 
serving the blind. these agencies were staffed by well-connected people 
with a lot of money and a lot of power, but not a lot of positive 
philosophies and knowledge about the blind. These agencies often 
subordinated the blind through threats and bad dealings. The NFB called 
these folks out, and the agencies used the ACB like an ever-loving meat 
shield to say "See Federation! Not all blind people agree with you!" 
Naturally, it was much easier for the aCB just to go along with things 
because they were still angry with the NfB over past political issues. 
And certainly, they weren't going to put themselves in the line of fire.

Fast-forward to NAC. I don't know what you know about NAC, but it was 
bad bombin'. Once again, the aCB never called NAC out, but we did. Once 
again, NAC spoke of professionalism in services to the blind. Instead, 
blind folks got left with a raw deal, threats to their livelihoods and 
well-being (even their health in some cases), and all kinds of things. 
A couple folks from ACB and a few other folks with a grudge against Dr. 
Jernigan even brought the FBI to the Jernigans' and Maurers' doors on 
trumped up charges of keeping weapons and possibly starting some kind 
of military effort. It was insane. People were getting death threats 
and the whole bit. Remind me to tell the story of my own state 
affiliate's frustrations with the ACB sometime.

This isn't to say that the ACB is all evil and the NFB perfectly 
innocent. I wasn't there to know everything. But from what I read and 
have observed in current ACB/NFB behavior, there's good reason for a 
split in the organizations. At this point, we can certainly say that 
there are key factors in philosopy that separate the organizations to 
the point where nothing good would ever get done because the two 
parties would be constantly feuding. Better live and let live. Both 
organizations have compiled their versions of history if you want these 
facts for yourself.

Respectfully,
Jedi
Original message:
> Terri and Arielle,

> I just wanted to let you both know that one of the members of MABS is 
> also VP of the National Student Division of the ACB. He is adamatly 
> opposed to the (bordering on childish) feud that exist beteen the two 
> organizations.

> I am wondering if we can't use this oppertunity to somehow begin 
> bringing the two organizations back together. After all, we will be 
> then next generation leading these two organizations, and if we can 
> sieze this oppertunity, maybe we students can set the example for the 
> "adults" within the two national organizations.

> I wonder if a join NABS/ACB student convention would be just the 
> solution to begin ending this conflict?

> Thoughts?
> Jim

> Homer Simpson's brain: "Use reverse psychology."
>  Homer: "Oh, that sounds too complicated."
>  Homer's brain: "Okay, don't use reverse psychology."
>  Homer: "Okay, I will!"



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