[nabs-l] Ending the NFB/ACB feud

[Jess]

Jim and All,
If any of you are interested in reading the about the history of the 
American Council of the Blind. The Title of the Book is PEOPLE of VISION  A 
History of the American Council of the Blind. The Authors of the book are 
James J, and Marjorie L. Megivern. Copyright of is 2003. It does talk about 
the first 21 years where ACB and NFB were one. The history is current up to 
2003 when the book was published.
Jessica
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Jedi" <loneblindjedi at samobile.net>
To: <nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Sunday, May 17, 2009 11:48 PM
Subject: Re: [nabs-l] Ending the NFB/ACB feud


> 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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