[nabs-l] why is it important to join an organization of the blind?

[Robin]

Well, you make some GOOD POINTS, but I'm sort of RESTRICTED on how I 
can RESPOND to this TOPIC so my SILENCE on the matter SPEAKS VOLUMES.

!! POWER 2 The PEOPLE !!

At 11:12 AM 1/17/2012, you wrote:
>I don't think anybody is trying to force beliefs on people, and I really
>don't see what is "creepy" about the question or topic. I think it is each
>individual's prerogative to join any organization that represents their
>interest, or none at all. It seems pretty clear to me though that the lives
>of all blind individual's have been demonstrably improved by the existence
>of the NFB, which, of course, wouldn't exist without "joiners."
>
>
>
>Belonging to an organization does not mean that one endorses everything that
>organization does, nor does it mean that an individual has a particular set
>of beliefs. It simply means that one sees enough benefit in the organization
>and its work to decide to support it. I don't agree with the NFB on
>everything, nor do I agree with the Democratic party on everything,
>nonetheless I count myself as a member of each. If somebody thinks that
>dictates my thoughts and beliefs, they would be wrong. My thoughts and
>beliefs dictate which organizations I choose to join, support and work for.
>
>
>
>As to the ridiculous notion that sighted folks don't have organizations,
>they surely do. There are organizations for virtually every interest under
>the sun. Trade groups, unions, interest groups aligned around political and
>public policy issues of all stripes exist to unify the voices of folks with
>common interests. That is the way our system of government, and indeed the
>world in general, works. Refusal to join with others with similar interests
>is acceptance of having no voice on issues that affect you. That is, by the
>way, completely fine. Some folks don't have any interests pressing enough to
>give up their time, money and resources to attempt to influence outcomes,
>but their lack of interest in doing so doesn't somehow equate to moral high
>ground. Of course there is no National Association of the Sighted, but this
>reflects the fact that the vast majority of people are sighted. There is no
>issue there around which to rally. You had better bet that if half the
>population were sighted and the other half blind, and if the interests of
>the sighted and blind clashed in any meaningful way, the sighted and blind
>alike would have organizations to allow them to speak with one voice an
>issues of import.
>
>
>
>In addition to being a vehicle for collective action, the NFB is an extended
>network of support. It is extremely valuable to have folks to consult with
>when faced with an issue related to blindness. It keeps each of us from
>having to reinvent the wheel each time something new comes up. This, of
>course, is a model not at all unique to the blind. There are analogous
>networks for people in certain trades, with particular diseases, or with
>similar interests and hobbies. Nearly anywhere you find a diffuse and
>relatively small group of people in similar circumstances or in need of
>similar information, you will find an attempt at a support network like that
>which we enjoy in the NFB.
>
>
>
>So, lest anybody buy into the line that says those who join the NFB, or any
>other organization, are mindless automatons without their own beliefs,
>opinions and convictions, please remember that organizing to share
>information and influence events in the world in which we live is in no way
>unique to the blind. If people don't want to join anything, and blind people
>in particular don't want to join NFB or ACB, that is 100% alright. But let's
>not accept the misguided notion that their refusal to do so is rooted in
>some moral superiority, rugged individualism or strength of conviction. A
>refusal to be a "joiner" simply indicates that a person has other things
>going on in their lives which are more important to them. Again, a.ok, but
>never doubt the value of the work done by the organized blind movement. Even
>those who have never given a thought to involving themselves, presumably,
>are grateful when social services doesn't take their babies, they have the
>opportunity to attain meaningful employment, and their rights to travel and
>participate in society are protected.
>
>
>
>Sean
>
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