[nagdu] Are Training Program Policies Discriminatory? wasTalking points for convos with training centers' directors

[Debby Phillips]

Raven, your response ilicits mixed feelings in me.  As a 
CATHOLIC, I do believe that most non-Catholics do not truly 
understand what it means to be Catholic, they do not understand 
the structure of the Church, why it is what it is, and why we 
believe what we believe.  Most people do not want to take the 
time and trouble to understand, either.

Your use of Nazi Germany is faulty, because there is much history 
to support people's criticism.  We can look at the Nazi point of 
view and see from hindsight what it was, what it did, and how 
faulty its claims are and were.  The same can largely be said of 
the KKK.  True, I have not been to a KKK meeting, nor did I live 
through the time of Nazi Germany.  I cannot say that I have 
stepped into the shoes of an SS guard, or Nazi Youth, or 
whatever.  Nor have I gone to a secret meeting of the KKK.

As a recent (or fairly recent) member of the NFB, I can say that 
I did not totally understand some things before I joined NFB and 
went to the Colorado Center for the Blind.  Having been through 
the Center, I believe that I can speak for some change to the 
policy, and have done so.  But ow would not want to throw out the 
baby with the bath.  I do not believe that the Centers are 
totally discriminatory.  I do believe that people need to be 
immersed in the whole experience.  Unlike some others though, I 
believe that some changes can and perhaps should be made to allow 
for more inclusion of dog guides.  I believe that if you had 
attended an NFB Center you would see that totally including dogs 
in the program would alter it totally.  I think that there's more 
of a middle ground.  And I think that including a dog more in the 
program would need to be done on a one on one basis.  Each 
person's training does have an individual path.  There are 
certain milestones along the way that each must do, but they can 
and have been modified, depending on the needs of the person at 
the time.

Although you do have the right as a non-member to express your 
views, you do owe Marion and the other leaders the courtesy of 
respect.  I would say that to anyone.  I would not, nor do I, 
speak disrespectfully members of other denominations who, for 
instance, are anti-Catholic, even dough sometimes their comments 
are ignorant and boorish.  I would suggest that you read some of 
Jacobus TenBroek's, and some of Dr.  Jernigan's writings.  Read 
or listen to Marc Maurer's speeches, and speeches or writings of 
President Ricobono.  I do not ask that you blindly accept 
everything you read and hear.  Sorry, couldn't help myself.  Lol.  
But after you have done that, then we can discuss a plan for 
beginning to include dogs more into the NFB training center 
programs.  I'd be happy to write back and forth to you privately.     
Peace,    Debby and Nova