[nfb-db] Fwd: [Nfbnet-members-list] National Federation of the Blind Comments on Belgian Euthanasia of Deaf Men Losing Sight

[Alicia Richards]

Hi, all. Scott, I do agree with you on a couple points. First, more research 
should have been done. I will freely admit I did not do that research, but 
nor had I made any strong judgments about this yet.  I strongly suspected 
that there was more to the story than deaf-blindness, though I had not 
actually looked into it.  There usually is more to a story than gets 
reported.  It's obvious you did do your research, and I applaud you for it. 
I'm still not quite sure what to think of the situation, other than that it 
is sad.  I do worry that government aided euthanasia could lead down a very 
slippery slope for those with disabilities, but that's not really relevant 
to this particular discussion, which involves the NFB's handling of it.

I do also agree that it was in very poor taste for the press release to 
follow up the paragraph about this story with one asking for donations.  I 
understand the Federation is not in the best of financial situations right 
now, as demonstrated by them laying off 20 people from the National Center. 
I understand we do need fund-raising and money to carry on the movement and 
the work of the Federation. However, that press release, and it's emotional 
and weighty subject matter, was not at all the time and the place for such a 
request. I truly wish they had not asked for a donation at all, but since 
they were going to, they could have presented it in a far better light.  The 
way they asked seemed in no way connected with the preceeding paragraph 
about this sad event.  If they were going to ask for money, ask for it to 
help support education about deaf-blindness, both in the US and worldwide or 
something along those lines. The NFB doesn't pay enough attention to 
deaf-blind issues as it is, and this demonstrates it all the more.

Roxe, I too wish they had gotten a comment from a deaf-blind person.  I 
think it would have been appropriate.  But given the NFB past press releases 
on other issues, they rarely ask additional comments of anyone.  Usually 
they are simply a statement from President Maurer.  So, though you are 
right, this is in keeping with their usual practice.  It's unfortunate, but 
standard.

Alicia