[nfbmi-talk] opinion only
Regina Alvarado
regina.alvarado6 at gmail.com
Thu Mar 17 19:40:39 UTC 2011
It is not that I am disagreeing with the appointments, although it seems
even Snyder is having second concerns, I am pointing to the fact that we
squeaked when Granholm placed someone we didn't like on the Board. The rest
I understand, figuring any group has people in another group they don't
like, but with all that has happened to me with the cancer and all over the
last year, I can't stand the nonsense, and now I hear from friends of mine
it is coming from ACB just like it did from the NFB last year.
Reggie and Brooks
--------------------------------------------------
From: "Tonya Smith" <tonyasmith75 at live.com>
Sent: Thursday, March 17, 2011 1:54 PM
To: "NFB of Michigan Internet Mailing List" <nfbmi-talk at nfbnet.org>
Subject: Re: [nfbmi-talk] opinion only
> Hey, this is Tonya. You know, I have to agree with you all of this
> bickering is really starting to annoy me. This is what I was told the ACB
> and NFB doesn't get along and frankly, you know what, I'm glad I didn't
> sign up, I'm glad I didn't become a member yet and I probably won't.
> Frankly, I'm not taking one over the other, Mary is the best person, he's
> been appointed and good for him. I like Rick, I don't like Gran Holmes,
> she didn't do nothing. She down graded jobs, she put jobs in other
> states, she messed up our economy along with other Presidents in the US,
> so, you know and that's basically the way I see it, okay and I'm not going
> to sugar code it and I'm sorry but that's just the way I feel, you know.
> She didn't do a good job, she down graded everything, she basically messed
> up the economy. I mean, my gosh, even my own husband doesn't like her,
> you know, so I mean, I think what you're wishing for is basically, well I
> think you're beating a dead horse here. You know because people have
> difference of opinions whether you like it or not and I guess if you don't
> like what's being said, don't say anything, you know, because you're just
> going to get ended up in the mix, you know, and if you don't care to
> belong to either organization then
>
> Tonya Smith sent you this voice-to-text generated email using Voice on the
> Go.
> To listen, click on the voice message link or open the attachment.
> http://vemail2.whitelabelapp.net:8080/enterprise/Recordings/8wumZaBP-20110317-1328.wav
>
>
>> Original Message:
>> ---------------------------------
>>
>> From: Regina Alvarado <regina.alvarado6 at gmail.com>
>> Sent: March 17, 2011 1:08:40 PM
>> To: NFB of Michigan Internet Mailing List <nfbmi-talk at nfbnet.org>
>> Subject: Re: [nfbmi-talk] opinion only
>>
>>
>>
>> I have stayed out of this as I have been too angry to write. First of
>> all,
>> let me say here that I believe Christine and especially Larry are the
>> best
>> people to be on the Board. My problem is not his placement on the Board
>> but
>> the fact that Snyder placed him there. Did the NFBMI scream to high
>> heaven
>> when Granholm place someone from the ACB on the Board. Are we not being
>> just a bit hypocritical here? Nepatism (sorry for the spelling) goes on
>> in
>> both parties, but lets call it what it is. He knew Larry and nobody
>> else.
>> Why should be we high fiving when we screamed at Granholm? Anyway, I am
>> coming to the conclusion that it is about time we begin to work together
>> for
>> the betterment of blind people instead of playing games. In case nobody
>> has
>> payed attention, more blind people I know think the NFB doesn't speak for
>> them than do. Just look at Newsline subscribers. I want everyone to be
>> on
>> the same side against what we know
>> is incorrect, not fighting each other, and most of all I want hypocrisy
>> to
>> be acknowledged for what it is. Personally right now, I do not care if I
>> belong to NFB or ACB. I just happen to believe in some of NFB's
>> philosophy.
>> However, I will say here I do not eat, drink, sleep, smoke, or anything
>> else
>> the NFB line nor do I the ACB's.
>>
>> Again, I think Larry is the best person for this, but NFBMI was just a
>> bit
>> hypocritical in my opinion. Sounds from the news clip that the governor
>> is
>> just a tad worried too! OK got it off my chest. Am staying in the WWCC
>> chapter until I move to Florida (hopefully sooner than later), but not
>> sure
>> I am going to be a part of any blind organization once I hit Florida
>> except
>> maybe Guide Dog Users.
>> Reggie who wants peace and honesty as life it just too darned short to
>> fight
>> with one another
>>
>>
>> --------------------------------------------------
>> From: "joe harcz Comcast" <joeharcz at comcast.net>
>> Sent: Thursday, March 17, 2011 11:12 AM
>> To: <nfbmi-talk at nfbnet.org>
>> Subject: [nfbmi-talk] horrible slanted news
>>
>> > This is just plain disgusting and just plain fluff. Listen please you
>> > all.
>> > I'm personally a decidedly left of center person and all know I've had
>> > political and philosophical disputes with both NFB and ACB for that
>> > matter. It is all irrelevant. The MCB is a federally funded program
>> > that
>> > is supposed to run under the rule of law and not the rule of man as are
>> > all others. That is independent, or should be of politics. Yet, here we
>> > have basically a news plant, devoidof content that is meaningful which
>> > is
>> > typical Cannon modus operandi. The news should in my mind do some due
>> > diligence in reporting real and documented actions rather than playing
>> > political football. Maybe they should look into the books of MCB. And,
>> > as
>> > per Richard Bernstein all I have to say is this: "I've sent him for
>> > years
>> > documentation of the ADA violations by Cannon and MCB. I ask openly
>> > here:
>> > What gives?"
>> >
>> > Darn maybe he'd like to see the accessibility surveys and such in
>> > accessible format of MCB and other state facilities. Oops he's seen as
>> > much as I have.
>> >
>> >
>> >
>> > IOh, my I'm trying very hard not to swear here. But, I've begged
>> > Bernbnstein, M PAS and others, literally and in phone calls and in
>> > writing
>> > to sue MCB for ADA violations.
>> >
>> > I personally have grave reservations and will protest other issues
>> > related
>> > to the Snyder administration and our Republican dominated legislature.
>> > But, this stuff is nothing short of pure political football without any
>> > accountability, which should be the bottom line of news period. And end
>> > of
>> > story. Except that Bernstein, Bodding, and the Detroit News should
>> > simply
>> > look at the books and the shenigans and all the other crap conducted
>> > under
>> > the regime of Cannon.
>> >
>> > I, for one, as a former journalist am damned sick and tired of the
>> > fluff,
>> > and PR driven news coverage in general and in specific here. That goes
>> > to
>> > both the so-called right and the so-called left. Facts are facts and
>> > news
>> > should be fact driven.
>> >
>> > And I don't give a rat's posterior if those facts hit a Democrat or a
>> > Republican, or a Socialist, or a doornob.
>> >
>> > This is nothing but politics in the worst sense of the term. This is
>> > nothing but character assasination by default without examing the
>> > facts.
>> >
>> > Arrgh! Let me write later about the stuff on my old computer related to
>> > the Kerry campaign and Janelle Cannon. Let me write later about trying
>> > to
>> > make Democratic Party functions and events and even the 2004 primary
>> > fully
>> > accessable to the blind.
>> >
>> > Let me write later about all my years of trying to make the Grandholm
>> > Administration and all of its programs, services and activities
>> > accessable
>> > to all people with all disabilities. Argh! And much of what you good
>> > people on this list have seen in these regards has been sent to both
>> > Richard Bernstein and in fact the Detroit News.
>> >
>> > I am so outraged at this crap I simply can hardly write. But, this
>> > needs
>> > to be a component of the public record.
>> >
>> > Larry is an honest broker. He and I differ generally when it comes to
>> > nominal party affiliation. In fact and I'll say it here my only issue
>> > with
>> > Obama is that he is far to the right of me. Now, that and a dollar or
>> > two
>> > will get us all a cup of coffee.
>> >
>> > Opinions are like noses as everyone has one for the most part. But,
>> > facts
>> > are facts.
>> >
>> > For too damned long. Far too damned long MCB has run as a sort of
>> > secret
>> > government. And I and others wish the News and other so-called news
>> > sources would simply look at the books. Or maybe they should simply
>> > look
>> > at attending today's meeting and finding the entrance with a blind fold
>> > on
>> > or in a wheelchair.
>> >
>> > This is incredible in that for some reason if it is done then the stuff
>> > I've sent to the News, to Bernstein and others about compliance and
>> > simply
>> > fixing the ADA issues alone surrounding MCB will come to light.
>> >
>> > Man, for ten years I've tried to get Bernstein to sue MCB and other
>> > state
>> > entities for violations of the ADA. These are known and documented
>> > violations bythe way and not some spin or conjecture including the lack
>> > of
>> > ADAAG required raised character and Braille signage in all state
>> > buildings. This also includes independence reports forwarded to
>> > Bernstein
>> > and in fact a Detroit News reporter documenting these things as well as
>> > other issues relevent to ADA, Title II compliance.
>> >
>> >
>> > Argh!! Argh!
>> >
>> > Here things are clear. Neither the News nor Bernstein or anyone else
>> > really cares about the ADA or our civil rights or facts. They just care
>> > about politics.
>> >
>> > They are as guilty as this Administration and this Legislature of going
>> > after people with disabilities and those who are blind. A pox on them
>> > both! But, the outrage expressed here is simply an outrage and bovine
>> > stuff of the highest order.
>> >
>> > The politics and the crap will ultimately shut MCB and otherstate run
>> > organizations like it down and it all goes to politics.
>> >
>> > And sadly, most sadly it is politics devoid of principle and laden in
>> > fact
>> > and deed with personal engrandisement of a few chosen, and that
>> > includes
>> > Cannon. Who died and named him God? What the heck is his documented
>> > track
>> > record devoid of politics? Has the News or any other so-called news
>> > source
>> > ever investigated the fact that this clown is the highest paid and
>> > highest
>> > placed public official in the entire state without a college degree?
>> >
>> > The News and MCB and all Party types should be made aware that all
>> > agencies of state government should be scrutinized regardless as to
>> > affilliation, or politics and on objective standards. And MCB is and
>> > should not be immune to that scrutiny.
>> >
>> >
>> >
>> >
>> >
>> >
>> > Joe
>> >
>> > Snyder appointee to agency for blind risks conflict
>> >
>> >
>> >
>> > New commissioner, director have been at odds for years
>> >
>> >
>> >
>> > Paul Egan / Detroit News Lansing Bureau
>> >
>> >
>> >
>> > Lansing ? Gov. Rick Snyder's appointment to the Michigan Commission for
>> > the Blind of a vocal critic has set the stage for increased turmoil at
>> > the
>> > agency
>> >
>> > that serves the state's estimated 45,000 blind people.
>> >
>> >
>> >
>> > Snyder's press secretary, Sara Wurfel, says the governor wasn't aware
>> > of
>> > the bad blood between his newly appointed commissioner, Larry Posont,
>> > and
>> > longtime
>> >
>> > agency director Pat Cannon when he appointed Posont earlier this month.
>> >
>> >
>> >
>> > Posont, who is blind and serves as Michigan president of the National
>> > Federation of the Blind, says Cannon has fostered "an atmosphere of
>> > cover-up, secrecy
>> >
>> > and intimidation," and he wants him to step down. Cannon, who is also
>> > blind and has held his state post since 1998, denies the allegations
>> > and
>> > says he
>> >
>> > has no intention of leaving.
>> >
>> >
>> >
>> > "This is not good," said Richard Bernstein, a prominent blind attorney
>> > from Farmington Hills who last year sought the Democratic nomination
>> > for
>> > attorney
>> >
>> > general. "At a time when you're going through critical budget cuts ?
>> > you
>> > really need to have more cohesion."
>> >
>> >
>> >
>> > The heads of two agencies that advocate for the blind have written
>> > Snyder
>> > asking him to reconsider the appointment to the five-member commission
>> > charged
>> >
>> > with helping blind people live and work independently. It holds its
>> > quarterly meeting in Lansing today and Friday.
>> >
>> >
>> >
>> > "I would like to see them withdraw the appointment," said Gwen Botting
>> > of
>> > Ionia, president of Michigan Parents of Children with Visual
>> > Impairments.
>> > "It
>> >
>> > is a mistake, in my opinion."
>> >
>> >
>> >
>> > Joe Sibley, president of the Michigan Council of the Blind, said he's
>> > "concerned this could be damaging in the long run, especially if
>> > (Posont)
>> > is made
>> >
>> > chairman."
>> >
>> >
>> >
>> > As federation president, Posont, 59, has organized a public
>> > demonstration
>> > against Cannon for about the past two years has criticized his handling
>> > of
>> > personnel
>> >
>> > issues, his dealings with blind entrepreneurs who operate shops or
>> > vending
>> > machines in state buildings, and his handling of a federal audit, among
>> > other
>> >
>> > issues. Posont said his main priority as a commissioner is to do a
>> > better
>> > job of helping blind people get jobs.
>> >
>> >
>> >
>> > "Mr. Cannon's recent actions are an unwarranted abuse of power and
>> > amount
>> > to intimidation and bullying of blind citizens of Michigan who dare to
>> > speak for
>> >
>> > themselves and question his policies," Posont said after Cannon's 2010
>> > firing of Christine Boone, who is blind, as director of the
>> > commission's
>> > Blind Training
>> >
>> > Center in Kalamazoo.
>> >
>> >
>> >
>> > Wurfel said Snyder's children know Posont's children but the governor
>> > wasn't "aware of the extent of the commission's history" when he
>> > appointed
>> > Posont
>> >
>> > on March 2. Snyder expects "both appointees and staff to work together
>> > in
>> > a collaborative, constructive fashion," she said. "Moving forward to
>> > best
>> > serve
>> >
>> > the blind and visually impaired community is imperative."
>> >
>> >
>> >
>> > Posont of Dearborn Heights did not sound conciliatory this week. "He
>> > (Cannon) could go between now and June and we wouldn't have to figure
>> > out
>> > a way to
>> >
>> > push him out," he said. Otherwise, "this could get very dirty."
>> >
>> >
>> >
>> > Cannon, 68, whose $125,000-a-year post is civil service, not a
>> > political
>> > appointment, said Posont's comments are surprising and unfortunate.
>> >
>> >
>> >
>> > "We are both dedicated to working in the best interests of blind people
>> > in
>> > Michigan," he said. "I am optimistic that we will work well together."
>> >
>> >
>> >
>> > The commission, which is not paid, must have at least three members who
>> > are blind. It can't dismiss Cannon but annually reviews his performance
>> > and recommends
>> >
>> > a replacement if the post becomes vacant. Cannon said he's received
>> > "outstanding evaluations over the last 13 years."
>> >
>> >
>> >
>> > Though both advocate for the blind, Posont's federation and Sibley's
>> > council have different philosophies on issues such as whether special
>> > accommodations
>> >
>> > should be made for blind people, with the federation less supportive of
>> > such measures.
>> >
>> >
>> >
>> > Sibley said the council takes a nonconfrontational approach while
>> > Posont
>> > prefers the "pit bull" method. Posont agreed the federation is more
>> > aggressive
>> >
>> > than the council and said it is less supportive of special measures,
>> > such
>> > as currency implants to help blind people distinguish one denomination
>> > of
>> > bill
>> >
>> > from another.
>> >
>> >
>> >
>> > Boone was fired for allegedly violating rules about workplace safety
>> > and
>> > firearms on state property after she used pellet guns to offer
>> > marksmanship training
>> >
>> > to blind students.
>> >
>> >
>> >
>> > Cannon said he can't comment on a personnel matter.
>> >
>> >
>> >
>> > Posont said Boone had been doing an "exemplary job" of instilling
>> > students
>> > with "a positive philosophy of blindness" and Cannon had verbally
>> > signed
>> > off
>> >
>> > on the marksmanship training. There was no safety issue and the
>> > small-caliber pellet guns used are not even considered firearms under
>> > Michigan law, he
>> >
>> > said.
>> >
>> >
>> >
>> > Posont put out a news release announcing his appointment before the
>> > governor's office did. Posont's release said Snyder had named him
>> > chairman; Snyder's
>> >
>> > release only named Posont a member. Posont conceded his release was
>> > premature.
>> >
>> >
>> >
>> > http://www.detnews.com/article/20110317/POLITICS02/103170410/1022/Snyder-appointee-to-agency-for-blind-risks-conflict
>> >
>> >
>> > _______________________________________________
>> > nfbmi-talk mailing list
>> > nfbmi-talk at nfbnet.org
>> > http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfbmi-talk_nfbnet.org
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>> > nfbmi-talk:
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>> >
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