[nfbwatlk] Convention Impressions

Wed Jul 15 16:07:43 UTC 2009

Dan, 

Thanks for the edifying comments. It clarifies what I suspected.  However,
isn't Stevie Wonder a member of the Council, perhaps which explains Stevie's
lack of appearance?

KB

-----Original Message-----
From: nfbwatlk-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:nfbwatlk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On
Behalf Of Frye, Dan
Sent: Wednesday, July 15, 2009 5:12 AM
To: NFB of Washington Talk Mailing List
Subject: Re: [nfbwatlk] Convention Impressions

List Colleagues:

While I am sympathetic with Bob's observation about the two principal
politicians that spoke, I think it is fair to point out that both of
these Representatives are extremely high profile members of Congress.
Until the convention, Michigan's delegation had entirely frozen the NFB
out with respect to our Quiet Cars legislation; after convention, we now
have at least one, and possibly two, from this crucial car-manufacturing
state on our bill. Moreover, it is customary for figures of their
stature in the Congress to use any forum in which they are invited to
speak to address their points on the big political issues of the day,
i.e. healthcare. The president of the United States, when addressing a
graduation, doesn't spend his time talking about accomplishments and
succeeding; he talks about whatever hot political topic of the day is
being considered. Dingell and Conyers are huge leaders in the House of
Representatives. Their decision to address mainstream issues at our
blindness-related convention is absolutely consistent with this practice
for politicians of national standing. In short, they used our forum in
just the same way as they would have used any large gathering. To that
extent, we can feel pride that the NFB was able to attract leaders of
this caliber to our convention. Our blindness-only mantra cannot be
allowed to prevail when we are dealing with national leaders of this
nature. Had they talked about blindness-only matter, we would,
ironically, have been treated quite differently than any other large
convention in the country.

These are just my passing thoughts. During conservative times in the
country, we'd get conservative rhetoric from national leaders; during
these relatively liberal times and relative is the key word here, we get
more left-leaning commentary. This is to be expected.

Dan Frye  

-----Original Message-----
From: nfbwatlk-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:nfbwatlk-bounces at nfbnet.org]
On Behalf Of Robert Sellers
Sent: Wednesday, July 15, 2009 4:05 AM
To: 'NFB of Washington Talk Mailing List'
Subject: Re: [nfbwatlk] Convention Impressions

Hi Listers,

As usual there was plenty to do and never having enough time to do
everything one wants to do. 

Although the shorten  convention probably saved money, I would have
liked that extra day. Wendsday afternoon off was missed. I often would
use that time to  browse more in the exhibit hall, I think some of the
meetings might have been spread out more, giving more opportunity to to
learn more.
There was never lack of something to do. A good aspect of the convention
was there seemmed to be a large group of first timers. Congradulations
to  Lily and Annie.
I am impressed by the NFB Newsline online. I was able to attend a
session, in which, renee did an excellent job in describing the features
of the system.  

 The big downer for me was the 2 politicians. Unless it is blindness
related I don't think our convention floor is the place for political
agendas.
Regardless if it is a Republican or a Democrat. I suppose, Dr. Mourer is
caught between a rock and a hard place. The game of 'you scratch my back
and
I'll scratch yours" occurs....   

Before the story gets enhanced or twisted, when Kaye Kipp,  KB and I
went out to dinner, to a location I recommended, I was not aware that
the upstairs  had been a beaudello. 

One of the highlights of the week for me is the awarding of our
scholarships to blind students. Our scholarship program is one of the
best programs we offer. My opinion. 

The Clark County Chapter's candy bar sale was a success. I sold my two
boxes (with help of Kaye), Kaye sold her box and I believe Don sold his
box, also.

I didn't see any new teckie item that jumped out and made me say "Wow".
Did anyone else see anything that super impressed them? Or made them say
"I can't live without that.".

Overall I thought it was a good and informative convention.

I think it would be useful and beneficial  if we could share contents,
tips, tricks, etc.  from  meetings we attended. What we learned, how we
might apply it here in Washington. What say you?

Bob Sellers

-----Original Message-----
From: nfbwatlk-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:nfbwatlk-bounces at nfbnet.org]
On Behalf Of Mike Freeman
Sent: Sunday, July 12, 2009 11:23 AM
To: NFB of Washington Talk
Subject: [nfbwatlk] Convention Impressions

Hi, all.

Anyone care to give their impressions of convention?

Mike Freeman

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