[nfbwatlk] Fwd: drive in custodialism - The Nature of Independence

[Mike Freeman]

Begin forwarded message:

> From: Mike Freeman <k7uij at panix.com>
> Date: December 13, 2014 at 8:24:45 PST
> To: Don Mitchell <donmi at q.com>
> Subject: Re: [nfbwatlk] drive in custodialism - The Nature of Independence
> 
> At least she didn't think you were pan-handling!
> 
> Mike Freeman
> 
> 
>> On Dec 13, 2014, at 8:12, "Don Mitchell" <donmi at q.com> wrote:
>> 
>> Wonderful article Mario, I believe all that Dr. Journigan spoke. I am not rebellious. I am a kind and gentle person. I still maintain that the blind should be treated equally. We should not be offered help that would not be extended to other people. I challenge a sighted person to go and stand on the median of Andreason boulevard at the morning rush hour and see if a driver will take the trouble to stop and tell you it is safe to cross. I am not unhappy with the kind act of the woman, I am unhappy that that same kindness would not be offered to all. Blind persons don't need handouts we want hands ext4ended in equality to all.
>> 
>> Don Mitchell
>> 
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: Mario Eiland [mailto:mario.eiland at hotmail.com]
>> Sent: Saturday, December 13, 2014 7:14 AM
>> To: 'Don Mitchell'; 'NFB of Washington Talk Mailing List'; 'Jim Portillo'; 'Mike Freeman'
>> Subject: RE: [nfbwatlk] drive in custodialism - The Nature of Independence
>> 
>> Hello all,
>> 
>> Here is an article I thought Dr. Jernigan wrote where he articulated very well what it is to be independent. I think as Debbie stated many blind folks take it to the other extreme other wise known as " rebellious independence" rather than being greatful for those that try to help us. I think that every situation is different and the best thing we can do is try to educate!
>> 
>> The Nature of Independence
>> 
>> An Address Delivered By Kenneth Jernigan  At the Annual Convention of the  National Federation of the Blind  Dallas, Texas, Tuesday, July 6, 1993
>> 
>> Shortly after last year's convention, I received a number of letters from students at the Louisiana Center for the Blind. It was clear that the letters were written as the result of discussions held at the Center and that, although the apparent topic was independent mobility, the real issue was independence in general, and how blind persons should live and behave. I want to share those letters with you, then tell you how I answered them, and finally say a few things about what I think independence really is. The letters are all dated July 23, 1992. Here is a composite of them: