[vendtalk] New List for Blind Conservatives

[RyanO]

I have been asked to circulate the following:

Dave




In October, 2008, a fellow Federationist and I were asked to reach 
out to the McCain campaign in hopes of persuading a representative to 
come speak at our monthly Denver chapter meeting on the topic of 
disability issues. We already had a rep from the Obama campaign in 
the person of one of our members, who was an official Obama 
surrogate. After several days of phone tag, I was informed that the 
McCain camp would not be sending a representative to speak to us. The 
reason I was given was because, "Obama was just too far ahead on 
disability issues."

I and my fellow conservative blind friends were angry and hurt. We 
tried to give both sides equal time and felt we'd been told that we 
didn't matter. To that end, I felt I had two options. The first was 
to quit being a conservative and jump ship over to the other side. 
The second option was to get more actively involved and to make our 
voices heard on all levels. Anyone who knows me knows that option one 
was not an option.

To that end, I have created a mailing list called, Brush Fires. It is 
primarily for blind conservatives so that we may form a network of 
communication and information. Let me stress that everyone is welcome 
on this list, no matter what their political stripe may be. In the 
spirit of the Federation, I believe that healthy debate and 
discussion fosters a more vibrant society for all of its members.

Right now, the list is announce only. If we get big enough, I plan to 
turn it into a discussion mailing list. For more information, please 
Email me at
ryano218 at comcast.net

Thank you for your time and attention.


RyanO