The contents of this column are a reflection of the letters we have received at the time of publication, August 15, 2003. Opinions expressed are those of the authors, not those of the American Council of the Blind, its staff or elected officials. "The Braille Forum" is not responsible for the opinions expressed herein. The editorial staff reserves the right to edit letters for clarity, style and space available. We will not print letters unless you sign your name and give us your address.
First-Timers Say Thanks
Thank you very much for the privilege of receiving the McDaniel First-Timer Scholarship. I appreciate it very much and was grateful to have even been considered. As I write this letter, several weeks prior to the convention, I look forward to learning more about ACB and meeting many new people. Thank you again, very much.
Sincerely, Carol Edwards, Conroe, Texas
I would like to publicly express my sincere gratitude for honoring me with the First Timers Award. It allowed me and my guide dog, Princeton, to experience the amazing, although sometimes overwhelming workings of ACB, GDUI and the many sub-groups represented here at this great convention. It opened new avenues for me to explore: people to treasure meeting; products to improve my life; and the lovely convention center, hotel staff and Pittsburgh to remember. Thank you. Without this fund I would not have been there, beginning a new chapter in my life's story. I hope to see many of you in Birmingham next year.
Sincerely, Sharon Coverstone, Salem, Ore.
An Award Winner Says Thanks
July 15, 2003
NBC Television Network
Washington, D.C.
To the Membership of the American Council of the Blind
Washington, D.C.
Dear Fellow Members,
I'd like to take this opportunity to thank all of you from the bottom of my heart for the award you so graciously gave me at the 2003 convention banquet July 11, 2003.
As I said then in my acceptance, some of you have dedicated your time and talents toward the advancement of our group with the same or more determination. I accept this recognition as one of you. I especially appreciate the arrangement to have my life-long friend and radio partner Willard Scott on hand to make the presentation. Willard was quite favorably impressed with our group, and especially with the attendance of our guide dogs!
I will continue to work to be deserving of the Ambassador Award.
Sincerely, Ed Walker
Regarding summaries of board meetings
After reading the most recent edition of "The Braille Forum," I am quite disturbed to learn that some on the ACB board don't like the way your humble correspondent Charlie Hodge reports their activities during monthly calls and quarterly meetings. Who do these people think they are?
The ACB board is elected by the membership to represent US! We have every right to know how they vote on every issue where a roll call vote is taken. If some on the board don't like being under public scrutiny, then perhaps they should tender their resignations.
As for the arguments that some issues are confidential and should not be reported publicly, I don't recall any such information appearing in your fine publication recently. As a non-profit consumer organization, most of ACB's activities are already public information. Anyone with Internet access can go to web sites like www.guidestar.org and find salary information and other so-called confidential information on ACB leadership in a matter of seconds.
I cringe at the thought of the ACB board becoming so high and mighty that they think they are no longer accountable to the membership. This sounds like some other organizations of the blind to me. If the board can't take the heat, then it's time to get out of the fire.
As for Hodge, keep up the excellent reporting. It is most appreciated.
-- Glenn McCully, Auburn, Wash.
History revisited
In the early 1960s, many events occurred that set the tone for decades to follow. The Berlin Wall was built dividing East and West Germany. Nikita Krushchev stood glaring across the water to Turkey, where U.S. Jupiter missiles ominously stood. America breathed a sigh of relief on October 28, 1962, after we passed one of the darkest hours in our planet's history. The American Council of the Blind broke off from the National Federation of the Blind.
On the 13th of June, 1990, the Berlin Wall began falling. By November of 1991, it was toppled. East and West Germany were nurturing a healing process that has unified the country, making it whole again.
The United States and the former Soviet Union are no longer locked in a cold war. We are now allies.
A country divided by war, reunited. Families seeing each other for the first time in years.
Here at home, the American Council of the Blind and the National Federation of the Blind are still staunchly divided. Good and reasonable ideas come out of both groups. Tradition and an unwillingness on either side fuels a fire that consumes a promising future for many blind people. Good ideas are shot down because the other side thought of it first. This ongoing stalemate represents a major disservice to the strength and well-being of all blind people.
I've often thought about the presence a unified blindness community would have. It would be incredible.
All of us are facing 160,000 years of human history where blindness has been misunderstood. It's time to fight together. In the Bible, it says he who is not for us is against us. Common knowledge tells us that a house divided cannot stand.
If the Cuban missile crisis can be resolved, if the Berlin Wall can fall, if our bitter enemy can become our friend, if Germany can reunite, why can't ACB and NFB do the same? We could call ourselves either the National Council of the Blind, or the American Federation of the Blind. It takes work and a willingness to change for the betterment of all.
Diplomacy takes guts. Let's see if NFB and ACB have the guts. I challenge you!
-- Carson Wood, President, American Council of the Blind of Maine, Westbrooke, Maine
More on Transportation
I just wanted to thank you for printing in the July-August "Braille Forum" the letter to the editor about transportation. I share many of the feelings that Dianne Baumgartner expressed in her letter, and want to thank you for bringing this issue of inadequate transportation to the forefront. It has been and will probably always be my greatest obstacle in life ... and this obstacle never goes away.
Sometimes I wonder how much more I could accomplish and achieve in life if I didn't have to spend the amount of time and energy I have to, to get transportation to do everyday life things. I am young yet, only 24, and I have to say that I have been lucky so far but I often think of the future and what it holds. So, thank you again for printing that letter and I encourage you to continue to address this issue in future "Braille Forums."
Sincerely, Nicole Poston, Canton, Ohio