[Cagdu] last word

[Michael Peterson]

 Hi Ken. Your very welcome. The way your describing things now is as you say even more involved.  Sounds like if someone has a disability whether or not they choose to be seated in said section they are forcibly put in the "disabled section"
In addition to the guide dog situation a coalition might be doable if others are willing to get involved.
I am not sure that is the way to go because it will emphasize the arena's problem locally but might take away from exposing the national problem of improper treatment to guide dog users Nationally.
I think I'd work with the media and possibly set up an informational picket at some point preferably during a major event.
Than depending on what the guide dog users as a group decided you could allow other groups to join a coalition.
I can't make that decision.  I don't know if any class action could be taken but certainly a media action could.  Some of you might remember when we tried to save the Client assistance program in Sacramento.  We had the NFB the GLAD and I think some other groups working in an alliance.
I think Dr Jernigan put it nicely in one of his final speeches when he said in essence we can't live in an embattled camp forever, we have to move with the times but we do know how to fight and we can and will when we have to.
I don't know how long it will be before any action takes place, but if it's financially doable Terra and I will do what we can to help, carrying signs, passing out literature whatever you need.
We're not guide dog users at this time but your battle is our battle when it educates the public and helps the world to be a more positive place for blind individuals to live and work in their community.
Whether now is the time of action or you decide it's a battle for a later day keep your head up.
Choose your battles carefully and we together will eat the elephant one bite at a time.
The vulture sits in the branch of a yonder tree and we see where the wings join the shaft.
God Bless:
Mike

  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Ken Volonte 
  To: julietcody at cox.com 
  Cc: Cagdu 
  Sent: Tuesday, August 28, 2007 3:43 PM
  Subject: [Cagdu] last word


  Hi Juliet.  I was upset by the events last Friday night, but being threatened with arrest will do that to you.  This is a much bigger deal than just an episode between myself and the Stockton Arena.  It has to do with how disabled people are treated at this venue across the board.  People in my row weren't at all shocked or embarrassed when I lost my temper.  One lady and her Grandmother were also forced into this Handicapped row only it was worse for them because they were whisked in an elevator up to the second floor.  Then the Grandmother, in her walker had to walk to the other end of the Arena and walk down a ramp to these seats.  The old woman was still scared at having to control her walker down a steep slant amid a few thousand people.  This is a big deal.  If I have to go to the media, then I will and thank Mike Peterson for the idea.  Bye for now.


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