David.Andrews@p0.f89.n129.z1.fidonet.org (David Andrews) (07/18/90)
Index Number: 9178
[This is from the Blink Talk Conference]
GD> What the NFB does and stands
GD> forhas really opened up opportunities for the blind
GD> unquestionabely and the hard work at all levels has made life
GD> the best it has ever been for the blind in this country.
GD> However when it comes to the polotics of the organization that
GD> is a different story. Polotics is politics but the favoratism
GD> in the NFB for special picks and special people runs rampant.
GD> When the powers that be of the NFB decidewhothey want as fellow
GD> powers that be the decision is not based on leadership ability,
GD> qualifications, or abilities but rather on who is most popular
GD> and cho is most politically favored by thepresent powers that
GD> be. If the work of the NFB could be separated from the
GD> polotics of the NFBand the work efforts held in priority the
GD> NFB would be the best organization going. However over the last
GD> fifteen years the NFB has put more and more effort into
GD> satisifying political ambitions of its members, especially
GD> officers, and board members on the National and State levels
GD> thus it seems as though overall NFB is loosing its focus as an
GD> organization dedicated to helping the blind become first class.
Grant, I agree with some, but not all of your message. There have been
instances where people have been black balled, some for good reason, some
probably not for good reasons. I don't always agree with everying, but I agree
with more then I disagree with and I think that over the years that the NFB has
done more then any other organization to improve the overall lives of the blind.
People will disagree with that, so be it.
I work for a person who is a national board member, Fred Schroeder. The more I
know him, the more I am impressed with him, so I can't agree with your
characterization that the national leadership is intent on helping the political
ambitions of a few. It does get behind those people who are accomplishing
things and supports them wholeheartedly.
Finally, I don't think that the organization is necessarily loosing its focus.
I think that we are in a transition period. First, although it is taking time,
Dr. Jernigan is gradually becoming less involved. Further, many of the items
which we fought for and supported for years are now becoming a part of the main
stream. For example, AFB and others have gotten on the braille band wagon.
Further, NAC is not nearly as strong as it used to be, we heard that RFB will
De-NAC and the New Mexico School fr the Visually Handicapped is also going to do
so.
I think that our focus will change as we adopt new priorities and grow
accustomed to being more a part of the mainstream. We have seen ourselves, the
blind as a minority for years, and others are finally coming to this point of
view, including many blind people.
David Andrews
... Your Sound Alternative
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