[nfbwatlk] Fw: Paterson 1st African American Gov in NY, 1st Blind Gov in US//Jonathan Steele on Defeat in Iraq

[Alco]

Hi, Carl,

I heard his speech through your link, and was most impressed by his direct, articulate manner.  It didn't hurt that he cited several heroes of mine:  Paul Robeson and Malcomb X.  Although as a child, I read about Harriet Tubman's heroic efforts to rescue others from slavery, for some reason, Malcomb It impressed me more.  This does not in any way cast aspersions on Harriet's noble efforts.  It's just that Malcomb It was more contemporary.

The critical spirit you talk about exists among competing women as well.  What is it about human or maybe inhuman nature that makes people so anxious to prove their superiority or their specialness?

Whatever Paterson's record turns out to be, it will certainly be better than Spitzer's.

Alco

-----Original Message-----
From: Carl Jarvis <carjar at olypen.com>
Sent: Friday, March 14, 2008 12:31 PM
To: NFB of Washington Talk Mailing List <nfbwatlk at nfbnet.org>
Subject: Re: [nfbwatlk] Fw: Paterson 1st African American Gov in NY,	1st Blind Gov in US//Jonathan Steele on Defeat in Iraq

David Paterson is legally blind.  Are we seriously going to argue over 
whether he is our kind of blind?
David Paterson has adapted to his blindness and become an effective public 
servant.
What is it we think he should do to prove that he is truly blind?
Should he sport a travel cane that comes up to his eyebrows?  Or just to the 
center of his chest.  Perhaps he really should use a dog guide.
How come David Paterson isn't a skilled Braille user?  Does he send a wrong 
message when he delivers a brilliant, emotional speech from memory?
Why doesn't he have all the current sexy electronic gadgets hanging around 
his neck?  Is the man a throw-back to prehistoric times?
But more important, what the heck are we doing when we become so hyper 
critical and judgmental over a blind man who has just been thrust into the 
public eye?
What does this say about us?  Are we so sensitive and uncomfortable 
regarding our own blindness that we must pick another person to shreds?
Frankly, I applaud David Paterson.  He did the best he could do with the 
tools he was given.  He overcame his disability and rose to significant 
heights.  He appears comfortable with his blindness.
Most important will be how he handles himself as governor of New York State. 
His political achievements will ultimately determine just what kind of a 
blind man he was.

Carl Jarvis 

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