From: MACK73DEN 
Subject: Why the NFB?
I have been plowing through an accumlation of messages which bash, criticize
and offend members of the National Federation of the Blind.  Individuals such
as Dan Dunfee and others of his ilk cannot understand what it means to be a
member of the NFB.  Why has my family been involved in this organization for
the past 23 years?  To be perfectly honest it is not for political reasons. 
t
is not for reasons of influence.  It is a much more personal reason.  We go 
o
conventions, chapter meetings, and other functions because we  have a firm
belief in the idea that we can make a difference for all blind people. The
benefits that we have received outway the work which we put into this
organization.  The people that we have become close to are lifetime friends
and coworkers.  We go to National Conventions because we are always in need 
f
an infusion of love and understanding.  Convention is the one place on earth
where our family is not different but the same and one with others.  These 
re
ideas which cannot be conveyed to some people.  Despite what some people 
ould
say we work on behalf of all blind people of yesterday, today and tomorrow.  

am proud of my association and anyone who attacks the leaders which I have
helped to elect and support or the programs and members of this organization
attack me and my family.  The love we receive and which I hope that we are
able to show is something that makes this organization unique.  We have all
come to this organization for very personal reasons and not all of them were
altruistic.  We have all been in a place were an alliance with other blind
persons was a necessity for our lives to be lived as we would like it.  
As far as the statements that have been made about our National Leadership.  

am highly offended.  Frankly, I am not seeing a clamoring of people who want
to work as hard and as self-lessly as Mr. Jernigan and Mr. Maurer have.  The
sacrifices they have made on my own behalf will be difficult to return in
kind.  Therefore, I only hope that I honor their efforts by helping others in
turn.  The NFB is about the help we gave to a young woman to attain
citizenship when no one else would, the help we give to a young family just
told that their new baby cannot see, the help we give to a blind person who
suddenly is out of a job because of a new supervisor who does not believe 
hey
can do the job.  This is the National Federation of the Blind as it is lived
on an everyday basis.  
I do not expect to change anyone's mind about their feelings concerning the
NFB but over the past days I have been thinking of what is the real 
mportance
of what we do.  I just hope that others understand what I am saying and can
also articulate what this organization means to them and their loved ones.
Denise Mackenstadt
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