From: Steve Zielinski 
Subject: Re: Why the NFB?
Hello Denise,
	Firstly, I'd like to say I'm glad you find the NFB a personal and
rewarding experience.  I would say that indeed, they have done quite a lot
of good for blind people in this country, no one can deny that.  I also
notice that you indicated right from the top that you don't join the nfb
for political reasons.  Either this is from personal choice or the
wisdom that one cannot change the politics of the nfb from within or
without the organization.  Since, as I see it, one cannot change the
politics of the organization, it is a reasonable and intelligent approach
to functioning in a basically non democratic organization.  Put your best
efforts into what you believe in and move on to those things that you can
make a difference in, such as personal example, teaching, mentoring and
the like.  This makes much sense. 
	I've not seen the messages from Dan Dunfee of which you've refered
other than one.  Why you state quote Dan Dunfee and others of his ilk end
quote, is beyond me other than an attempt at marginalizing his views and
hence himself as a person.  I don't view this as particularly helpful.  I
understand how you might be upset and annoyed at what may seem personal
attacts, but there are those among us who indeed do have differing views
of the nfb and its practices.  I saw the message from Dan Dunfee and
Curtis Chongs response regarding MicroSofts explorer and
frankly, Mr. Chong did not answer most of Mr. Dunfee's questions.  I'm 
just beginning to learn Windows now and already can tell that the quality 
of access is not up to speed, at least for my liking.  As long as screen 
reading companies have to keep running after Micro Soft and insisting 
that Micro Soft stick tto its promises regarding Active Accessibility,  
it tells me that Micro Soft is not yet fully committed.  Look at the 
debacle regarding Internet Explorer 4.01.  The basic problem is they are 
practically a monopoly, and we as blind people put ourselves in a tight 
spot when we depend on a monopoly for our access to the ever changing 
world of computers.  
	Thanks again and I'm delighted to know that the NFB fits your 
needs as a person.  Have a good day.
On Sat, 11 Apr 1998, MACK73DEN wrote:
> 
> 
> I have been plowing through an accumlation of messages which bash, 
riticize
> 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 
or
> the past 23 years?  To be perfectly honest it is not for political reasons. 
It
> is not for reasons of influence.  It is a much more personal reason.  We go 
to
> 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 
of
> an infusion of love and understanding.  Convention is the one place on 
arth
> where our family is not different but the same and one with others.  These 
are
> ideas which cannot be conveyed to some people.  Despite what some people 
would
> say we work on behalf of all blind people of yesterday, today and tomorrow. 
 I
> 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 
rganization
> 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 
ere
> 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. 
 I
> am highly offended.  Frankly, I am not seeing a clamoring of people who 
ant
> to work as hard and as self-lessly as Mr. Jernigan and Mr. Maurer have.  
he
> 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 
they
> can do the job.  This is the National Federation of the Blind as it is 
ived
> 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 
importance
> 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
> 
> 
+----------------------------+
|  Steve Zielinski  (N8UJS)  |
|      stevez@ripco.com      |
+----------------------------+
---
 # Origin: NFBnet  Internet Email Gateway (1:282/1045)
---------------