From: Al and Masha Sten-Clanton 
Subject: Re: Why The NFB
Steve, I find your comments valuable.  
As a chapter president, and having been an elected officer of our
affiliate, I certainly want and wanted to power to carry out our work.  At
the same time, as one who would call for a pure democracy (in the nation
and in private organizations) if I thought it could work, I put everything
I can to a vote.  Not only does this arise from my view that more
participation is better, but I think it gives me the trust I need from the
people who have elected me when I must act quickly, with no time for a
vote and little time to consult.
I also believe strongly in our philosophy of blindness.  If anything, I
think that sometimes we're not consistent enough with it.  Yet, if I were
really facing a choice between having that philosophy prevail and having a
more participatory democracy, I'd choose the latter with much pain but no
hesitation.  This is because a philosophy that will shape the lives of the
blind must ultimately come from as many as possible of the blind people
whose lives will be shaped.  The best I can do is try to persuade others
to have the equalitarian philosophy we articulate.  
Of course, democracy is not an excuse to violate your organization's
policies.  While I'm in this outfit, I'll live with votes I wish I didn't
have to.  So it should have been with those members you mentioned who were
trotted out by regressive agencies as NFB representatives.  
Well, take care!
Al
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