From: sojacobson@mmm.com
Subject: Re: Why the NFB
The discussion around the statement that power cannot be given but must 
be taken represents to me much of why much of our discussions lately are 
pointless.  Some see this as an "autocratic" challenge, "Just try and get 
it."  Yet, from other things I have heard him say, it seems obvious to me 
that he is saying that a leadership position cannot be passed from one 
person to another successfully unless the receiver has already 
demonstrated the ability to lead.  If hatred of Dr. Jernigan or dislike 
of the NFB is so strong as to distort the meaning of this statement, one 
can only wonder what hope there is to resolve much else.  
Thian, there are those in all walks of life who cannot form an argument 
without quoting their oponents out of context as you indicated could be 
the case.
> Hello, 
> 
> I heard it myself as I sat with Dr. Jernigan.  A man from one country in
> Asia, who was and still is admiring nfb's achievement in its persistent in
> the philosophy of blindness, asked him such question.
> 
> Regards,
> 
> Thian.
> 
> PS:  I hope the statement I quoted earlier was not taken out of context.
> 
> 
> On Sat, 18 Apr 1998, Steve Zielinski wrote:
> 
> > 
> > 
> > Thian,
> > 
> >     Interesting comments there.  Were you able to hear this comment 
> > of Mr. Jernigan first hand or was the information passed on to you from a 
> > source who was there?  When did this happen?  I ask this so as to 
> > establish the historical context of the statement and to gain further 
> > knowledge.  Thanks
> > 
> > Steve
> > 
> > 
> > On Fri, 17 Apr 1998, Mr. Monthian Buntan wrote:
> > 
> > > 
> > > 
> > > Perhaps some of us may find this comment helpful and please feel free 
o
> > > state any further comment.
> > > 
> > > I remember listening to one of Dr. Tenbroek's speeches which stated 
hat
> > > the organized blind movement must be strong by its determination and
> > > purpose, and must be democratic by its process.
> > > 
> > >   Also at a dining table in Melborne, Australia, one person asked Dr.
> > > Jernigan when he would step down (meaning when he would let the
> > > organization run on its own by new generation without much of his
> > > involvement)?  And I remember very clearly that he said "power cannot 
e
> > > given.  It mmust be taken.  If I give power to anyone, then he/she does 
not
> > > really have power on his/her own."  Dr. Kenneth Jernigan is indeed a 
living
> > > blind philosopher of our time.  But how many people, even many of us in 
the
> > > federation, really understand what he has said?
> > > 
> > > Cheers,
> > > 
> > > Thian.
> > > 
> > > 
> > > 
> > > 
> > 
> > 
> > +----------------------------+
> > |  Steve Zielinski  (N8UJS)  |
> > |      stevez@ripco.com      |
> > +----------------------------+
> > 
> > 
> 
> 
> 
--
          Steve Jacobson
          National Federation of the Blind
          3M Company 
          E-mail:  SOJACOBSON@MMM.COM
The opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the 3M Company.
---
 # Origin: NFBnet  Internet Email Gateway (1:282/1045)
---------------