From: chief@crown.NET
Subject: Re: Gorton Amendment
One thing we all can think about whether we be of the NFB or the ACB 
is that we all do have at least one thing in common that can never 
separate us...blindness. 
For myself, I am thankful that Mr. Gashel and our national
leadership know when to show restraint.  I first learned of the
Gorton amendment on September 11, and by the next day I had
received word that the amendment was a mistake which would be
remedied without difficulty.  Had the NFB "cried wolf" in this
instance, we would have lost valuable credibility which we need to
conserve for those issues where our interests are genuinely
threatened.  By taking a calm and reasoned approach to the Gorton
amendment, our leadership has demonstrated considerable political
savvy.
As for the notion that Mr. Gashel should have explained his
strategy at the outset, this is neither practical or wise.  To
explain why actions were not taken opens up a potentially endless
area of discourse.  In addition, it is the Job of Mr. Gashel to
chart our strategy. Once charted, nothing good can come from hand
wringing and second guessing. 
  As for the forwarding of ACB announcements to NFB lists, it seems
to me to be presumptuous of anyone to assume that the NFB
leadership does not have the issue well in hand.  If I want to know
what the ACB is doing in regard to a particular subject, I can read
the Braille Forum or subscribe to an ACB  listserv.  The only
possible exception I could imagine to this would be to forward an
ACB statement to point out our differences with the ACB.  Does this
mean that we are not open to other perspectives and viewpoints?  Of
course not.  This means that we are an NFB list.  We would do good
to keep this in mind.
Greg Trapp
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