On Sep 22, 2004, at 4:58 PM, Cameron Wallace wrote:
Riv
The idea that an issue that is sooooo important to me personally, can be
a topic that is on the table for discussion by a presidential candidate,
gives me cautious optimism.
In one of my previous posts I mention that Kerry has a personal connection to disability. His Aunt had polio and now (not sure she's still alive though) or later in life "post-polio" syndrome. Kerry was also one of the sponsors of the ADA. It looks too convenient to me as well. My feeling is, at least Kerry is inviting controversial individuals into the arena with him, not having them arrested or rigorously screened beforehand. Knowing ADAPT, they will definitely hold his feet to the fire on this one.
A woman here in Ohio, who is a Democrat running for office in one of the small suburbs tells it this way: You must be a registered republican and sign a document claiming that you will vote for Bush, before you are allowed to see Cheney speak. This happened to her. I don't know if this is happening routinely.
Reading those minutes/newsletter of events- made me feel as though the guy that "happened to have 8 extra tickets" sounds like an angel bearing gifts
GBAmerica for her opportunities ....REALLY!
-CW
-----Original Message----- From: River Wolfe [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Wednesday, September 22, 2004 3:40 PM To: quad Subject: [QUAD-L] ADAPT magic
Ok folks, please read this through. Mr. Kerry clearly understands the issue of community support AND isn't afraid to let our people speak in his rallies.
WOW, this brought me to tears, simply knowing that a leader will let someone speak in public and isn't afraid of their free speech rights !!!!
Friday September 17, 2004: ADAPT magic happened again at the Town Hall
Meeting in Aurora, Co with presidential candidate John Kerry. The local ADAPT group had spent the week trying to get tickets to attend the rally for Mr. Kerry on Friday and had been unsuccessful. On Friday
at 2PM a decision was made and eight of us loaded up in a van to attempt to get
into the meeting without tickets. The magic started immediately. The parking lots were full so we asked one of the police officers if we could unload the van before parking. "You have two minutes to unload," he said, "and don't go past the cones." As we pulled into the parking lot another officer said, "You need to pull around right in front." "But we were told not to go past the cones." "And I'm telling you to go past the cones and unload." Past the cones we went. As we got to the doors we asked several people to find a specific individual, as she was to have the tickets for us. Of course, she couldn't be located, but a group of us sitting to the side were offered tickets
by a man and coincidentally he had exactly eight tickets. Inside we went. We were able to pass security without too much hassle, and were directed to the side of the gym with a good view of the podium where Mr. Kerry would be speaking. The group in the wheelchairs moved up the aisle, where they were stopped by one of the union women sitting on the aisle who explained they could move no closer. As soon as she had lost interest in them and moved her foot Dawn Russell took them to the very front of the row. In his speech Mr. Kerry was very up front about the problems he saw with the present administration and the changes he was prepared to initiate. The main focus of his speech was health care and his healthcare plan for the nation, and we were clear we had come to the right place at the right time. After his speech Mr. Kerry took and responded to questions from the audience. He handed the microphone to a woman sitting next to Dawn and
her question was about what would happen to her Medicaid with all of the budget cuts that were going on. As Mr. Kerry stepped back to begin his answer "quiet" Dawn Russell said, "I have an answer to the Medicaid problems, Senator Kerry." And the Senator kneeled down and held the microphone for her. ADAPT magic at work. "Senator Kerry, there are over 1 million people in nursing homes across the United States. It would cost one-third less to support them in the community. Colorado is one of the best in the country at community supports, but across the country people are having to leave their home states to come to places like Colorado to live in our own homes in the community and receive services," said Dawn. Senator Kerry responded, " This is Dawn Russell from ADAPT, and she is right. No one should be forced to live in a nursing home." Mr. Kerry went on to remark on ADAPTs 14 year battle to pass legislation that would assist individuals including the elderly and the coming "Baby Boomers" to continue to live in their own homes. He stated that children should not have to
work extra to take care of or pay for their parents. Services in the home "with attendant care" will not only save money, but increase jobs and pay a living wage for attendants. People should have the choice of where they live and should all be able to live independently and with dignity. ADAPT magic, Senator Kerry. Thank You -- ----------------------------------------------------------------
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