Hi! Come on in, and get ready for another Rant. I have been thinkig quite a bit on the subject of equal rights. In this day and age, in this country and elsewhere, the issue of civil rights for EVERYONE should be a no-brainer. There is no logic in denying the humanity, dignity, and civil rights of anyone simply because they belong to a certain group, practice a certain faith, or have a different lifestyle. People, groups, and governments that oppress others are only oppressing (and, in the case of governments, endangering) themselves.

     It's amazing to consider how some easily and carelessly discriminate against others, especially when they look, talk, or act differently than they. It seems that the Golden Rule, "Do unto others as you would have others do unto you" is completely forgotten in the act of feeling superior. No thought is given to the feelings of those being discriminated against, nor of how they, themselves, would feel if they faced intolerance and bigotry.

     Perhaps the group most discriminated against is people with disabilities. Governments, groups, and individuals find all kinds of reasons to deny us the basic civil rights that others enjoy. They say that we need to be taken care of, so we are unnecesarily locked away in nursing homes and other institutions. They say that we cost society too much, so that public access and reasonable accommodations are denied. They say that we don't deserve to contribute to society, so we are denied jobs that we are qualified for, and are denied the right to education and housing.

     But, people with disabilities around the world are standing up and saying NO to discrimination, and demanding that their governments grant them equal rights and protections. We are gaining power. In the United Kingdom, Japan, South Korea, and South Africa, people with disabilities are, in some cases, risking their lives in the struggle for equality. In Sweden, disabled folks are marching on Parliment to demand a law guaranteeing equal access to public places. Here in the United States, disabled activists will march 144 miles to lobby for passage of a law that gives people with disabilities the right to receive attendant care in their own homes. In Trinidad and Tobago, disabled activists have been camping out for 100 days in front of the National Flour Mills, in protest of that country's lack of civil rights for people with disabilities. Perhaps, one day in the distant future, the world will recognize the humanity, beauty, worth, and dignity not only of those of us with disabilities, but every group of people who has, or will, face intolerance and bigotry.

Here is a letter that I wrote to several officials in Trinidad and Tobago:

Hello:
My name is Anita Cameron, and I am from Denver, Colorado, in the United States. I am a member of ADAPT, a national, grassroots disability rights group. I am writing to tell you of an incredible story that is unfolding right in your country!

Today, Wednesday August 13, is the 100th day the disability activists of
Trinidad and Tobago have been making their protest/camp out in front of
the National Flour Mills.
They are protesting for jobs for people with disabilities and to call
attention to the lack of civil rights of people with disabilities in
Trinidad and Tobago.
They have been roughed up by the police, they have been threatened with
arrest several times, they have met with government officials but have been
given no consessions. Their leader George Daniels has come from his
hospital bed after bedsore surgery to support and be with the group at the
camp out.

These people are serious, and they need the support of their government, particularly of you Honorable Ministers! It is a national shame that people with disabilities in the great nation of Trinidad and Tobago do not enjoy the civil rights that others have. One thing that makes one feel as if he or she is a useful member of society is the ability to get and keep a job. By denying qualified individuals with disabilities the right to work, you, and your government are denying an entire group of people the right, and the duty to become contributing members of their communites, and of society in general. You are also denying your great nation the opportunity to reap the financial benefits through income, and other taxes of these potential workers.
Honorable Ministers, the world is watching and taking note of the events that are occuring in your country regarding people with disabilities. Meet with the activists and come up with effective solutions that will benefit all people with disabilities in Trinidad and Tobago. I have the fullest confidence in your ability to accomplish this task. The real question lies in your willingness to do so.

I remain always,

Anita Cameron
Denver ADAPT

The folks in Trinidad achieved a stunning victory after 116 days of their vigil! Read about it here.

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