August
Editor's Column
by
Tim Benjamin
Yoshiko Dart
wrote a wonderful letter of vision that we are printed for you
to enjoy. Yoshiko has truly taken on the responsibility and dedication
to the disability community with which her late husband, Justin
dedicated his life. She wants us all to realize that all people
have rights to fulfill their highest potentials and that this must
continue for future generations. She wants the best for all of
us. Thank you, Yoshiko, for your prayers and your activism!
After listening
to the speeches during the Democratic convention and the orators'
hopes for the future of the United States, I began to wonder how
many of them will be true to their word and dedicated to their
platform issues. If they dedicate themselves to making their dreams
reality for the United States--we will be living in a far better
place in the future than we are today. However, they need our help
to be elected. They need our dedication to the same hopes and dreams
in order for them to be successful.
Pete Feigal and
Jeni Mundl have offer very personal columns this month. Pete once
again displays that ability to make you feel as if he's talking
directly to you. Jeni, as well, has an excellent ability to draw
you in. You'll enjoy their articles. The two of you are the best!
Remember that
the Charlie Smith awards gala celebration is coming up. If you
knew Charlie you will know what kind of party we are having--laid
back, communal talk with familiar people who have mutual interests.
We are keeping the gala very similar to last year's, only just
a little bigger, a little tastier, a little roomier, and a little
louder--and you'll be there! The applications for the Charlie awards
will be on the web site soon. Reserve the date, November 5, 2004,
and buy your tickets now to reserve your tables!
Kathy Hagen and
Tracy Reid-Seith warn us about some of the new guardianship laws.
If you are a guardian or if you are under guardianship please read
this article. You have the right to vote. Don't let anyone take
that away from you. Call and let us help!
Luther Granquist
tells us about the devastating loss of the Fairview Health Services'
Tamarack custom seating clinic. The loss of this clinic will affect
many of us for a long time. Those of us who are fortunate enough
to have a Tamarack seating system will be able to go to Gillette
Children's Hospital or Rehabilitation Designs Inc., for adjustments;
those of us who don't have Tamarack seating will have to hope that
they will be able to create new seating. Fairview University Hospital
says that the closing is an economic issue. I considered it another
values issue. Why would an organization with $60 million in profits
not want to spend an extra $240 thousand a year to save money,
misery, and preventing injuries? They value profits over people
with disabilities' quality of life.
