Family and Faith in the Future

Howdy Comrades!

My mood must mirror that of many these days.  It's one of dejection tinged with that abiding determination to overcome all obstacles, a resolve to stick out the bad times and move forward to better days.  Family concerns seemed to culminate simultaneous with world events that are both troubling and very challenging.  Just prior to the worldwide economic meltdown, My Uncle Dan, a true southern gentleman and inveterate businessman, died from his long battle with heart disease.  Although he left my Aunt a comfortable amount of wealth, no amount of money can replace their love for one another and his service to the community of Warner Robbins where they lived.  Next I faced a dramatic crisis with senior staff at Capital Metro that could eviscerate the influence and coherence of the Access Committee.  Access remains the blind and disabled community's best hope for salvaging a transportation system that will provide the means to help us achieve true inclusion within society.  At this crucial point, I've learned that my Dad had to be hospitalized yesterday because of internal bleeding related to a swollen kidney.  I am left to wonder how much more trouble my Mother can tolerate and how best to help her.  As the old cliché suggests when it rains it pours; even during a Central Texas drought!  I extend my thanks to those who have rallied by my side and to the peeps out there who continue to send messages of support.  It really does make a difference.  I will close for now and work in collaboration with other Access members, community leaders and Metro passengers on our official response to Fred Gilliam's attempt to destroy the effective functioning of this vital committee. 

Regards,

Chairman Mal

Power to the Peeps!

Help New Websites and Picket the Movie Blindness!

Howdy Comrades!

ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

Texas Democrats with Disabilities needs help to make sure their website is friendly to print impaired individuals, particularly those depending on screen reading programs.  Please help us by visiting the site and reporting any access issues:

http://www.democratswithdisabilities.org/chat

We are adding various features and want every one to be able to participate.

 

Another website wants your assistance.  That is:

http://www.chairmanmal.com

We hope to assist the blind and disabled community through distance learning, articles, fiction and news.  This site remains under construction.  Eventually, we hope to devote a section exclusively to transportation issues.  When that part of the site is completed, you may go to

http://www.chairmanmal.com/transportation

For more information and to contribute your own articles and issues right now, send them to

http://chairmanmal@earthlink.net .

.  We will accept compliments and complaints about Cap Metro programs, and we hope you will include your ideas for solutions.

 

The Austin Chapter of the National Federation of the Blind will hold an informational picket at the Dobie Theater on Friday, October 3^rd to protest a detestible film called "Blindness."  The Dobie Theater is located at 21^st and Guadalupe.  This will take place thirty minutes before the screening of this execrable movie and last until thirty minutes after it is over.  We suggest you arrive around six o'clock to pick up your signs and brochures if you want to participate.  We are also planning to picket the theater at Westgate Mall, but I have not been given the details at this time.  Call NFBT at (512) 451 1717or (512) 371 3405 for the latest information about our picket.  If you need information about the NFBT Convention to be held in Dallas beginning on October 31^{st, you may phone the same numbers}. Happy Halloween!

Regards,

Chairman Mal

Power to the Peeps!