A brilliant response Betty!

I know many of us on AOL will find our way to let our views be known.

This being nearly Easter, what a testament to healing and renewal!  I
guess hate and ignorance grows weeds in the Garden of Acceptance and
Knowledge.

How are you feeling?

Peace!

Steve

----- Original Message -----
From: "Betty B" <[log in to unmask]>
Newsgroups: bit.listserv.c-palsy
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Friday, April 13, 2001 9:38 AM
Subject: Do we have a duty to die?


> Howdy folks,
>
> I have been paying attention to the AOL message boards for disability
> awareness posting opportunities.  What better opportunity could I have
to
> respond than to the following post regarding an operation to separate
> conjoined twins in Nepal:
>
> "with so many people short of basic care, it is ludicrus to allow
these babes
> to come to term. the money spent to keep the two alive ould have
innoculated
> the population of Nepal
> W.S. I NOW FEAR TO SIGN"
>
> My response was as follows:
>
> "You shouldn't be afraid to sign.  Those of us who have disabilities
already
> know that many of our nondisabled neighbors loath our existence.
Moreover,
> you are entitled to express your views.
>
> We are well aware of society's not-too-well hidden belief that we have
a duty
> to die.  There are more people in your camp than you may realize.
>
> Your post was no revelation, but I appreciated your candor
nonetheless."
>
> The nondisabled "duty to die" misconception is the basis for the need
of the
> disability rights movement.  I believe that we cannot afford to allow
these
> misconceptions to go unanswered.
>
> If you are on AOL, and wish to respond to the poster, please read this
> article first:
>
>  <A HREF="aol://4344:3167.siamese.21061315.671341225"> AOL News:
Siamese
> Twins Successfully Separated</A>
>
> To post, click on this link:
>
>  <A HREF="aol://5863:126/mB:477462">Siamese Twins Separated</A>
>
> In the year 2001, I am a little surprised that the author of the
article
> would use the term "Siamese Twins."  The correct term is "conjoined
twins."
> Actually, I am not surprised.  I'm betting that the writer knew the
correct
> term, but chose the freak show approach to realize increased
readership.
>
> At any rate, if you believe that these little girls are entitled to
their
> lives, and would like to address the philosophy that we have a duty to
die on
> behalf of the betterment of society, please respond on the message
board
> under the heading "cost." Again -- and unfortunately -- you must be an
AOL
> member to participate.
>
> Thanks - Betty