Ed,

I don't agree that we don't have anything to lose.  First, I'm no lawyer,
but I think losing a lawsuit sets a bad precedent that will make it harder
to get the law passed in the future.  Second, I think using a lawsuit and
forcing the government and vendors of money handling machines to make
potentially expensive changes costs us good will in the general community.
 We need to do this at times and over certain issues, but I think this
should be a last resort.  Finally, I think the statements and terminology
used in this lawsuit portray the blind as relatively inept.  This may help
get the bill passed, but I think it also has the potential of causing
other damage.

I think the above issues are present whenever a group resorts to a
lawsuit.  Obviously there are times when the lawsuit is worth the price. I
think things like accessible ATM's, accessible business related web sites
and access to educational materials are all good examples.  In my opinion,
described prime time broadcast television programming and changing the
size of US bills aren't so clearly worth pursuing.

Christopher

Christopher J Chaltain
[log in to unmask]




Ed Bordley <[log in to unmask]>
Sent by: "VICUG-L: Visually Impaired Computer Users' Group List"
<[log in to unmask]>
05/07/2002 08:30 PM
Please respond to Ed Bordley


        To:     [log in to unmask]
        cc:
        Subject:        Re: [VICUG-L] FW: [VICUG-L] American Council of the Blind seeks   changes
in              U.S.

Battles for Civil Rights are not fought only on the most important fronts.
There is value in raising the consciousness of the public, even if the
Supreme Court finds aginst the ACB in the currency case.  We won't be any
worse off if this battle is lost.  Especially since the lawsuit was
brought
under the Rehab Act.  I find it extremely liberating to be able to
independently identify currency.  Let the government demonstrate through
its
pleadings that a change in currency would be an undue   burden.


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