Well, you did come on a bit strong, sure, but I understand why, really I do.
It's just that I feel such anger when not dealt with, can erupt in
unexpected ways, and it's not right.   I get angry myself at times and I try
to take a deep breath and let it go.  Healthier, too.

People are people, and I'm not going to change anything by getting angry at
them; it's better to lead than to force.  I teach diversity classes at work,
and I've had many employees come up to me afterwards and tell me how much
insight I've given them on disabled people in the workplace.  It's as if
light bulbs go off in their heads and they go "duh!"  Same thing at the
synagogue and elsewhere.  If someone's obstinate, I just let it go; he or
she is not going change in one day and if I'm not that change agent, then
maybe someone else will be. We gotta remember, too, that everyone gets older
and more like us at some point as our bodies wear out... and then they, too,
realise what's really going on.  It's karma.  What goes 'round comes 'round.

        Kathy


----- Original Message -----
From: "Betty B" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Wednesday, November 21, 2001 11:43 PM
Subject: Re: Hate Crimes Reported to FBI Rise


> I understand Kathy, and I don't want to provoke violence either.  I'm sure
it
> sounds as though I am a total war monger.  It's just that this thing we
face
> is so often invisible.  People "out there" generally conceal their true
> feelings about people with disabilities; Much of the time, I'm sure that
they
> just don't want to hurt our feelings, but if there is confusion with
regard
> to our place in society, I am convinced that this is a dangerous time in
> history to let that confusion go without comment.
>
> I'm sorry for coming on so strongly Kathy.  I know you fight the good
fight.
> I know that.
>
> Sometimes I need to remind myself to lighten up, but this passion I have
is
> so incredibly overwhelming.  Perhaps this time I needed someone else to
> remind me.
> I tend to get lost in this at times.
>
> Betty
>
>
> In a message dated 11/21/2001 7:36:12 AM Eastern Standard Time,
> [log in to unmask] writes:
>
> > No, that's not what I meant.  I'll fight to the death to defend my home
and
> >  country but on the other hand, I'll not provoke violence on my part.  I
> just
> >  don't happen to think it's necessary.
> >
> >          Kathy
> >
>
>
> Betty
> aut viam inveniam aut faciam
> "I will either find a way or make one."