Perhaps I am meant to conclude that we do.

In a message dated 04/13/2001 9:38:59 AM Eastern Daylight Time, Astrobrd
writes:

> 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
>
>


Betty
aut viam inveniam aut faciam
"I will either find a way or make one."