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