As a child I always wanted to fade into the background. I did not want to be noticed. I have red hair, I was noticed. Usually it was by someone’s maiden aunt who liked to pinch cheeks! Anyway, what I am getting at is that circumstances change our perspective, our lives and the manner in which we relate to each other. I have just finished writing a report on accessibility in my town, specifically the occasionally impassable sidewalks. Did I want to do this report? No! Did I have to do this report? Yes! As I have stated earlier people with disabilities tend to be quiet. They do not ‘rock the boat’ so to speak. Well they should. There are people out there advocating for us, for what is right and we need to give them our full backing. We must speak out (politely) when something is wrong and it can be fixed. Complaining is one part of the process, finding a solution is the next part.
I believe every problem has a solution. It may not be what you had hoped for, it may not be easy, but there is a solution. There is a saying ‘if you are not part of the solution, you are part of the problem’. Harsh words but perhaps fitting. If we do nothing and put up with inadequacies, we are doing nothing to correct the problems. By doing nothing we are condoning the situation and that is intolerable. We MUST stand up and be counted. If we want things to change we must be part of the process. It is not fair to expect good people to fight for us. We can show others, the disbelievers, that we are not “cripples” we are independent, intelligent people with disabilities. Think of us as boats with the anchor trailing in the mud. We may not be as fast as you but we will get there eventually. We all have an obligation to contribute to society in a positive and progressive way. We could simply take the handouts as they are given or we could be a part of the solution. We can fix what is wrong once it is identified. I want to be a part of the solution. I believe I can be a valuable contributor in may own way.
One thing for sure is that I will “not go gentle into that good night”. I have a voice and I know how to use it. Sigh, I guess.
(thank you Dylan Thomas) 
Keep using that voice! I agree, it is very important. And I don’t think it is harsh at allot say doing nothing is a part of the problem.
In the US, in our last election, 2/3 of the registered voters didn’t vote! By not voting, they sanction what is and allow a few to make their choices.
If 2/3 had voted, surely the results would have been different, though in which direction I do not know. But at least the results would be more representative of the people’s will!
LikeLike
It’s much the same up here. 2/3 represents a lot of people. Can you imagine the mountains that could be moved if 2/3 of the world cared enough to show up? Thanks for reading.
LikeLike
One of my favorite things about you is that you have no problem standing up for yourself and for others. One of the #DCFerguson protesters was carrying a sign that brought it all home to me. She said, “I’m no longer accepting the things I cannot change…I’m changing the things I cannot accept.” (Angela Davis)
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Barb. I agree with that statement completely! I’m not sure I agree with the situation in Ferguson and the horror show it has spawned. I hate it when a horrible tragedy is usurped for others agendas, Sorry, sore point.
LikeLike
Good for you! Someone has to speak up.
And Never go gentle into that dark night! 🙂
LikeLike
Thank you my friend. When I leave this world it will be kicking and screaming “woo hoo what a ride!”
LikeLiked by 1 person
I like your style 🙂
LikeLike
Thanks!
LikeLiked by 1 person
“boats with the anchor trailing in the mud”. A refreshing perspective. I admire you for pulling on the chain.
LikeLike
I never saw a chain I didn’t want to tug on Thanks for stopping by.
LikeLike
Well stated, Pam — you are a typical red-head and will fight for what is right.. In this case you are most certainly right. I think you know that if you want others to help advocate, please let me know. On your side all the way.
Peace and Love,
Jill xo
LikeLike
Ah Jill thanks! I always know my true friends are behind me.
LikeLike
I’ve always felt that if we want a change, the change must start with us first. Then it’ll eventually spread from there. My two cents, at least!
LikeLike
2 cents can be a valuable start! The best changes always start from within.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great article.
LikeLike
Thank you
LikeLike