The President's Corner
By Jim Jirak, President
A new president means a new executive
committee. And a new executive
committee means a new concept; a new idea; a new approach to squashing the
alleged secrecy claimed by some with regards to important organizational
decisions during the executive council meetings. Your executive committee is just that; yours. And therefore, why should we make important
decisions that affect you then keep these decisions a secret? Yes, it is the chapter representative’s duty
to report to their local chapter what organizational business has transpired
during these meetings, but this is not always being done. Therefore, a portion of this newsletter,
with thanks to Garnet Nalley, will attempt to highlight and summarize the
important decisions reached during these meetings. And as a result of board action during our June meeting in
Hastings, look for this to be a permanent part of this newsletter.
Speaking of the executive council, I
would like to discuss, and perhaps, receive some clarification from you, the
membership, on the role, duties and responsibilities of this elected body. There is no doubt, whatsoever, in my mind
this paragraph will generate some controversy, discussion, and maybe cause
temporary animosity towards the president.
At a recent executive council meeting, a
decision was made based on a concept dealing with our own ACBN web page which
was discussed by, agreed to, but never voted on during the convention. Without question, this would greatly enhance
ACBN's visibility and possibly enhance our membership. After voting to authorize the necessary
funding, a number of concerns were then raised, and, at a special meeting to
discuss these concerns, the previously moved motion was rescinded because of
the notions that "we are bound by what is in the minutes and unless it's
in writing, we have no authority to act." or "It's state money. We have no business deciding how this money
should be spent without approval from the state membership."
While these statements are genuine,
honest and true, I also recognize the need for action. A convention elects a governing body. And the governing body has certain
obligations and responsibilities to fulfill to the membership, not to mention
the organization to which they serve.
If any executive committee refuses to make tough decisions based on a
concept simply out of fear of answering to the membership, then, outside of
fulfilling constitutional obligations, why should the committee meet? Then what becomes the rational, not to
mention the duties, for an executive board? And if the board does meet, what
can and can't they act upon?
Please understand I am not attempting to
incite a riot, nor cause any needless hostility. Give me some feedback for my own information for future
reference. Can an executive board act
on an agreed upon concept never voted on by a state convention? Please let me know what you think. I never claimed to have all the answers, not
to mention the right ones, anyway.
Turning
my thoughts briefly to the state convention plans is already under way for the
1999 state convention in Grand Island.
It is the weekend of April 23-25 at the Midtown Holiday Inn. Room rates have been secured at $53 flat and
are subject to a 9% tax. Reservation
can be made by calling the hotel direct at 1-800-548-5542. Be sure to mention ACB to receive the
discount. Planning this year’s
convention is Jon Baird, convention chair.
Working with Jon are Sharon and Terry Brennfoerder and Jim
Radcliffe. While plans are in the
preliminary stages, from what ideas have been discussed, this convention sounds
exciting, promising and downright fun.
Start saving your pennies. See
you in Grand Island in April.
On another note, how stupid! How insane!
How frivolous! How
unorthodox! How could they? Incase you have been in seclusion let me
give you a brief synopsis of a recent Supreme Court decision regarding the ADA,
which for all intense purposes is preposterous and defeats the purpose of this
piece of legislation.
Some time ago, a woman in Maine
contracted the HIV virus. Shortly after
discovering her misfortune, out of common courtesy, she informed her dentist of
her situation while sitting in the dentist chair. Out of concern for his health and well-being he refused treatment
in the dentist office, but did inform her he would be more than willing to
examine her in the hospital as they were better equipped to deal with AIDS
patience. Feeling she was covered under the ADA because of her situation, she
refused and took the issue to court claiming discrimination.
On June 25, 1998, the judges hearing the
case rendered, without question, the most idiotic decision of their careers by
siding with the woman classifying HIV as a physical disability, therefore
covered under the ADA. Yes, there is no
question this unfortunate disease causes physical limitations, but is this really
what the authors of this act had in mind when drafting the document?
As advocates, such as ourselves, who
fought for years for equal protection regardless of disability or limitation,
we should be outraged, not to mention furious, at the recent Supreme Court
decision classifying HIV as a covered disability under the ADA. Did the judges stop to think of the
Pandora's box they have now opened? If
HIV is covered, what is to prevent kidney failure, cancer, carpal tunnel
syndrome, a stubbed foot, a paper cut, a hang nail, an ear infection, a headache,
and the like from being covered? Where
does it end? A law with good intentions
has clearly been misinterpreted and will, without a doubt, be expanded to cover
every physical and mental ailment known possible to man. Mark my words!
Before I turn my thoughts to my final
matter, let me illustrate the true concept behind the authoring of the
ADA. In late June, at the AMC Oakview
24, in Omaha, a captioned version of the Titanic
was shown for the hearing impaired.
The staff of the theater went so far as to learn key sign language
phrases such as "popcorn", "hot dogs," and
"soda." This, without question, exemplifies what the ADA is all
about. Hats off to the staff of the AMC
Oakview 24 for their willingness to go the extra mile and accommodate the
hearing impaired community.
Finally, "It's Miller
time!" As you may know, long time figurehead
Oral Miller has retired effective September 1.
Without question, there is some within ACB glad to see him go, those
most pleased with these turn of events are those that have opposed him. While he will no longer be serving ACB in
his previous role, he has agreed to work under contract for a one-year period
for ACB in athletic accessibility. And
depending upon whom you believe depends upon whether his retirement was
voluntary or requested. Nevertheless,
it goes without question his talents and abilities will never be matched. As a means of appreciation for his efforts,
he, at the banquet, was presented an all expense paid trip to Vienna and
Salzburg commencing December 28 with a return of January 5. Congratulations and good luck, Oral.
Until next time, I leave you with a
thought. It comes from the refrain to
our official song unveiled in Orlando entitled ACB Song.
""We're a group that has a vision with
pride and dignity
Looking toward a brighter future where there's true
equality
Optimistic and determined to direct our destiny
Come
and join us change the world with ACB."