A question
I have a friend who is running for a state senate seat here in 2008 ( http://www.josephjamescampaign.com) I know him from church and he is a good guy, but I don't have much faith in politics or politicians for that matter. He is also a republican. Not that I hate republicans or anything. I agree with a lot of republican ideas -- I don't take much stock in the argument that if your not republican, than forget ever being a good, god-fearing individual.
Anyway, I went to his launch party Monday night. Joseph's girlfriend brought me. I like her a lot.
I've been trying to educate Joseph on the needs of the disabled. How we need employment opportunities and funding and access.
R, his girlfriend, and I were talking about it in the car. Then she asked me this question that made me wonder how well I am teaching people.
We were talking about my struggle to find a job and live a somewhat normal life.
"Sarah" she said, "why don't you just live off of social security and volunteer in the community?"
I was somewhat taken aback. I wasn't offended. I knew she wasn't trying to offend me, but I must not be doing my job if she would even think that was a long-term option for me.
Do she know how ruthlessly poor you have to be at all times to get social security? Or even Medicaid? Does she know how soul crushing it is to live off hand outs month to month? The only reason I do it now is because my mom insisted. And I did it to get through college. I know it's temporary -- it better be temporary. I want more. I deserve more. I planned and prepared myself for more.
And I'll be damned if my disability, or more importantly, other people's perception of my disability, stand in my way.
I want more.
This is why I won't beg for a low-paying job I don't want. This is why I continue to aim high. This is why I deal with c-van. This is why I still live with my parents even though I am the scapegoat.
I want more.
I realize now I can't do it on my own. I wish I could, but that isn't the society we live in. Government needs to do more than just give us hand-outs. Because I want a hand up (and I'm sure I am not alone.) I hope Joseph remembers that.
2. Hi Sarah, You are such an awesome person and have limitless potential. I came across your website and was saddened to read your post. I hope what I asked didn’t really come across as you have in quotes above. I would find that offensive myself, and deeply regret and apologize if I caused you any offense. I am not very good with words, but was curious as to your views on different topics when we talked the other night because you have had different experiences than those to which I have. I really did not mean to cause any offense in asking your opinion on the topic of social security. I know you have great talents and strengths as a writer, friend, listener, and communicator; your talents are endless. I was only hoping to gain insight into what you felt should be done to help those with disabilities. I have several friends who receive social security and all have different perspectives on the topic; many of these friends work in addition to receiving social security, while others have found it very difficult to find employment. I greatly admire you and your goals. I know you will succeed as a world class writer and wish you all the best. I definitely learn a lot from you and greatly admire you. You are amazing! Rebecca
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Don't worry, Rebecca -- I knew your question wasn't meant to offend me. It did make me think though. My disabity disrimination tner has been really high lately - probably to a fault. Don't think I was bagging on you at all. I think you're awesome!
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