The purpose of my diary is to share my thoughts on politics in this country, as well as the rest of the world. I really don't hold back much and I like to take a hard hitting look at politics in general. The potential for offending others is there but I will do my best to present opinions and thoughts in a respectful manner.
Some of the subjects that I like to discuss range from global warming, social issues and the current political climate. I feel that I can contribute to dailykos by offering a perspective on issues in a respectful manner.
I also feel that as a Deaf person, my opinion should be just as important as other opinions because there are still instances in society where Deaf people are marginalized and mocked. I would love to focus on exposing those instances and giving my perspective on them.
Ah, where to begin?
First of all, I'd like to address something that's really bothering me as I type this. I still don't understand why in our society, people sometimes assume that all Deaf people are dumb or incapable of driving a car or other prejudices that I've encountered over the years. It's always bothered me, though I rarely discuss it.
I see no reason why prejudices about Deaf people should continue to pervade our society. It seems to me that people are still quite ignorant in their knowledge of Deaf people.
What I would like to see is a greater emphasis on Deaf issues by the current Presidential candidates. I believe strongly that the ADA needs to be better enforced. I was shocked when I applied for a position with the State of Vermont and it was turned down because I did not go through their link for people with disabilities. I was also shocked when I applied for a job at a local hospital and they told me that if I got called back for a second interview, that I would have to provide my own interpreter.
While issues like these are usually state issues, I believe that I'm not alone when it comes to these issues. There's simply no excuse for a business not to understand the ADA. I also believe that the current presidential candidates should add Deaf people to the groups they already try to cater to (i:e gays and lesbians, minorities) and state a position on Deaf issues. I'll gladly research such a thing but I believe that the candidates need to be clearer on their positions for certain issues.
That's all for today. I will revisit this topic sometime.