Hello Mostafa,
Speaking as honestly as I can, I must say that what you have written
here is known as a Tirade. Your rant may make you feel better, but it
does nothing to solve some very serious issues facing the Human
Species.
Personally speaking, it is my opinion that we are allowing ourselves
to be misdirected when we turn our anger toward one individual.
In your rant you focus on Donald Trump. But Donald Trump merely
reflects the feelings of a great number of Americans. At least
numerous enough to have elected him as President.
You say..."He(Donald Trump) typically talks to people who are
below average in edification and cognizance."
Again, in my opinion, this is an error on your part. In fact, many
very bright people voted for Donald Trump, and your words will only
serve to alienate them, rather than bring them around to your
thinking.
Donald Trump is not the problem. He represents a long established
Oligarchy that has its roots in the far off days when the first
European settlers came to the shores of this continent. These people
became expansionists. and as such, They also became aggressors,
murdering those Indigenous People already occupying what they came to
believe was "The Promised Land".
What I am saying, Mostafa, is that Donald Trump is the culmination of
generations of all that has gone into creating the philosophy that
drives the nation. Attacking Donald Trump is not going to accomplish
a positive change. Attacking the People of America will not bring
understanding. Remember, Violence only begets Violence.
We are traveling the wrong road if we believe that we must conduct war
in order to defend our honor.
If we cannot change our world using Peace and Brotherly Love, then all
hope is lost for not only our species, but for our planet Earth, as
well.
As blind people, we would be foolish to take up arms and claim to be
defending our dignity. But we can gather our forces and set an
example of living and working together in Peace and mutual Respect.
The hurdles that we must overcome if we are to build a better world,
are like rugged mountains standing between us and success. There is
no longer any room for violence and hatred. We must come together,
all People, and roll up our sleeves and work together. Please, do not
continue to allow Donald Trump, or any single individual to come
between you and your efforts for a better world.
Carl Jarvis
On 1/21/17, Mostafa Almahdy via acb-l <acb-l@acblists.org> wrote:
> Donald Trump is about to be inaugurated next Friday. This editorial
> has segmentally been composed before and after Trump's inauguration.
> Tuesday, January seventeenth, what to anticipate? Donald Trump is
> enormously engrossed to stir white supremacy reemergence. He is their
> ultimate guarantor. Donald Trump Inauguration is a triumphant moment
> for right-wingers. So who are they? Donald Trump addresses a
> particular class of his society. He typically talks to people who are
> below average in edification and cognizance. This is a major factor of
> lay Americans. I watched him as he spoke and they chanted and
> applauded, oh boy, what a massive site to behold. They certainly made
> me laugh. I previously described this incompetent figure before. I'll
> list the befitting characteristics of Donald Trump again for further
> substantiation. Donald Trump is miserably hilarious, scurrilous,
> counterfeit, opprobrious, scoundrel, cantankerous, rapscallion,
> bigoted, unconscionable, propagandist, prurient, flamboyant, aweless,
> dissembler, misanthrope, dishonourable and despicable. He sniped us,
> he sniped African Americans, Hispanics, Latinos and all immigrants.
> For the first time since Reagan was president, the opted cabinet won't
> include Latinos. What could that signify? I just want to send a clear
> message to Donald Trump and his supporters. We won't ever defer to
> your intolerably belligerent rhetoric. Your military has been depleted
> throughout fifteen consecutive years of a mendacious war on terror. It
> couldn't get worse than what it is. Bush vowed to wage war on terror
> in 2001. Since then, your transgressive troops infested Afghanistan,
> Iraq and Allah knows what the hell you are doing in Syria. Therefore,
> the call of combative Jihad has to heighten. At the same time, I
> critically condemn targeting non-combatants, mainly civilians as of
> pacifists, neutrals such as military chaplains or doctors. These
> people aren't to be militarily targeted, it is forbidden in Shariah to
> fight them. I do not talk here about the obligation of conquering
> territories to replace secular legal system with the divine statute. I
> rather talk about the code of combat in the battlefield. In this note,
> I must plainly emphasise that I do not support nor give credit to the
> fringe element called (ISIS). It is a cult movement and it doesn't
> represent true Jihad. I at the same time don't deny the obligation of
> combative Jihad against transgressors but, I maintain the orthodox
> Sunnite creed. I believe in the first four rightful successors of the
> prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) and I certainly repudiate
> (ISIS) as a self-proclaimed jurisdiction, a false cultus.
>
> Wednesday, January eighteenth, could Donald Trump prosper? Trump's
> scourges propose his age could be intemperately disruptive. He already
> offended prominent politicians with his rawness statements. His
> absurdly prideful character is a shame to the chief executive
> department of the United States. He's going to wholly spifflicate your
> remainder of reputation if you still have any. I urge you folks to
> utterly call off your unjustified pride. Your country amazingly has
> the most respectful Constitution hitherto, your nation is the worsened
> one on earth. If you ever thought of mistakenly crossing your
> boundaries, we are certainly a nation of martyrdom. So beware of
> mistakenly crossing your boundaries. We don't fear death and we won't
> seek life with indignity. Donald Trump doesn't matter to me. I will
> enjoy his presidential time. He surely will make me laugh. He already
> entertains me with his ridiculously clownish character.
>
> A message to the evangelical community in the United States. We were
> still in January eighteenth when this segment was composed. I discern
> that you in some manner represent Trump's biggest fans across the
> country. Many of your Churches are politically motivated. Your
> doctrines are based on alt-right tenets and thence, your ideology is
> viciously colluded with Zionist's agenda. If you don't want radical
> Muslims as you tend to call them to wage a combat against you, quit
> demonizing us. I don't think this will ever be accomplished.
> Consequently, we must recognize that this age of Crusades won't end
> unless we unitedly engage in combative Jihad against transgressive
> infidels. I don't care whether you call us radicals, fanatics or
> terrorists. No one cares about his enemy's opinion about him. Your
> version of Christianity is based on a semipolitical ideology. This is
> why it doesn't represent this faith as it is everywhere in the world.
> It certainly has much to do with politically orientated appellations.
> We won't forget this incident when a notorious pastor in Gainesville
> desecrated copies of the Noble Koran out of malice. He believed he
> complied to some divine force with enacting this sacrilege.
> Ironically, he occasionally admitted his perfect unawareness of the
> sacred text he hatefully unhallowed. For certain, this incident
> wouldn't happen anywhere but in the States. Therein, people encounter
> educational catastrophe. This is why they aren't able to openly
> tolerate and respect those who are different. Protestantism is
> approximately the formal religion among people there. It is taught in
> a quite supremacist and racialist manner. It basically is of a vastly
> caucasian race. It is quite dominant and particularly in the Bible
> Belt region. It is southern and midwestern United States. I call
> reputable gospellers to implement their positive role in their
> congregations. I ask pastor Jason Meyerson, Father Bob Chiles and
> others to sermonize on racial disparity as a deadly sin. It ought to
> plainly be portrayed as a pernicious demeanour. We may theologically
> disagree but, our common judgement of standardized excellence is
> optimistically attainable. My message to the evangelical community is
> combined of admonition and proposal. I seek neither offending nor
> flattering you. I resemble moderation with this assertion. I hope you
> fathomed my message as I intended it to be. If my point was missing,
> Allah knows what my intent was and that's sufficient.
>
> Thursday, January the nineteenth, Donald Trump and patriotism, for
> what is the conflict? "Patriotism is the last refuge of scoundrels,"
> said Winston Churchill. Donald Trump sold his claims of being
> patriot. He deceived bunch of disinformed Americans. "We're going to
> make America great again", Trump allegedly restated. What does he
> mean? He just wanted lay people to vote. What made liberals
> disappointed with him? Despite the fact that he discomfited them in
> polls, he extraordinarily breached their longly boosted principles of
> racial equality, liberty and justice. He spoiled the remainder
> prestige of this country. What about his judgement on terrorism? If
> Donald Trump is willing to expand military expeditions to defeat
> terror, he'll be sending his troops to unbearable hell. There is no
> way to believe these imbecilic claims. The United States reputation
> has been subjected to the most inglorious age of its whole history.
> There is a grave fraction between liberals and conservatives. Donald
> Trump did the first tremendous job, he broadly torn his nation apart
> with his typically unprofessional statements. He made his nation
> unstable, he iterates Reagan's mistake. Former president Ronald Reagan
> similarly attempted to globally sell freedom in the form of
> Americanising the world. America won't ever dominate this world.
> Mister Trump has to apprehend that we're not interested in the project
> of Americanising the world nor we'll ever surrender to that. So
> Donald, I urge you not to imitate Ronald because he ultimately lost
> the battle. You could still be American but you don't have to
> Americanise the world. Patriotism is beyond chanting favourable
> sentiments whilst highly waving the flag. It has nothing to do with
> being effusively emotional. It is genuine passion of country and
> willingness to sacrifice for its prosperity. You couldn't pervert
> patriotic remarks to gain stratagems. That is ethically unsound and
> unlikely to be patriotic. Despite your political party, it is
> incorrect to accuse others of being disloyal just because they don't
> share your views. We currently encounter the same problem here in
> Egypt. I never waved the flag even in Liberation Square camps. I
> believe in patriotic principles but I'll never use that unilaterally.
> I'll never chant patriotic phrases for my own advantage.
>
> Friday, January twentieth, inauguration ceremony, what is wished-for?
> "President-elect tells cheering supporters at the Lincoln Memorial:
> "You're not forgotten anymore." This is what the British Broadcasting
> Corporation has reported. "I am so sorry that Trump will be inflicted
> on the rest of the world." This is what my dearly reputed friend
> Father Bob Chiles told me in a private Facebook conversation this
> morning. "The property tycoon is due to take the oath of office at a
> ceremony in Washington." This is another headline taken from the
> British Broadcasting Corporation. This inaugural solemnization is
> broadly seconded within the faith community across the States. Why is
> that? At the same time, some other Christians feel disconsolate about
> Donald Trump sworn-in. Donald Trump inauguration signifies a dramatic
> transition of vision and leadership. His attitude is not what you may
> call pleasant. His theme is plain to everyone. I am satisfied to
> confidently call president Donald Trump unstatesmanlike. His
> presidential term will certainly witness extraordinary shift of
> contention. Whether we like or dislike, this passes off with the Will
> of Allah. He glory be to Him has Wisdom for everything. Therefore, we
> shouldn't be pessimistic. We ought not to be solicitous or distressed.
> We rather ought to be nerveless, even in the face of tribulation and
> adversity. This life is meant for trial and the hereafter is meant for
> composure. Donald Trump has to face challenges to unify his nation. He
> made big promises. He promised to resolve jobs crisis, he promised to
> abolish what he calls (radical Islamic terrorism) and more
> importantly, he promised to make America great again. We just have to
> wait to see what that means. I on this day have to say; beware of
> crossing your boundaries. "America will start winning again, winning
> like never before", Trump plighted in his inauguration speech. "We
> will be protected by God", Trump flatteringly claimed in his inaugural
> address. He probably attempted to indirectly entice southern
> evangelists with this controversial statement. From me to hellion
> Donald Trump and his inglorious camp, if you ever thought of
> mistakenly crossing your boundaries, the response will be strikingly
> injurious. I don't care about your domestic affairs. If you think you
> could terrify us with enacting belligerence, we certainly are people
> of courage and calvary. We love death as you love life. This is
> another message of warning. I do not fear Trump nor ten like him. I do
> not fear death. I won't bear being undignified. I am enormously
> indignant at diffident and fainthearted leaders of Arab countries.
> They brought us impuissance and impairment. Thence, I fairly consider
> them the domestic enemy. We won't back off and we won't insulate.
>
> Saturday, January twenty-first, unutterable finale. This
> segment marks the closure point. It is time of intermission and
> prediction. Donald Trump is endorsed and fully backed by certain type
> of notorious televangelists. Those evangelists are primarily grounded
> on right-wing fundamentals. They are Terry Jones type of Christians.
> They are explicitly absonant and antipathetic. However, the Koran
> enjoins us to speak justly about whom we may have disagreement with.
> Therefore, I fairly have to acknowledge that there are many good
> Christians in the United States. They do not agree with this type of
> prejudice. I know couple of them at least. I know Pia who is
> extremely respectful and articulated. I know Father Bob who is quite
> humble and devout. I know Paul Smith who passed away last Autumn. He
> was faithful, edified and friendly. I also know pastor Jason Meyerson.
> He is a noteworthy rector. Despite my theological dissension with him,
> he isn't hostilely. I actually should have apologized to you pastor
> Jason. I signally waged verbal assault against you on multiple
> occasions. I was quite avid for aggression. I unfeignedly apologise. I
> believe in the possibility of mutual deference and collaboration with
> peaceful people there. We shouldn't demonise the States because Donald
> Trump became president. I always confirm that we must identify our
> enemy. It is religiously interdicted to detrimentally extrapolate.
> Furthermore, it isn't morally proper to not admit what we have done
> wrong in the past. I am proud of my ability to apologise to someone I
> majorly disagree with. I probably won't meet pastor Jason. I just
> would like to incessantly refine my spirit until it gratefully reaches
> the celestial realm. This should be the prescriptive state of
> believers. It is religiously enjoined to unremittingly defy
> egocentrism, iniquity and cynicism. This is how faith should be held
> and practiced. It isn't just about worship. Treatment of others is a
> significantly major factor of Islam. It is a form of worshipping Allah
> for that we ought to treat people in Him. In other words, we ought to
> treat them according to what pleases Him. Thank you for patiently
> reading, Mostafa
>
>
> On 1/20/17, acb-l-request@acblists.org <acb-l-request@acblists.org> wrote:
>> Send acb-l mailing list submissions to
>> acb-l@acblists.org
>>
>> To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit
>> http://www.acblists.org/mailman/listinfo/acb-l
>> or, via email, send a message with subject or body 'help' to
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>>
>> When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific
>> than "Re: Contents of acb-l digest..."
>>
>>
>> Today's Topics:
>>
>> 1. [leadership] news from the IRS (peter altschul)
>> 2. Update re live on-site inauguration day audio description
>> (jsnyder@acb.org)
>> 3. a note to John Huffman (Robert Acosta)
>> 4. Re: Hearing Excerpts: Education Secretary Nominee DeVos on
>> Disability (Mark Richert)
>> 5. Reminder: Novel Ideas tomorrow 9:00 PM Eastern to Discuss
>> Small Great Things DB85761 by Jodi Picoult (Alan Lemly)
>> 6. Audio description of inauguration (Michael Malver)
>> 7. Re: Audio description of inauguration (Danielle Ledet)
>>
>>
>> ----------------------------------------------------------------------
>>
>> Message: 1
>> Date: Thu, 19 Jan 2017 11:16:54 -0600
>> From: peter altschul <paltschul@centurytel.net>
>> To: Acb-l <acb-l@acblists.org>
>> Subject: [acb-l] [leadership] news from the IRS
>> Message-ID: <BF.B5.01915.D94F0885@smtp03.agate.dfw.synacor.com>
>> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1; format=flowed
>>
>> Original Message ------
>> From: Sharon Lovering via leadership <leadership@acblists.org
>> Subject: [leadership] news from the IRS
>> Date sent: Thu, 19 Jan 2017 17:04:27 +0000
>>
>> I received this message from the IRS; please share it with your
>> members.
>>
>> IRS Tax Products and Services
>>
>> IRS Services for People with Disabilities
>>
>> Hundreds of accessible federal tax forms and publications are
>> available for download from the IRS
>> Accessibility<http://www.irs.gov/uac/IRS.gov-Accessibility> Web
>> pages. Visit IRS.gov and select the Forms & Pubs tab to access
>> the Accessible Forms and Pubs link. You can choose from
>> large-print, text, accessible PDFs, e-Braille, or HTML formats
>> that are compatible when used with screen readers and refreshable
>> Braille displays. The IRS also provides videos in American Sign
>> Language with the latest tax
>> information<http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=el-xueE-ZDY&list=PL634
>> 968897EAEA4FD&index=3> and has a dedicated ASL YouTube
>> Channel<https://www.youtube.com/user/IRSvideosASL> that houses
>> the videos.
>>
>> IRS Tax Return Preparation Help is Available
>>
>> People who are unable to complete their tax returns because of a
>> physical disability or are age 60 or older may get assistance
>> through the IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) or Tax
>> Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs. You can find a nearby
>> VITA or TCE location by using the available locator
>> tools<https://www.irs.gov/Individuals/Free-Tax-Return-Preparation
>> -for-You-by-Volunteers> or calling 1-800-906-9887. Publication
>> 907<http://www.irs.gov/publications/p907/index.html>, Tax
>> Highlights for Persons with Disabilities, explains the tax
>> implications of certain disability benefits and other issues, and
>> is available at www.IRS.gov<http://www.irs.gov/>.
>>
>>
>> Sharon Lovering, Editor
>> American Council of the Blind
>> 1703 N. Beauregard St., Suite 420
>> Alexandria, VA 22311
>> slovering@acb.org
>> Learn more about us at www.acb.org<http://www.acb.org
>> Follow us on Twitter @acbnational
>> Like us on Facebook at
>> www.facebook.com/AmericanCounciloftheBlindOfficial
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> ------------------------------
>>
>> Message: 2
>> Date: Thu, 19 Jan 2017 17:39:19 +0000
>> From: "jsnyder@acb.org" <jsnyder@acb.org>
>> To: "acb-l@acblists.org" <acb-l@acblists.org>
>> Subject: [acb-l] Update re live on-site inauguration day audio
>> description
>> Message-ID:
>> <MWHPR18MB09582F2223324980CDDD7F0CB37E0@MWHPR18MB0958.namprd18.prod.outlook.com>
>>
>> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
>>
>>
>> Friday, January 20, 2017 is inauguration day. ABC will be broadcasting
>> audio
>> description along with their coverage from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, EST.
>> Description is sponsored by ACB's Audio Description Project. Description
>> on-site in Washington, DC will also be available for the inaugural
>> parade.
>> Beginning at Noon audio description will be provided on the parade
>> route--the parade begins at 2:00 pm and audio description will continue
>> until the end of the festivities. People who wish to have access to the
>> audio description should arrive early to the ADA section along the parade
>> route--it's located at the area at the Grand Army of the Republic
>> Memorial
>> across 7th Street from the Navy Memorial (which is between 7th and 8th
>> Streets, NW). It's highly recommended that attendees use Metro for
>> travel
>> to the area--the closest open Metro stations are Gallery Place on 7th
>> Street
>> (to the north--Red line) and L'Enfant Plaza (to the south--Blue, Orange
>> or
>> Silver lines).
>>
>>
>> JOEL SNYDER, Ph.D.
>> Author of The Visual Made Verbal: A Comprehensive Training Manual and
>> Guide to the History and Applications of Audio Description -
>> get your copy at thevisualmadeverbal.net
>> President, Audio Description Associates, LLC
>> "The Visual Made Verbal" (tm)
>> [ADA logo (5)](tm) ADA logo--an eye within an ear
>> 6502 Westmoreland Avenue, Takoma Park, MD 20912
>> jsnyder@audiodescribe.com<mailto:jsnyder@audiodescribe.com>
>> Tel: 301 920-0218; Fax: 208 445-0079
>>
>> For more information about audio description, please visit:
>> www.audiodescribe.com<http://www.audiodescribe.com/>
>>
>> Director, Audio Description Project
>> American Council of the Blind
>> jsnyder@acb.org<mailto:jsnyder@acb.org> -- 202 467-5083
>> www.acb.org/adp<http://www.acb.org/adp>
>> [acblogoscan002](tm) ACB logo [cid:image004.jpg@01CBED4F.9FF9D220] ADP
>> logo
>>
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>>
>> ------------------------------
>>
>> Message: 3
>> Date: Thu, 19 Jan 2017 10:55:17 -0800
>> From: "Robert Acosta" <boacosta@pacbell.net>
>> To: <acb-l@acblists.org>
>> Subject: [acb-l] a note to John Huffman
>> Message-ID: <01f401d27285$9424c420$bc6e4c60$@pacbell.net>
>> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
>>
>> Hello John,
>>
>> You sent out an item yesterday from your special-interest assfiliate. You
>> mention your email but I do not see this. Can you please write me
>> privately
>> with your email address which I would like to share with an agency
>> director.
>>
>> boacosta@pacbell.net
>>
>>
>>
>> Robert Acosta, President
>>
>> Helping Hands for the Blind
>>
>> (818) 998-0044
>>
>> www.helpinghands4theblind.org
>>
>>
>>
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>>
>> ------------------------------
>>
>> Message: 4
>> Date: Thu, 19 Jan 2017 16:00:00 -0500
>> From: Mark Richert <4justice@concentric.net>
>> To: acb-l@acblists.org
>> Subject: Re: [acb-l] Hearing Excerpts: Education Secretary Nominee
>> DeVos on Disability
>> Message-ID: <201701192100.v0JL0n0F026998@mail47c28.carrierzone.com>
>> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"; Format="flowed"
>>
>>
>> <http://us11.campaign-archive1.com/?u=bd3c8fefc9f905f5ccf41c577&id=9c16ba71f4&e=c97bce6fad>View
>>
>> this email in your browser
>> American Foundation for the Blind logo: Expanding possibilities
>>
>>
>> Read this edition of the Direct Connect
>> Newsletter online at the following link:
>> <http://afb.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=bd3c8fefc9f905f5ccf41c577&id=8c88991012&e=c97bce6fad>http://www.afb.org/info/programs-and-services/public-policy-center/directconnect-newsletter/hearing-excerpts-devos-on-disability/1235
>>
>>
>>
>> January 19, 2017
>>
>> Prepared by Sarah Malaier; for more information,
>> contact Mark Richert, Director of Public Policy,
>> at <mailto:mrichert@afb.net>mrichert@afb.net.
>>
>> In the midst of the flurry of Senate confirmation
>> hearings for President-Elect Trump???s cabinet
>> nominees, one nomination in which we are sure
>> many of you are particularly interested is the
>> nomination of the Secretary of
>> Education. Because the Department of Education
>> oversees the Office of Special Education
>> Programs, funding for university personnel
>> preparation programs, the Rehabilitation Services
>> Administration, the Independent Living Services
>> for Older Individuals Who Are Blind program, and
>> many other priorities, this department is
>> especially important to our field. Betsy DeVos
>> has been nominated to lead the Department of
>> Education, so we have taken the time to provide
>> you with an overview of her answers to questions
>> about issues that affect students with disabilities.
>>
>> The following text is excerpted from the
>> transcript of the Senate Health, Education,
>> Labor, and Pensions Committee hearing on the
>> nomination of Betsy DeVos to serve as Secretary
>> of Education that took place on Tuesday, January
>> 17, 2017, at 5:00 pm Eastern time. These
>> excerpts focus on questions related to students
>> with disabilities and, in particular, the
>> Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
>> (IDEA). The text may contain transcription,
>> typographical, and grammatical errors. Links to
>> video clips of each excerpt of the hearing from
>> the C-SPAN website are also included.
>>
>>
>>
>> Transcript Excerpts:
>>
>> Link to Sen. Collins??? questions:
>> <http://afb.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=bd3c8fefc9f905f5ccf41c577&id=5dada09c9b&e=c97bce6fad>https://www.c-span.org/video/?c4649461%2fsen-collins-federalism-idea-funding=
>>
>> Sen. Collins: At what level of government do you
>> believe that decisions about charter schools and
>> vouchers should be made ? is that a federal role or a state role??
>>
>> Ms. DeVos: Thank you for that question. Let me
>> say that I really enjoyed the conversation we had
>> in your office. Let me respond to your question
>> about federal versus state and local role by
>> saying I absolutely support the fact it is a
>> state role and state decision what kind of
>> offering there might be with regards to choices
>> and education. As we discussed in your office,
>> Maine has a unique situation with students
>> attending school on islands and in rural areas.
>> To suggest that the right answer for Maine is the
>> same as the right answer for Indiana or any state
>> is just not right, and I would not support a
>> federal mandate or federal role in dictating those.
>>
>> Sen. Collins: I am glad to hear that. I have
>> heard repeatedly from school officials, whether
>> its teachers or superintendents or school board
>> members, that the single most important action
>> the federal government could take would be to
>> fulfill the promise of the 1975 individuals with
>> disabilities education act, to fund 40% of the
>> additional cost of educating a special needs
>> child. It has been many years since that law was
>> passed. We have never come close to the 40%.
>> Would you commit to taking a look at the funding
>> of the department to see if we could do a better
>> job of moving towards fulfillment of that
>> promise? That is an action that would help every
>> single school district in this country.
>>
>> Ms. DeVos: Senator, absolutely I would commit to
>> that if confirmed. I actually think this is an
>> area that could be considered for an approach
>> that would be somewhat different, and that maybe
>> the money should follow individual students
>> instead of going directly to the states. Again, I
>> think that is something that we could discuss. I
>> look forward to talking about that with the members of this committee.
>>
>> [Later in the hearing.]
>>
>> Link to Sen. Hassan???s questions:
>> <http://afb.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=bd3c8fefc9f905f5ccf41c577&id=6cd3113208&e=c97bce6fad>https://www.c-span.org/video/?c4649467%2fsen-hassan-students-disabilities-k-12-voucher-programs=
>>
>> Senator Hassan. >> Thank you, Mr. Chair and
>> ranking member Murray. I looking forward -- I
>> look forward to working on this committee and
>> appreciate the opportunity to participate. Mrs.
>> DeVos, it is nice to see you again. Thank you for
>> being here today, and your family as well. And I
>> think all of us here share a commitment to public
>> education and understand the essential nature to
>> our democracy. I would echo my colleagues' call
>> for another round at least of questioning,
>> because I think our job here is not to talk about
>> ideas but actually to drill down to how things
>> actually work in practice. And so, I want to talk
>> about one of those situations you begin to touch
>> on in my office when we met. It has a little bit
>> of what Senator Collins was talking about in
>> terms of full commitment to our students with
>> disabilities and what Senator Cassidy was talking
>> about in terms of access to quality education for
>> children with dyslexia. My son, Ben, experiences
>> very severe disabilities; he has cerebral palsy.
>> He cannot speak or use his fingers for a
>> keyboard, he can???t walk, but he is smart and
>> the best kid on earth, if I do say so myself. He
>> got a quality public education at our local
>> school. He is a graduate of Exeter Area high
>> school in Exeter New Hampshire. The reason He got
>> there because countless advocates and champions
>> before him worked so hard to make sure he had the
>> right to that education. And I am concerned that
>> when students who experience disabilities receive
>> a publicly funded voucher to attend a private
>> school, they often don't receive adequate
>> resources and in some cases have to sign over
>> their legal rights under the individuals with
>> disabilities education act. Do you think family
>> should have a recourse in the courts if their
>> child's education does not adequately meet his or
>> her needs, whether it???s at a school where they
>> get a voucher or a more tradition public school?
>>
>> Ms. DeVos: Thank you, Senator, for that question.
>> [?] Let me begin by saying I appreeciate and am
>> thankful that you have had the opportunity with
>> your son ben to find the right setting for him
>> and would advocate for all parents to be able to
>> have that opportunity to choose the right school for them.
>>
>> [Sen. Hassan interrupts] Sen. Hassan: Actually, I
>> had the opportunity to send him to the same
>> public school that my daughter went to, because
>> law required that that school provide him
>> resources that were never provided before that
>> law was passed because they were was hard. So the
>> question is, will you enforce the law with regard
>> to kids with disabilities if the voucher program
>> did allow them to go someplace else? And the
>> school said, no, it is just too expensive, we don't want to do it.
>>
>> DeVos: I think that there are great examples of
>> programs that are already underway in states.
>> Ohio has a great program, and, in fact, Sam and
>> his mom are here today, beneficiary of the John
>> Peterson special needs scholarship program.
>>
>> Sen. Hassan: I understand that. But excuse me for
>> interrupting. What I am asking you is, there is
>> at least one voucher program in Florida which
>> makes students sign away their rights before they
>> can get that voucher. I think that is
>> fundamentally wrong, and I think it will mean
>> that students with disabilities cannot use a
>> voucher system that a department under your
>> leadership might start. So I want to know whether
>> you will enforce and whether you will make sure
>> that children with disabilities do not have to
>> sign away their legal rights before they can get
>> that voucher should a voucher system be developed.
>>
>> Ms. DeVos: I???d love to comment about the McKay
>> program where I believe 31,000 students are
>> taking advantage, and 93% of the parents
>> utilizing the voucher are very, very pleased with it. As opposed to 30%
>> --
>>
>> Sen. Hassan: I am sorry but that is not the
>> question I asked. For right now, I will move on
>> to one final question. I really do wish we had a
>> second round. Because There is a lot here that is
>> critical to our students especially with
>> disabilities. With all due respect, Ms. DeVos,
>> has not answered my question, but because we do
>> not have a second round, I am trying to follow up
>> on an answer you gave earlier. I understand that
>> there is a foundation named for your parents, correct?
>>
>> [Later in the hearing.]
>>
>> Link to Sen. Kaine???s questions:
>> <http://afb.us11.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=bd3c8fefc9f905f5ccf41c577&id=f536d045b3&e=c97bce6fad>https://www.c-span.org/video/?c4649478%2fsen-kaine-federal-funding-requirements=
>>
>> Senator Kaine: Should all K-12 schools receiving
>> governmental funding be required to meet the
>> requirements of the individuals with disabilities education act?
>>
>> Mrs. DeVos: I think they already are.
>>
>> Senator Kaine: But I???m asking you a should
>> question. Whether they are or not, we???ll get
>> into that later. Should all schools that receive
>> taxpayer funding be required to meet the
>> requirements of the individuals with disabilities in education act?
>>
>> Mrs. DeVos: I think that is a matter is best left to the states.
>>
>> Senator Kaine: So some states might be good to
>> kids with disabilities, other states might not be
>> so good, and then what, people can just move
>> around the country if they don???t like the way their kid???s been
>> treated?
>>
>> Mrs. DeVos: I think that is an issue best left to the states.
>>
>> Senator Kaine: What about the federal
>> requirement? It???s a federal law. The
>> individuals with disabilities education act.
>> Let's limit it to federal funding. If schools
>> receive federal funding, should they be required
>> to follow federal law? Whether they are public, public charter, or
>> private?
>>
>> Mrs. DeVos: As the Senator referred to ? at the
>> Florida program, there are many parentss who are happy with the program
>> there.
>>
>> Senator Kaine: Let me say this, I think all
>> schools that receive federal funding, public,
>> public charter, or private, should be required to
>> meet the conditions the individuals with
>> disabilities and education act. Do you agree with me or not?
>>
>> Mrs. DeVos: I think that is certainly worth
>> discussion, and I would look forward to
>>
>> Senator Kaine: So you cannot yet agree with me.
>> And finally, should all schools that receive
>> federal funding be required to report the same
>> information instances of harassment, discipline,
>> or bullying if they receive federal funding.
>>
>> Mrs. DeVos: I think that federal funding certainly comes with strings
>> attached.
>>
>> Senator Kaine: I think all such schools that
>> receive federal funding should be required to
>> report on instances of harassment and bullying, and you agree with me on
>> that?
>>
>> Mrs. DeVos: I would look forward to reviewing that provision.
>>
>> Senator Kaine: [???] It's not a court, you're not
>> under oath, not under subpoena, but you are
>> trying to win my vote. Thanks, Mr. Chairman.
>>
>> [Later in the hearing.]
>>
>> Link to Sen. Murkowski???s question:
>> <http://afb.us11.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=bd3c8fefc9f905f5ccf41c577&id=890b5b4b51&e=c97bce6fad>https://www.c-span.org/video/?c4649495%2fsen-murkowski-rural-schools-limited-options-civil-rights-students-disabilities=
>>
>> Senator Murkowski: [???] This was something that
>> was brought up at the Q & A session in Anchorage.
>> A concern that there would not be an effort to
>> match that accountability to those schools that
>> received federal funding, either through a
>> voucher program, a federal match, an education
>> savings account but, that in addition to
>> performance standards, that there would be true
>> accountability with adhering to federal laws for
>> civil rights as well as students with
>> disabilities. So, I will ask for continuation of
>> that discussion. You have provided some very
>> responsive comments, that I think will help our
>> teachers in Alaska, where their options are very
>> limited. How can you provide assurance to these
>> teachers, families, and students, for whom
>> alternatives and options are severely limited,
>> not because we don't want them, but because our geography isolates us?
>>
>> Mrs. DeVos: Thank you for that question. I really
>> appreciated our conversation and a review of the
>> map because it does remind us of the unique
>> challenges that Alaska has. I would say that I
>> can assure you that, if confirmed, I will support
>> Alaska and its approach to educating its
>> youngsters. I have to say, I think the creativity
>> and innovation that Alaska has employed through
>> the traditional public system is one that other
>> states can probably take note of and learn some
>> lessons from, and would hope that they continue
>> to feel that freedom and that drive to continue
>> to educate and innovate. [Ms. DeVos gave no response regarding
>> disability.]
>>
>> [Later in the hearing.]
>>
>> Link to Sen. Hassan???s second round of
>> questions:
>> <http://afb.us11.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=bd3c8fefc9f905f5ccf41c577&id=7ed45dc225&e=c97bce6fad>https://www.c-span.org/video/?c4649501%2fsen-hassan-follow-up-states-idea=
>>
>> Senator Hassan: I want to go back to the
>> individuals with disabilities in education act.
>> That is a federal civil rights law. Do you stand
>> by your statement that it should be up to the states whether to follow
>> it?
>>
>> Ms. DeVos: Federal law must be followed where federal dollars are in
>> play.
>>
>> Senator Hassan: So, were you unaware, when I just
>> asked you about the IDEA, that it is a federal law?
>>
>> Mrs. DeVos: I may have confused it.
>>
>> Senator Hassan: It guarantees absolutely basic
>> protections to students with disabilities to
>> ensure that they are afforded a high-quality
>> education with their peers -- one of the reasons
>> it is difficult to have this hearing and feel
>> that we fully understand your perspective ? is
>> because we do know that childrenn with
>> disabilities in at least some of the voucher
>> programs that you have supported have gone with a
>> voucher to a school. Because of their disability,
>> they had to leave the school, the school keeps
>> the money, and they go back to public schools,
>> that now have even less resources to deal with
>> them. And many of us see that as the potential to
>> turn ours schools into warehouses for the most
>> challenging kids with disabilities or other kinds
>> of particular issues. Or, the kids whose parents
>> cannot afford to make up the difference between
>> the voucher and the cost of private school
>> tuition. So I just would urge you to become
>> familiar, should you be nominated, with the
>> individuals with disabilities in education act.
>> I'm concerned that you seem so unfamiliar with
>> it, and you seem to support vouchers rules that
>> have not honored, that have made students sign
>> away their rights to make sure that this law is
>> enforced. That is very troubling to me.
>>
>> Mrs. DeVos: Senator, I assure you that I, if I am
>> confirmed, I will be very sensitive to the needs
>> of the special needs students and the policies surrounding them.
>>
>> Senator Hassan: With all due respect, it is not
>> about sensitivity, although that helps. It is
>> about being willing to enforce the law to make
>> sure that my child, that every child, has the
>> same access to public education, a high-quality
>> public education. The reality is the way that the
>> voucher programs that you support have not always
>> come out that way. That is why it is something we need to continue to
>> explore.
>>
>> Senator Alexander: Thank you to Senator Hassan and Senator Murray.
>>
>> END EXCERPTS
>>
>> If you would like to hear more of the hearing for
>> yourself, you may view the entire hearing on the
>> Senate HELP Committee page at
>> <http://afb.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=bd3c8fefc9f905f5ccf41c577&id=c79cd15d84&e=c97bce6fad>http://www.help.senate.gov/hearings/nomination-of-betsy-devos-to-serve-as-secretary-of-education
>>
>> or on C-SPAN at
>> <http://afb.us11.list-manage2.com/track/click?u=bd3c8fefc9f905f5ccf41c577&id=1af04160df&e=c97bce6fad>https://www.c-span.org/video/?421224-1%2feducation-secretary-nominee-betsy-devos-testifies-confirmation-hearing=&live=.
>> <http://afb.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=bd3c8fefc9f905f5ccf41c577&id=1a1f0b8015&e=c97bce6fad>
>> []
>>
>> <http://afb.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=bd3c8fefc9f905f5ccf41c577&id=e9cf238033&e=c97bce6fad>
>> []
>>
>>
>> -------------- next part --------------
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>>
>> ------------------------------
>>
>> Message: 5
>> Date: Thu, 19 Jan 2017 20:29:55 -0600
>> From: "Alan Lemly" <walemly@gmail.com>
>> To: <acb-l@acblists.org>
>> Subject: [acb-l] Reminder: Novel Ideas tomorrow 9:00 PM Eastern to
>> Discuss Small Great Things DB85761 by Jodi Picoult
>> Message-ID: <015201d272c5$16d4bc10$447e3430$@gmail.com>
>> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
>>
>> Hi All,
>>
>>
>>
>> This is just a friendly reminder that Novel Ideas will meet tomorrow at
>> 9:00
>> PM in the book nook room of accessibleworld.org at this link:
>>
>>
>>
>> http://conference321.com/masteradmin/room.asp?id=rs7867a2369e0e
>>
>>
>>
>> We will be discussing the book Small Great Things by Jodi Picoult.
>>
>>
>>
>> Hope to see you there.
>>
>>
>>
>> Randi
>>
>> -------------- next part --------------
>> An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
>> URL:
>> <http://www.acblists.org/mailman/private/acb-l/attachments/20170119/0fb73ecb/attachment-0001.html>
>>
>> ------------------------------
>>
>> Message: 6
>> Date: Fri, 20 Jan 2017 09:08:53 -0600
>> From: Michael Malver <mmalver@gmail.com>
>> To: acb-l@acblists.org
>> Subject: [acb-l] Audio description of inauguration
>> Message-ID: <C0055234-81C2-4DEE-A315-0CA86E9A71E8@gmail.com>
>> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii
>>
>> Hello,
>> Should I be experiencing audio description on ABC currently? I do not
>> appear
>> to be.
>> Also, am I correct in thinking that I should get audio description on
>> public
>> broadcasting between 10 AM and 12:30 PM central?
>> Thanks
>>
>>
>> ------------------------------
>>
>> Message: 7
>> Date: Fri, 20 Jan 2017 10:18:14 -0600
>> From: Danielle Ledet <singingmywayin@gmail.com>
>> To: Michael Malver <mmalver@gmail.com>
>> Cc: acb-l@acblists.org
>> Subject: Re: [acb-l] Audio description of inauguration
>> Message-ID:
>> <CAMxXqETMgK419-mYEX9L4wPm-U1p0hK17SwiJpS5G6WXjMkuxQ@mail.gmail.com>
>> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8
>>
>> I am not over hear, but my folks can't be bothered turning it on even
>> on 1 of the 3 working TV's in here. You have to turn on SAP on your
>> TV. I asked once or twice way back when I found out about regularly
>> scheduled described programming, and I won't ask again. Also, it does
>> not automatically stream on my end on the Congressional website. I
>> selected Audio Description and still, nothing but silence. So I'm
>> viewing as a sighted person would.
>>
>> On 1/20/17, Michael Malver via acb-l <acb-l@acblists.org> wrote:
>>> Hello,
>>> Should I be experiencing audio description on ABC currently? I do not
>>> appear
>>> to be.
>>> Also, am I correct in thinking that I should get audio description on
>>> public
>>> broadcasting between 10 AM and 12:30 PM central?
>>> Thanks
>>> _______________________________________________
>>> acb-l mailing list
>>> acb-l@acblists.org
>>> http://www.acblists.org/mailman/listinfo/acb-l
>>>
>>
>>
>> --
>> How far you go in life depends on your being tender with the young,
>> compassionate with the aged, sympathetic with the striving and
>> tolerant of the weak and strong. Because someday in your life you will
>> have been all of these.
>> George Washington Carver
>> Email: singingmywayin@gmail.com
>>
>>
>> ------------------------------
>>
>> Subject: Digest Footer
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> acb-l mailing list
>> acb-l@acblists.org
>> http://www.acblists.org/mailman/listinfo/acb-l
>>
>>
>> ------------------------------
>>
>> End of acb-l Digest, Vol 88, Issue 20
>> *************************************
>>
>>
>
>
> --
> (Seeking knowledge is compulsory from cratle to grave because it is a
> shoreless ocean.)
>
> _______________________________________________
> acb-l mailing list
> acb-l@acblists.org
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