The Politics of Disability

Posted: 7/9/2008 at 04:50 AM

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I see Politics of Disability directly linked to Liberation Theology, a movement that involves the underservered/ underclass world wide. At this time , however, those of us in the US need to focus directly on the issues facing us in the political arena, with cuts in services and the need for PWD to begin to refocus their attention on issues directly facing their lives. I would like to offer a quotation from the political/spiritual activist Mary Bell:

"The battle between the light and the dark of duality is upon us. This “battle” is between higher consciousness and lower consciousness. This is a pivotal time. The task is not to engage or struggle with lower consciousness . . . or to be apathetic or feel helpless, or become immobilized with fear, but to stand in the power of our Love and say no in an active way.

No, I won’t be unconscious and deny what is going on. No, I won’t allow you to trash the constitution, take away my rights and the rights of my family and friends and our future generations. No I won’t let you commit atrocities with no repercussions. I won’t be apathetic and do nothing when I see my freedoms being denied or trashed. I won’t be your victim.

Yes, I will take action and I will stand in my power. I will take action in the world . . .. I will hold spaces of energy for everyone to see what they need to see and to do their part. I will send energy to the Congress and the Senate and to our leaders with the intention that they will be courageous and act with integrity. I will hold the world and the mass consciousness in a bubble of light every day so that we can all feel and access the help that is available to us. I will pray and ask for help. I will meet lower consciousness with love rather than reaction.

I will be part of the solution."

I believe every PWD needs to become active, on some level, to be aware that our needs are in dire peril, and to see ourselves, not as objects of pity, but as people with power. We can stand for ourselves and demand, as political individuals with equal power, the rights that we need and deserve.

The issues of suffering and pain are our own, to deal with as we must, in our own sphere. I do not believe that they should become a large part of the political dialogue that should ensue, as they displace the concerns that currently need to be paramount for us: home care, the end of benefit refusal/delay, the right to have access on a physical and psychological level, and so on.

We have a right and need to demand our place in the body politic, where we have been invisible for so long. NOW IS OUR TIME, OR WE WILL LOSE MORE THAN WE CAN AFFORD.

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» The Politics of Disability wrote on Jul 9, 2008 at 2:07 AM
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kirpalson wrote on Jul 9, 2008 at 7:18 AM
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I find this Post (admittedly by my wiffe), to be on target regarding both the needs and the strategy necessary for PWD to further the necessary agenday facing us today.
Norma Carroll wrote on Aug 7, 2008 at 7:44 PM
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After reading this very provocative post........as a PWD..........apathy is my greatest enemy..........Peace and love..........Norma

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The Politics of Disability

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