My experience with ACB, because it was limited to the New York State affiliate
and the Long Island chapter, caused me to see it as a politically conservative
organization. In November 2008, shortly after Obama won the election, I went to
the Long Island ACB convention for one day. When I arrived, they were
considering whether or not to pass a resolution congratulating the new
President of the US on his election. From what I understood from the
discussion, this was something that ACB of New York did automatically when a
new US President was elected. However, they decided in 2008, not to
congratulate Obama. I can't remember the rationalization they used, but the
real reason was obvious to me.
Miriam
-----Original Message-----
From: blind-democracy-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
<blind-democracy-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx> On Behalf Of Frank Ventura
Sent: Thursday, September 3, 2020 12:10 PM
To: blind-democracy@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: [blind-democracy] Re: ACB Chat List has been closed down
Carl, I found the timing of the closing of the Chat list to be very
distasteful, vile, and mean on the part of the ACB BOP, in light of the
situation with its founder, Bob Hachey. As some of you know this past week was
moved from his home into hospice. He was not responding to the radiation and he
developed internal bleeding. At this point I personally can only hope the best
and support his common-law wife Donna. Although Bob and I disagreed with many
points I always considered him a good friend. It is no big secret that many
folks in ACB leadership showed open disdain for some of the more progressive
views expressed on that list. Bob was a good defender of our right to hold our
own opinions. A few years back there was a resolution on the floor of the ACB
national convention to declare ACB and its convention an evangelical Christian
organization and event. It failed to pass by a shockingly narrow margin. That
same group of good old boys (and girls) is very active in ACB trying to squash
progressive voices. They could have at least waited until Bob passed before
shutting down the list. My stomach turns right about now.
Frank
-----Original Message-----
From: blind-democracy-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
<blind-democracy-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx> On Behalf Of Carl Jarvis
Sent: Thursday, September 3, 2020 11:42 AM
To: blind-democracy@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: [blind-democracy] ACB Chat List has been closed down
Last evening a notice was posted by Deb Lewis announcing the immediate closure
of the ACB Chat List.
No real explanation other than a rambling note telling us that the ACB could,
from time to time consolidates lists, and suggesting we go to the ACB web page
for other lists. Too bad, since the chat list was at least discussing issues
that impact the lives of blind Americans.
Carl Jarvis
