in·clu·sion
–noun
1.
the act of including.
2.
the state of being included.
3.
something that is included.

Today there are Tea Party Events scheduled in America from what I understand. Of course, as a disabled veteran and a person with disabilities, I might not know if it were not for the media coverage I have encountered.

At great risk of sounding redundant, there are 54 Million People with Disabilities in America, to include Veterans with Disabilities. Not one of us has been included in these events.

“What do you expect, an invitation?”

As a matter of fact - Yes.

When you throw a party, you are supposed to invite your guests. Speaking of, ‘party’s’… There a few other party’s of note that have not included people with disabilities or disabled veterans as well.

One of the interesting things about disability culture is that inclusion is extremely important. Inclusion is right up there next to accessibility, as a matter of fact. In other words, the Tea Party - as well as Party’s such as the Democrat Party, the Republican Party, the Independent Party, the Libertarian Party, the Green Party (who is still having People with Disabilities focus on Katrina), and other Party’s have not included America’s largest minority population to any great extent - despite the fact that we comprise one-fifth of this nation’s voting block.

As America begins its approach towards the campaign effort for mid-term elections, this will be an interesting thing to remember. As he ran for office, Mr. Obama spent a fair amount of time approaching People with Disabilities through the media, Disability Organizations, and Disaboom, a Disability Website. I wonder if any of the party’s mentioned above will include this massive voting block in the future, now that Mr. Obama has now denied that association.

If not, oh well. People with disabilities in America certainly know how to live without you. So do our family members and friends. People with disabilities in America support those who support us, something that would be good to remember.

Let me be exceptionally clear, Republicans:

If your, ‘Contract with America,’ does not include comprehensive Disability Rights Legislation that will put People with Disabilities - this nation’s largest minority population, on an equal basis with every other American citizen in this nation on every level; YOU CAN FORGET ABOUT ANY SUPPORT, PERIOD.

By, ‘Equal Basis,’ I mean that People with Disabilities comprise one-fifth of this nation’s population. An equivalent number of JOBS *must* be allocated for this population! This means that these position, both through the government AND in the private sector, ARE FILLED AND PURSUED by People with ADA DEFINED Disabilities.

By, ‘Equal Basis,’ I mean that the Americans with Disabilities Act will be amended to INCLUDE ANY BUILDINGS that involve PUBLIC ANYTHING - DESPITE THE AGE OF THE BUILDING.

By, ‘Equal Basis,’ I mean that HATE CRIMES, such as Bigotry, Prejudice, Bias, Violence etc. WILL BE PURSUED AS A CIVIL RIGHTS VIOLATION AS WELL AS A FELONY, PUNISHABLE IN A FEDERAL COURT OF LAW.

By, ‘Equal Basis,’ I mean that children with disabilities will ALL attend the schools of their choice.

By, ‘Equal Basis,’ I mean THE COMMUNITY CHOICE ACT WILL BE PASSED.

By, ‘Equal Basis,’ I mean that MEDIA SOURCES shall be required to pursue the very same equal hiring and presentation of People with Disabilities and our issues that EVERYONE ELSE in this nation receives.

By, ‘Equal Basis,’ I mean that inappropriate restraint, seclusion, and punishment of children with disabilities will be punishable as HATE CRIMES in America.

By, ‘Equal Basis,’ I mean that Political Parties in this nation shall be required to include Representatives with Disabilities.

If the Republican Party finds that it is unable to pursue such legislation - THEY ARE NOT WORTH A DAMN.

“A Community That Ignores Even One of It’s Members Is No Community At All”