The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
Dear Editor, Discrimination, racism, close-mindedness, plus lack of knowledge promote fear. Fear promotes actions that a person would not normally do. You may strike out at someone by doing something to them or their property, or you may say things about them or call them names based on this fear. This fear will likely prevent you from finding out the truth because if you find out the truth, you may look bad. There is nothing wrong with realizing that you were wrong. What is tragic, is to know you are wrong and to continue to do it. A lot of groups get targeted with these stigmas: mental health people, old people, physically disabled people, poor people, people of different race, and people who have had trouble with the law. These are just a few of the groups that have to deal with some form of discrimination. Either they are held back from normal daily living by the limitations that their bodies have or by the limitations in facilities that are equipped to let them live as independently as possible. This not only applies to the physical body but the mental state of the body as well. The laws of the land say that everyone has the right to have access to everything that a normally healthy person has; e.g., education, job opportunities (if applicable) and living arrangements. Of course, some places will have some boundaries based on different circumstances. Not all places are wheelchair accessible. Not all places are designed for people with disabilities. Not all places are affordable to the lower income people. Etc. Unfortunately, not everyone feels that every person should have equal opportunities. It is regrettable that some people will harass an individual because they feel threatened by the differences that the person may have. When you feel threatened, is it based on a true reason or based on your own fears? To continue to harass an individual because you do not feel that they should live in your city, neighbourhood, or your apartment building is not fair. They have the right to live their life in a safe and harassment-free community. If you are offended by the idea that someone with any disability should live in your area, you should move. It is unfortunate that lack of knowledge and prejudice can play a part in trying to discredit a person. Stirring up the neighbours and accusations based on half-truths is not right. It is harassment and it shows the narrow-mindedness of a few prejudicial people. You people do not speak for the majority of this community and it would be a tragic mistake if you were allowed to continue to hurt people through your own ignorance. Please stop and think about it. This person could be your family member, your neighbour, your child, your friend or yourself. Everyone has times when they are vulnerable and we should protect people at this time and allow them the opportunity to live a normal and healthy life. If they need help or assistance to live independently, so be it. They are just trying to get back into being productive in our community. We are a great community and have welcomed a lot of people that have come here to live and heal and contribute to making this a great place to live. If you have concerns, do not criticize, do not condemn, do not gossip, just approach them and see if you can be of help. They may think you are the one who needs more help than they do. They do not sit in judgment like some do. They just want to be given a chance to be considered a worthwhile person. So if you are someone with a disability, I know it is hard, you already have things that cause you to be looked upon as different. You may think that you will never be appreciated but there are those of us out here who are proud of the way you are trying to accomplish your goals and are trying to be good members of this community. I applaud you. Well done! And those of you who are disabled with racism, close-mindedness, and fear of admitting that you may be wrong, I feel sorry for you. You will reap the very same thing that you sow. They say what goes around, comes around. It is a pity that you feel you have the right to sit in judgment of the less fortunate than you. May God have mercy on your soul. Ð A Concerned Citizen of this Community
