Yes sir, this week you’ll find me—if you’re cleaning—in Orlando Florida for the largest annual stampede of blind people the world has ever known. Got my old jacket, ties, and mustache ready to go—all but the latter one came from grandfathers that’ve passed years ago. One of these items will get a full Windsor treatment, another a half. The occasion is the National Federation of the Blind’s National convention for nationals and internationals. You’ll find me at market selling dog biscuits and other blindness related doodads and paraphernalia if you are going. If you’re not going anywhere, you can still check out the eventualities on line at nfb.org or something. There will be manious speeches, fun events, performances, microphone fuzz, and people peddling stuff. Some of this will be great, some of it…you know…crap that makes one grid their teeth. For the most part it is an edifying, inspiring, and generally splendid and enjoyable event. Featured as always will be the necrophobic technocrat Dr. Raymond Kurzweil; some blind person who managed to grab a bit of media attention; somebody to talk about cars; the ever charming Anil Lewis; and some Florida politicians seeking votes and favorable exposure. Of principal important by most accounts are the climactic speeches delivered by the Federation’s President Marc Maurer. While these speeches may bare a slight sheen of formula, and quite often I’d rather have the speeches proceed clear to the end rather than be jumping up and down every minute, I still whole-heartedly agree with the general messages and the bulk of the charismatic delivery. This from someone who regularly distains and is highly suspicious of charismatic showmanship. So if you want to see me looking like the politician you never had, or if you want to tune into the issues affecting the blind community in the U.S. and elsewhere around the world. Check it out Mack!
Posted on: Sun, 30 Jun 2013 01:57:24 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015