open doors

On July 26, 1990 President George H. Bush signed into law the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), granting civil rights to a group of citizens who prior to the signing of this law could not access public transportation, public accommodations, were denied employment, were mostly institutionalized, and thought of as so far from the norm no one needed take heed or hear from them. On July 20, 2010 we celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

The ADA started the cycle of inclusion for a population that throughout the American landscape had been considered burdensome, beggars, and bit players in the land of opportunity.

The critics at the time, were appalled that THIS segment of the population required anyone to care or display concern. They were cripples, dummies, retarded and specs on the community chart of self sufficient. Businesses were angry that they might have to spend some money in building ramps, widening doors, making buses and street cars, accessible. Small businesses were sure any modification they had to make would eat at the bottom line, corporations found experts who swore on some unprofessional stack of phony PH D's that this population could never become a positive force in their work force. It was better to hide this sub group, deny this segment, ignore the basic human and civil rights of these Americans.

And much like women's suffrage, the civil rights acts for black Americans, protest based on changing the status quo, emanated from the most selfish, greedy goons, who feared difference and preferred division rather than common ground.

Is it human nature to insist that no matter what wrung your status finds itself within the culture, you must make sure someone is a least on step behind? Is it human nature to demand rights for yourself and to insist others have not or may never earn them? Is it human nature to insist the differences perceived by you towards others is reason enough to not grant them the same unalienable rights this American Constitution has insured on your behalf?

Or as in women's suffrage, and the civil rights amendments, is it just based on religious dogma, the fearful rantings of those in power afraid once others gain the same respect they have, their power base will diminish? Or as in marriage equality for same sex couples is it just bigotry and bias wrapped in demagoguery and deceit?

When this country actually accepts the notion that separate but equal is non American, non Democratic, unconstitutional and equality is the foundation on which this country was established THEN as a society we have matured. When we can look at what we have in common, discuss our differences without guns, and lynchings, and damnation by a God, then we as a society have become part of a greater good.

Up until July 26, 1990, when the ADA became law, and the following few years after its inception, decibels of doom and dire consequences abounded if the disabled were to be treated as equals. This was America reserved for the hard worker, not one who needed a free ride. This was America if you could not use your legs, your arms, your mind to pull yourself up from your own bootstraps, then you deserved to stay in the back, no room for you up front. But once equal rights are granted by the majority to the minority, all of the BS, the God fearing irrationality, the indefensible tirades of lies fade into thin air and the truth is loud and clear. And when all Americans have the same chance and the playing field is on level ground, we all strive to win we all strive for greatness, and we all become greater.

20 years ago today door began to open why ever close them shut? And those doors still closed need to be pried open by anyone with a conscience, intelligence and compassion.