I’m anxious. We’re all anxious for many reason these days. It’s election season. In fact, it’s only days away from election results, but by the time you read this article, results will possibly be over and we will possibly have a new government, a new administration in place…Or, maybe not. It’s ok. We will get through this, yet there are issues which will continues to be problematic and issues of which we all need to speak about.
This post is not about partisan issues. Instead, these are about civil rights issues based on disturbing facts of which we all should be aware of from this point forward. We need to be cognizant of our rights and what is going on in order to make our voices heard. We need to make a difference.
I live in Texas. My governor is disabled. He has been living life in a wheelchair for decades, yet it seems his politics have taken over the rights of disabled people – people just like himself.
Here are the latest concerns I feel so compelled to write about.
One ballot drop off box per county – This is wrong!
Texas is a HUGE state. People have had to drive for hours to drop off their mail in ballots and that’s not right. In Harris County alone (Houston area) this affects millions of people from being able to vote as they have been able to do in elections past. For further information refer here:
https://www.texastribune.org/2020/10/27/texas-voting-elections-mail-in-drop-off/
Attempts to extinguish drive in or curb side voting for those with chronic illness and disabilities. Attempts to determine the fate of over 125,000 drive-in votes could be cast out – This is wrong!
Early voting in Texas started on October 13th. I voted on the 14th via curbside voting. The experience was so helpful and a wonderful option compared to worrying about my ability to stand in line for hours at length. I was even given the chance to walk with the ballot holder to watch my vote be submitted as it was supposed to be. I felt comfortable and safe knowing my vote was counted legally and appropriately. I showed up with my voter registration card, my photo ID and my disability placard. The polling workers were as kind as could be and I knew I had done the right thing. Here it is the day before the election and I’m second guessing myself based on the news I see in front of me. Hence, I AM NERVOUS, yet I must have faith that I did the good thing… The legal thing to do. I hate the fact I am being questioned for something I have the right to do. For more information refer here:
https://www.texastribune.org/2020/11/01/texas-drive-thru-votes-harris-county/
Removal of Social Workers from being able to serve the important care needed to the disabled and LGBTQ communities – This is wrong!
If anything, we all need counseling these days. Mental health is a priority and the climate we’re living in is challenging – To put it mildly. I’m not going to elaborate on healthcare today, but our mental health is a priority and it’s at stake if we don’t have the recourses available. This includes our social workers! Not everyone has the financial luxury to pay for a psychiatrist or therapist these days. Our social workers serve an important purpose and we need them. I know I need mine and am lucky mine is affiliated with my MS clinic here in Dallas. For more information refer here:
https://www.texastribune.org/2020/10/27/texas-social-workes-lgbtq-disabilities-discrimination/
All of these issues are wrong on so many levels. Again, these are not partisan issues – I’m not declaring these as Republican nor Democrat issues. These are civil rights issues.
Reflection & Renewal 