Do you want anything on your pizza? What toppings do you want on your pizza? What toppings do you not want on your pizza? Let’s assume you’re hosting a party for 10 people, and everyone wants pizza. A typical pizza usually has eight slices. Some people want pineapple, others want meat lovers, a few only eat vegetables on their pizza, and one person will only eat plain pizza. How do you raise money for the needed second pizza? Is it fair to ask people to pay for a pizza they are not planning to eat? Do you vote, and does the majority get what they want? What about everyone else? Should they go hungry? This crude scenario is an illustration of politics.

“The art or science concerned with guiding or influencing governmental policy.” -Merriam-Webster dictionary

Disability is a great way to understand politics. Politics will affect you at some point in your life, and so will disability. An Inconvenient truth is that these two are linked. How much should a wheelchair cost? How much should a person be allowed to make to maintain their Medicaid eligibility? At some point, everyone uses a Walker or a wheelchair. If your loved one requires any sort of extensive rehab or care, they will need Medicaid. One in three children in New Jersey receives some sort of Medicaid benefit. There is an illusion that disability will only affect the elderly or those diagnosed early in life. Disability can affect anyone at any time. 16-year-olds can have brain aneurysms and be changed forever. Eric LeGrand was only 20 years old when he became paralyzed on a football field.

Mark 12:31 NIV  The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.”

Disability must be part of the political discussion when children are taught civics in their social studies classrooms. Disability is a great representation of the human race. It goes beyond political parties. Don’t be so focused on the toppings on your slice of pizza that you forget about all those who need to eat from the same pie. In America, we all eat from the same pie. Political parties are not sports teams. Winning the White House should never feel like winning a World Series; it should feel like a new chapter in the great book of American history. Political parties play a vital role in the political process. However, over-reliance is dangerous. Our elected officials must always remember that they serve their constituents and not their parties. The American people must vote to hold those who are elected accountable. Casting a vote is not a decision that should be made lightly.

“Alternate domination” of one party over another, and the associated desire for revenge, could lead to horrible atrocities and ultimately, a “frightful despotism”- George Washington.

We need new disability advocates to enter the political arena and provide a fresh perspective. To remind all of us what the ideals of America should be. Disabled Americans are Republicans. Disabled Americans are Democrats. By getting a new perspective, Americans can see their boundless potential.

The Podcast

Published Books