Infant is returned to blind couple after state places her in protective custody

This is really sick! Aren't these people more enlightened in 2010! I used to hear about such cases back 25 years ago but today? This is worse than just the once in a while ignorant folks who might occasionally stare at me and my husband because I'm African-American and he's a blonde-haired, blue-eyed Italian. I've worked with a lot of kids who came from parents who are kids but nobody thinks that's a crime! Kids having kids leads to more problems than folks with mild disabilities having children. I'm posting this one on my blog! Thanks Colleenie-Beanie! http://www.kathyskids.org Ms. Kathy's Kids Blog: http://mskathyskids.blogspot.com/ --- On Mon, 7/26/10, cdupuiswrote Please read this sad story with a somewhat happy ending. Posted on Wed, Jul. 21, 2010 12:15 AM Email Infant is returned to blind couple after state places her in protective custody By LEE HILL KAVANAUGH The Kansas City Star Fifty-seven days after she was born, Mikaela Sinnett was home for the first time Tuesday with her parents, Erika Johnson and Blake Sinnett of Independence. State officials had worried they were unable to care for her. DAVID EULITT | The Kansas City Sta Fifty-seven days after she was born, Mikaela Sinnett was home for the first time Tuesday with her parents, Erika Johnson and Blake Sinnett of Independence. State officials had worried they were unable to care for her. A folding cane used by Blake Sinnett rested in the baby carrier used to carry home his daughter. On Tuesday, Blake Sinnett, guided by his mother, Jenne Sinnett, carried his 2-month-old daughter, Mikaela Sinnett. Behind them was Mikaela's mother, Erika Johnson. Erika Johnson will never be able to see her baby, Mikaela. But for 57 days she couldn't keep her newborn close, smell her baby's breath, feel her downy hair. The state took away her 2-day-old infant into protective custody — because Johnson and Mikaela's father are both blind. No allegations of abuse, just a fear that the new parents would be unable to care for the child. On Tuesday, Johnson still couldn't stop crying, although Mikaela was back in her arms. "We never got the chance to be parents," she said. "We had to prove that we could." Tuesday, she and Blake Sinnett knew their baby was finally coming home to their Independence apartment, but an adjudication hearing was scheduled for the afternoon on whether the state would stay involved in the rearing of the baby. Then from a morning phone call to their attorney, they learned that the state was dismissing their case. "Every minute that has passed that this family wasn't together is a tragedy. A legal tragedy and a moral one, too," said Amy Coopman, their attorney. "How do you get 57 days back?" Arleasha Mays, a spokeswoman for the Missouri Department of Social Services, said privacy laws prohibited her from speaking about specific cases. But she added, "The only time we recommend a child be removed is if it's in imminent danger." Johnson said she knew the system eventually would realize its horrible mistake, but she often was consumed with sadness. Sinnett tried his best to keep Johnson hopeful. For almost two months she and Sinnett could visit their baby only two or three times a week, for just an hour at a time, with a foster parent monitoring. "I'm a forgiving person," Johnson said, but she's resentful that people assumed she was incapable. "Disability does not equal inability," she said. Representatives of the sightless community agreed that people were well-meaning but blinded by ignorance. Mikaela was born May 21 at Centerpoint Medical Center of Independence. The doctors let Sinnett "see" her birth by feeling the crowning of her head. For Johnson, hearing Mikaela's whimpers was a thrill. The little human inside her all these months, the one who hiccupped and burped, who kicked and moved, especially at night, was now a real person whom she loved more than anything else she'd ever imagined. In her overnight bag was Mikaela's special homecoming outfit, a green romper from Johnson's mother, with matching bottoms and a baby bow. Questions arose within hours of Mikaela's birth, after Johnson's clumsy first attempts at breast-feeding — something many new mothers experience. A lactation nurse noticed that Mikaela's nostrils were covered by Johnson's breast. Johnson felt that something was wrong and switched her baby to her other side, but not before Mikaela turned blue. That's when the concerned nurse wrote on a chart: "The child is without proper custody, support or care due to both of parents being blind and they do not have specialized training to assist them." Her words set into motion the state mechanisms intended to protect children from physical or sexual abuse, unsanitary conditions, neglect or absence of basic needs being met. Centerpoint said it could not comment because of patient privacy laws, but spokeswoman Gene Hallinan said, "We put the welfare of our patients as our top priority." A social worker from the state came by Johnson's hospital room and asked her questions: How could she take her baby's temperature? Johnson answered: with our talking thermometer. How will you take her to a doctor if she gets sick? Johnson's reply: If it were an emergency, they'd call an ambulance. For a regular doctor's appointment, they'd call a cab or ride a bus. But it wasn't enough for the social worker, who told Johnson she would need 24-hour care by a sighted person at their apartment. Johnson said they couldn't afford it, didn't need it. "I needed help as a new parent, but not as a blind parent," Johnson said. She recalled the social worker saying: " 'Look, because you guys are blind, I don't feel like you can adequately take care of her.' And she left." The day of Johnson's discharge, another social worker delivered the news to the couple that Mikaela was not going home with them. The parents returned the next day to visit Mikaela before she left the hospital, but they were barred from holding her. "All we could do was touch her arm or leg," Johnson said. The couple began making calls. Gary Wunder, president of the National Federation of the Blind of Missouri, had trouble believing it at first. "I needed to verify their whole story," he recalled. "We had to do due diligence. … I found the couple to be intelligent and responsible. "We knew this was an outrage that had taken place." He notified Kansas City chapter president Shelia Wright, who visited the 24-year-olds. Hearing about the empty crib, the baby clothes, Wright recalled, "I felt as helpless as I've ever felt in my life. "I hurt so bad for them. This is unforgivable." They rallied other associations for the blind nationwide. More than 100 people at a national convention in Dallas volunteered to travel to Kansas City to protest and testify, both as blind parents and as the sighted children of blind parents. (Mikaela has normal sight.) They also hired Coopman, who watched the young couple with their baby girl on Tuesday. "I'm sorry," she said, wiping tears. "But this should not have happened." Johnson kept a journal that Coopman is keeping closed for now. She indicates that legal action will be taken. "Whether a couple is visually impaired or deaf or in a wheelchair, the state should not keep them from their children," she said. Now breast-feeding is a lost option. And the beautiful newborn clothes hanging in the closet went unworn, because their baby was growing bigger in the arms of someone else. The couple said they had tried to prove themselves to the sighted community since their early years. Sinnett rode his bicycle on the street with the help of a safety gadget. Johnson graduated from high school with honors. But all the challenges they've endured over the years shrink compared to the responsibility of caring for 10 pounds of squirming baby girl. Johnson cuddled Mikaela. Gave her a bottle. Patted her back until she burped. Mikaela gave a tiny smile. In their 24 years, the couple said, they've both endured prejudice from others. They don't want any other blind parent to suffer the same obstacle they did. Fifty-seven days are too precious to lose. The Star's Laura Bauer contributed to this report. To reach Lee Hill Kavanaugh, call 816-234-4420 or send e-mail to lkavanaugh@kcstar.com

Fw: Video from Yahoo! and Jennifer

Yeah, Jen. That's party time in these parts!! http://www.kathyskids.org Ms. Kathy's Kids Blog: http://mskathyskids.blogspot.com/ --- On Sun, 7/25/10, Jennifer Lutterbie wrote: Fire up the grill! ============================================================ Personal message: Fisherman Makes World Record Catch http://news.yahoo.com/video/us-15749625/fisherman-makes-world-record-catch-20984569 ============================================================ Yahoo! Video

A Small Request

One I certainly don't mind recirculating. I've a personal interest. Thanks, E.C. http://www.kathyskids.org Ms. Kathy's Kids Blog: http://mskathyskids.blogspot.com/ --- On Mon, 7/12/10, E. C. Sibille wrote: From: E. C. Sibille Subject: Fw: A Small Request To: Undisclosed-Recipient@yahoo.com Date: Monday, July 12, 2010, 9:11 AM   Cancer   is a strange cell . You can go along for years in remission and then one day it pops its head up again. If you ever have it you will never be free of it. Pray for the day there will be a permanent cure.   A SMALL REQUEST...     93% won't forward, but I'm Sure You Will.   A small request....Just one line     Dear God, I pray that You will guide someone to find a cure for cancer. In Jesus Name,   Amen     All you are asked to do is keep this circulating. Even if it's only to one more person. In memory of anyone you know who has been struck down by cancer or is still living with it. A Candle Loses Nothing by Lighting Another Candle.   Please Keep This Candle Going

Usher's Syndrome

Web 1 new result for Usher's Syndrome

Usher | Yahoo! Usher syndrome is a relatively rare genetic disorder that is a leading cause of deafblindness and that is associated with a mutation in any one of 10 genes. ... ph.m2.yahoo.com/w/search?p=Usher&sep=fp...

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Albinism: Foundation Urges Africans to Dispel Myths

News 1 new result for Albinism

Foundation urges Africans to dispel myth surrounding albinos African Press Agency The chairman of the Albino Foundation in Nigeria, Jake Epelle, said albinism in Africa had been riddled with all kinds of myths and superstitious beliefs, ...

One of my pet causes. ~K

Shameful, unacceptable

http://www.kathyskids.org Ms. Kathy's Kids Blog: http://mskathyskids.blogspot.com/ --- On Wed, 7/21/10, James Rucker, ColorOfChange.org  wrote: From: James Rucker, ColorOfChange.org Subject: Shameful, unacceptable To: Date: Wednesday, July 21, 2010, 8:53 AM Shirley Sherrod was fired after a baseless, race-based attack. The truth is known. Why won't the Obama administration correct its mistake? Demand the Obama administration reinstate Sherrod, now: Dear Eleanor, The Obama administration just caved in to the right-wing smear machine, firing a Black USDA official after she was smeared by far-right blogger Andrew Breitbart and his friends at Fox News Channel.[1] Sherrod's dismissal was based on a selectively edited video that made it appear she was confessing to discriminating against a White farming couple. In reality she was telling the story of how working with that family to save their farm helped her to lose her racial preconceptions.[2] It took less than 24 hours for the lies to be debunked. But by that time, it was too late — Sherrod was forced to quit. And even now that the truth is known, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack is refusing to reinstate her.[3] Worse, Vilsack has President Obama's support.[4] This kind of political cowardice is beyond shameful. Please join us in calling on the White House to immediately give Shirley Sherrod her job back, and to stop bowing to the will of right-wing propaganda artists. And please ask your friends and family to do the same — it takes just a moment: http://www.colorofchange.org/shirley/?id=2314-114557 The smear On Monday, Andrew Breitbart (a blogger who works closely with FOX News and has a long history of launching deceptive, racially charged smear campaigns) posted a deceptively edited video of USDA employee Shirley Sherrod speaking at an NAACP function. The video shows Sherrod telling a story about how she once was asked for help from a White farmer, and how she didn't "give him the full force of what I could do" to help him, because of his race.[5] Breitbart touted the video as evidence that the NAACP and the Obama administration tolerated racial discrimination against White people, saying that it showed Sherrod's "federal duties are managed through the prism of race and class distinctions." Breitbart's doctored video and false storyline moved quickly to FOX News, where on-air personalities called for Sherrod's firing.[6] The truth is that Sherrod was telling a 24-year old story about her work for a non-profit organization whose mission was to help Black farmers. Discrimination against Black farmers was rampant, and she described how she was first reluctant when approached by a White farmer named Roger Spooner for help (Sherrod also says that her father was killed by a White farmer 45 years ago). But after seeing that no one wanted to help Spooner, she worked to save his farm, and eventually became good friends with his family. [7] Yesterday, Roger Spooner said that Sherrod saved their farm and kept them out of bankruptcy. He told CNN, "I don't know what brought up the racist mess. They just want to stir up some trouble, it sounds to me in my opinion."[8] A disturbing pattern Sadly, the truth didn't matter at all. Soon after Breitbart's fake video surfaced, Sherrod says she was pressured by the White House to resign. Sherrod was never given a chance to tell her side of the story and says that the Obama administration was "not interested in hearing the truth."[9] Once the truth became known, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack issued a statement saying that whether or not the smear campaign against Sherrod was based in lies, it was necessary to fire her because the "controversy" would make it hard for her to do her job.[10] The Obama administration is essentially saying that they will always back down in the face of dishonest, race-baiting smear campaigns launched by right-wing propagandists. They've ended the career of someone who did nothing wrong, and by handing a victory to the people who launched this deception, the administration is encouraging them to launch even more smears. All to avoid "controversy." It's pathetic, it's shameful, and it has to stop. It's not the first time this has happened. Several members of the Obama administration have lost their jobs or been demoted, and nominees to cabinet positions have either stepped down or withdrawn their nominations after becoming the target of smear campaigns launched by FOX News and Breitbart. It's bad enough that we have to fight the constant smear campaigns and appeals to racial paranoia from FOX and the right-wing media. But it's completely shameful and outrageous for the Obama administration to throw innocent public servants under the bus just to avoid having to fight back against the lies. If enough of us call out the White House and tell them to stop running scared from FOX News, they might listen. Please join us in standing up for Shirley Sherrod, and demanding that the White House do the right thing now: http://www.colorofchange.org/shirley/?id=2314-114557 Thanks and Peace, -- James, Gabriel, William, Dani, Milton and the rest of the ColorOfChange.org team    July 21, 2010 Help support our work. ColorOfChange.org is powered by YOU — your energy and dollars. We take no money from lobbyists or large corporations that don't share our values, and our tiny staff ensures your contributions go a long way. You can contribute here: https://secure.colorofchange.org/contribute/ References: 1. "Fox smears Sherrod as racist, Sherrod cancels Fox interview," Media Matters for America, 7-20-2010 http://act.colorofchange.org/go/331?akid=1525.574669.Q1iCTM&t=7 2. "NAACP 'snookered' over video of former USDA employee," CNN, 7-20-2010 http://act.colorofchange.org/go/335?akid=1525.574669.Q1iCTM&t=9 3. "Official: No WH pressure on Sherrod," Politico, 7-20-2010 http://act.colorofchange.org/go/336?akid=1525.574669.Q1iCTM&t=11 4. "Obama briefed after Sherrod incident," CNN Politics, 7-20-2010 http://act.colorofchange.org/go/337?akid=1525.574669.Q1iCTM&t=13 5. See Reference 2 6. See Reference 1 7. See Reference 2 8. See Reference 2 9. See Reference 2 10. See Reference 3

Re: McChrystal's Rolling Stone Interview: General's Team SLAMS Key Obama Officials (SLIDESHOW)

That's just it, Jeanne: Dude was NOT thinking. http://www.kathyskids.org Ms. Kathy's Kids Blog: http://mskathyskids.blogspot.com/ --- On Thu, 6/24/10, Jeanne wrote: From: Jeanne Dont understand WHAT in the world he was thinking....both sides Dems and Reps. dont understand it. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/06/22/mcchrystal-rolling-stone_n_620795.html

Edible Noah's Ark Craft for Kids - Christian Edible Crafts for Kids Noah's Ark Easter Craft - Kaboose.com

Kathy says, "edible!"

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Edible Noah's Ark Craft for Kids - Christian Edible Crafts for Kids Noah's Ark Easter Craft - Kaboose.com Description View >>

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http://www.share-server.com/view/content/0b623232-826b-11df-b6ad-5fd660221f6c/0b6dcd68-826b-11df-b8ad-5fd660221f6c

Using another sense helps include kids with visual impairments.
~K

PubMed Search Results

PubMed Results

Item 1 of 1

1. Early Hum Dev. 2010 Jun 17. [Epub ahead of print]  

The influence of early postnatal nutrition on retinopathy

 of prematurity in extremely low birth weight infants. 

Porcelli PJ, Weaver RG Jr.  Department of Pediatrics, 

Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC, 27157, 

United States; Department of Ophthalmology, Wake 

Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC, 27157, United 

States. 

BACKGROUND: Retinopathy of prematurity(ROP) 

is the most common serious ophthalmic disease in 

preterm infants. Human milk may provide a protective 

effect for ROP; however, beneficial effects of human 

milk preclude randomized trials. Therefore,  we 

conducted a retrospective analysis comparing early 

postnatal nutrition with ROP development. 

OBJECTIVE: Evaluate relationship between early 

postnatal nutriture and ROP surgery. 

DESIGN/METHODS: Nutrition data was collected for inborn

AGA infants, BW 700-1000g. ROP surgery was the primary 

outcome variable. A single pediatric ophthalmologist 

supervised examinations. All infants received triweekly 

IM vitamin A as chronic lung disease prophylaxis (Tyson: 

NEJM, 1999). RESULTS: BW and gestational age were 867+/-85g 

and 26.3+/-1.2weeks (n=77, mean+/-1SD). ROP surgery infants

(n=11) received more parenteral nutrition, 1648mL, and 

less human milk, 13.8mL/kg-day, and vitamin E, 1.4mg/kg-day, 

during the second postnatal week. Human milk was a negative 

predictor for ROP surgery, odds ratio=0.94. Both groups met 

vitamin A recommendations; however, 74% was administered 

via IM injections. Neither group met vitamin E recommendations. 

CONCLUSIONS: Human milk feeding, parenteral nutrition 

volume and vitamin E intake were predictors for ROP surgery. 

IM vitamin A injections provided the majority of vitamin A; 

vitamin E administration was insufficient. Improving human 

milk feeding rates and vitamin dosing options may affect 

ROP surgery rates. Copyright  © 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights 

reserved.  PMID: 20561759 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]  

cute quips

My hunnee sent these 'cause he knows I like kidstuff http://www.kathyskids.org Ms. Kathy's Kids Blog: http://mskathyskids.blogspot.com/ A Pre-Trial Financial Investigation and Debt Recovery Company Telephone: 504.201.2786 Email: david@davidmichaelassoc.com El Paso Office  Lance Silva: 915-203-2198 GOOD SAMARITAN A Sunday school teacher was telling her class the story of the Good Samaritan. She asked the class, 'If you saw a person lying on the roadside, all wounded and bleeding, what would you do?'  A thoughtful little girl broke the hushed silence, 'I think I'd throw up.' DID NOAH FISH? A Sunday school teacher asked, 'Johnny, do you think Noah did a lot of fishing when he was on the Ark?  ''No,' replied Johnny, 'how could he, with just two worms.' HIGHER POWER A Sunday school teacher said to her children, 'We have been learning how powerful kings and queens were in Bible times, but, there is a Higher Power...  Can anybody tell me what it is?' One child blurted out, ' Aces!' MOSES AND THE RED SEA Nine-year-old Joey was asked by his mother what he had learned in Sunday School. 'Well, Mom, our teacher told us how God sent Moses behind enemy lines on a rescue mission to lead the Israelites out of Egypt.  When he got to the Red Sea , he had his army build a pontoon bridge and all the people walked across safely.  Then he radioed headquarters for reinforcements.  They sent bombers to blow up the bridge and all the Israelites were saved. 'Now, Joey, is that really what your teacher taught you?' his Mother asked. 'Well, no, Mom.  But, if I told it the way the teacher did, you'd never believe it!' THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD A Sunday School teacher decided to have her young class memorize one of the most quoted passages in the Bible: Psalm 23...  She gave the youngsters a month to learn the chapter.  Little Rick was excited about the task - but he just couldn't remember the Psalm.  After much practice, he could barely get past the first line.  On the day that the kids were scheduled to recite Psalm 23 in front of the congregation, Ricky was so nervous! When it was his turn, he stepped up to the microphone and said proudly, 'The Lord is my Shepherd, and that's all I need to know.' UNANSWERED PRAYER The preacher's 5 year-old daughter noticed that her father always paused and bowed his head for a moment before starting his sermon.  One day, she asked him why. 'Well, Honey,' he began, proud that his daughter was so observant of his messages, 'I'm asking the Lord to help me preach a good sermon. 'How come He doesn't answer your request?' she asked. UNTIMELY ANSWERED PRAYER During the minister's prayer one Sunday, there was a loud whistle from one of the back pews.  Tommy's mother was horrified.  She pinched him into silence and, after church, asked, 'Tommy, whatever made you do such a thing?' Tommy answered soberly, 'I asked God to teach me to whistle, and He did!' ALL MEN / ALL GIRLS When my daughter, Kelli, said her bedtime prayers, she would bless every family member, every friend, and every animal (current and past).  For several weeks after we had finished the nightly prayer, Kelli would say, 'And all girls.' This soon became part of her nightly routine, to include this closing. My curiosity got the best of me and I asked her, 'Kelli, why do you always add the part about all girls?' Her response, 'Because everybody always finishes their prayers by saying 'All Men!' SAY A PRAYER Little Johnny and his family were having Sunday dinner at his Grandmother's house.  Everyone was seated around the table as the food was being served.  When Little Johnny received his plate, he started eating right away. 'Johnny!  Please wait until we say our prayer,' said his mother. 'I don't need to,' the boy replied. 'Of course, you do...' his mother insisted.  'We always say a prayer before eating at our house. 'That's at our house,' Johnny explained, 'but this is Grandma's house and she knows how to cook!'   The New Busy is not the too busy. Combine all your e-mail accounts with Hotmail. Get busy.

Ms. Kathy would like you to see an article on whereilive.com.au

Hello Ms Kathy's Kids,
Ms. Kathy would like you to see the following article on whereilive.com.au
http://hornsby-advocate.whereilive.com.au/sport/story/mt-kuring-gai-athlete-tyan-taylor-taking-on-the-world/
Ms. Kathy also included the following message:
Take a look at this article. Know that occular albinism is often accompanied with nystagmus. In any event the vision is not clear and this most often means legal blindness or close to it.
~K

God's Rosebud

Thanks Brother Gerry. Sharing with others in this reply. http://www.kathyskids.org Ms. Kathy's Kids Blog: http://mskathyskids.blogspot.com/ --- On Wed, 6/30/10, Gerry Gribbin  wrote: ----- Original Message ----- Sent: Wednesday, June 30, 2010 1:10 PM Subject: FW: God's Rosebud   GOD'S Rosebud A new pastor Was walking with an older, More seasoned pastor In the garden one day. Feeling a bit insecure About what God Had for him to do, He was asking the older pastor For some advice.   The older pastor Walked up to a rosebush And handed the young pastor A rosebud and told him To open it Without tearing off any petals. The young pastor Looked in disbelief At the older pastor And was trying to figure out What a rosebud Could possibly have to do With his wanting to know The will of God For his life and ministry. But because of his great respect For the older pastor, He proceeded to try to unfold the rose, While keeping every petal intact.   It wasn't long Before he realized How impossible This was to do. Noticing the younger pastors's inability To unfold the rosebud Without tearing it, The older pastor Began to recite The following poem... "It is only a tiny rosebud, A flower of God's design; But I cannot unfold the petals With these clumsy hands of mine." "The secret of unfolding flowers Is not known to such as I. GOD opens this flower so easily, But in my hands they die." "If I cannot unfold a rosebud, This flower of God's design, Then how can I have the wisdom To unfold this life of mine?" "So I'll trust in God for leading Each moment of my day. I will look to God for guidance In each step of the way." "The path that lies before me, Only my Lord knows. I'll trust God to unfold the moments, Just as He unfolds the rose." Please share this poem With a friend If you enjoyed Being reminded To let go And let God Unfold your life.

A Giant Heart; Ignoring False Imprisonment; World’s Dirtiest Oil

http://www.kathyskids.org Ms. Kathy's Kids Blog: http://mskathyskids.blogspot.com/ --- On Mon, 6/28/10, Change.org Weekly  wrote: From: Change.org Weekly Subject: A Giant Heart; Ignoring False Imprisonment; World's Dirtiest Oil To: mrs Date: Monday, June 28, 2010, 8:48 AM June 21 - June 27 TOP ACTIONS THIS WEEK Spirit Airlines: Pull your Sexist Ads. by Tifanei Moyer Sign the Petition » Tell Obama & Congress to end the Pentagon's manhunt for Wikileaks founder Julian Assange by Lois Brooks Sign the Petition » BP is burning endangered sea turtles alive by CREDO Action Sign the Petition » THIS WEEK on CHANGE.ORG A Giant Heart Plus: Ignoring False Imprisonment • World's Dirtiest Oil • Farm Worker Toxins • Happy Caged Hens? • No Black Senators Dear Kathy, At 7 feet 7 inches tall, there's no denying that former NBA basketball player Manute Bol was a giant on the court. He led the NBA in blocked shots for several seasons, while always drawing a crowd as one of the tallest people to ever to play the game.   But off the court, Manute Bol was also a giant: a giant of benevolence, and a tireless activist for peace in his native Sudan. As millions of Sudanese lived through a seemingly endless war between the North and South, Bol took the fortune he earned as a basketball player and gave it all back to the people of his country. And when genocide broke out in the Darfur region in Sudan, he offered his prominent voice to advocate for an end to the violence. In his native language, the word "Manute" means "special blessing." There's no doubt that for millions of Sudanese - and the tens of millions inspired by his story - Manute Bol was nothing short of a blessing. Sadly, Bol died last week at the age of 47, from kidney failure related to a rare skin disease. It was too short a life for a sports icon who became more famous for his activities off the basketball court than on it. But Bol's hope for peace in Sudan lives on. His dream was to end the cycle of violence in Sudan by building schools where Christians from the South would study alongside Muslims from the North. This year could mark the opening of the first of these schools, and you can help achieve Bol's dream by donating to Sudan Sunrise, the charity building each school. You can also honor Bol by joining Save Darfur in calling on President Obama to make ending the violence in Sudan, which continues to this day, a priority. Ultimately, the legacy Bol leaves is as important as his lifetime accomplishments. Too many of us are tempted to view the world in terms of all that we don't have. But Bol's life helped to teach us that we're much more successful when we look at the world in terms of all that we do have - namely, our voice, and our capacity to give to a cause greater than ourselves. For more news and commentary from this week in change, see the summaries of your favorite causes below. Ignoring False Imprisonment in CRIMINAL JUSTICE For the past 35 years, William Macumber has been locked in an Arizona prison for a crime he didn't commit. The state's clemency board calls him innocent, declaring that his conviction was based on false accusations from his ex-wife, and another convicted man has already confessed to the crime. So why is Arizona Governor Jan Brewer ignoring the board's recommendation and refusing to pardon him? It seems that Brewer, who is running for election this year, doesn't want to look weak on "crime" and is putting her political future above justice. This is disgraceful; join Criminal Justice blogger Elizabeth Renter in demanding the Governor to set Macumber free. Read more » World's Dirtiest Oil in ENVIRONMENT The Deepwater Horizon disaster is emblematic of a new era of "extreme" fossil fuels: larger risks and more destructive practices are needed to feed our oil addiction. Exhibit A is the Canadian tar sands mines, where American demand fuels the dirtiest extraction practices on Earth. Now, the State Department is considering approval of a 2,000-mile pipeline to transport huge quantities of this truly crude oil to the Gulf. Kenny Bruno of the No Tar Sands Oil campaign tells us how 50 members of Congress wrote to oppose the plan. You can too. Read more » Farm Worker Toxins in SUSTAINABLE FOOD While consumers worry about pesticide residues left over on produce, farm workers are practically marinating in the chemicals. Sustainable Food blogger Kristen Ridley examines how farm workers from Florida to North Carolina suffer from diabetes, birth defects, miscarriages, arthritis, and other health problems as a result of pesticide exposure. Right now, the California Department of Pesticide Regulation (CDPR) is poised to approve methyl iodide, a substance used in pesticides that is so toxic it's used to grow cancer cells in lab settings. The public has until June 29th to tell CDPR to deny approval of this dangerous chemical. Read more » Happy Caged Hens? in ANIMALS An egg farm that keeps millions of birds crammed in battery cages has branded its facility "safe-hen cage farming." The birds are "safe" because they never see predators. Of course, this is because they never see the light of day, and are forced to live alongside the dead carcasses of other birds that perish in the unhealthy environment. But the farm is able to get away with saying - and doing - whatever they want since there are so few regulations. To fight back against this "humanewashing," Animals blogger Stephanie Feldstein writes that this past week the Humane Society of the United States filed a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission against the egg farm's false advertising. Read more » No Black Senators in RACE IN AMERICA So much for post-racial politics. Barack Obama might have broken the presidential color barrier, but as Race in America blogger Chris Santiago writes, in Congress, the number of black representatives is languishing. By 2011, not only is the Senate likely to lack a single black member - but it's quite possible that the Grand Old Party won't have any black representatives sitting in the House or Senate, either. Read more » Have a great week, – The Change.org Team

AADB Alert --

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July 2, 2010 Dear Kathy, H.R. 3101 Takes a Step Forward and Leaves People who are Deaf-Blind Behind On June 30, 2010, the U.S. House of Representatives Subcommittee on Communications, Technology, and the Internet considered the "Twenty-first Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act" (H.R. 3101). Rick Boucher (D-VA), chairman of the Subcommittee, offered an "Amendment in the Nature of a Substitute" (a new H.R. 3101) which replaced the original bill. The new H.R. 3101 is missing an important provision funding for specialized communications equipment needed by people who are deaf-blind, such as refreshable Braille devices. That funding, up to $10 million per year, was not included in the new H.R. 3101. The Subcommittee voted favorably on the new H.R. 3101. The bill will be considered next by the full Committee on Energy and Commerce. Possible funding sources, for up to $10 million per year, include the Universal Service Fund and the Interstate Telecommunications Relay Service Fund. These funds were created to ensure that all Americans have access to the nation's communications network. Deaf-blind people cannot afford to buy expensive equipment to help them access the phone and Internet. For example, the Deaf-Blind Communicator, which enables deaf-blind people to make telephone calls, access the Internet and communicate with other people who otherwise could not communicate with them, costs $8,000 alone. Although a few states have equipment distribution programs, most do not distribute equipment that meets the needs of people who are deaf-blind. A secure and consistent source of funding is needed to assure that the communication needs of this small, discrete, and un-served population are met. This community does not have the political presence to ensure annual appropriations from Congress. By restoring Section 105(b) to H.R. 3101, you will ensure that approximately 70,000 deaf-blind people get the specialized equipment needed for them to have telecommunications services, Internet access, and advanced communications. Act today! Contact House Energy and Commerce Committee members and tell them you want Section 105 (b) back in H.R. 3101. Here's what you can do: Call or fax the members of the House Energy and Commerce Committee now and ask them to put back Section 105 (b) in H.R. 3101. If any of these committee members live in your district, please call them and make appointments with them in person to talk about H.R. 3101. Ask to talk to their legislative assistants in charge of telecommunications. You can find their addresses on www.house.gov. Call them today! Or deaf-blind people will be further, further and further behind! House Energy and Commerce Committee (in alphabetical order by State) Parker Griffith (R-AL-5) 202-225-4801 Voice 202-225-4392 Fax Huntsville-Decatur (81) Anna G. Eshoo (D-CA-14) 202-225-8104 Voice 202-225-8890 Fax San Francisco-Oakland-San Jose (6) & Monterey-Salinas (124) George Radanovich (R-CA-19) 202-225-4540 Voice 202-225-3402 Fresno-Visalia (55) Henry Waxman, Chair (D-CA-30) 202-225-3976 Voice 202-225-4099 Fax Agoura Hills, Beverly Hills, Calabasas, Malibu, Santa Monica, Hollywood, West Hollywood, Westlake Village Mary Bono Mack (R-CA-45) 202-225-5330 Voice 202-225-2961 Fax Los Angeles (2) & Palm Springs (142) Christopher S. Murphy (D-CT-5) 202-225-4476 No fax available Hartford-New Haven (30) & New York (1) Cliff Stearns (R-FL-6) 202-225-5744 Voice 202-225-3973 Fax Jacksonville (47) & Gainesville (160) & Orlando (19) John Shimkus (R-IL-19) 202-225-5271 Voice 202-225-5880 Fax Champaign-Springfield-Decatur (84) & St. Louis (21) & Terre Haute (152) & Cape Girardeau (78) & Evansville (102) Baron P. Hill (D-IN-9) 202-225-5315 Voice 202-225-6866 Fax Evansville (102) & Indianapolis (25) & Cincinnati (33) & Louisville (49) Charlie Melancon (D-LA-3) 202-225-4031 Voice 202-225-3354 Fax Lafayette (123) & New Orleans (51) & Baton Rouge (95) Bart Stupak (D-MI-1) 202-225 4735 Voice 202-225-4744 Fax Duluth-Superior (139) & Marquette (180) & Green Bay (70) & Traverse City-Cadillac (117) & Alpena (208) Fred Upton (R-MI-6) 202-225-3761 Voice 202-225-4986 Fax Grand Rapids-Kalamazoo (41) & South Bend-Elkart (91) Mike Rogers (R-MI-8) 202-225-4872 Voice 202-225-5820 Fax Flint-Saginaw-Bay City (68) & Detroit (11) & Lansing (115) Roy Blunt, Deputy Ranking Member (R-MO-7) 202-225-6536 Voice 202-225-5604 Fax Joplin-Pittsburgh (147) & Springfield (74) Lee Terry (R-NE-2) 202-225-4155 Voice 202-225-5452 Fax Omaha (76) G. K. Butterfield (D-NC-1) 202-225-3101 Voice 202-225-3354 Fax Greenville-New Bern (103) & Raleigh (26) & Norfolk-Newport News (43) Robert E. Latta (R-OH-5) 202-225-6405 Voice Columbus (34) & Toledo (73) & Cleveland (18) & Dayton (65) Zachary T. Space (D-OH-18) 202-225-6265 Voice 202-225-3394 Fax Columbus (34) & Cleveland-Akron (18) & Wheeling-Steubenville (159) & Charleston-Huntington (63) Bart Gordon (D-TN-6) 202-225-4231 Voice 202-225-6687 Fax Nashville (29) Marsha Blackburn (R-TN-7) 202-225-2811 Voice 202-225-3002 Fax Memphis (50) & Jackson (173) & Nashville (29) Joe Barton, Ranking Member (R-TX-6) 202-225-2002 Voice 202-225-3052 Fax Houston (10) & Dallas-Fort Worth (5) & Waco (89) & Tyler-Longview (109) Rick Boucher (D-VA-9) 202-225-3861 Voice 202-225-0442 Fax Tri-Cities (93) & Bluefield-Beckley-Oak Hill (156) & Roanoke-Lynchburg (67) & Greensboro (46) Peter Welch (D-VT-AL) 202-225-4115 Voice No fax available Burlington-Plattsburg (94) & Boston (6) & Albany Schenectady (57) Thank you for your support!

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