Disabled People Will Die Under Trump: An Emergency Plea To Allies

[sheshe2]

This is an emergency plea to those upset about a pending Trump presidency. I’d like to especially address intersectional feminists, radicals, anarchists, socialists and others in the USA who are able-bodied and drawn towards systems-level analysis and organizing for radical change.

People with disabilities and chronic illnesses will die under a Trump presidency. Full stop. We will die because of him. This is an emergency situation and we need emergency solidarity, immediately, from every single one of you. Right now, many of us feel like you do not understand the horror of this situation.


Social justice activists, why is ableism so often relegated to the periphery of your analysis? Many disabled people feel right now that they desperately need you and can’t find you. Maybe it’s the cultural lineage of eugenics and Social Darwinism which has created an ableist norm, a veil of neutrality over what is actually a system of domination. Maybe it has to do with an association between disability awareness campaigns and a vague sense of apolitical softness or even conservatism, as if caring about disability is not the job of radicals, but the job of celebrity doctors, colored ribbon campaigns, and concerned suburban moms. Or maybe it has something to do with a sense of not being personally affected by disability.

You shouldn’t have to be personally affected by something to care about it, but if helps, here’s a reminder: Every single one of you could become disabled or chronically ill at the drop of a hat, and you’re going to be living under Trump, too.

More: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/disabled-people-will-die-under-trump-an-emergency_us_583cbed4e4b04e28cf5b8a9b

[loyalsister]

1. To many it is about charity and disability is seen as a bad thing

I still hear people say that FDR did a lot for people with disabilities by establishing the March of Dimes. There is very little understanding of the way people adapt to their bodies and just want to live in a world that respects them.
"Oh the tragedy! Here's your dime, and I get a pat on the back for compassion and taking action."

[Lithos]

5. Trump is also shooting to decrease the amount someone can give as charity in taxes

Which will cause people to not donate as much.

Talk about mean spirited behavior

[loyalsister]

6. That might not be such a bad thing

It comes with conditions and on the terms of the giver rather than opening doors for self determination. It's only real purpose is self glorification of the contributor. See Jerry's Orphans.

[Lithos]

7. it will mean less money entering the system for those who need it

I realize there are bad charities out there. This is more a case there will be fewer donors giving which in turn will likely reduce the funds feeding into all charities - good and bad.

Not good for seniors who are losing Medicare, the Poor who depend on free medicine (Planned Parenthood), and others with disabilities who the system is about to abandon.

[loyalsister]

10. It means the public takes stock of how it demeans disabled people

Actual charities are the same as nonprofits that provide services.
MDA and March of Dimes are notorious for their "here's a wheelchair, don't worry about if your kid grows up because they won't, so housing (accessible or otherwise) is not on our radar."

[Lithos]

11. it won't change any perception issues

And I think you are focusing only on "disabled" people. Most charities do other things. For example it will mean that women who need medical attention (Planned Parenthood), food kitchens, and other services will no longer be there. More deaths, more pain, more discomfort to those who are usually minorities.

L-

[loyalsister]

12. I don't think you're recognizing the difference between charity and a nonprofit service provider

The original topic was about disabled people. The point I am making is there are institutional problems with the potential cuts, that disability related charities have rarely even acknowledged are important. Thus, I have no expectation that they would fill the gaps.

[Lithos]

13. I get the difference

However, both are usually 501(c)(3)'s or some other related tax designation which makes them identical for the purpose of my comment. 501(c)(3) allows for tax deductible donations which will be impacted by Trumps proposals.

L-

[ismnotwasm]

2. K&R

[angstlessk]

3. and he doesn't even need ovens!

[Lifelong Protester]

4. I am here.

I will be an ally.

[sweetroxie]

8. I am here, too. But, I am chronically ill

with kidney failure. And I depend for my treatment on the "largesse" of Medicare for which I have paid for with my $$ over the past 75 years. Without it, I am dead.

[sheshe2]

9. And.

Indeed, the disabled people who are most at risk for harm and death will be those already suffering other injustices. Many will be people of color and women who are already discriminated against in emergency rooms. Many will be immigrants and migrant workers. Many will be single mothers. Many will be LGBTQ folks. Many will be people who do not speak English, the US’s dominant language. Many will be Native Americans. Many will be severely disabled people needing total care and living in group homes, which are at risk of losing funding. Many will be disabled children in underfunded schools who risk losing their already minimal accommodations. Many will be people who are isolated, without friends or family. Almost all will be working class and poor.