Will Paralympics inspire Government?

“Since you clearly do want to keep arguing, let me say it again for you.

This isn't about me, so stop trying to make this a personal vendetta. There's such a thing as consideratipon for other people. Research that.”

“Morning Nevman,
This morning I heard Murray Walker talking about Alex Zanardi, the ex-F1 driver who's legs were "sheared off" in a racing accident 11 years ago. Alex is now competing in the hand cycling event in the paralympics and Murray Walker (who knows him well) talked movingly about the indominatable spirit that Zanardi has.

It was truly inspirational, maybe you should research it in order to lift your aspirations.

Rick O'Shay
Zog”

“1. When you come out with the media line, I draw the obvious conclusion.

2. This isn't all about me, so please don't try to make it all about me.

3. When the government, the media and, increasingly, the general public victimise a group of people, then those people are going to feel victimised.

4. As I've said previously, what is gained by regularly assessing people who have conditions which don't improve?

5. You keep banging on about mental attitude, which seems to be a roundabout way of telling everyone with a disability to get over it. If only it were that simple. Your own words give me some idea of your experience of disability. If you don't like that, use different words.

6. Life isn't just "what you make it". People, events and the society we live in can have an unfortunate habit of getting in the way of achieving personal aspirations.

7. Throwing terms like "silly" and "closed mind" into the discussion don't further your argument, particularly if pots and kettles are involved.

8. This whole thread demonstrates only too well what disabled people face if we try to make our voices heard. You aren't listening, you won't be told, and yet you have the front to accuse me of a "victim" mentality!

Since you prefer aspirational dogma to words from the horse's mouth, I see no point in continuing this discussion.”

“Nevman, you have no idea about my experience of people with disabilities so it is rather silly for you to accuse me of following the media line.

In your original post you said "Its sole interest is in cutting their benefits whilst gleefully spreading its shameful propaganda that we're mostly a bunch of cheats." That to me is evidence of your closed mind, and what I have argued is that there is no reason why regular assessment of disability should not take place.

I have also pointed out that attitude is key to how people approach their disability, but you don't accept this. Either you know better than the vast amount of medical and psychological research that backs up this pov or you have your head in the sand.

As I said before, life is what you make it and you don't have to see yourself as a victim all the time.

Rick O'Shay
Zog”

“That's the crux of the problem, Rick. It's not the ones you've "got time for" that need help. They can make it through their own efforts. What about those who can't? Your polarised view only recognises two types: those who try and succeed, and those who don't try at all. What I'm saying is that most disabled people fall somewhere in between, and you seem supremely unconcerned about what's happening to them.

Since you raised the subject of Helen Keller - how much do you think she would have achieved by her own efforts alone without the support of her teacher, Anne Sullivan?

You seem to have formed all your opinions about disability from the media. Try actually meeting disabled people. It might open your eyes, but sadly I doubt it.”

“A compassionate society does not mean a society that is a soft touch.

There are even more examples of people who have overcome huge disabilities - many from personnel injured in the armed forces. A positive approach and frame of mind is key, but so is a mind that is open to the possibility of improvement and the will power to achieve.

Have you ever read about David Blunkett's life? As a blind child he could have resigned himself to his lot in life and looked for handouts but instead he battled and became a cabinet minister.

I have more time for people who show a bit of fighting spirit than those who whinge about how hard things are for them and look for the next handout.

Life is what you make it, Nevman, if you want more inspiration read about Helen keller.

Rick O'Shay
Zog”

“No, Rick, it isn't about an attitude of mind. It's about the reality of human beings living out their lives whilst trying to cope with a range of disabilities. Some improve over time. Many get worse. Positive mental attitude is not some sort of miracle cure. Come down from planet Zog and educate yourself about the disabilities which can't just be wished away.

I don't think that disability benefits should be claimed in perpetuity for conditions which do improve with time and effort, and thanks for putting words in my mouth - let's see how you like it. Yes I do think they're a sacred cow as far as lifelong conditions are concerned, and such people deserve to be propped up, but what's your alternative? Gassing 'useless mouths' in the back of a van, or just encouraging them to die through neglect?

In a compassionate society we wouldn't even be having this discussion. What a state we've come to.”

“Nevman, it's about an attitude of mind. You and the letter writer seem to think that disability benefits are a sacred cow that nobody should question. Furthermore, you seem to believe that once the benefit has been successfully claimed it should continue to be paid for ever.

What Stephen Hawkings illustrates, along with the brilliant paralympic athletes, is that a positive frame of mind can go a long way to enhancing ones life. Only recently we had a local example of this can-do attitude from the RM who has suffered terrible injuries yet is now building a successful career as a property developer.

Everyone has their "crosses" to bear in life, some heavier than others, but whilst many simply get on with life and look to overcome challenges a minority seem to think that the world should prop them up.

Rick O'Shay
Zog”

“I'm sure we'd all like to have achieved as much as Stephen Hawking, Rick, but to do so it certainly helps if you happen to be well on the way to international acclaim as a world-leading academic when disability strikes. Or are you seriously suggesting that all disabled people can achieve what Prof Hawking has achieved, if we'd only put our backs into it? Most non-disabled people fall short of that level of attainment, too. Are they just not trying hard enough?

Forget about "the small minority who seem unwilling to help themselves but prefer to rely on handouts." There will always be a few bad apples. Instead of picking out the farthest extremes of achievement, how about just accepting that the vast majority of disabled people try as much as they are able, but still need assistance? Is that asking too much?”

“Stephen Hawking quote:
"Obviously, because of my disability, I need assistance. But I have always tried to overcome the limitations of my condition and lead as full a life as possible. I have traveled the world, from the Antarctic to zero gravity."

What a fantastic attitude and so unlike the small minority who seem unwilling to help themselves but prefer to rely on handouts.

Rick O'Shay
Zog”