Push America

Push America was in town this week. What and enormous treat to meet these amazing, dedicated young men. The Arc staff, people we support and families attended a friendship dinner with the riding team and support crew on Sunday evening at Gas Works Park. The WEATHER was unbelievable, considering that it IS Seattle and it IS still June. Many of us saw them off on the ride this morning and many of our staff rode their bikes to see them. Having a chance to talk to so many of the riders was very special for all of us. We are inspired by their commitment and willingness to ride 5,000 miles to make the world a better place for all people, by promoting the rightful place of people with disabilities to be fully included with the supports they need. WOW. I learned that there are not only three riding teams, but construction teams deployed to make camps and other facilities for people with disabilities more accessible. They have completely changed my view of fraternities and I wish them well in changing the world one mile at a time.

“Times are Tough…..but”

“Times are tough.” You are probably a little sick of hearing that day after day. So what does that really mean? Tough for who? History shows that it is usually toughest for those who have the least, those who just scrape by when things are going smoothly. Smoothly…so what does that mean? Most of us have a job that pays the bills; almost everyone can buy the basics and maybe a bit more.

When people spend money the state collects taxes and redistributes that wealth for the greater good. But now times are tough. People are losing jobs and not spending money, so state supported groups that benefit the greater good are forced to “tighten their budgets.” This means that benefits, like protecting the health and well-being of children, old people and people with disabilities, maintaining roads and funding for police and fire departments must be reduced. As a result, the number of teachers, healthcare providers, police and fire workers is being reduced. As more and more people lose jobs and less and less people spend money, the cycle starts all over again.

We share the wealth and we share the poverty, I guess.

I look around, however, and see that more the 90% of us still have jobs and incomes and can still spend the money we need to spend. But what we are finding is that those still fortunate enough to be working are digging deeply into their pockets and sharing their – sometimes small – wealth. It is truly amazing! There were not many deep pockets of wealth at our recent fundraising luncheon, but people gave from their heart and their pocket books. And when the final tally was over they had given more than $21,000!

Thank you all for blessing us with your attendance, caring and gifts.