Giving disabled an equal chance is not 'inhumane'
My husband is physically disabled. He recently obtained a job as a "sign walker" for a store that is going out of business.
He is a conscientious worker and has chosen to work regardless of the weather conditions.
On March 6, he went to work in the rain. The store received calls from people complaining about the "inhumane" way they were treating a man with a disability.
I am sure these calls were made by well-meaning people. However, they put the store in a position where they may no longer be able to employ him.
He has gained so much more from this job than a paycheck. He has gained self-respect and pride.
It is certainly not "inhumane" to give a man with a disability a well-paying job and to treat him like everyone else. Many people work outside regardless of the weather. Treating someone with a disability differently doesn't give him the dignity, respect and equality that he desires.
Job opportunities for people with disabilities are hard to find. Many more are needed. If businesses that hire people with disabilities are hassled, even fewer of them would be willing to do so. That kind of concern we can do without.
Kim Huffman Glen Burnie
A simpler idea for road cleanup
Recent articles, including "Black Leaders Divided Over Klan" on March 9, have discussed participation and continuance of an Anne Arundel County clean-up program.
The solution is simple: Why don't drivers stop throwing litter on the side of our roads?
Bill Burnham Baltimore
Mistreatment at inn was disheartening
I read with dismay the March 5 article about the legislator who was mistreated at the Maryland Inn ("Delegate decries Md. Inn actions"). When one adds this episode to the recent comments made by radio's "Greaseman," one could perhaps be forgiven for wondering what is going on.
These episodes, taken separately, are appalling. Occurring this close together, they are disheartening.
Have we, as a nation, made no progress toward the racial equality we are striving to encourage worldwide?
Not too long ago two FBI agents were also treated shabbily in a restaurant, also in Annapolis. Is it the policy of the state capital to condone racism? I find this a matter of particular interest, since I recently returned to Maryland as a resident and I am an African-American.
I do not have the cachet that either Del. Melony Ghee Griffith or the FBI agents enjoy.
If they can be treated with disrespect, what chance do the rest of us have for fair treatment?
I noticed that the manager responsible and the innkeeper intend to "apologize" to Ms. Griffith. Again, I call your attention to the "Greaseman."
Did he not also "apologize" years ago when he made derogatory comments about the establishment of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday as a holiday? And did he not repeat the offense to an even greater degree?
Ms. Griffith's reputation and that of the constituent with her has been tarnished. She was subjected to public humiliation. Yet it was not indicated that this man intended to tender an apology at least as public as the humiliation he caused.
Genise O. Ghee Elkridge
Pub Date: 3/14/99