Let's Pull Together and celebrate our children

"When a light shines brightly, shadows appear darker, they come out fighting. We must keep shining bright and drown them out."

Please join us to write, and write with integrity, to show the world how this man has upset us and just how incredible our children are. That we wouldn't change them for the world.

It's been a fraut, emotional and upsetting week.
The comments of an all-too local Councillor have been impossible to ignore.
And finally John Pring from Disability News Service gave Collin Brewer enough rope to metaphorically hang himself from. Please do not read the article if you are easily upset.

I have started at least 4 posts on the subject, each deleted and scrapped for one reason or another. I feel that Brewer, and a small minority of others like him are nothing but trolls, albeit trolls in the public eye with a microphone in their paws. And my motto is always to starve trolls of oxygen, not fuel their craving for publicity at any cost. If we stoop to their level they have won.

But this man we cannot ignore, we cannot allow him to remain in power (however minor that power might be).

Many have written succinctly over the weekend about Brewer's latest interview, including journalists far more qualified than I. I felt it futile to write another post about his comments and how they echo of Nazi propaganda. I found it hard to write without anger and hurt in my voice. There had to be a gentle effective Downs Side Up way...

So I spent the last few days writing to as many human rights and disability campaigners as I have ever had the pleasure to meet.

Their replies have been heartwarming and calming and I now feel ready to act in my own way against this monster. The positive slant I have chosen to emply doesn't detract from my anger. But there are many ways of skinning a cat so to speak.

1) Sadly complaining to the Council and signing ePetitions are not going to work as no-one appears to have the power to sack Brewer. I have accepted this and will now work in a legal direction. I have asked national disability groups to take this up for us. We have some very high profile people on board. A multi party group of local councillors have written their concern.

2) We must bear in mind that the majority of people are good, loving and accepting of difference. Only a tiny minority, such as Brewer exist. Furthermore, the man is ill and may be displaying signs of mental degeneration or incapacity. It is difficult not to become disillusioned and depressed at times like this but we must focus on our amazing children.

3) We need to show the world what we all know, that individuals with disabilites contribute as fully to society as everyone else.
Let's all flood our local media outlets with wonderful, positive, inspiring stories of the achievements of those with disabilities. Get in touch with your local paper about an event, sporting or for a charity and an individual who has done something news worthy. A person's worth can never be measured in pound coins.

4) If you blog, please join our linky here. I'm calling all the amazing bloggers I know, who write with integrity and intelligence to join together. 

It might be how the Brewer affair has left you feeling, it might be be how amazing your child is. It might be a nugget of support for other parents, a poem or a religious word. Please keep all posts respectable and let's join together in a wave of support for each other, a way of showing the world that Cllr Brewer is utterly wrong. I for one don't want to come out screaming like a banshee.




14 comments:

  1. Thanks Hayley, for such an eloquent and uplifting summary, and for bringing us all together. You rock! ;) x

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  2. Well done, this is a great idea, and I hope that lots of bloggers join in x

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    1. We have top bloggers and journalists joining us. I am so proud.

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  3. Oh my word. I am stunned that there's still people who say that WHO ARE IN PUBLIC SERVICE. This is an excellent idea for raising awareness and applying pressure. I have to say your post was incredibly fair on this x

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    1. I have lost half a stone, can't eat or sleep, have cried my eyes to red balls. I am good at biting my tongue. x

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  4. Stuck in hosp with my much loved youngest daughter for the millionth time but will blog once we are released!

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    1. Oh darling sorry to intrude. Thinking of you and your precious family. Look after yourself x

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  5. Couldn't list much more than links and names today on my own blog page, with the header, "No life, if it is properly realized, is without cosmic importance." - Hortense Odlum

    Best wishes to you in this battle.

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  6. I have highlighted on my facebook profile. Well done on raising the issue still can't believe the inhumanity of the man.

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  7. Just read a new BBC article on an "investigation." - looks like you're making progress. Surely surely. I so want to post some good news, I hope to hope we have some soon. Also - what awesome posts and alliances. Yea DSU!

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    1. Yes, police are involved now. Let's hope we are nearly there...

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