Perception, Nolan Finley, and Reality

An open letter to Nolan Finley:

Dear Nolan,

Screw you. And the horse you rode in on.

Special Olympics has done nothing to you, or Betsy DeVos. They, and the Paralympics, Invictus Games, the Thunder in the Valley Games (held at Saginaw Valley State University every year), Endeavor Games and even George W. Bush’s involvement in the Wounded Warrior Project have done nothing but provide an outlet for many people, including myself, who otherwise would be just wasting away somewhere.

Your column on the Sunday Detroit News editorial page was a disgrace to you and the community at large. You have proven time and again to be an obtuse right-wing hack straight out of Walter Winchell, Paul Harvey and Lee Atwater.

Yes, there are reasons why we’ll never have a balanced budget or whatever Article V-soaked fantasy you have about killing off social security, Medicare and Medicaid, but not one has to do with the Special Olympics. Or any other outlet designed for disabled people to feel a little less ostracized, left out and lonely.

Your ignorance and lack of understanding about the disabled and the challenges they face were laid bare yesterday. Each of us has gifts and talents and you reduced them to less than deserving. I don’t know if you understand the constant perception that those of us who can’t walk are somewhat less capable, smart or able to communicate in the able-bodied world that we have to face off with every day.