I will speak about our responsibility to the present and the future. You have the power, you have the responsibility to defend and to expand democracy now. Thanks to patriots past, thanks to you, America is the greatest nation in history. But we have not kept the promise to all. In the midst of record riches, poverty and discrimination persist.
Millions have inadequate food, housing, health care, education and security for the future.
In spite of our movement's historic victories, people with disabilities are still the oppressed of the oppressed. Powerful forces attack the inclusive democracy of Thomas Jefferson and Martin Luther King. They attack ADA, IDEA and all civil and social rights. They block health care and community based services in order to lower taxes for the rich. They have a good chance to take the White House, the Congress and the Courts in 2000.