Dear Editor,

Violating my long ago self-imposed restriction to uphold that less is best when posting letters to the editor, I press on for the sake of clarity for my controversial opinion that is felt deserves full expression.

Foremost in my mind at the offset this missive is how best to state my case and maintain credible integrity in conflict with an area that for the casual observer seems sacred and beyond reproach.

Ever since I fist viewed and heard the “I’m a fan” television commercial (it seems like decades ago) I knew all were domed to humbly endure it forever with at least a good posture of heart, head and passion unfailingly positioned in a just-right acceptable stance.

I’m NOT a fan! My life has been filled with physically-challenged relatives, loved ones and friends. I have always been rewarded beyond measure for heretofore silently providing any assistance I could. My grandmother, a deaf-mute was at an adopted household violated, starting (far as I know) my line of illegitimacy, my guardian all during my major development (12-18 years of age) was deaf, my life companion of over 35 years, till death, was profoundly deaf, a best friend at USC that I brailed through the art museum was totally blind. To mention a few charitable service groups, I served gladly (and as silently as possible) in San Diego and S.C. Midlands alcohol and drug rehabilitation, Suicide Hotline, Federal EEOC, Hospice Care and RSVP. Now, at 75 years of age, I am grateful as lone guardian to assist my severely challenged elder brother in any way that I can.

Eunice Kennedy is responsible for cementing in place such as the handicapped federal program. Is there any reader that does not know the horror the Kennedy family experienced by such stretching all bounds of sensibility to physically excel? Her contrivance has great political purchase as no one dare dispute it and just about all “good hearted” persons feel guilty—indeed doomed when they excel. Therefore they are inspired to level down physically, intellectually and emotionally to show “compassion.”

I don’t expect or want the lame to race. Vision Stephen Hawking in a wheelchair race. I don’t want the deaf to sing or the blind to dance. They shouldn’t even feel the vaguest desire to do so. I want all to do what they want and do best unencumbered without demeaning prop ups. The encouragement in all things for those less fortunate in ways that are dangerously challenging is little more than a leveling equalizing political social engineering undertaking at its most effective, and therefore most offensive to all who choose to live free, regardless of their condition or circumstance.

I hesitate to set my name to this complaint simply because it seems far too immodest. It’s that unsigned letters do not reach print in The Observer. I am comfortable and at peace with my position and continue now as always joyful empathetic silent service to all in need, praying daily for God‘s peace to all.

Jim Livingston

Newberry