When I wrote my original blog of suggestions for World Diabetes Day, I never imagined the feedback I would receive. I expected some objections to my wanting to cancel some building lighting, but this did not seem to bother most people.
To date, I have received one tentative support email that said the USA was not ready for this yet. Two people seemed very much identical in their thoughts about where I should put my suggestions – in a place where the sun doesn't shine. Two other emails had other ideas and that we should worry about our own people in need of diabetes supplies before helping people outside this country.
The sixth email bothers me the most. It used language that is not printable and some that I have not heard since the days before Martin Luther King. This talk reminded me of a few types of individuals dishonorably discharged from the military for their racial hatred and white supremacy views. I did not like it then, and I don't like it now.
So for putting the suggestions out in a blog, I had not expected this type of opposition and feelings, but so be it. That we have this type of people in the USA is not a surprise and even that they are so selfish and self-centered. That they would email me is also not a surprise as I asked for them, and I am very sure they used temporary email addresses to avoid return emails as those I have sent did not go and returned error messages.
Six emails and no comments until August 8, tells me what people think and feel about IDF and helping them. A sad feeling for me. I can only do so much as one individual, but I will do it just the same. I am more encouraged now after a few comments from others in the DOC.
Since writing this I have had two other emails, while not totally positive, were somewhat encouraging, but doubted that with the current economy there would be much support for organizations like the IDF or even ADA after receiving the email from the ADA expressing so much fear for what was going to happen to those receiving Medicare and Medicaid. Read my blog here.
Hi Bob,
ReplyDeleteI think it's terrible that you received such hateful messages. That saddens me a great deal.
I applaud you for continuing to push for positive change, and I think we can do much by simply working on one person at a time. You know you have my support (as tardy as it may be...sorry 'bout that!).
Many people don't know that the IDF played a huge role in helping get insulin and supplies to people right here in the US after hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans.
I think that we need to do all that we can to support ALL legitimate organizations working to help people living with diabetes. If some of your readers don't align with the IDF, let's encourage them to support an organization of their choosing.
Thanks for all you do Bob - it is very much appreciated, even if I don't make the time to tell you so often enough.