Why I Support Senator Obama For President - Reason 2 -

Marc from Big Pine Key, FL — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 22:52:24 EST

Senator Obama has consistently set forth his opposition to anti-Semitism and has spoken out against it in a wide range of settings. He recognizes the historical link between Jews and blacks in the struggle for civil rights.

My parents were survivors of Hitler's concentration camps, and raised me to recognize the evil of discrimination. I have been privileged to be a civil rights lawyer at the Justice Department, and appreciate the need to have a President who is so deeply committed to civil rights.

Reason One: Obama Will Enhance the Lives of People with Disabilities

Marc from Big Pine Key, FL — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 15:41:42 EST

From 1992-2005, I had the honor and privilege of serving as a Senior Trial Attorney at the U.S. Department of Justice, in the Disability Rights Section of the Civil Rights Division. In that capacity, I was responsible for nationwide enforcement of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the most comprehensive federal civil rights laws ever written concerning people with disabilities.

Barack Obama recognizes the value and importance of empowering people with disabilities, and of vigorous enforcement of the ADA.

Obama: “We must build a world free of unnecessary barriers, stereotypes, and discrimination .... policies must be developed, attitudes must be shaped, and buildings and organizations must be designed to ensure that everyone has a chance to get the education they need and live independently as full citizens in their communities.” (http://www.barackobama.com/issues/disabilities/).

Obama's comprehensive agenda to empower individuals with disabilities fits in with the campaign's overarching message of equalizing opportunities for all Americans.

In addition to reclaiming America's global leadership on this issue by becoming a signatory to -- and having the Senate ratify -- the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, the plan has four parts, designed to provide lifelong supports and resources to Americans with disabilities. They are as follows:

First, provide Americans with disabilities with the educational opportunities they need to succeed.

Second, end discrimination and promote equal opportunity.

Third, increase the employment rate of workers with disabilities.

And fourth, support independent, community-based living for Americans with disabilities.

Please visit: http://www.barackobama.com/pdf/DisabilityPlanFactSheet.pdf