Mixed Opinions about U.S. Muscular Dystrophy Telethon
from Justice for All, a Free Service of the American Association of People with Disabilities ( www.aapd-dc.org.org, www.jfanow.org)
Reaction to Telethon Protest; Jerry Lewis Apology
JFA received a number of strong responses to this week's posting about a protest against the Muscular Dystrophy Association Annual Telethon and the comments by Jerry Lewis. Subscribers noted the positive impact that the telethon has had in their lives, credited Jerry Lewis for raising millions of dollars for a cause, and urged people not to censor the telethon but instead to work collaboratively toward common goals.
The response of Tatiana A. Kostanian was particularly insightful. She referenced a public apology that Jerry Lewis made in response to his initial statement and asked why that didn't receive equal exposure with the protest notice. As JFA Moderator, I hastily replied and asked if she had the letter so I could post it. As Tatiana explains below, after asking for help to locate the letter, she contacted the Muscular Dystrophy Association on her own and obtained Jerry Lewis's apology as well as a statement by MDA President Robert Bennett. Thanks, Tatiana, for following through so quickly.
Jerry Lewis begins his apology saying: "The statement I made on the May 20 CBS Morning Show was made in error. It is certainly not how I feel. I admire people with disabilities. That's why I've worked so hard for all these years." He concludes: "Please accept my deepest apology." MDA President Robert Bennett emphasizes MDA's "support of equal rights and dignity for all people with disabilities." He adds: "On behalf of MDA and its Board of Directors, I wish to add our apology to that of Jerry Lewis. I also want all those we serve to know that we will not only continue, but will redouble our efforts, to provide help today through services, and hope for tomorrow through worldwide research seeking treatments and cures for neuromuscular diseases."
The complete text of Tatiana's letter, the Jerry Lewis apology, and MDA statement follow.
Jonathan Young
JFA Moderator
August 22, 2001
From The Heart of San Francisco
Dear Justice For All - Justin, Laura, Disabled Advocates, and Taylor:
You asked me if I had the letter of apology from Jerry Lewis. Please find it enclosed. I thank you for your kindness to post it and to allow people to know we are all fallible, and human. I have had terrible things in my life that have disabled me, as well my family, killed extended family in many terrible ways. Having the courage to work effectively without further disabling lives, and remaining with an open heart allows us all to heal. If we won't believe in each other, and forgive then we have not grown, nor matured. There are those in our society who have done unimaginable things, used drugs, robbed, pillaged, etc. It took real people who worked to mend hurts long standing, and reached out to those who were shunned by most communities. Had it not been for these wonderful souls, these outcasts as they were labeled, would never have been able to achieve their fullest, and allow them to work further to enhance life in and to its fullest values. Rage is not a means to heal. Making full public connect in a confident manner without actions that harm credibility will sustain peace. This kind of inaction will stand out longer than that which brings together people. There are millions of us who can't leave our homes or beds. They can't get out, neither can their individual votes be heard. Its still not a valid and fair advocacy because they all have not been heard from either.
There are millions of lives who have risen above their adversities, and interfaced in the society in very positive ways, even though they were found to not be trustworthy. I hope many of you will cease to attack Jerry Lewis, and find more positive ways of helping him walking in and among us without further harm. Is it easier to remember fighting than working and implementing peace filled actions?
I wonder all the more. I asked for disabled advocates who have more strength, and energy than myself to find the letter. Nobody phoned, wrote, e-mailed or faxed. I wonder all the more how many more felt that their strength and point to sign a petition was of importance, than helping to find truth and to share it effectively along with [the press release about the protest], etc... post it on the net, and then if they wished sign the petition, etc. Perhaps I'm safer in being at home, and in my bed, than waiting for the effective promises that there are people there for me as advocates saying they are speaking for me yet fail to respond when I ask for them to assist me. Advocates are supposedly doing something in my name, but I don't understand why and whom ever responded to my initial letter from Justice for All, just one line with no signature, asking : 'do you have the letter, i'll post it'...... Its not very reassuring to know that that transpired. I'd like to know if it were Justin, or whom?
I have no great economics, nor strength, nor staff, but I felt it was important to follow through. I phoned Mr. Lewis foundation and had them e-mail it to me, so it may be posted and shared for those to take as they will. I believe that fairness in sharing truth, and in that keeps, 'justice for all, alive and well'. Without that our freedoms are lost.
The letters you asked for follow.
Tatiana A. Kostanian
mhonamhona@netscape.net
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Bob Mackle, Director of Public Information, (520) 529-5317, bobmackle@mdausa.org
JERRY LEWIS APOLOGY
TUCSON, Ariz., June 1, 2001
- The statement I made on the May 20 CBS Morning Show was made in error. It is certainly not how I feel. I admire people with disabilities. That's why I've worked so hard for all these years. Many of the people that I work closely with are in wheelchairs and I have never seen any of them as inferior to anyone else. They are my friends and co-workers. I would never intentionally harm or demean anyone with a disability. I believe in my heart of hearts that I have done good work. I have spent more than 50 years trying to make a difference. To make life better for those with disabilities.
The American public has been supportive of MDA and our cause and has never let us down. I would hate to think that I had ever let them down. That's not what I'm about. I'd hate to think that all the work I have done these 50 years can be so diminished. I am a comedian by profession and a fund-raiser because I care. I have a successful career in the entertainment industry and have always felt I need to give back to the public that has supported me so tirelessly for all these years. I've done the best I knew how to do. But never at the cost of those I serve. Please accept my deepest apology.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Bob Mackle, Director of Public Information, (520) 529-5317, bobmackle@mdausa.org
A STATEMENT FROM MDA PRESIDENT ROBERT M. BENNETT ON A RECENT REMARK BY JERRY LEWIS
TUCSON, Ariz., June 1, 2001
- The Muscular Dystrophy Association has a 50-year history of providing support to people with neuromuscular diseases. This takes many forms, including medical care, support groups, summer camps for children, and assistance with the purchase of wheelchairs and braces. However, one of the areas of our work of which we are the most proud is our support of equal rights and dignity for all people with disabilities.
It's for this reason that the MDA Board of Directors and all of us at the Association are deeply disturbed by a comment made by our national chairman, Jerry Lewis, during a recent television interview. I wish to make it perfectly clear that his comment does not reflect the views of MDA or its leadership. In fact, our displeasure has been communicated directly to Mr. Lewis, who admits to having expressed himself poorly and has offered his deepest apologies. He also has stated that it was not his intention to say anything to demean those with disabilities. Mr. Lewis understands that, however genuine and heartfelt his apology, as MDA's national chairman he has a responsibility to accurately reflect the Association's longstanding respect for those with disabilities and its commitment to improving their lives.
On behalf of MDA and its Board of Directors, I wish to add our apology to that of Jerry Lewis. I also want all those we serve to know that we will not only continue, but will redouble our efforts, to provide help today through services, and hope for tomorrow through worldwide research seeking treatments and cures for neuromuscular diseases. With continued support from a generous American public, I know our shared dream will come true.
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