tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5530833491834655992024-02-06T20:57:11.787-08:00The Deaf PerspectiveThis blog's purpose is to give both the deaf and hearing community a unique perspective on the political process of America. Everything will be through deaf eyes and all entries will be tailored for both the deaf and hearing readers with bilingual ASL/English postings. Vlogs will be posted often with transcripts.Leah Katz-Hernandezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05206701649962637352noreply@blogger.comBlogger181125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-553083349183465599.post-59746295860676372402011-05-25T03:24:00.000-07:002011-05-25T06:32:55.319-07:00The Korean Legal Studies and The Nuclear Nonproliferation LawAs a Deaf African-American woman, I feel that my background would make a<strong> major impact </strong>in the <em>worlds of law </em>because my insights would provide the legal people with a positive message that <strong>individuals with </strong><strong>intellectual disabilities </strong>are in fact capable, are serious and would like to be part of the high security environment. I developed an interest in Asian law during my past study abroad opportunity with the <em>International Scholar Laureate Program on Diplomacy and International Relations </em>(ISLP) in China. The ISLP has really convinced me that despite the rapid economic change, demand for legal knowledge, and for networking contact with <strong>Asian legal scholars</strong>, it was, indeed, important to examine more about the China's legal world, Japan's legal world and especially the Korea's legal world but, also in some other part of the middle east as well.<br /><br />For now, I would like to narrow down my area of focus in South Korea, perhaps, in my other blogs, I would discuss about what I would like to do in other countries. So, it remains immensely important to me that I expand my interest in learning about the <strong>Republic of Korea's current laws, national security laws, laws in the global economy, and laws for addressing the North Korea's current nuclear capacity issues </strong>at law school. After I enter law school the first year, I hope to apply for an opportunity to study abroad for a semester at the <strong>Yonsei Law School</strong>, a summer academic law program located in the capitol city of Seoul, since many legal internships in Seoul are focusing on <strong>nuclear proliferation law</strong> and are almost exclusively available through the Korean government ministries--Justice and Defense or at international minded law firms. While at <strong>Yonsei Law </strong>and at an internship, I hope to conduct work on strengthening the Korea's national security law- a specialized legal field for dealing with the broad spectrum of domestic and international scenarios within the legal context: <strong>regional wars, military contingencies, foreign defense, counter proliferation, and the technologies of space and missile systems</strong>. <br /><br />As I anticipate for law school, I hope to also further my knowledge of the<strong> Korean language (Hangul)</strong> in preparation for exchanging information with the Korean ambassadors, military officials, legal attorneys and intelligence analysts in the U.S. Embassy South Korea, Korean supreme and constitutional courts, Korean government ministries and, Korean National Assembly in Seoul, South Korea or in the Office of Korean Affairs at the State Department in the U.S. In a few more years, I could become a Deaf, African-American woman who has both Korean and American legal educational experiences, bringing about diplomatic changes from solving <strong>nuclear security issues </strong>in both international security environment and inter-Korean relations.Toronja Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16738416935571634821noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-553083349183465599.post-72284677581037910572010-11-11T13:48:00.000-08:002010-11-11T14:00:28.425-08:00Veterans' Day: Honoring the Special TroopsVeterans’ Day is a special day. This day serves as a way to help remind us of the veterans, men and women, who served in the military:<strong> U.S. Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Coast Guard</strong>. These people served in the wars with <em>courage</em> and <em>determination</em>. Today, the Americans would like to thank them for their <em>sacrifices, contribution and dedication </em>for serving in the wars for the United States of America; everyday, we think of these people as people who give us inspiration and encouragement from their dedicating to the war efforts overseas. <strong>Finally, we the Deaf individuals, would like to thank and honor these people for serving in the military in the past and present on this very important day! </strong><br /><br />Toronja-Toronja Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16738416935571634821noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-553083349183465599.post-19194265210597467062010-11-02T14:10:00.000-07:002010-11-03T04:16:05.828-07:00Don’t Forget to Vote Today!One of the most important things you can do in <strong>American politics </strong>is to vote! So, please remember to <strong>vote today</strong>! <strong>When you vote, you make your voice heard!</strong> As Deaf individuals, we should go out there and put out our votes. When we do this, we let the powerful leaders know that we are the important American citizens who care about voting in this political process. <strong> We are definitely the involved, informed and independent citizens.</strong> So, let's go out there and show who we are and vote for the representatives. <strong>Vote today on this Election Day!</strong><br />Toronja-Toronja Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16738416935571634821noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-553083349183465599.post-81828354723276629652010-10-22T14:47:00.000-07:002010-10-27T04:10:24.819-07:00The White House’s Project’s START Now Summit: Women’s Leaders for Nuclear Security- Part TwoThe second day of <strong>The White House’s Project’s START Now Summit: Women’s Leaders for Nuclear Security (TWHP)</strong> was even more AMAZING! <em>The Assistant Secretary of State</em> <em>for the Bureau of Arms Control, Verification and Compliance</em>, who served as the <em>Chief Negotiator</em> of the <strong>New START Treaty </strong>with the <strong>Russian Federation</strong>, spoke to us about how we could become more involved in advocating for policies that would help to increase more nuclear security in our nation. In another instance, the summit has also helped me to understand that I could use <strong>nuclear diplomacy </strong><strong>to urge other voters and lawmakers to make nuclear security a priority issue in America.</strong> <br /><br />At the closing ceremony, I received my <em>Certificate of Accomplishment </em>for completing the 2010 Women’s leadership in Nuclear Security training, and have been officially announced as the new TWHP 2010 alumna;<strong> even one of the TWHP staff asked if I would ever run for office someday, and I enthusiastically replied “yes” and, the crowd cheered on for me!</strong> Overall, the summit has been helpful as it has prepared me for running for an elected office or for working in the nuclear security law field as a Deaf attorney in a few more years. <strong>I want to sincerely thank all TWHP staff for making this informative event <strong>possible</strong> for me! </strong><br /><br />Toronja-Toronja Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16738416935571634821noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-553083349183465599.post-28857859762273205512010-10-19T03:37:00.001-07:002010-10-27T04:04:46.520-07:00The White House Project's START Now Summit: Women’s Leaders for Nuclear Security- Part OneI am PROUD to inform you that I have been accepted to attend The <em>White House Project’s START Now Summit: Women’s Leaders for Nuclear Security</em> (TWHP) in Washington, D.C. for two days from Monday, October 18th to Tuesday, October 19th. <strong>My purpose for attending this two-day intensive summit is because I wanted to learn about the urgency of the issue of nuclear security </strong>from <strong>high-level</strong> women experts such as the <em>former United States CIA operations Officer</em>, <em>Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Nuclear and the Missile Defense Policy </em>and the <em>Undersecretary for Arms Control and International Security </em>at TWHP. <br /><br />After attending the Monday’s programming event, it has just reinforced to me even more <em>stronger</em> of how important it is to demonstrate my leadership potential through <em>effectively advocating</em> for <strong>nuclear security policies </strong>in the national security and foreign policy organizations and think tanks. <strong>As a <strong>Deaf person</strong>, I find it so important to demonstrate my leadership potential to other powerful people</strong>, letting them know that I also feel that it is <em>important</em> to make <em>critical decisions </em>on complex issues <strong>surrounding nuclear disarmament in America and overseas</strong>. Today would also be a VERY interesting day so please stay tuned in for MORE of <em>The White House Project’s START Now Summit news here!</em><blockquote></blockquote><blockquote></blockquote><blockquote></blockquote><blockquote></blockquote><br />Toronja-Toronja Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16738416935571634821noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-553083349183465599.post-7800131055671737442010-09-11T16:33:00.000-07:002010-09-13T09:29:02.886-07:009/11: A Day of Service and RemembranceNine years ago, nearly three thousand Americans lost their lives in the 9/11 tragedy. And, numerous of Americans have risked their lives through saving other Americans in this same tragedy. Today, the Americans can reflect on these fallen brave men and women and also reflect on these fallen ones' families and friends who still greatly grieve about them during this tough economy. This day also gives the politicians and leaders on the <em>Capitol Hill</em> a time to consider the importance of strengthening the <em>National Security laws and policies</em> in order to protect this country against any other adversarial challenges from not only the Islamic countries but from other foreign countries as well. <br /><br />I'd like to kindly mention that the 9/11 event has illustrated the heroism and selflessness of so many of these fellow Americans in the wake of this tragedy. After seeing the politicians and leaders try to solve the 9/11 situation a few years ago, they have <strong>GREATLY</strong> inspired me to get into a major in International Studies with a concentration in Diplomacy in college. <strong>As I was pursuing this degree in college in 2005, I wanted to show the Americans that a Deaf person could, indeed, show a GREAT concern for protecting this nation from any unwanted political and social challenges as well.</strong> Besides that, several defense and security initiatives in America continue to be used in order to prevent this country from having any other tragic issues in a few years from now. <em>But, the critical need for strengthening these defense and security initiatives has become important as well.</em> <br /><br /><strong>May God Bless those Americans who lost their lives in this terrible tragedy.</strong>Will you be honoring these fallen ones on this <strong>September 11th National Day of Service</strong>? I definitely will be!<br /><br />Toronja-Toronja Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16738416935571634821noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-553083349183465599.post-50383209374471492612010-08-05T16:21:00.000-07:002010-08-06T06:33:23.068-07:00Let Nothing Stop You and Make a Bigger Difference!A few months ago, I was awarded to be chosen as one of the <em>Kessler Disabilities Scholarship Recipients</em>. As a recipient, I was expected to fulfill the Kessler Disabilities Scholarship Sponsor’s requirement which was to <em>successfully</em> complete The Washington Center program (TWC). In the past semester, I have not only <em>successfully</em> completed TWC program, but I have also fulfilled my other <em>highly</em> educational and professional expectations. I have, ultimately, embraced ALL available political opportunities which have existed in TWC and beyond (in the nation’s capital); mainly, because in the past, I told myself that I would <em>make the biggest difference </em>I can for this world. For example, before I arrived here, I wanted to, primarily, <strong>make the biggest impacts to the National Security community</strong> AND, secondarily, to the <strong>international community</strong> as well.<br /><br />Throughout my time here, I have been so eager to learn about the various issues related to the National Security field, because, I was really so curious about seeing how different departmental officers and non-profit organizational leaders worked together to handle with the several foreign policy matters in the <em>legal, diplomacy, and military institutions</em>. I also wanted to give the important leaders from these departmental offices and non-profit organizations a <strong>GREATER </strong>understanding of who I was, individually, representing on behalf of the Deaf community. And, I eventually realized that from participating in both The Washington Center’s Law and Criminal Justice community and The Truman National Security Project's "Security Springboard” community, making a contribution to these communities was strongly important. <br /><br />So I learned SO MUCH from participating in these communities and, I am sure others interns and leaders have learned from me about my unique identifiable characters—race and disability. <strong>My experience here was truly so indisciplinarily diversified</strong>, varying from my participating in the <em>Public Policy Dialogue meeting </em>for a Senator on <em>Capitol Hill </em>to the <em><em>Intern Summit </em>panel meeting</em> with the State Department Foreign Service Officers at the <em><em>State Department</em> </em>and to <em>The Truman National Security Project's "Security Springboard” luncheon meeting </em>with Truman Fellows and Scholars at the <em>John Hopkins University</em>. <br /><br />After attending these meetings, I was really grateful and deeply pleased to have achieved MANY THINGS on my own. The contributions which I have made <em>here</em> have, indeed, turned out very <strong>POSTIVELY</strong>; and, which have also convinced other young people to follow in the same direction most <strong>INFLUENTIALLY</strong>. And, there’s no question about it—that, the National Security field will, <em>ultimately</em>, become an exciting and intellectually stimulating field which other young people may explore into. Besides attending the TWC programs and Truman programs, I have witnessed <strong>The 20th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act</strong>, and <strong>The Disabled American Veterans Convention of 2010</strong>, <em>headlined</em> across the front pages of <em>The Washington Post</em> because it was something that have, indeed, insinuately, contributed to <em>National Security community</em> in a seemly small way, emphasizing the importance of valuing the disability community’s contribution to the National Security community.<br /><br />As a person of disability, I now STRONGLY believe that I can contribute to the <em>National Security Community</em>. And, being a Deaf, African-American woman, I would like to give you my wisdom: Always keep on <em>marching forward </em>in the right direction, always let nothing stop you from, politically, <em>ACHIEVING </em>anything coming in your direction; and, keep reaching for the bigger sky because <strong>nothing is ever IMPOSSIBLE! </strong><br /><br />Toronja-Toronja Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16738416935571634821noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-553083349183465599.post-69718177560618514552010-07-24T21:03:00.001-07:002010-07-26T09:12:20.346-07:00The Supreme Court Law and the National Security Law<em><strong><em><strong><strong>SKY'S</strong> the limit</strong></em>, I can <em><strong>FLY</strong></em> and I can <em><em><strong>RULE</strong></em> the <strong>WORLD</strong></em>. </strong></em>I wanted to tell you about my recent tour visit to the Supreme Court last Monday, and, how that tour visit has impacted me to think about the National Security Law. When I participated in the TWC sponsored tour to the Supreme Court, I had the opportunity to sit down in the <em>real </em>courtroom where the tour lecturer told us that it was the similar room where the Supreme Court Justices have organized the hearings; and, regulated and enacted laws in <em>that</em> courtroom. <br /><br />In the <em>real </em>courtroom, I glanced at the representing symbols which indicated their past significations of each legal process which takes place in <em>founding</em> the Supreme Court. And, I heard about its history through the tour lecturer. Although, I was sitting down in the <em>real</em> courtroom and listening to the lecture at the same time, I still had the opportunity to reflect on how to relate the Supreme Court Law with the National Security Law. <br /><br />By reflecting, first, as a Deaf-African American woman, I wanted to inform you that I believed that I could actually <em>fly</em> in working in the field of National Security Law. Every since I was a young child, I always knew that in the very air I breathed that having educational goals in the areas of international politics, security and law “was the only way out”. By having these educational goals, it was juxtaposed to the pulse of political advancement in this <em>world</em>. By working in the field of National Security Law, it will enable me to do something that is very natural to me and perhaps, something that I am much more capable of doing <strong><em>well</em></strong> in. <br /><br />By staying informed and educated, I read about the international politics in the newspapers, I never fail to remember how important it is for me, as a <strong><em>Deaf, African-American woman,</em></strong> and as a person with special talents, skills, and knowledgeable thinking processes to speak out about counterterrorism and counterinsurgency issues; and, to conquer the existing powers in order to lead the nation. And, yet not only because of my disability but, rather as, an American citizen that has a strong inclination to speak about the nation’s defense security issues in United States of America. Although, the white majority views of a disability person leading the nation can seem a positive thing, but it still has <em>NOT</em> changed their thoughts, so, I <em>STILL </em>continue to use my <strong><em>diplomatic efforts </em></strong>to change these views of how these people view a Deaf African-American woman with <strong><em>high ambitious goals to <strong>LEAD A NATION</strong>. </em></strong><br /><br />In case you are wondering why I am discussing about this, they are<strong><em> because of my unlimited enthusiasm, intensive wealth of experience, and intellectual abilities and insights</em></strong>; <em><strong>and, I always thought it was important to be <em><strong>WORLDLY-WISE </strong></em>about how these opportunities were unreachable beyond my comfort zones</strong></em>. To have these opportunities to conquer and confront these existing power institutions were deeply important to me.<em><strong> Growing up, I always wanted to <strong>“<strong>escape</strong>” </strong>from my own comfort zones and to conquer these opportunities which have existed in the hands of the <strong><em>white majority </em></strong> who took control of everything from us for many centuries</strong></em> since slaverly times. <br /><br />So, in reaching for opportunities which have existed beyond my comfort zone, I was able to attend the U.S. Supreme Court tour with a <em><em><strong>SIGN LANGUAGE INTERPRETER </strong></em></em>and the tour lecturer have explained to me about the history of the establishment of the Supreme Court and how the <em>past</em> Justices have helped to establish this court; and to establish the American law and order in this country. When I speculate about how these<em> past</em> Justices have establish law and order in U.S., I <strong><em>immediately </em></strong>speculate about the idea of joining among the ranks with this nation’s top defense lawyers to strengthen the National Security Law and to make recommendations for improving the areas of homeland security issues. Nevertheless to say, the National Security Law is <em>STILL</em> in a continuing judicious process, generally, because these lawyers need to inquire into the reformation of rules and laws for making our homeland more safer. <br /><br />After the 9/11 tragedy has occurred in the U.S., the need for reforming laws for the purpose of defending our homeland has, ultimately, became an important matter of discussion. <strong><em>From what I know from my own experience in debating about the defense security issues relating to counterterrorism, counterinsurgency and the weapon of mass destruction (WMD) is that the U.S. has always strongly emphasized on the importance of using diplomatic negotiations with U.S. Embassies in South Asia and the Middle East regional countries on reducing terrorism activities and eliminating nuclear weapons</em></strong>; but, at this particularly point, America may always need to create a <strong><em>more stronger </em></strong>defense policy--- and, this will happen only if we apply the National Security Law to it, then, our defense policy can be <em>STRONGLY</em> enforced.<br /><br />Because, I know that when the issue of terrorism is debated, the concept of terrorism is, therefore, something that is both a monstrosity act and a reign of terror to all of us. Hence, dealing with terrorism could be a waste of time; most people should really cooperate with the international laws and the rule of laws; and they shall always find <em>other means </em>of securing powers which are juxtaposed to using legal powers. For example, I secure my own powers with the idea of setting my own goals on obtaining my law degree and on working in the field of National Security Law. By completing these accomplishments, I can <em>really </em>impact the people living in South Korea and Middle East, that the <em>very aim </em>that is up in the air, is the power of using law as a weapon to influence powerful people and to change their <em>perspectives</em> about certain political and legal issues.<br /><br /><strong><em>Think of this way: using law is juxtaposed to using a weapon.</em></strong> Through using it to change past centuries of negative perceptions which the white majority has always viewed the disability persons as weak, incapable, intelligible, or as persons whom are unable to <em>deal</em> with issues flying above the radar range of intelligence and security areas could be changed. Because of these revulsions, I went on a <strong><em>very serious </em></strong>missionary effort to earn a bachelor degree in international relations in 2008, and to pursue a master degree in international security and to establish a goal to obtain a law degree, so that I could challenge these views; not only I wanted to challenge these views but, I also wanted to eliminate the peoples' discriminating views of Deaf people, as certainly, incapable of having the powerful tools of weapons---the power of leadership, English language and international insights--- specific tools which leaders must have in order to conquer any powerful institutions.<br /><br /><strong><em>These powers do not, solely, focus on the language and leadership but with my military ambitions and powers; and with my future goal of getting into National Security Law</em></strong>; this field is, perhaps, rather fascinating and intellectual stimulating; and it is, <em>frankly<em> honestly</em></em>, much more <em>powerful</em> than anything existing out there in the <em>world</em>. But, once we hit law school, all we are <em>really</em> learning about are tort, criminal law and intellectual property law; but, after the third or fourth year of law school, learning about National Security Law will be undoubtedly explored, enhanced and strengthened. Taking National Security Law courses will cultivate our minds for statecraft and lawcrafts, and <strong><em><strong>for ruling the <strong>world of law</strong></strong></em></strong>.<br /> <br /><em><strong>National Security law defeats any type of law fields every day</strong></em>; the news stories we pick up in the newspapers, the think tank discussions and departmental meetings we participate in--- make this specific law field, entirely, fascinating and captivating to work for. For example, last Thursday, I attended the <em>Intern Summit meeting</em> at the State Department and learned about the various fields which the State Department experts work for. One expert has earned her JD degree and has focused on dealing with <em><strong>U.S. via North Korea’s nuclear policy.</strong></em> And, I asked this person a sincere question of what are the ways have she used her legal skills, solely, in her work to deal with U.S. via North Korea’s nuclear policy. She replied that she has used her legal skills to create argumentative cases AND to form legal decisions in U.S. via North Korea nuclear policy cases. <strong><em>Immediately</em></strong>, I thought this position was an <strong>EXCELLENT</strong> one where an individual could contribute his/her legal skills in solving <strong>U.S. via North Korea nuclear proliferation policy issues</strong>.<br /><br />Not only do I want to use my legal skills in solving defense security issue such as the one above, but I want to use it in dealing with military issues. Attending the Truman’s National Security Project’s Intern Springboard lecture series was, perhaps, <strong><em>the most AMAZING educational experience I have ever had</em></strong>, and, not only have I learned about <em><strong>military strategies, and security forces issues</strong></em>, <strong>---but, I have learned about how national security can impact political groups, philosophical thinkers, and peoples’ communication methods.</strong> When I participate in the meeting, and through participating in TWC tour events, <strong><em>I become <em>more and more </em>concerned with the larger world and the larger issues that are happening beyond my own typical surrounding;</em></strong> and, I become <em>more and more </em>qualified to share about my experience with you because of my unique learning opportunities have been sought here on the <em><strong>CAPITOL HILL </strong></em>this summer.<br /><br /><em><strong>Since my work is cut out for me,</strong></em> <strong><em>it has reinforced me even stronger how important it really is to educate myself about the larger issues of terrorism and, to understand how terrorism can be solved through the law --- National Security Law, to be more specific</em></strong>. <strong><em>Terrorism is all around us <strong><em>TODAY</em></strong></strong></em>; unless we practice National Security Law, we may, then, even see military budget cuts more, safeguard the military troops more, and build diplomatic relations with countries more. In dealing with the <em><strong>war on terrorism</strong></em>, <em><strong>I never forget how important it is to value diversity in National Security Law community </strong></em>- Should I, as a person of disability, help U.S. lawyers establish legal dialogues with other foreign lawyers in Iraq, Afghanistan and South Korea? Or would it be best that I, as a person of color, help other lawyers deal with U.S. via North Korea's nuclear policy? <br /><br /><strong>But, the bottom line is that, <em><strong>I am <strong>PROUD</strong> to be a Deaf African-American </strong></em>woman. </strong><em><strong> My ambitions and powers will, forever, be as sharp and cloudlessly to people, enabling them to change their own <em>perspectives</em>.</strong></em> And, because I believe my experience will, primarily, help these people to view the different issues in different <strong><em>lights</em></strong>. The tour visit to the Supreme Court and the leadership program with the Truman National Security Project program have, indeed, helped me to realize my unlimited potential abilities and to know how I can use these abilities to impact others in the future.<br /><br />Be the <em><strong>change</strong></em> you want to see in the <em><strong>world</strong></em>,<br />Toronja-Toronja Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16738416935571634821noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-553083349183465599.post-60629657975537910132010-07-04T04:01:00.000-07:002010-07-29T08:04:52.557-07:00Deafness, Patriotism and Core ValuesAs a patriotic, I wanted to soften my overwhelming power through communicating with the public about core values and disability issues. After attending the Truman’s Intern Security Springboard’s first luncheon meeting last week, I had the moment to think about the core values that are part of the National Security community, although, they are not related to disability issues, I still wanted to “compare” the core values with the core values which the Deaf community has. Learning about these values help to make a person a strong patriotic leader in the United States of America. I will explain about these core values later in this blog entry. But, first, please allow me to explain about this message that is related to one of the core values. The Truman’s project program supports a persuasive security message based on America’s history, and this message emphasizes one of the core values in one idea. <br /><br />The message is <strong>---“we want America to be secure and powerful. To achieve this [goal], we increase our friends and isolate our enemies. We built stability by spreading opportunity”--- </strong>After hearing this message, I realized that to make America powerful, we need to strongly embrace this core value---keeping America secure and powerful; I strongly believe in this value. In order to honor this core value of keeping America secure and powerful, we need to interact with the right persons who share this core value. Sometimes, I think that to interact with the right persons who share my values is a great way to remind each other of how important it is to honor this value. Suppose, a Deaf community has the same values as mine, I may even trust them to conjure up policies because they share my values. So, this is what happens in the political campaign process, you get the right persons to campaign for a specific political cause which supports this core value--- keeping America secure and powerful, and then we can keep our country safe.<br /><br />Are you wondering what core values does a Deaf community embraces? The Deaf community has core values of loyalty and honor. In our Deaf community, we have leaders serving for many Deaf-owned and operated non-profit organizations. These Deaf leaders share these core values of embracing loyalty and honor in serving for their organizations in America. What is interesting is that these values are the same values that the <em>U.S. Military </em>embraces, too. These values are what you live or die on. Moreover, the Deaf community embraces other values such as duty, respect, selfless service, integrity, personal courage. And, these values are also the same values that the official <em>U.S. Army </em>embraces as well. Additionally, the U.S. Military’s Honor Code is almost similar to the “<em>honor code</em>” that a Deaf community embraces, also. When each individual in the Deaf community abides his or her “<em>honor code</em>”, this individual live accordingly to this “<em>honor code</em>” as he or she serves as an "ambassador” for the Deaf community worldwide since, America is, increasingly, merging in this interdependent world where the issues of security and prosperity are being tied to other countries. With this in mind, the Deaf ambassadors should, therefore, be encouraged to fully embrace these values in order to make America more secure and powerful, because when we do fulfill this “obligation”, we will, then, <strong>become a valuable asset and an exemplary example to the international community as a whole, protecting our country against potential threats.</strong><br /><br />Despite the obstacles we face as Deaf persons living in a world of hatreds, prejudices, discriminations, it has become increasingly important that we redefine our Deaf identifies and reexamine these values, especially, in this time where defense and security issues are occurring in war-torn nations such as Iraq and Afghanistan. The Deaf ambassadors should be, greatly, encouraged to set a perfect example for this international community. When we show others that we embrace our core values and demonstrate our leadership abilities, we, then, impact the world. <strong>For instance, if I act as diplomatic, righteous and civilized individual, I can encourage other people to develop open transparency and diplomatic negotiation in globalization because these tools are necessary and important</strong>. Additionally, we the Deaf community, however, embraces the concept of patriotism. When we are being loyal to our country and fostering positive and supportive attitude toward this country, especially in periods of national turmoil such as a war, we help to keep America secure and powerful.<br /><br />We the Deaf are overwhelming supportive towards our own country because of the <strong>Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990</strong>. This specific Act gives us the right to receive reasonable disability accommodations such as interpreting services. With this law being established, we can have access to ALL communication facilities and participation opportunities in the congressional hearings, election voting processes, and national security think tanks, and, educational and professional opportunities. Although, we embrace the concept of patriotism, we still always strive to keep our culture, traditions, languages (American Sign Language) together even when the America’s political and social influences have already impacted us. Since the American people have defined us, we refuse to let the hearing population of people with heavily social and political influences to convince us more into losing our values or to recede us further into political stigmatization. By embracing our values and sticking to them, we then, can set a perfect example for the people in Iraq and Afghanistan countries that the very intention which lies in our mission is to confront these existing power institutions in U.S. and overseas.<br /><br />Best,<br />Toronja-Toronja Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16738416935571634821noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-553083349183465599.post-40922237733161514002010-06-26T05:04:00.000-07:002010-07-01T02:52:07.908-07:00“A National Security Scholar”<span style="color:#000000;">I have attended The Presidential Leadership Series’ Private Sector Philanthropy and the Community Engagement program, and the Law and Criminal Justice’s Monday Programming’s Capitol Tour the past weeks. All of these events were intellectually stimulating. But, in one of these programs, a Special Agent from the FBI and Department of Justice (DOJ) has presented an intense and an exciting lecture. He spoke of his experience in federal law enforcement which I have found very interesting! Thinking broadly about the U.S. Congress, Philanthropic organizations, and especially the FBI/DoJ services have been one of the most important things in my life. And, it has been crucial to me to learn about these programs which seem far removed, yet are important in all our lives.</span><br /><span style="color:#000000;"></span><br /><span style="color:#000000;">But, having that opportunity to learn broadly about the international security issues is a step closer to getting professional experiences and networking skills in Washington, DC. This week, I will be attending the Truman National Security Project's "Security Springboard", a leadership development program for interns located in the Washington areas. Coming from varied of careers, this program has interns to come together to share their sense of competitiveness of knowledge in national security issues and, to gain an understanding of the national security issues and of the strong progressive national security thoughts. (Since this opportunity perfectly suits me, I will develop a more tougher scholastic discipline and a stronger aptitude for national security affairs.) Additionally, I will receive a “career boost” on my resume helping me in my post-graduation job search after obtaining my JD/PH.D degrees.</span><br /><span style="color:#000000;"></span><br /><span style="color:#000000;">With the high competition for securing National Security positions in Washington, DC, it has become increasingly important to me that pursuing a graduate degree in international security would be helpful and necessary in the national security field. And, I believe that if you were a Deaf-African American, you had to be “three-times as good” to surpass the norm majority in this field. So, I always have been far above average, allowing myself the best shot at competing with a higher educational level for this particularly field.</span><br /><span style="color:#000000;"></span><br /><span style="color:#000000;">As person of disability, I was told to go beyond what was expected of me, always hand in work that was above average, and always rise to the top. At TWC, I will definitely have this opportunity--- to show the U.S. policymakers that a Deaf person can rise to the top and to become an integral part of the national security agenda dealing with a broad spectrum of scenarios--- the military contingencies and military strategy and logistics, counterterrorism and counterinsurgency, and the conventional war, weapons of mass destruction and of space and missile systems. </span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">In addition to my Bachelor Degree in International Studies with a concentration in Diplomacy, I am currently pursuing a Master of Arts Degree in International Security and taking a TWC class in "Managing the American Intelligence System" so, these educational opportunities would help me to gain an understanding of the major theories in the study of national security issues.</span><br /><span style="color:#000000;"></span><br /><span style="color:#000000;">In all, my overall experience here will indeed prepare me for a career which matches my strong interests, and to use my experiences and knowledge to give back to the Deaf and Hard of Hearing communities in America.</span><br /><span style="color:#000000;"></span><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Warm wishes, </span><br /><span style="color:#000000;"></span><br /><span style="color:#000000;">- Toronja</span>Toronja Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16738416935571634821noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-553083349183465599.post-88870649660464183702010-05-26T21:37:00.000-07:002010-07-30T10:43:59.689-07:00My Entry into the Washington Center for Internships and Academic Seminars (TWC)Dear Fellow Americans,<br /> <br /> It is so wonderful to return to the <em>Deaf Perspective</em>! As a <em>Deaf Perspective </em>contributor, my blog's purpose is to give both the deaf and hearing community a unique perspective on my Washington DC internship experience this summer. I am very thankful to be given the opportunity to partake in the Washington Center for Internships and Academic Seminars program (TWC). Since, I have a flair for blogging and would like to share my experience throughout my time in Washington, D.C with other deaf and hard of hearing individuals, I feel that I have an equal obligation to give this opportunity a try. My intent has always been to focus on my exciting and interesting internship experience, my academic involvement, and my seminar participation all in Washington, DC. It has always been my goal to create a comprehensive portrait of myself- a Deaf African-American woman who has developed a strong and a serious interest in the field of National Security/Law. Since, I have witnessed firsthand of some of the nation’s darkest and brightest moments since 9/11, I can effectively deliever a powerful and divided opinion on each issue. At the pinnacle, I can also provide you my scholastic perspective of how I view the issues facing in the field of National Security along with the current political process in the Obama’s Presidency. As an individual, I always have a zealous effort to educate, inspire and motivate other deaf and hard of hearing children and youth to excel in the same way tremendously. My rock-solid foundation of positive influence underlies my every step I have taken, including my entry into TWC program, which is just a couple miles away from the nation’s Capitol. This summer, I will participate in the Washington Center for Internships and Academic Seminars’ Law and Criminal Justice program, in which I will become closely acquainted with the people, places, and policies unique to the nation's capitol and get involved in the programming events such as the U.S. Supreme Court and the Pentagon, as well as workshops, and panel discussions. <br /><br /> As a Deaf African-African woman, I will make a tremendously impact on the important people in which I meet such as the diplomats, senior officials, military officials and congressmen on the Capitol Hill. To these important people, I stand out from among the rest of the other interns as well. Additionally, I will also have an academic class entitled <em>Managing the American Intelligence Community</em>. In this class, I will learn about the growth of the American intelligence apparatus and the effect of politics on intelligence. I hope that my overall internship program would enable me to think on my feet, and to explain complex subjects clearly and simply. But, I already know that I would be very passionate with my academic research on the National Security issues. Whatever, I decide, I will undoubtedly delve into it with the same enthusiasm and drive with which I have approached everything else. And, Deaf people “can do anything but hear”--- so, I am confident that I will accomplish a lot in this internship experience. I hope that by making this internship experience a rich and rewarding one, I may become that individual of American achievement. <br /><br /><br />Best,<br />Toronja W.Toronja Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16738416935571634821noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-553083349183465599.post-40030982034946239512010-04-14T21:15:00.000-07:002010-04-14T21:15:58.036-07:00Support HR 3101 on April 15<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/-3ShbeotW2A&hl=en_US&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/-3ShbeotW2A&hl=en_US&fs=1" width="425" height="344" allowscriptaccess="never" allowfullscreen="true" wmode="transparent" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"></embed></object>Leah Katz-Hernandezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05206701649962637352noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-553083349183465599.post-79510679295536079042010-03-23T05:19:00.001-07:002010-03-23T05:33:51.107-07:00Greetings After Hiatus - The Next StepGreetings!<div><br /></div><div>I'm sure you've all been wondering where I have been?</div><div><br /></div><div>Well, I've been busy... In addition to school and work, here's what I've been up to. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>Summer 2009: </b>Internship with <a href="http://hoyer.house.gov/">House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer</a> and <a href="http://www.aapd.com/site/c.pvI1IkNWJqE/b.5406299/k.FBCC/Spotlight.htm">American Association of People with Disabilities</a>. Also attended <a href="http://www.newlatinomovement.org/">New Latino Movement's</a> events for Sonia Sotomayor.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Fall 2009:</b> I spoke at AAPD's luncheon in support of their internship program and also at Georgetown University. Applications and applications for jobs. Wrote a bi-weekly political commentary column for the university newsletter The Buff and Blue. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>Spring 2010: </b>Became a new member of AT&T's Advisory Panel on Access and Aging. Applied for more jobs and internships. I also spoke at FCC's broadband conference on disability access as a panelist. Modeled for Betsey Johnson (Quite a story about that). </div><div><br /></div><div>After a hiatus from this blog,<b> I'm glad to announce a merger of "The Deaf Perspective" with <a href="http://www.dyusa.org/">DYUSA's website</a>.</b> The new blog will be called<a href="http://www.dyusa.org/index.php?option=com_lyftenbloggie&view=lyftenbloggie&category=dyusa&Itemid=179"> "Our Perspective" </a>and cover local issues as well as national issues in political participation and deaf youth issues. As you know, I've always been a strong supporter of vlogs. Unfortunately, at the moment it seems difficult for me to post up vlogs and photos on the new blog. Keep on checking back for when I post up new entries in both English and ASL! </div><div><br /></div><div>Best of wishes to you all and keep on getting involved! </div><div><br /></div><div>It's 2010! </div><div><br /></div><div>- Leah</div>Leah Katz-Hernandezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05206701649962637352noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-553083349183465599.post-13202946908910198032009-09-27T21:12:00.001-07:002009-09-27T21:12:57.409-07:00South Korea Association of the Deaf - Amazing Video!<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><p><object height='350' width='425'><param value='http://youtube.com/v/6PGZdwJXZZE' name='movie'/><embed height='350' width='425' type='application/x-shockwave-flash' src='http://youtube.com/v/6PGZdwJXZZE'/></object></p><p>* The video is captioned* <br /><br />Thank you, Hee-Kyung Cho "Choy" of South Korea for sharing this with us! Deaf South Koreans are inspirational to all of us worldwide! <br /><br />This video was supposed to be posted up in June but due to my internship and other things that kept me busy, I was not able to upload it until recently. I hope you all enjoy it. We all must keep the values of being an involved citizen in our countries, no matter if we are deaf or hearing. <br /><br />As Justin Dart would say, You have the power! Lead on! <br /><br />- Leah</p></div>Leah Katz-Hernandezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05206701649962637352noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-553083349183465599.post-91732604652892148672009-09-09T15:02:00.001-07:002009-09-09T15:07:24.663-07:00President Obama's Health Care Address Will Be Live-Captioned OnlineScore one for accessibility in New Media world! Tonight's major "make-or-break" speech will be captioned.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Watch the Live Captioned Webcast of the President’s Health Care Address to Congress at</span><br /><br /><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://ncamftp.wgbh.org/bcb/presidentspeaks.html">http://ncamftp.wgbh.org/bcb/presidentspeaks.html</a><br /><br />Be sure to watch it and rate it. What do you think?? Debate health care as interested and involved participants that we all are.<br /><br />I'm extremely pleased to see that steps are being taken to ensure greater accessibility in a modern age when we are becoming increasingly dependent on New Media. As with all changes, there are pros and cons to the hyper-connected world of blogging, twittering, vlogging, live-feeds, RSS, and all that. But if there is going to be change, we better make sure it's at least accessible.<br /><br />Will you watching the address tonight? I will be!<br /><br />- LeahLeah Katz-Hernandezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05206701649962637352noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-553083349183465599.post-36614528100844182912009-09-02T12:20:00.000-07:002009-09-02T12:24:48.542-07:00Follow Leah at Twitter for fast updates!I'll be twittering at "leahkh" and I will be providing fast updates over there for the announcement of the finalists for Gallaudet's next President. Feel free to add me. <div><br /></div><div>I'd like to also mention that the current President Roberto Davila will be greatly missed and his leadership was monumental for Gallaudet University. He pulled us out of a very dark period and into the bright future with successful MSCHE re-accreditation, raising academic standards, and increasing enrollment. No words of thanks may ever do his dedication to Gallaudet University justice. </div><div><br /></div><div>Thank you, President Davila. Your presence will be irreplaceable. </div><div><br /></div><div>- Leah</div>Leah Katz-Hernandezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05206701649962637352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-553083349183465599.post-90374369484224739742009-09-02T11:58:00.000-07:002009-09-02T12:13:29.019-07:00The Deaf Perspective Returns for Another Year!Hello! <div><br /></div><div><i>Wow, the summer has passed already</i>?? In case you were wondering where I had gone, I was at the Capitol Hill nearly all summer. <b>I had an internship with the House of Representatives Majority Leader Steny Hoyer's (D-MD) office</b>, participating in the <a href="http://www.aapd.com/DMD/Internship09Mitsubishi.html">AAPD's internship program</a>. It was a truly wonderful experience. I'd like to thank my internship sponsor, Mitsubishi Electric America Foundation, for helping make this exceptional opportunity possible. I'd also like to thank <b>Andy Imparato</b> at AAPD, <b>Mrs. Yoshiko Dart</b>, and <b>Rayna Aylward</b> at MEAF. I have some surprises coming up for you this fall, some big projects. Keep tuned in to The Deaf Perspective! </div><div><br /></div><div>You know what I have always stood for - for community activism, participation in the political process, and being a strong stakeholder wherever you are in America and worldwide. Each individual is ultimately an ambassador for the deaf community to the world. We can and should not continue to be delegated to the image of deaf people being dependent, weak, and unable to participate. That is a myth and I strive to shatter that every single day! </div><div><br /></div><div><b>I'm returning with a bang - guess where I am right now</b>? At Gallaudet University's GUKCC auditorium, eagerly awaiting the <i>announcement of the finalists for Gallaudet University's next President</i>! </div><div><br /></div><div><b>Gallaudet University is such a strong, proud, and determined beacon in the world for deaf education. I wish the University the best and Gallaudet University will always remain my home at heart. </b> </div><div><br /></div><div>- Leah </div>Leah Katz-Hernandezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05206701649962637352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-553083349183465599.post-69143472077760791242009-07-03T10:51:00.001-07:002009-07-03T10:51:21.565-07:00International Deaf Perspective: South Korea<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><p><object height='350' width='425'><param value='http://youtube.com/v/1oHXuvfeVmQ' name='movie'/><embed height='350' width='425' type='application/x-shockwave-flash' src='http://youtube.com/v/1oHXuvfeVmQ'/></object></p><p>Interview with Hee-Kyung Cho "Choy" of South Korea and Board Member of World Federation of the Deaf Youth Section about the push for deaf rights in South Korea. </p></div>Leah Katz-Hernandezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05206701649962637352noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-553083349183465599.post-77960451815872264852009-07-03T10:10:00.000-07:002009-07-03T10:34:38.996-07:00Military Eligibity, Disability, and Social ProgramsBefore I begin this post, I apologize sincerely for opening up such a can of worms. I am not sure about what kind of role <a href="http://www.ssa.gov/disability/">SSDI </a>plays in the life of people with disabilities outside the deaf community but I will write based on my knowledge of the issue within the deaf community.<br /><br />What propelled me to think about this issue critically and through the lens of disability rights was my chat with a LC (Legislative Counsel) from outside my office this week. We were talking about my internship experience and how educational it is for me. I said that I had originally entered the office with only two areas of policy interest but now I had broadened to three more areas of policy interest. I mentioned Foreign Affairs as one of the new policy interests and we talked about the difference between Defense and Foreign Affairs. I said that I'm not interested in Defense or military issues because I truthfully don't know very much about the area. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Since I'm deaf, I'm not eligible for military service</span> and neither are many in the deaf community so the subject has become rather distant to me. After we finished talking, I walked into the elevator and started thinking about military eligibility and the disability community.<br /><br />There are some knowledge that you gain from in the classrooms, the books, and the media. And then there are some knowledge that you gain from mere interaction, from social contact, and from cultural sensibilities. It is hard to trace back the original source when your information comes from this second set of knowledge because it's like “you've always known that.”<br /><br />Growing up, I always knew that the deaf were not allowed to serve in the military and the same is probably true of other disabilities. The only mention of disability in conjunction with military is mostly of disabled veterans. Later on, when I went off to college and many of my friends also did – many people I knew flocked to the SSDI office. The broad-swinging justification for these kind of programs being available to the deaf was because of 2 things: <span style="font-weight: bold;">A) Difficulty getting jobs as a deaf person and B) Ineligible for military enlistment.</span><br /><br />I can definitely vouch for the A reason. I remember all too well when as a 16-year-old I tried to get a summer job and was continually denied applications at places espousing “HIRING NOW!” signs. Even today, many deaf people get jobs through tips in the community. <span style="font-weight: bold;">As a deaf person it's hard to just “walk in and apply for a job.”</span> And the military enlistment is true as well. When you enlist in the military, you get benefits. And we the deaf don't get a chance at that. So the Social Security programs are there to “fill in the gap” of in-equal opportunities.<br /><br />However, the problem that these kind of programs creates for the deaf community is that it creates a sort of financial pacifier. Rather than suing the workplaces that deny employment and opening up the job market to be more deaf-friendly, deaf people know that there's the SSDI option.<br /><br />Do we really want to be in this kind of situation? The answer is a flat NO. There are plenty of deaf people I know who have stated that they WANT to serve in the military and WOULD if they were not ineligible. There are no reasons why deaf people can't serve at home bases and contribute their assets in other areas of service else than combat. Regarding employment, I happen to know of a person who was late deafened in his 20s and he lost his job as a waiter along with his hearing. We do go out and look for jobs but more often than not, doors are closed.<br /><br />Traditionally, deaf people have responded to such job discrimination by creating conclaves where they employ each other. Over 100 years ago, when deaf people were denied insurance – they all got together and established the<a href="http://books.google.com/books?id=5kcxmpncwy8C&pg=PA93&lpg=PA93&dq=the+frat+deaf+insurance&source=bl&ots=K7llv_38CH&sig=9P1DBKmjJrY-4uk8uaaXng57vDQ&hl=en&ei=ST1OSqTGC9GztgfGjoiqBA&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=7"> first deaf insurance company in 1901</a>. We have places of employment where it is more deaf friendly such as education, telecommunications, and certain businesses. Our culture is all about reaching out and helping each other out. But it's time to reach outward rather than inward and push for change.<br /><br />I've always espoused social programs as important and necessary but at the same time, the job market needs to be opened up enough that social programs are the “safety net” not the “first resort.” The more people are on financial pacifiers, more tax money are being spent by the government rather than more tax money being paid towards the government.<br /><br />More opportunities need to be created for accessibility in the job market and the <a href="http://www.deafdc.com/blog/shane-feldman/2007-02-15/deaf-soldiers/">military</a>. Here is an interesting reading on <a href="http://www.lifeprint.com/asl101/topics/military.htm">deaf people serving in the Israeli military</a>. Remember, the change most often begins at the top – at the government – and that's where we need to “pack” (<a href="http://xroads.virginia.edu/%7EMA02/volpe/newdeal/court.html">taking a page out of FDR's book</a>) ourselves in for professional careers.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" ><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >BE THE CHANGE YOU WANT TO SEE IN THE WORLD</span><br /></div>Leah Katz-Hernandezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05206701649962637352noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-553083349183465599.post-35492205523756571182009-03-24T23:52:00.000-07:002009-03-25T00:12:14.322-07:00Commentary on Sign Language and AccessibilityFirst of all, I would like to proclaim that I have not reneged on my promises of “transcript coming!” on <span style="font-style: italic;">some </span>vlogs. Transcripts are UP and posted for some vlogs that I updated in hurry without translation. You may go back to them and check out the English words. I work hard to transcribe my vlogs but due to my being in school full time, being active in extracurricular, working a job, and volunteering in spare time... <span style="font-weight: bold;">the sad truth is that sometimes time doesn’t permit me to do that for every single vlog.</span> Those are the times when I ask for volunteers to help out. There are still videos left that need to be transcribed.<br /><br />As I repeatedly emphasized, two-way accessibility is extremely important. If we want to get accessibility in the world, we must open ourselves up to the world as well.<br /><br />We the deaf consider ourselves a linguistic minority with our sign language. More than anything, our life experience, culture, and barriers are all bound inexorably to <span style="font-style: italic;">language </span>rather than our <span style="font-style: italic;">hearing status</span>.<span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span>A deaf child who does not have access to proper language acquisition ultimately will not have access to better education and life opportunities. True, I’ll say frankly that I was born profoundly D-E-A-F but I’ll also be the first to tell you that if not for sign language and bilingualism – I would be reduced to something that society would want to “<span style="font-style: italic;">fix</span>.” <span style="font-weight: bold;">With the light of sign language, the deaf and the disabled have a formidable weapon against the ideas of eugenics, of a “perfect human race” that isn’t necessary and best left behind with Hitler’s demise. </span><br /><br />This blog originally began because I wanted to update my family and friends on what I was doing at Democratic National Convention. Even though I’m proud that many members of my extended family know sign language, some of them do not know sign language. <span style="font-style: italic;">Should they be left out of the loop and be reduced to the <span style="font-weight: bold;">same level of frustration</span> looking at my moving hands as deaf people looking at hearing people speak with their soundless lips?</span> <span style="font-weight: bold;">No</span>. Because I know far too well the frustration of the lack of accessibility on the internet, I refused to let any one fall victim to this impediment on my own little niche in the internet. No one deserves to be left out.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Quid pro quo.</span> The loose translation for the Latin expression is “you give me something, I give you something.” We give the world accessibility to our community, our language, and our unique perspective.<span style="font-weight: bold;"> In return, everybody understands more why accessibility is so important for everybody. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">From the political perspective: </span>Enough is enough. It’s time for the deaf community to stop being insular and think broadly in making an impact in the world through voting, volunteering, and connecting to our elected leaders. It’s time for the rest of the world to realize that the deaf community has powerful and untapped potential for major grassroots impact. To the politicians- <span style="font-weight: bold;">Eleven million. Don’t be ignorant. Win our vote. </span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />And I’d like to give a heartfelt BIG Thank-You to volunteers <span style="font-weight: bold;">Victoria Calaman</span> for transcribing the International vlogs and to <span style="font-weight: bold;">Raychelle Harris’ interpreting class </span>for transcribing the rest of the vlogs. </span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 102, 255);">VLOGS with transcripts</span><br /><br /><a href="http://deafcampaign2008.blogspot.com/2008/08/important-deafcampaign2008-status-on.html"><br />http://deafcampaign2008.blogspot.com/2008/08/important-deafcampaign2008-status-on.html </a><br /><br /><a href="http://deafcampaign2008.blogspot.com/2008/11/leah-katz-hernandez-in-back-room.html">http://deafcampaign2008.blogspot.com/2008/11/leah-katz-hernandez-in-back-room.html </a><br /><br /><a href="http://deafcampaign2008.blogspot.com/2008/11/turnout-at-election-watch-party.html">http://deafcampaign2008.blogspot.com/2008/11/turnout-at-election-watch-party.html </a><br /><br /><a href="http://deafcampaign2008.blogspot.com/2009/03/international-deaf-perspective-spain.html">http://deafcampaign2008.blogspot.com/2009/03/international-deaf-perspective-spain.html</a><br /><a href="http://deafcampaign2008.blogspot.com/2009/02/international-deaf-perspective-denmark.html"><br />http://deafcampaign2008.blogspot.com/2009/02/international-deaf-perspective-denmark.html</a>Leah Katz-Hernandezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05206701649962637352noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-553083349183465599.post-56611021293706939282009-03-08T03:27:00.001-07:002009-03-08T03:27:54.118-07:00International Deaf Perspective: Austria<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><p><object height='350' width='425'><param value='http://youtube.com/v/W1h78N4LZgg' name='movie'/><embed height='350' width='425' type='application/x-shockwave-flash' src='http://youtube.com/v/W1h78N4LZgg'/></object></p><p>I have a conversation with Florian Gravogl of Austria. It is about the interesting subject of elected officials who are deaf. The Austrian parliament has recently passed a measure requiring a deaf parliament member! </p></div>Leah Katz-Hernandezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05206701649962637352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-553083349183465599.post-7444608906628612852009-03-01T18:28:00.001-08:002009-03-24T23:33:20.938-07:00International Deaf Perspective: Spain<div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><p><object width="425" height="350"><param value="http://youtube.com/v/YVT61RrDK6c" name="movie"><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://youtube.com/v/YVT61RrDK6c" width="425" height="350"></embed></object></p><p>I have a conversation with World Federation for the Deaf Youth Section board member Roberto Sanchez about deaf organizations in Spain.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br />TRANSCRIPT:</span><br /><br />Leah: (to audience) Hello. We are here in SOVA Wine and Espresso bar for this fundraising event to support Global Reach Out (GRO) so their delegates can go to other counties and help them out. Now, I introduce Roberto Suarez. I have questions for him.<br /><br />Leah: (to Roberto) What is your position?<br /><br />Roberto: I am a board member of World Federation of Deaf Youth Section (WFDYS). You already told my name. My name sign is (‘D’ move up and down by the nose). I am from Spain.<br /><br />Leah: Spain, oh. Welcome to America. I am happy to have you here.<br /><br />Roberto: Thank you.<br /><br />Leah: Spain associations, what do they lobby the government for? What do they do?<br /><br />Roberto: The most important event was in 2007 when the government recognized Spanish Sign Language as a language. This was a huge step in the history. In the past two years, the law has been polishing. For examples, there must be bilingual in education, captions must be 100% accessible.<br /><br />Leah: Good.<br /><br />Roberto: And interpreter services must be provided. The goal is to remove barriers.<br /><br />Leah. Good. Good. I am happy about that. Spain is a big country. How many Deaf associations are there?<br /><br />Roberto: We have three structures. The associations that represent Spain have 17 federation members. In each federation association regions, there are smaller associations. There are 130 associations. So, in total of all associations in Spain, there are around 150 associations.<br /><br />Leah: Wow. That is many. Do deaf people get involved in politics or not?<br /><br />Roberto: Well, the society has changed a lot. It is very different than in the past. Nowadays, deaf lives are more accessible and have more choices. So being involved in associations isn’t as important. The numbers of member are down because deaf lives have more accessibility. In the old days, when barriers weren’t broken, associations were the only places for information. Now deaf people can get news anywhere so their focus in associations are less.<br /><br />Leah: Yes. Good. Okay, last question – you are from Spain and you see America voted for Obama. What do you think?<br /><br />Roberto: My personal opinion, I think this is positive.<br />Leah: Positive?<br /><br />Roberto: Yes, positive because this is liberal, democracy, sorry I don’t know the word in English. Just like Spain, it means that the opinions of people are important and valued, opposed to governments’ opinions. Plus, because Obama is black, it means that his heart is big. He can understand and relate with people and help serving them for the better.<br /><br />Leah: Good. Interesting perspective. Thank you.<br /><br />Leah: (to audience) It is interesting to see different international deaf perspectives on politics.<br /><br />Leah: (to Roberto) Thank you for sharing your perspective.<br /><br />Roberto: Likewise. Thank you.<br /><br />Leah: (to audience) Thank you.<br /><br /></p></div>Leah Katz-Hernandezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05206701649962637352noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-553083349183465599.post-71486164063489030602009-02-26T04:00:00.000-08:002010-02-23T11:20:45.899-08:00The Political Involvement of Deaf Chinese: The People's Republic of ChinaHello Everybody!<br /><br />Please allow myself to welcome YOU again. My name is Toronja Williams and last month, I posted my blog entries explaining about my experiences at the <em>University Presidential Inauguration Conference (UPIC)</em> in Washington, DC. Currently, I am making the <em>Deaf Perspective</em> on <em>International Politics</em> a main focus in this blog segment, today.<br /><br />It becomes critical that I cover about the political involvement of <em>Deaf Chinese of the People's Republic of China</em> as a more specific focus in this Deaf Perspective blog segment on International Politics. As a former scholar in the <em>International Scholar Laureate Program (ISLP) Delegation on Diplomacy & International Relations</em> in China in spring 2007, I visited cities in China such as Beijing, Xi’an and Shanghai. During my 15 days of duration there, I learned about the International Politics and China's role and impact in global affairs in several workshops and lectures sponsored by the Chinese colleges and universities and government programs. Thus, after attending these programs, they were all beneficial, informative and interesting to me.<br /><br /><div align="left">One afternoon, I had the opportunity to visit the <em>Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China</em>. At this workshop, I asked the <em>Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yang Jiechi</em> questions about the Deaf participations in the political process in the country. He explained to me that, since the Deaf Chinese were unable to gain quality education and to secure qualified jobs, they were, therefore, unable to participate in the political process of convincing the government officials to change and to enact the laws. Most importantly, the Deaf Chinese did not have the right necessary amount of political information they needed in order to be part of the political process in their own country.<br /><em>Many Deaf Chinese individuals were not aware about the importance of becoming more assertive and more proactive in forming and making political decisions in forums, schools, and governments as well.<br /></em></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">In such a situation similar to this, they, most likely, became inactive in political process in other places such as the <em>United Nations</em>. Therefore, the Deaf Chinese were indeed suffering from inequality and inability to gain access to political information. I remember at one point, the internet did not have any political information accessible for internet users. This example showed how the government controlled the amount of political information that citizens could receive.<br /><br />We need to come together as Deaf, Hearing, Americans and Chinese-Americans to exchange information about showing the Deaf Chinese the importance of becoming more politically involved in the political process in their countries. I look forward to share more of the general perspectives of the Deaf Chinese in China in the next coming days and to provide you with valuable information about the importance of helping the Deaf Chinese to seek and to gain political information in order for them to have a successful political turnout which would come from their political involvements. Finally, I leave enough space for everyone to opine here. Your voices, thoughts and opinions count!</div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">Stay healthy and come back again! </div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">Toronja- </div>Toronja Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16738416935571634821noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-553083349183465599.post-21899706397274021192009-02-23T07:13:00.001-08:002009-02-23T07:13:58.708-08:00International Deaf Perspective: Venezuela<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><p><object height='350' width='425'><param value='http://youtube.com/v/3HM-Xb43UPw' name='movie'/><embed height='350' width='425' type='application/x-shockwave-flash' src='http://youtube.com/v/3HM-Xb43UPw'/></object></p></div>Leah Katz-Hernandezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05206701649962637352noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-553083349183465599.post-51571839619763025312009-02-22T23:46:00.001-08:002009-03-24T23:16:06.340-07:00International Deaf Perspective: Denmark<div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><p><object width="425" height="350"><param value="http://youtube.com/v/VZ99-uGhAK4" name="movie"><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://youtube.com/v/VZ99-uGhAK4" width="425" height="350"></embed></object></p><p>A vlog conversation with the Vice President of World Federation for the Deaf Lars Knudsen. I ask him about his country's political system, the governmental friendliness towards deaf people and accessibility, and his opinion on American political system.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br />TRANSCRIPT:</span><br /><br />Leah: (to audience) Hello, I am here to continue the series of International Deaf Perspective on politics. Now I’m interviewing him.<br /><br />Leah: (to Lars) What is your name? Where are you from? What is your position in World Federation of Deaf Youth Section (WFDYS)?<br /><br />Lars: My name is Lars. I am from Denmark. I am the vice president of WFDYS.<br /><br />Leah: Good. That is nice. Welcome to America.<br /><br />Lars: Thank you.<br /><br />Leah: I am curious what is the political system in your country like?<br /><br />Lars: In Denmark, there are around 15 parties, but there are two main parties. One is Socialism and another is Liberal. There are many smaller parties that give support to the two main parties.<br /><br />Leah: That is interesting. Does the government support Deaf people? How much of support? What are the goals? What are the main parties’ perspectives on Deaf people?<br /><br />Lars: Denmark is one of the most high-tax paying countries.<br /><br />Leah: How much is the tax?<br /><br />Lars: About 50%.<br /><br />Leah: Wow!<br /><br />Lars: Yes. So, with that much of money support, we have accessibilities for free. Because the money does support people including deaf, we have free interpreter services and other accessibilities in general. It is good.<br /><br />Leah: So, the government pays all those, right?<br /><br />Lars: Yes.<br /><br />Leah: Does the government provide all accessibilities?<br /><br />Lars: Yes.<br /><br />Leah: Wow, that is good. What are the main parties’ opinions/perspectives on deaf people?<br /><br />Lars: Yes. Socialism party gives more focus and support than Liberal party does.<br /><br />Leah: Interesting. That is good. Now, I’m curious, since you are here in America, visiting, what do you think of the difference between American politics and Danish politics? What is your opinion?<br /><br />Lars: I see American politics have strong media and more people are involved. Danish politics are much smaller, but in last few years, we have followed American political system more.<br /><br />Leah: Good. Thank you for the different perspective.<br /><br />Lars: Thank you.<br /><br />Leah: (to audience) I want to say that it is interesting that Lars mentioned media and people can involve, can – no I mean, people are interested involving in America, but are the deaf people getting involved? I encourage more deaf people getting involved. We need more. Thank you.<br /> </p></div>Leah Katz-Hernandezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05206701649962637352noreply@blogger.com0