Chris Leon’s Roar

316 Comments Add your own

• 1. ron  |  December 22, 2006 at 12:47 pm

  Tara Holcomb is a local Bay Area girl from a deaf family. That’s why she’s on the list. I don’t consider her one of the main leaders.

• 2. hate crabbing  |  December 22, 2006 at 1:03 pm

  Jeez. I don’t know the ins and outs of this event, but didn’t the protest teach us that we are a very divided, splintered community and we need to be more respectful toward each other? This outlandish post is NOT helping us come together.

• 3. Amused  |  December 22, 2006 at 1:11 pm

  I remember seeing a blurb about this event on Ridors blog. I was surprised when he, Ridor, didn’t say anything about the choice selection. Looks like David Eberwein has Ridor tighly wound around his little pinky. Tsk. Tsk. Glad to see there are others who aren’t afraid to speak out about this stuff. Kudos.

• 4. Classof07  |  December 22, 2006 at 1:16 pm

  Why just those four? I’m also wondering about that.

• 5. EF U  |  December 22, 2006 at 1:26 pm

  Did you contact DCARA to find out why those four were chosen? What if DCARA actually contacted the others but they couldnt make it (remember this is the holidays). There might be other reasons though…
  I’d hold off the rant (or “roar” as you like) until more information is gathered, and confirmed.

• 6. JB  |  December 22, 2006 at 1:34 pm

  David Eber-wennie is the one behind the selection, not DCARA. He probably chose based on how much ass-kissing the students did when he did his deafhood show at Gally.

• 7. old fart  |  December 22, 2006 at 1:42 pm

  I was there during DPN. I didn’t think Greg Hlibok was much of a leader. Had he not been SBG President at the time, I guarantee he would not have been seen as one of the main leaders.

• 8. ??  |  December 22, 2006 at 2:23 pm

  I’m wondering if anyone know if Ryan or Chris are Kappa Gamma?

• 9. Sasha  |  December 22, 2006 at 2:40 pm

  Hey, I’m all for events like this. However, I have to agree with Chris. It sends the wrong message.

  How about a more democratic process? Let the students vote for themselves how many leaders they feel should be recognised as the official student leaders of the protest. They decide how many and who, not some city entirely across the country.

  It does make them look like they are big heads.

  Let the students decide for themselves!

  Sasha

• 10. The One and Only Ridor  |  December 22, 2006 at 3:47 pm

  This is absurd. I intend to cover this subject today but Chris beats me to it. Otherwise, it is silly to claim that DE has me wrapped.

  God, I love the speculations.

  R-

• 11. Stephen  |  December 22, 2006 at 6:29 pm

  Watch the video.
  http://www.savegallaudet.org/?p=48

• 12. From Richmond, CA  |  December 22, 2006 at 6:37 pm

  Just saw this on Deaf Read. Don’t know if you remember me, Chris. We met many years ago when I was on vacation in San Juan.

  I have a couple of things I want to say about this. As you may remember, I’m from the Bay Area, specifically, Richmond.

  First, the Bay Area is huge. It is made up of many many different cities and towns. Deafies who live here in Richmond are different from those who live in Fremont. Likewise, people from San Francisco are different from people who live in Berkeley and Oakland. Deaf people in the Bay Area are very diverse and do not all share the same views, values or social networks.

  Please be careful not to generalize. It is not the whole Deaf Bay Area who are being big heads, but a small group, most from Fremont and CSDF. And yes, as someone already said here, David E. is one of them. But he is not the face of the Bay Area. He is just one person, albeit, one that many don’t like due to his snobby ways.

  You should also double check with the agency Deaf here, DCARA. They are a good agency and probably didn’t have anything to do with the decision of naming the leaders.

• 13. cali  |  December 22, 2006 at 6:59 pm

  This article looks like you didn’t do your research, Chris. It’s fuill of assumptions and generalizations without citations nor links (except for the one to the ad) to back up your assertions.

  As “from Richmond” points out, the Bay Area is huge and very diverse. To paint everyone with the same brush is irresponsible at best.

  You are also assuming that the 4 leaders were hand-picked. That’s not the case at all. Do your homework and ask around before you shoot off your mouth about how arrogant an entire community is.

  Bottom line: you are entitled to your opinion, but this article is one of the more irresponsible, divisive ones I’ve seen in a while.

• 14. Benson Hall 302  |  December 22, 2006 at 6:59 pm

  I’m not sure that Noah Beckman did all that much. There were times when he was too busy studying and wasn’t accessible. I also agree 100% it should be up to us, the students to decide who the official leaders are, not people in California.

• 15. Benson Hall 302  |  December 22, 2006 at 7:22 pm

  Chris Corrigan is a party boy. I wouldn’t call him a leader either.

  Leah Katz-Hernandez is another one that’s missing.

• 16. Dan McClintock  |  December 22, 2006 at 7:27 pm

  Chris,

  Your blog and the following comments made me chuckle. Especially amusing was how you imagined
  a cartoon I’d draw. But hey! Watch out who
  you’re talking about - I happen to have a sister who lives in the Bay Area with her family!

• 17. BlackPower  |  December 22, 2006 at 8:51 pm

  From what I can see, I don’t think Chris means the *whole* Bay Area. He’s talking about the organizers of this event. My ex-wife who lives in the Bay Area said the organizers are a small group of people mostly from California School for the Deaf in Fremont. The concerns raised by Chris are valid. This event could set precedence for the future as to who gets the recognition as the “official leaders”.

• 18. BlackPower  |  December 22, 2006 at 8:56 pm

  By the way, I’m really glad to see LaToya was invited. Though I think she should have headlined the event instead of being listed last.

• 19. Ex-CSDF  |  December 22, 2006 at 9:18 pm

  It is because of Deafhood workshop that people are start to associate DE and Ella with Bay Area. Bay Area is bigger than just those two like Richmond say. Just happen that they are more visible right now to get the attention. I know both of them. Ella very friendly person. But not DE. DE is asshole.

• 20. Chris Leon  |  December 22, 2006 at 10:43 pm

  Thank you all for your comments. I certainly didn’t mean to imply that all people in the Bay Area are “big heads”. I was just referring to the organizers of the Deaf Unity Gala.

  This is also not an “article”, it’s an opinion post. That’s what blogs are. I have two friends from the Bay Area who griped to me about this event and the way it was organized. That’s what inspired me to write about it.

  I have shot off correspondence to Delia, Leah and Noah asking them directly if they had been invited, as well as to Cheryl Boyd and Dcara asking them to clarify the selection process. I’ll post a follow up after I’ve heard from them.

  Why should we care about all this, you ask? Well, as someone already posted here, one reason is precedence. It starts small like this and then before you know it, it’s official and these four have become immortalized as the official leaders. I wouldn’t be surprised if this is what happened with DPN ‘88. That’s not to say that these four are not deserving of the recognition. They are. But there are also others who are equally if not more deserving.

  It’s also about democracy and power. Why should a small group in California decide for the students and the entire community nationwide who their official leaders were?

  I’m not afraid to ask unpopular questions.

  I welcome your comments. Let’s focus on the issues and keep the personal attacks out.

  Peace out,
  Chris

• 21. Dan McClintock  |  December 22, 2006 at 11:51 pm

  Well written. Thank you for your clarification re Bay Area people. Really, however, I personally don’t care whoever DCARA wants to honor. But yeah, maybe you’re right, more FSSA leaders should be invited or honored. See what responses you’ll get to your emails!
  Paz y Feliz Navidad,
  D.

• 22. cali  |  December 23, 2006 at 12:06 am

  Chris, thanks for the clarification. Appreciate it.

  The gala is finishing up as I type this, and wow, they really took pains to recognize so many people. One huge portion of their PowerPoint slideshow focused on thanking maybe 25 or 30 student leaders, yes, including Leah and Delia. They named the Mt. Bison boys, among others. Leah was there tonight, by the way. One theme that emerged several times was that the 4 of them were merely the media spokespeople and they were only a small part of the huge team that made the protest happen. So it clearly was not the organizers’ intent to appoint these 4 the main leaders.

• 23. Stephen  |  December 23, 2006 at 2:37 am

  Thanks Cali. Does that makes you a gnat now Chris eh? Take social politics classes if you want to learn how groups form leadership in times of crisis.

• 24. DeafLinux  |  December 23, 2006 at 4:02 am

  Thank you, Californians for being the lead to bring the fire inside our belly. What you have done is a wonderful and powerful thing to bring the Deaf together.

  Happy Holidays, Californians and stay healthy, wealthy and wise.

  Stephen Hardy of Florida

• 25. Ricardo L.  |  December 23, 2006 at 7:35 am

  Pah, Chris! Happy to see a new blog entry from you Bro!

  Stephan, you’re an idiot. You obviously miss the points raised in this blog. You need to develop some critical thinking skills instead of eating everything people feed you. No wonder you look like a big cow in your video.

• 26. D.C. Guy  |  December 23, 2006 at 12:55 pm

  I can see the two sides. On one, they should be able to pick whoever they want. But on the other view, the protest just end and the choices for the very first speaking engagement can send wrong message. Bay Area has big influence. Remember Tent Cities? They were first one after Gally one then it spread like wildfire to other cities. I understand what Chris means and I agree. Because the Bay Area have a lot of influence, they should be more careful and responsible. Will other cities copy Bay Area and just invite those 4? Probably. That will not be fair to other student leaders.

• 27. Anonymous  |  December 23, 2006 at 4:24 pm

  I’m curious as well about the selection process.

• 28. Joey Baer  |  December 23, 2006 at 4:30 pm

  It is really unfortunate for you to talk low about the Bay Area. I was there at the Gala last night and I was VERY impressed with three things:

  1) I was in awe to see so much of diversity at the Gala. I was really thrilled to see that. But guess what, I am NOT satisified because we know we have so much work to do ahead of us in uniting more Deaf people. The comments above are perfect example that we have lots of work ahead of us.

  2) The Gala organizers TOOK their time to recognize and thank almost everyone who was invovled in the protest by naming and showing the pictures of everyone invovled. So it is clear that the Bay Area did not favor the only 4 protestors that were invited but the Bay Area appreciated and thanked everyone invovled. (It is my hope that the power point slide will be posted and shown somewhere on the web.)

  3) Ryan, Tara, LaToya, and Chris repeatedly said that they were not the only 4 leaders but there were countless of leaders who were involved. Those 4 people even asked others who were at the Gala to come up on the stage and for us to recognize and applaud them for their work. Ryan, Tara, LaToya and Chris are true leaders by saying that they were not the only ones. Hats off to them. (some clips will be edited and posted on my site soon hopefully)

  To be honest with you, if we chose 4 different people, this issue will STILL be brought up anyway. You see, it does not matter what people do or say, people will ALWAYS find way to argue this and that.

  Despite what people say about the Bay Area, we will NOT stop! We will continue to work hard to raise the standards of Deaf people. It is time for us to work together and raise the bars. We should be discussing HOW to raise the bars and HOW we can help and support each other.

  I am truly blessed to be part of a wonderful community. Never in my life, I made many new Deaf friends in last year in Bay Area. Those new Deaf friends came from different backgrounds and experience and I have learned so much from them. Learning new things help us to be better Deaf people. Thank you.

  Unity for Deaf people!

  Joey

• 29. RLM  |  December 23, 2006 at 6:33 pm

  I like to make correction in refer to Old Fart’s #7 comment.

  Greg Hlibok was the SBG president during the DPN ‘88. He was just thrusted into the “protest” fray two weeks after formally elected as the SBG president. Hlibok took the SBG presidency after Tim Rarus’ one-year SBG term. Several individuals had to get Greg Hiblok at his Queens (NYC) home and drove him back to DC on the first night of the DPN protest. Almost everybody were gone for the Spring Break at that time.

  Greg Hlibok had been (kinda still do) a cautious person which appeared aloof on his part. Hiblok surely done a lot of things behind the scene during the DPN protest. We normally did not see what was really going on with the heated discussions among other student leaders and participants.

  Greg Hiblok displayed his cautious personality again and again during the recent Gally protest before it got erupted on May 1st. He and his brother privately expressed such concerns about JK’s leadership ability during the National Press Club. Greg and Steve wondered how JK could manage to interact with people in general from their close observaton at the table. That was his own style.

  You have to remmy that Greg Hilbok as just a kid during the DPN protest as compared to other two student leaders - Tim Rarus, former SBG president and Jerry Covell, most outspoken and emotional (in good way) leader.

  We ought to appreciate Greg Hlibok’s DPN’ 88 leadership style as a cool-headed and reserved up to the present time. Nobody is perfect anyway.

  I find your comment kind of enlightening and revealing about some people really feel about the DPN student leaders nowaday.

  I am sure that every revolution or organized protest do overlook other contributors and participants. Many people do not realize that the gay individual as a personal advisor to Martin Luther King (MLK) had been overlooked in major way. MLK valued and defended his personal advisor all the way whom happened to be gay.

  Robert L. Mason (RLM)

• 30. RLM  |  December 23, 2006 at 6:41 pm

  Many people dismissed Bridgette Bourne-Firl as one of the DPN student leaders, then appreciated her leadership style years and years later. She was really the one, who made much difference with the DPN protest.

  Same thing with Sean Moore, underappreciated and often overlooked. He was much like Bridgette Bourne-Firl effectively moderating the group discussion and strategy in such heated and emotional tone. In the long run, we will see more of Sean Moore. That’s what happened with Bridgette Bourne-Firl.

  There are many different leadership style within all of us. Everyone could not be a leader at same time. We usually have leaders and followers and supporters.

  I am sure that the Bay Area deaf community will come up with way of including other contributors and protestors to the near future events.

  What about our own DC-area community to repay respect and gratitude to the Gally protestors? We will do this in timely manner after everything is settled. Smile!

  Robert L. Mason (RLM)

• 31. Anon E. Mouse  |  December 23, 2006 at 6:52 pm

  This criticism is so lame!

  Don’t you know that Leah was there. Yes, she was there at the gala supporting the others. Her turn in the spotlight will come also on another day.

  My God…. Where is your logic? In everything in life we must make choices. If we make a choice for one thing, it does not mean that the other things are neglected.

  “For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven:

  ….a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted;

  ….a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;

  ….a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;

  ….a time to throw away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;

  …a time to seek, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to throw away;

  ….a time to tear, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;

  ….a time to love, and a time to hate; a time for war, and a time for peace.”

• 32. X2  |  December 23, 2006 at 7:14 pm

  Brigeta was a token of DPN. Just like LaToya is now. No one likes to talk about it because its politically incorrect.

• 33. DCGirl  |  December 23, 2006 at 7:32 pm

  Come on- is it truly important who showed up at the DCARA gala? They asked us the FSSA who should go- we decided on basis of “who could”. And the four main student leaders for anyone’s information are: Delia Lorenzo-Martinez, Leah Katz-Hernandez, Latoya Plummer and Ryan Commerson. Tara Holcomb was the SBG representative, and later became one of the two main media spokespeople along with Latoya Plummer mainly due to her eloquence and passion. Chris Corrigan was the Tent City mayor and was always the rally leader and spirit carrier throughout the protest. So basically they invited two out of the student leaders, a media spokesperson, a Tent City mayor- good balance, I would think. Being a FSSA rep myself, I would think if it doesnt matter to us who went, it shouldn’t to anyone else.

  We’re equally proud of every contributing member of the protest, from the Arrestees to HMB Lock-Down committee, and from Mt. Bison Boys to the Hunger Strikers! That doesnt include the Media Team, the Campus Lock-down troupe, the Faculty who held the candlelight vigils and were part of the Writing Team (for Press Releases), and NAD leaders’ part of the Media Team along with alumni leaders who were WOW!

  You have to remember the fact since that the protest lasted so long, that the flow of who contributed and led changed from time to time- 6 weeks, can you imagine! That doesnt count the stress, planning and the distress in between (the summer) and afterwards.

  Thank you for all your support- and do support us in our cry for no reprisals- they’re prolonging the process unnecessarily, believe me- and sup with two leaders getting their jobs, but not anyone else? They’re not letting the battle down because they know they have to get the other students their positions/internships back!! That’s called loyalty- we have to make this a springing point, not “a point in history” like DPN was. We have so much to fight for in the deaf community, our biggest wish is for this protest to have been an inspiration, not a memory.

• 34. Been there and saw that  |  December 23, 2006 at 7:33 pm

  I went to the Gala and I love it. It was well organized and I didn’t feel it was about the ‘4 leaders’. I think it was more about who from the Bay Area got involved and reflect on those from Gallaudet who attended the event. Mannny standed up and shared their experience at Gallaudet. Even those who couldn’t make it to the Gala - their name are repeatly noted in the PowerPoint slides and movie clips.
  I knew from the start that they weren’t the first and only 4 leaders.
  I wish you’d ask this question in private before you make this public, just to be sure. But something tell me that you want to open a can of worms even if there are no worms in the can.

• 35. Gally Grad '02  |  December 23, 2006 at 7:41 pm

  May I suggest that instead of lashing out at Chris who wrote what a lot of us were thinking, why don’t the Bay Area organizers of this event simply explain their rationale for choosing just 4 leaders and why those specific 4 were chosen? I have heard a lot of grumbling about this from people I know. I think it’s healthy for people to talk about these things so that resentment does not build. Perhaps an explanation from the organizers would put this all to rest. How about it Joey? You’re were involved with this so why don’t you tell us?

• 36. red moon purple pumpkin  |  December 23, 2006 at 7:44 pm

  or perhaps 50 dollars ticket was too expensive for you, wordie?
  They did really great, the Gala was really inspiring and energetic. so just shuddup, press that.
  :-X

• 37. red moon purple pumpkin  |  December 23, 2006 at 7:48 pm

  the terms of Invitation and Selection are indeed different, the 4 leaders were “selected” is a misconceptation, they were “invited” to a community’s event… they has the whole right to do so!

  its odd that you are Ignoring the issue of Riversdie community inviting Leah Katz-Hedy not others, and now why Bay Area is the target?

• 38. JB  |  December 23, 2006 at 7:49 pm

  The whole thing smells like favortism. It stinks.

• 39. Check Facts  |  December 23, 2006 at 7:59 pm

  I don’t think DCARA had anything to do with organising this event. I think they just helped with the publicity.

• 40. From the Bay Area  |  December 23, 2006 at 8:50 pm

  Ha. I had a good laugh about David “Eber-wennie” comment. Funny. True, he’s not well liked and most of us at CSDF tolerate him because we have to. Remember, deaf community is small. Sometimes we have to smile and pretend we like each other even when we loathe each other. Pease don’t equate the whole Bay Area with DE or his attitude. Most of us are not like him. As for the Gala, it was awesome. It was not about the four leaders but about the whole protest and how we were victorious. Many many were honored. Wish you were all there to see it.

• 41. Tulip  |  December 23, 2006 at 10:26 pm

  #29 RLM

  I need to jump in and correct you on some things….Hlibok, Covell, Rarus and Bourne were handpicked to represent the student body way in late fall semester of ‘87 when Lee’s retirement was announced and the Gally community were talking about who would be the next president. The foursome were in Mary Malzkuhn’s government class and Mary was a staunch supporter of the potential protest if they were to select a hearing prez which she strongly predicted…it just happened that Hlibok and Rarus won the SBG prez/VP…although they were strong contenders to win the race.

  And Hlibok was not that much younger…Bourne and Hlbok both were class of ‘89, and only one year younger than Covell and Rarus who both were class of ‘88. So the “aloof” personality always have been Greg’s personality - nothing to do with DPN…he was like that before DPN and the same post DPN.

  Anyway, thanks Joey Baer for your speaking up in the 4 new student leaders’ selflessness in naming other leaders involved in the protest. That is what true leader is all about!

• 42. Kappa Sigma Rules  |  December 23, 2006 at 11:23 pm

  Jerry Covell was the real leader of DPN. Agreed about BB being token woman to balance it out. Tim was too hot head. Rub people wrong way. Greg, no real leader skills. He was right place at right time. Nothing more.

• 43. true biz  |  December 23, 2006 at 11:58 pm

  Ridor kisses and licks DE’s ass. No question.

• 44. AK  |  December 24, 2006 at 12:13 am

  Hello, it breaks my heart to see you d accuse specific people/Bay Areans for being favorism, choosing only 4 leaders. This is not true. I have worked with people who made Deaf Unity Gala possible. They spent hours and hours… days and days and of course weeks to make sure they have included every aspects of the protest- especially the people of the protest.
  I must applaud those committee for making this possible- especially David and Cheryl who volunteered to become chairpersons of the Gala but they have repeatly mentioned last night that it were US that made the difference- not just two of them. We talked about how organic this Gala event were- in the process of setting up this event was very organic, just like how the leaders of Gallaudet protest came together.

  This was a very emotional night for many of us- those who attended GALA. We recognized how much community, alumnus, friends, students, fac n staff and parents are important in this protest.
  We also were clear that 4 are not just 4 leaders of the protests- there are many others involved as well. We came up with Gala event with such a small $- we found donations and sponsorships. I know for a fact that we d want all of them to come but of course money talks.

  I am very disappointed in you for trying to divide us when we all are trying to unity for the best- for the whole deaf community on this Earth. Again, you dare to insult those people who have contributed their hourless dedication to make Gala possible and those statements you have made are unjustified. What we did- we basically used the same principles that the protests had agree in- regarding to organic process and the leadership of the protest.
  For those who have issues with individuals such as DE- how snobby he is… Chris, a party animal and Ridor too. What you should realize that every one of them actually MADE A DIFFERENCE in the protest. Chris cheered us up when we needed it the most at those difficult times during the protest. DE and Bridgetta woke us up (bay areans) about how bad it is at Gallaudet and how much they needed our support. Ridor kept us posted with inside information.

  Again, what you re saying- you actually meant this about YOU. It is not about them. It is about you who have issues. You should have purchased a cheap ticket of $40 and see for yourself. Instead of this, you choose to be the third party and then criticize us. This is a stupid move you ve made.

• 45. Mark  |  December 24, 2006 at 2:52 am

  A friend told me to check out here. Very interesting. Comments here are also interesting. I agree with some. I like what DCGirl say. But one thing bother me, if she is really represent FSSA, why not use real name?

• 46. stace  |  December 24, 2006 at 9:58 am

  Geez - there were people who worked so hard to make this gala happen. this is so disheartening to read but as the saying goes “you can’t please everyone”.

  i, for one, truly enjoyed the gala. it was a time for people to celebrate a historical moment in the deaf community. it was a time for people to honor those who fought regardless of who could be here. it was a time to thank those locals who took time off from their daily lives, paying out of their own pockets for tickets to fly back east for what was not a luxurious vacation but to help those who were already fighting. it was a time to also thank those who could not go but contributed in a variety of ways such as writing letters, individually meeting with BOT members woolsey, levinson, and humphries, donating money to help the protest with food and other necessities, and also by just “holding the fort” together at home to name a few things. it was a time to remember the whole goal of this experience which was to unite people towards a common goal which was to select a leader who reflected the values of a community and a school. there was a majority in votes of no confidence from the faculty both times (at 66% (or close enough) in the spring and 82% in october). tent cities sprung up here and there throughout the month october, reflecting the community’s “vote” or voice for the “right” leader.

  as someone from the bay area, i can share that from where i stood, the message from the four invited guests (in alphabetical order: commerson, corrigan, holcomb, and plummer) was always LOUD AND CLEAR all week and at the gala…they were part of what was called an organic protest in which everyone was deemed important with different roles and commitments and they were simply spokespersons on different levels to represent all of those who were involved. in fact, during the gala’s program - there were other people who were a part of the protest who stood up and shared their own stories.

  this was never intended to be some type of propaganda but simply a great celebration for what was a very intense time in the deaf community on an international scale, especially because a large number of people in the bay area really got involved, either physically, attending forums, setting up tent city here, flying to DC, or electronically, through emails and pagers. there are names, and there are ALSO unsung heroes, both from the bay area and from the protest at gallaudet.

  a lot of other non-related deaf “mover & shaker” moments began in the bay area or close to it. Just to name a few - The black panther party, a progressive and revolutionary group that fought for justice, equality, and empowerment of the african-americans began in Oakland. The fight for migrant workers, led by cesar chavez, a latino, started in nearby central California. The fight for rights of gays, lesbians, and transgenders has been very active in the bay area as well.

  I’ve always wondered if it was the spirit of the miners, who dared to defy practical thought and braved treacherous paths to cross over to the west (bay area and northern California) to find gold, that has carried on here in the bay area.

  Some of you say you are worried about who begins precedence. I can say I am proud and blessed to be a part of a community that does not seem to waste time with “who does what” but listen to what their hearts says and act on it, finding others with the same passions, goals, and visions. It is also my hope that those of you who are pointing fingers and grumbling will realize that there are three more fingers pointed at yourself and it is up to you to change your attitude and thoughts, and take a more positive stance. please move forward to what can be a positive change and not let the whole purpose of the protest be demoralized!!

  Let there be unity for the deaf community!

• 47. deaf from all walks of life  |  December 24, 2006 at 10:45 am

  To Joey and the readers on this blog– I need to express my feelings about the comment about “unity for Deaf people.” Capitlaizing D in deaf implies that you are not for unity among deaf, Deaf, hard of hearing, hearing impaired, etc. I would like to see more of us focusing on unification among deaf people of different paths. The only thing connedcts us all is our hearing impairement. If its ASL, then other deaf people would feel excluded.

• 48. Tulip  |  December 24, 2006 at 11:00 am

  #42
  Definitely Jerry Covell was the driving force behind the ‘88 protest. He did all the talking and guided the other 3. He knew the procedures and law/policies/procedures far better than the other 3. The was the brain…the other 3 were more personality figures to draw supporters. These 3 were handpicked to draw people - they were popular and well liked and well known. They had stage/platform presence while Jerry did not. He was homely looking and skinny and spoke in a style that not everyone could follow, so he tend to stand in the background while engaged in assemblies, but there could not be any protest without Covell, that is for sure.

  You’re right - Greg has no personality but he is nice looking and had all right credentials at the time…Rarus has plenty of personality but poor understanding of the politics so Covell was his mentor and coach on how to speak at assemblies. Bourne was there to draw the female body - female tend not to too interested in politics and the protest needed large number, so Bourne was there to draw the women to help strengthen the protest. Helped women relate to the protest in language that they understand. Her cuteness helped, too!

  Mary Malzkuhn knew what she was doing when she recruited these 4. By the way, she is Melissa Malzkuhn’s grandmother. She taught government classes for many years at Gallaudet. ‘88 protest need to give credit to Mary Malzkuhn for she lit the fire and nutured the foursome - they couldn’t have done it without her.

  Like I said, the main driving force behind the ‘88 protest that helped launch and suceed were Covell and Rarus…if you remember, Covell wrote an excellent open letter to Jordan back in October. I loved his “This is not a threat but a promise.” There emerged the real Jerry Covell. Rarus sacrifriced and got himself arrested on Black Friday - something the other 3 would never do. There emerged his dynamic personality and guts - the only one with any real guts, really. Bourne did turn out well and took to giving speaking engagements on her own and quite a leader at CSDF. She came into her own during the protest. It is not so surprising that Hlibok largely stayed behind scenes all these years…that is not his nature to thrust himself in the spotlight. He contributed his part and he did his part and he left that back in ‘88. There emerged the real Greg - not a real leader. He was interviewed by the media largely because he was the SBG prez - that was all. They should’ve interviewed Covell. He is much more eloquent and articulate and knowledgable. But you know media - they’re more interested in superficial stuff - Greg had the looks and status.

• 49. Joey Baer  |  December 24, 2006 at 11:46 am

  #47 -

  How can deaf people feel excluded when they actually use ASL themselves? I did not realize there is other official sign language in our country?

  If you feel we should use “d” instead of “D” to unify deaf people, I have no problem with that. Even in Bay Area, we are debating about this. (Don’t you ever think that we think alike or agree on everything.) In my perspective, we are on same huge ship and that we are scattered all over in the ship. Some of them chose to stay in their rooms or go to a small room to interact with others that they feel comfortable with. It is time for us to come out and meet in one big room to discuss how we can become stronger group of people. At the same time, we need to appreciate what we have to offer on this earth.

  I wonder why do we call Latino instead of latino or African-American instead of african-american? That’s where I am coming from. That’s something we need to discuss more to increase better understanding the difference between “D” and “d”.

  Like many others, my mission and passion to unify deaf people remain the same - regardless what people say about me or him or her, we have so much work ahead of us to raise our standards and bars especially for our deaf children. I am simply getting tired of accusations deaf people made toward certain individuals or a community when they attempt to increase awareness among deaf people.

  By the way, my response to #35 - I was not part of the organizing committee but I do not think we should be discussing this anyway. Why should we? It is already CLEAR at the gala last night that everyone appreciated everyone. I was there with my own eyes and yet (like I said above) I am still NOT satisfied and we still have a lot of work ahead of us.

  I also am disappointed with Chris that he asked us to talk about issues instead of personal and he allowed some ugly remarks above toward some individuals. It does not help us heal and discuss how we can improve the issues by itself.

  anyway - unity for deaf people!

  Joey

• 50. Frankie Jr.  |  December 24, 2006 at 12:54 pm

  At first I thought, ‘what the fuck?’ Why is he attacking Bay Area? But then I read more and I understood. These are good points and questions. I didn’t think about it before but he is right about the issues like ‘precedence’. Looks like he’s pushed some hot buttons by bringing it up, which means he is probably doing something right. I know from past experience that it takes courage to hold people accountable and ask tough questions. We need more ppl like him to keep us on our toes and widen our vision. I’m sure now ppl will go out of their way to make it clear those four honored aren’t the ‘official leaders’. A good example of someone creating change through his blog.

• 51. Not Rich  |  December 24, 2006 at 1:48 pm

  To #44 you said $40 for tickets was cheap? Are you rich? That’s not cheap. It didn’t even include dinner or meal! Cheap would be $5 or free. Gala was very expensive. It was celebration not for entire Deaf Community in Bay Area but for those who have money. You need educate yourself on class issues. This event had sponsorship from HOVRS and others. Plenty of money. Yet, you still had to charge outrageous $40 tickets and $50 at door. This celebration should have been free and for everyone. I’m very disappointed in the organizers, especially David Eberwein who continues to think he’s better than others and produces events like these that exclude instead of welcomes all our community.

• 52. Alyshia  |  December 24, 2006 at 2:26 pm

  FSSA needs to vote and decide who the “official leaders” were of the protest. Should it only be the FSSA spokespersons or also include people like Chris Corrigan and Noah Beckman? If they don’t decide, other groups (such as illustrated here) are going to decide for them. -Alyshia

• 53. Check Facts  |  December 24, 2006 at 3:06 pm

  I was curious so I dug into this a little more. I learned that DCARA was in fact one of the organisers. I was surprised as their events are almost always free and open to all.

  Also interesting is that almost no DCARA staff showed up at the Gala event, including the CEO.

• 54. Classof07  |  December 24, 2006 at 3:28 pm

  In my opinion, these five should be recognized as the official leaders:

  Noah Beckman
  Ryan Commerson
  Latoya Plummer
  Delia Lozano-Martinez
  Leah Katz-Hernandez

  I agree with Alyshia. FSSA should vote on it.

• 55. Name Withheld  |  December 24, 2006 at 4:05 pm

  Joey Baer, you wrote: “I was in awe to see so much of diversity at the Gala.” I find your comments offense. What diversity are you speaking of? When you looked at the audience, did you not notice the sea of white people surrounding you? There were only a handful of People of Color at the gala. And as someone already pointed out, the event was targeted towards those who could afford to go. What is diverse about that?

• 56. Name Withheld  |  December 24, 2006 at 4:22 pm

  Joey, another thing you wrote above: “How can deaf people feel excluded when they actually use ASL themselves?” But isn’t it true that you and others exclude some deaf? Look at how some are treating Di Herron for getting a C.I. It amazes me how much hypocrisy exists.

• 57. Route 66  |  December 24, 2006 at 5:50 pm

  Some people in Bay Area think too highly of themselves. I remember some of my classmates at Gally who graduated from CSD-F. They act like they know everything. They think they are smarter than every one else. I wonder how much of that attitude they got from the CSD-F staff and faculty who think the same thing about themselves.

• 58. Robin  |  December 24, 2006 at 6:17 pm

  Actually I thought Chris brought up some good questions although the choice of words could be better. We were fortunate enough to be Ryan’s hosts for 1 week and we enjoyed his stories about the protest.

  One of the messages Ryan had for us all was that this group of leaders isn’t restricted to only 4. There were certianly more leaders out there and the committee took extreme lengths to mention all of that during the gala.

  First of all, the purpose of the Gala was to celebrate the protest. Secondly, it was also designed to pass on the knowledge from this group of leaders to the students of CSDF. What could be better than getting a direct education from student leaders? Those students walked away very impressed and my wife was very happy when some of them took time to speak with her class.

  David wanted to give that back to the community. He can be brash, and tough but his heart is in the right place - He wants to give everything back to the community. It’s much easier for people to assume than put ourselves in his shoes.

  I should know, I was the World Deaf Cycling Championships chairperson and It was tough and thankless job.

• 59. MM SoCal  |  December 24, 2006 at 6:18 pm

  Wow. Interesting about DPN. Tulip are you sure about Hlibok/Rarus were Pres/VP? I don’t think they were in same SBG administration. Rarus was former President of SBG and then Hlibok was new elected President. I agree with you that Hlbok was more like just poster boy.

• 60. Chris Leon  |  December 24, 2006 at 6:33 pm

  It’s Christmas Eve! I’ve been occupied with my family, who are visiting from all over the country for the holidays. My 89-year-old deaf grandmother is here. I’m going to write a blog entry about her one of these days. She’s such an inspiration.

  I’m surprised to see all the dialogue going on here. I figured it would have died down by now. Apparently, there are a lot of issues that still need discussing. So by all means, feel free to discuss away!

  Discourse and dissent are healthy. They help us grow and view the world from different perspectives. That’s one of the great things about blogging. Other views can be shared freely. For this and numerous other reasons, I don’t believe in censoring comments. I do ask that people leave the individual personal attacks out. They really serve no purpose.

  I thank those of you who posted thoughtful and insightful comments. I enjoyed reading the entries about DPN. I was just a little kid back then. Not surprisingly, it seems there is a lot that hasn’t been recorded in the history books. I look forward to learning more.

  I will post a follow up to Deaf Unity Gala issue after the holidays.

  To all, I wish a Feliz Navidad y Feliz Ano Nuevo.

  Chris Leon

• 61. Robin  |  December 24, 2006 at 6:41 pm

  i’d like to add more thing:

  I think blogs like this are GREAT. It’s become a staple of my daily routine whenever I want to read. I’m looking forward to what it’s like in the future with the video logs. I’d like to quote Ryan “Video is our pen. It’s our way to document and write about everything there is about the deaf community.” That is so true.

  Now I’d like to get down to another issue: Anonymous blogging. If you have any issues or questions to ask, feel free to ask away but what’s the point of being anonymous?

  Whenever I see anonymous posters, I have a sense the person is not confident enough to express his/her opinion therefore creating an identity of insecurity, anger, jealousy and perhaps even oppressed. Once when the image is created, there’s a tendency for that person not to be taken seriously by the community because his/her thoughts are emotional driven, rather than well thought out ones.

  I don’t take anonymous posts seriously at all BUT I’d like to.

  Use your name next time.

• 62. MM SoCal  |  December 24, 2006 at 6:47 pm

  Merry Christmas everyone!

• 63. MM SoCal  |  December 24, 2006 at 6:49 pm

  Well, everyone knows me here as MM. Should we all use both first and last names in all our messages? To Robin.

• 64. jerald  |  December 24, 2006 at 7:26 pm

  I suspect people would be less inclined to comment on issues if they had to use their real first and last names. Probably we’d see less attacks, too. But then again, maybe not. Just look at all the viciousness going on on Gally L.

• 65. Up Yours -in ur fucking grandmothera aerse  |  December 24, 2006 at 7:34 pm

  IDIOTFORK IDIOT FORK CHRIS LEON is A WHINER CRYBABY COMPLAINER NEGATIVE SAD TWISTY ETC ETC
  IDIOT FORK IDIOT FORK IDIOT FORKIDIOTFORK IDIOT FORK CHRIS LEON is A WHINER CRYBABY COMPLAINER NEGATIVE SAD TWISTY ETC ETCIDIOTFORK IDIOT FORK CHRIS LEON is A WHINER CRYBABY COMPLAINER NEGATIVE SAD TWISTY ETC ETC
  IDIOT FORK IDIOT FORK IDIOT FORKIDIOTFORK IDIOT FORK CHRIS LEON is A WHINER CRYBABY COMPLAINER NEGATIVE SAD TWISTY ETC ETC
  IDIOT FORK IDIOT FORK IDIOT FORKIDIOTFORK IDIOT FORK CHRIS LEON is A WHINER CRYBABY COMPLAINER NEGATIVE SAD TWISTY ETC ETC

• 66. jerald  |  December 24, 2006 at 8:00 pm

  There you have it. Some idiot person from the Bay Area who should probably be in a mental hospital. I bet a student who has shit for brains and doesn’t have enough sense to post something intelligent.

• 67. cali  |  December 24, 2006 at 9:04 pm

  Chris,
  I’m all for open discussion, but please delete the last several comments. The length and tone ruin the chance for productive dialogue.
  Feliz Navidad to you and your loved ones as well.

• 68. Pepe  |  December 24, 2006 at 9:28 pm

  Stupid kid. Go back and play in your sandbox and let the adults talk.

• 69. Joey Baer  |  December 24, 2006 at 10:27 pm

  Name Withheld,

  Let’s reread my comment (#2 again:

  “1) I was in awe to see so much of diversity at the Gala. I was really thrilled to see that. But guess what, I am NOT satisified because we know we have so much work to do ahead of us in uniting more Deaf people. The comments above are perfect example that we have lots of work ahead of us.”

  It doesn’t matter if there were only a handful of diversity people there because they do COUNT! I am appalled that you did not appreciate them when I did. I applaud their effort in going to the Gala because I know it is probably difficult for some of them. Not only were that but there some people with different backgrounds (hard of hearing or oral) were there too. So that’s the reason I felt it was diversified and yet I clearly said that I am NOT satisfied. We need to focus on good things that happened and continue to improve from there instead of thinking negatively. Good thing indeed happened at the Gala!

  Secondly, you asked “Joey, another thing you wrote above: “How can deaf people feel excluded when they actually use ASL themselves?” But isn’t it true that you and others exclude some deaf? Look at how some are treating Di Herron for getting a C.I. It amazes me how much hypocrisy exists.”

  That’s the problem, that has nothing to do with my discussion. I was talking about what kind of sign language deaf people use (in this case, American Sign Language) and you brought up an entire different question and a personal one. I noticed that it’s a habit that some deaf people kept on accusing or questioning others in front of others especially on blogs. It is my humble opinion that whenever there is a personal question, it should be done in private. I only know that I do not exclude any deaf people intentionally. As for Di’s situation, you received wrong information and we should not be discussing this here anyway.

  If you (Name Withheld) would like to discuss with me further, feel free to contact me directly at joeybaer@comcast.net. The same goes for other readers who would like to discuss this personal topic futher too.

  Anyway, have a safe and happy holidays!

  Joey

• 70. been there and saw that  |  December 24, 2006 at 10:37 pm

  #66
  “There you have it. Some idiot person from the Bay Area who should probably be in a mental hospital. I bet a student who has shit for brains and doesn’t have enough sense to post something intelligent.”

  Whoa who says this person’s from the Bay Area? Be careful with your assumption. The same goes for you, Chris Leon.

• 71. Tulip  |  December 25, 2006 at 12:41 am

  #59

  Rarus was never a SBG prez - he was Kappa Gamma fraternity prez, tho. He was VP with Greg as Prez…I was there. Just look up Gallaudet yearbook 1988 and you will see both of them campaigning, winning and being cannonballed into the DPN protest right after. That same year or ‘89 yearbook, you will find Rarus as KG prez in the fraternity section. Rarus could handle prez of a fraternity but not SBG - too complicated and political for him - Greg was better suited for that role. Rarus complemented Greg with his dynamic personality and worked like a charm with the SBG cabinet which fell with his job description while Greg’s role was mainly outside SBG office and the cabinet - like I said, more political stuff.

• 72. Rolls Eyes  |  December 25, 2006 at 1:21 am

  Joey Baer is so full of himself.

• 73. jerald  |  December 25, 2006 at 10:28 am

  #70 -
  The idiot person _SAID_ he was from Bay Area and attended Gala. You missed the whole pages and pages of nasty crap he wrote here earlier. Very immature. That is why I thought maybe it’s a student. Or do your adults write like that in Bay Area?

• 74. iluvmath  |  December 25, 2006 at 2:19 pm

  Good point about unity gala not really being for everyone but just those who can afford. Easy to forget less fortunate. Not all people have enough money. Maybe next time they can do free. That way all can go and celebrate.

• 75. DT  |  December 26, 2006 at 9:33 am

  It’s really sad to see so much energy wasted when the crab theory raises it’s ugly head once again. Don’t we have better things to do, folks?

• 76. IMHO  |  December 26, 2006 at 11:33 am

  I disagree with the above remarks. I’m from they Bay Area. While I originally wasnt too thrilled with us being cast into the light like this, I see some very legitimate points being made and I’m starting to see this as a good thing for us. We can ignore the issues that have been raised and write them off as “crab theory” or listen to what’s being said and learn how to do better next time. True leaders seek feedback, listen to people –both good and bad remarks– and correct their mistakes. None of us are perfect and we are all still learning.

• 77. eagle rock  |  December 26, 2006 at 1:33 pm

  Looks like there was a can of worms that needed liberating. Hee heee.

• 78. MM SoCal  |  December 26, 2006 at 1:46 pm

  Are you sure Tulip? I thought it was roger kraft who is VP with Greg during DPN.

• 79. Tara Holcomb  |  December 26, 2006 at 5:06 pm

  I’m thrilled that Leah, Delia, Noah, Sean, and others are getting the recognition that they obviously deserve. It is unfortunate that not MORE people are being recognized as “leaders” because there really was alot more than just six or seven. When I was first invited to the gala, I was disappointed that more leaders weren’t able to be “invited” and I know Latoya, Chris, and Ryan felt the same. We were concerned that this very thing would happen, that people would mistakenly assume that we were the “sole” leaders and so on. That was my biggest problem with the whole gala but as the preparations went on, the bay area (and since it’s my hometown, I definitely had a lot of access to people who were on the committee) ensured me that they would make it clear that we werent the “only” leaders. At the Gala, I mentioned that the very word, “leader” may seem divisive because it labels a group of people of telling others what to do— that obviously did not happen during this protest because so many people put in their work and energy into this. It appears that a lot of people “saw” different leaders at different times– so it makes sense that everyone would have different opinions. In truth, I worked closely with probably twenty (plus) students… not to mention numerous others alumni, faculty, and staff that really put their heart and soul into this protest– those people truly were the leaders, even if they weren’t in the spotlight. If you really want to “label” people- Leah, Latoya, Delia, and Ryan are the elected spokespeople of FSSA—I truly hope that more schools and organizations will invite people to speak about the protest and the events leading up to it—who to invite should be up to you. Believe me, there are PLENTY of people who contributed so there should never be a shortage.

  What I’m trying to say here is that I appreciate everyone bringing up the issue of recognition because it’s an important one. The gala did a wonderful job of recognizing everyone on the steering team along with everyone who came from the bay area. I was THRILLED that Leah could come to the gala and that she could stay at my place along with Latoya. I only wish that Leah could have been on stage with us as she was one of the elected spokespeople.

  Like the previous comment from someone in FSSA, I hope that this protest won’t simply be a memory, but an inspiration. This was not DPN 2 and shouldn’t be treated as such.

• 80. Tulip  |  December 26, 2006 at 7:53 pm

  #79 MMSoCal

  I decided to actually look up the “88 yearbook. I wonder how the hell I could have forgotten…Rarus was the prez and Hector Brual the VP for the year of ‘87-88…Not Greg Hlibok….Frankly I am confused. DPN happened in Spring ‘88, right after the election of SBG…I am guessing they published SBG cabinet for year of ‘87-’88…Greg must have been the prez for ‘88-’89…because DPN happened right in middle of the adminstration turnover, so both Rarus and Hlibok represented the student body - Rarus was there to give assemblies on the presidential selection process and announcement of new president beginning Jan ‘88 while he was prez of SBG…in late Feb, Greg began campaigning for SBG prez and won..all while DPN was getting born. Surprisingly there is only ONE page on DPN in the yearbook ‘88. You may be right - Roger Kraft might have been the VP. Too bad I don’t have the ‘89 yearbook. I just don’t remember him having been VP with Greg.

  Well, I thumbed thru the activity pages amd came upon the election week page, and there it is! Yes, Roger Kraft was the VP with Greg for the year of ‘88 - 89. You got this one right!
  I just did not remember him being the VP. I must be having Alzheimer???

• 81. Super Deafian  |  December 27, 2006 at 10:42 am

  Tsk.
  We, as a deaf community, have the duty of bringing everyone together if we wishes to fight many issues out there in the world that have been haunting us for decades and even centuries. We have been scattered all over the place forgetting each other for way too long. It is rather critical that we stop the ‘crab theory’, individualism, the process of allowing the hearing world oppress us on all basis, etc. It is time to recognize ourselves as completely deaf person with a special blood within ourselves that needs to bring the community to a whole since this community is rather incredible and offers much more ideas, accesses, privileges, opportunities, and possibilities far more than anyone would ever expected, believed, and imagined. If you look through the courses of history, you would be able to discover that the deaf community has been able to invent and offer a variety of amazing things that is being used on daily basis in modern age everywhere by everyone. We are truly a brilliant, amazing, incredible, deep, and real community. We can achieve a lot once we work together as a whole. We should proud to be DEAF, despite our backgrounds, colors of skin, colors of mind, types of lives, genders, ages, and variety of hearing levels (yes - it doesn’t matter if you are hard of hearing, CI, Oral, late deaf, etc. - you are still truly an deaf person more than anything else).
  Many battles among racism, sexism, classism, etc. have been fought already. Some won. Some lost. But many have been brought to the field to be fought.
  But when it comes to the deaf community and their battles - MANY haven’t been won. Many haven’t been brought to the field. WE need to work together as a whole first before we can end this lackiness of fightings.

  With that said, I hope people everywhere realize that this gala and the entire event with CSDF isn’t about favorism, increasing egos, rejections, or anything of the sort. It was a time to simply actually recognize an concept and idea that we actually managed to finally work up an UNITY among the deaf communities all over the world that are on the verge of finally raising the deaf community as a whole. They invited only four people as some basic representatives of the protest because they simply couldn’t afford to invite everyone and there wouldn’t be enough time for everyone to run around everywhere doing tons of things they had planned. They had student panels, questionnaires, discussions, presentations, etc. with different classes everyday at CSDF. They barely had enough time for only four. They didn’t pick those specific four because they were the ’solo leaders’ of the protest but rather because they were simply four protestors who were very involved with the protest and was few of many obvious seen poster faces of the protest as well. They had no hidden agendas or anything. They just wanted to present the idea of recognizing the protest, the unity, and they simply choose those four people to explain and discuss the protest.

  CONTUNUED IN NEXT POST…..

• 82. Super Deafian  |  December 27, 2006 at 10:42 am

  Like companies everywhere, like any organizations everywhere, like groups and tribes everywhere, like our very own United States of America government - there must be some kind of representatives and that doesn’t mean everyone else within that branch is being rejected, ignored, oppressed, or anything of the form. People should be seeing the positive side of this event, where those four people were able to inspire children of all ages, where the children were able to stand up and say they will be the next generation’s leaders and lead the deaf community in all areas they wishes to pursuit in the future, and much more. The children was inspired by this event, why should we suppress that and tell those children to be quiet because not enough or wrong people was invited to chat to them about everyone and everything. What the Bay Area did was simply wonderful. They aren’t going to stop anyone else from choosing someone else to visit their schools or places to represent the protest, so whoever felt that this wasn’t justified, don’t reply back to this gala and events at CSDF with disgust, instead reply with inviting the entire population of the protest or whoever you felt should be representing the protest to YOUR school, town, places of interest, etc. and show the world that you are continuing the recognition of the UNITY AND you are choosing people of YOUR OWN preferences. We need to stop insulting each other and start promoting other forms of ideas that WILL help each other.

  We recognize all leaders and people who were involved with this protest. WE ALL DID IT. No single person was better than another. The world made this protest successful. The world was the one that formed the UNITY among everyone. WE ALL DID IT. Celebrate it, savor it, and HELP THE WORLD CONTINUE THE UNITY AMONG THE DEAF COMMUNITY! There are so many battles left to be won. With my help, their help, and YOUR help, we can make it happen.

  I will stop for now.

  - SUPER DEAFIAN
  (A DEAF person who is very proud to be deaf and be part of this beautiful deaf community)

• 83. MM SoCal  |  December 27, 2006 at 11:49 am

  Smiles. You and me confused there for a minute, Tulip. Yes, roger kraft was VP with Greg. Weird that it’s not clear in yearbook from that year.

• 84. Joey Baer  |  December 27, 2006 at 1:07 pm

  Super Deafian,

  BEAUTIFULLY SAID! Thank you!!!

  Unity for deaf People!!!!

• 85. Tulip  |  December 27, 2006 at 2:51 pm

  MM SoCal

  Yep, weird about the yearbook…

  Just for fun, I compared the ‘88 leaders and the ‘06 leaders…I think Ryan Commerson is the Jerry Covell, although he was much more visible than Jerry was ,but he knew his stuff and was the driving force behind the protest…

  Tara Holcomb = Greg Hlibok…subdued leadership. Quiet. Person of few words.

  Chris Corrigan = Tim Rarus, the ham. Plenty of personality and character. People responded to him. Charisma.

  LaToya = Bridgetta Bourne….spoke to the female body, lent strength and resolve.

  What ya think, MMSoCal?

• 86. chocolate fondue  |  December 27, 2006 at 5:02 pm

  Impressive blogg. The tone is a bit harsh but you definitely raise some important issues. What did the organizers say? Look forward to reading your update.

• 87. Kendall Green  |  December 27, 2006 at 7:48 pm

  Roger Kraft was vice president. You probably don’t remember him because he was a lousy one imho. As a matter of fact, you Bay Area people almost hired him for you DCARA ceo position. You dodged a bullet there.

• 88. Tulip  |  December 27, 2006 at 10:20 pm

  #87

  Yep, Roger Kraft was never much of a leader which may explain why I couldn’t remember him being VP. I had to thumb through the yearbook to the activity section and find the election week to see his picture with Greg during campaigning period.

  I knew him more on a personal level and he was a really nice guy - very mellow and humble. He is easy to like, but as a leader, he is not a good choice. Too laid back. He is intelligent and can contribute substantially to a cause if he could or is interested…but to lead something, nah. Best leave that to someone else. He probably applied for DCARA just to get out CSD…which is on a downslide now. By the way, like I said, I seem to have pulled Alzheimers lately, who got the DCARA post? I know it wasn’t Rarus or Kraft, and I believe the other applicant was Bridget Tate? And there was a fourth? So, who got it?

• 89. chocolate fondue  |  December 27, 2006 at 11:10 pm

  Ditto regarding Kraft. The forth applicant was Andy Lange. None of them got the job. It’s still open. I heard it was offered to one of the four but the person was too selfish and demanded a larger salary, which turned DCARA off. They withdrew the offer and are holding out for someone better. Or so that’s what I heard.

• 90. Be More Sensitive Next Time!  |  December 27, 2006 at 11:30 pm

  I was talking to one of the student leaders who was not invited to the bay area event and the person expressed their disapointment at not being invited. The person is trying to blow it off and is just trying to be happy for the others but there are some hurt feelings. This person should have been recognized with the other student leaders instead of being excluded. Shame on the organizers of this event. I hope others will NOT repeat this mistake.

• 91. Tulip  |  December 28, 2006 at 1:28 am

  #89

  Gosh! The chosen applicant asked for a bigger salary?? Man. What he/she expect - applying for a service organization? Everyone knows service career do not pay much. It will put some sparkle on your resume and boost experience but make money? Nah. Smart of them to hold out for the best applicant who is not necessarily in it for the money but for the people.

• 92. ??  |  December 28, 2006 at 11:27 am

  Tulip - do you know if any of current 4 leaders are Kappa Gamma?

• 93. cali  |  December 28, 2006 at 12:23 pm

  ??, hon, there’s no way Holcomb or Plummer could be KG. They’re females, and KG only takes males.

  In all seriousness, why does this even matter? Its a non-issue, and who cares who belongs to what?

• 94. don't be fooled  |  December 28, 2006 at 2:24 pm

  comment #58 - i like what you said robin. i also think you’re being quite generous where david eberwien is concerned. i’ve known DE a long time - all the way back to our gally days and he usually does things that will benefit him in some way. maybe it’s not always obvious or direct but it’s there. for instance, he got a lot of recognition and praise for putting the gala together didn’t he? and i’m sure the student leaders that he invited will continue to kiss his ass for years to come for the invitation he extended them. future doors will open for him in various ways, just like with the deafhood stuff. this wasn’t entirely altrustic. he got a lot out of this event. don’t let him fool you into thinking otherwise.

• 95. Tulip  |  December 28, 2006 at 2:57 pm

  #92

  LOL. #93 is right about Holcomb and Plummer but hey, #93, lay off…#92 said “any” meaning any ONE of the 4 are KG?

  Anyway, I am an old fart…I know the ‘88 leaders…I knew Tom Holcomb and feeling SO old knowing his baby girl Tara is now Gally student. Phew. I know Hlibok and Rarus are KG, BB, PKZ and Jerry, KS.

  Let’s play….I think Corrigan and Commerson are both KG - Commerson, if hes anything like Jerry Covell, might be KS…the girls probably PKZ, but Holcomb is sort of young…maybe not just yet but surely is PKZ material. I don’t know enought about Plummer but if she has leadership tendencies, that would say PKZ…but not necessarily.

  But the way I understand it, KG and PKZ aren’t the same as they were during my time and other greeks are getting better members these days. KG and PKZ aren’t necessarily the “elite” greeks now.

• 96. eagle rock  |  December 28, 2006 at 3:36 pm

  Kappa Gamma is a has-been. Delta Sigma Phi are now the elite.

• 97. GU'03  |  December 28, 2006 at 4:29 pm

  Other missing student leaders: Tawny Holmes and Matt Lockhart

• 98. Robin  |  December 28, 2006 at 7:23 pm

  To “don’t be fooled” (#94), you’re certainly entitled to your opinion. My opinion may differ from yours.

  But hey! That’s what’s so great about the deaf community these days. We love our community so much to discuss what is really the best for the community. So I’m all for it.

  With that in mind, Would you like to VP about this? I’d like to get into details with my opinion and I’d love to hear yours. Blogging about this over a week period may be not so productive.

  Would you like to call me? If so, email me at robinhorwitz at gmail dot com.

• 99. MM SoCal  |  December 28, 2006 at 8:11 pm

  Tulip I do love you’re thinking! Good compare. Maybe better leah more like Greg personality and Delia more like BB. Latoya more about black vote. That is main her talk.

• 100. MM SoCal  |  December 28, 2006 at 8:15 pm

  I agree with you. Sororities and fraternities are so-what. I remmy KG got suspend many times. I did invite to join PKZ but not interest.

• 101. Frats and Sorts  |  December 28, 2006 at 9:16 pm

  Well for those who are very self-centered and cannot find anything better to focus on than greek worlds and such would be appaled to discover that pratically nearby all leaders within this protest are actually more of GDI than involved with the greek world.

  Leaders such as Ryan Commerson, Chris Corrigan, Leah Katz-Hernadez, Latoya Plummer, etc. are actually NOT involved in any greek organizations at the moment.

  Why would the greeks would be somewhat an big issue? Now everyone are spreading out thin. The point was that this event was successful and fulfilled with no bad intentions and such. Everyone did wonderful, more people should host more events like this or host an gatherings of some kind to celebrate the deaf community. Stop pulling each other down. start looking at the bigger picture if you can.

• 102. Joey Baer  |  December 28, 2006 at 9:56 pm

  In Chris’ entry above, he wrote:

  “I’m imagining one of Dan McClintock’s great political ASL cartoons here in this exact spot. It’s a cartoon of the state of California signing “big headed”. He hasn’t drawn it yet, but I can see it so vividly.

  Big Headed Bay Area”

  Guess what, Dan McClintock drew one and obvious, Chris has a problem with his creative imaginatation. Check it out at:

  http://dmccartoon.blogspot.com/

  Thank you Dan!

• 103. Tulip  |  December 28, 2006 at 11:26 pm

  MM SoCal,

  Maybe you’re right… Me no know Leah but I got the impression LaToya was all about herself as well. Laurene Gallimore/Simms was my former teacher so knowing her and that LaToya is “under her wing,” I’m inclined to agree with your assessment of LaToya. Laurene and LaToya are all about “Poor me black woman.” I heard Laurene talk about that all the time. Seeing the similiar song LaToya gave in the TV interview, I just had to roll up my eyes. It was like I was seeing Laurene herself.

  Frats - KG was acutally shut down permanently after a pledge reported hazing and showed proof….KG fought to re-activiate their fraternity and underwent probatory period for several years…thereafter, I don’t know if they had any more suspensions?

  Anyway, both KG and PKZ were such elitist groups - recruited mainly members from Deaf families or culturally Deaf or ambitious leaders…it went on for decades until 1990s when more mainstreamed students started coming…and soon exceeded the residential - school student population and the Deaf culture soon disspaited…so did KG and PKZ…not so strong anymore…with the new Deadhood hype, I think they want to bring back the “old days.”

  And Frats, it is GREAT to know none of the ‘06 leaders are greek members - goes to prove you don’t need greek label to lead. Leadership is from inside yourself, not from what you belong to.

• 104. Tulip  |  December 28, 2006 at 11:54 pm

  Joey Baer,
  I’m afraid I don’t get you point about Chris and Dan McClintock’s cartoon? California state lines with big hands waving? What that have to do with Chris’ “problem?” Chris’ issue is specifically targeted at Bay Area…and the people in the area, not the state of CA. He is from San Diego himself so he obviously loves his state. I don’t see any connection between the two.

  Chris’ title said “Bay Area Getting Too Big For Its Britches?”, not
  “California Getting Too Big For Its Britches?” If Dan wanted to interpret more specifically upon Chris’ post, he would have drawn Bay Area and drew a big head….perhaps Dan was not really referring to Bay Area but just CA in general?

  And Joey, I know you. You would never admit to being an elitist, but you are. I knew you at Gallaudet. I know whose crowd you hung around with. Know the quote, “To know a man, look at his friends?” I think this quote says a lot about you, Joey. Sorry, but Chris had a valid concern. You don’t like it? Well, welcome to the country of Free Speech.

  Of course nobody can make everyone happy, but come on, Joey. $50 Gala to hear 4 student leaders give speeches? That is pricey. And I understand that is just the admittance fee…the dishes were separate? Whoa. So it obviously implied that only those with money could attend. Why not host the “gala” at a reception at CSDF where everyone could come and meet the 4 student leaders for free??? I believe that was the whole point of what Chris was trying to say. Not just that - why only 4. I understand there were more student leaders that LIVE in the Bay Area who were not invited. So, it does implicate that 4 student leaders were out of favoritism .

  Of course the foursome would have to say to include all other leaders otherwise they’d have looked egoistical which is not an admirable trait. It is all political strategy on their parts, and clever at that. The Gala should’ve invited ALL the students leaders, not just the four. And not have guests pay through their noses - the protest was for everyone, wasn’t it? Or was it really for the elite Deaf Culture community?

  Bay Area should be more cautious about what image they want to portray. So, don’t go down on Chris - he had far more validity than you did. Perhaps Bay Area might think about toning down a bit.

  I can understand your wanting to defend your friends - I suppose it is only natural. But we also have the right to say what need to be said. You are always preaching “open discourse or dialogue.” So start practicing it rather than preaching it.

• 105. X-)  |  December 29, 2006 at 1:55 am

  Joey Baer likes to pretend he is humble but my opinioin he is not. Someone should do expo about him and CSDF. My friend told me that CSDF let him work on his blog during staff time and use school equipment. His blog is personal. It is not about school. Also, during protest, friend told me CSDF let David Eberwein and Brigetta Bourne-Firl to go to Gally for protest with paid leave. My friend thinks also CSDF may have paid some money to them to go for airfare but not sure. That is abuse of school funds my opinion. Someone should report to Department of Education about this for investigation to find all facts.

• 106. GWU Student  |  December 29, 2006 at 3:15 am

  Fraternities and Sororities are highly overrated. I think Gallaudet takes them much more seriously than we do at other Universities.

• 107. Joey Baer  |  December 29, 2006 at 9:07 am

  Tulip,

  Yes, you are right, we live in America and we have freedom of speech. It is just that deaf world is very small and many comments especially toward some individuals in Bay Area are very hurtful when we are simply trying to improve things. It is more difficult when some individuals never asked some senstitive questions in private but rather in public like blogs. For example: In my opinion, Chris could have asked the questions in private and after getting some facts, write an entry because I strongly believe that after he gets some facts, his choice of words will be entirely different. Also, the discussion above is like they are trying to destroy the Bay Area community. I do not think bringing up such senstive questions in public will help or improve deaf community.

  I am not going to argue with your assessment, “To know a man, look at his friends” because many of us were never taught that during our younger days. Things have changed in last few years in our community. I have learned many things that I wish I learned when I was younger. That’s something is missing from our system! We should be discussing on how we should start teaching our younger generation about our deaf identities, politics, language, and history and then our community would be much stronger today. That’s something we have lacked for long time. So lilke many others, I have been trying to change that by learning more things from other deaf people. So it is a little unfair to say that I am the same man you knew from Gallaudet days.

  By the way, why can’t you name yourself? Help me and refresh my memory. If you prefer not, can you at least get in touch with me and I would like to discuss some other things with you that is not appropriate here.

  Yes, I still believe in discourse and dialogue and will never change that. If you feel I did not in my recent post, accept my apologies.

• 108. Simon  |  December 29, 2006 at 10:58 am

  I’m a current Gallaudet student that enjoys your vlog, Joey. I also personally know Chris and have a great deal of respect for him. I have to say that your comments here have really changed my opinion of you, Joey. You’re not as aware or as smart as I thought. You have a lot of work you need to do on yourself especially where race and class issues are concerned. Its a shame you didn’t get the points made on this blog and instead continue to act defensive and in denial. You also keep writing and signing off that you’re all about “deaf unity” but then turn around and attack Chris and try to start friction between Dan and Chris where no friction exists. That’s pretty low.

• 109. Tulip  |  December 29, 2006 at 12:02 pm

  Joey,

  I give you credit for TRYING…but what you did in here is hardly open dialogue - you’re in an attack mode. Chris has valid points that needed to be addressed. This kind of thing repeats throughout Deaf history and many of us would like to see that kind of thing stop.

  I DO agree about your view on Deaf role model and the foundations of character. That is indeed sorely missing from our youths today. I remember during my time, Deaf faculty took time to know us, to interact with us and to nuture us. Seems today Deaf faculty don’t anymore. That’s tragic. They clock in, work and clock out. Some people believe many Deaf faculty are afraid…some got accused of statuatory rape or molestation with students…some went to jail for those accusations….so they are afraid to “fraternize” with the students. The more tragic part is some of them are not even true - some students were angry and wanted to retaliate. So, now they clock in and out. I wish they’d put aside their fears for students’ sake and their future.

  Anyway, you have room to grow and learn how to distinguish between open and free dialogue and what is not. Your vblog is GREAT…you sign very clearly and eloquently. It is pleasant to watch you “talk” to us. But I DO wish you’d be less “English-like” and more “ASL-like” so the grassroots could appreciate your vblog more. I know it is hard to modify your style and mode but it’d be great if you could.

  Joey, your heart is in the right place. Keep it that way.

• 110. CMJ  |  December 29, 2006 at 12:28 pm

  Fascinating stuff here! One thing I’m curious about is learning more about that brave soul who came forward regarding kappa gamma hazing. That took guts. I wonder if he suffered any major recupersions afterwards since there are a lot of kappa gamma alumni in Deaf world.

• 111. Jamal Henry  |  December 29, 2006 at 12:55 pm

  I just want to remind everyone that not all of us supported the direction the protest went into and many didn’t support the protest at all. That’s a big difference between DPN of 1988 and this protest. In ‘88, everyone was united with the same goals. Not so this time around. Many people of color were especially disgusted and felt used. This protest didn’t unify Gallaudet, it did the opposite. I cringed when I heard about this Unity Gala event. This was a celebration of an event that tore our community apart. Shameful.

• 112. Jamal Henry  |  December 29, 2006 at 1:03 pm

  I was thinking. We should have our own Gala for those who bravely held to their beliefs that the protest was wrong. They bravely endured threats, harassment and intimidation for taking a stand. We should honor our leaders like David King, Niesha and Arlyn as well as the CoSC.

• 113. Robin  |  December 29, 2006 at 1:47 pm

  Tulip and others,

  What I am so confused about this here: nobody seems to be willing to take up on my offer to VP.

  I’m firm in my belief the Gala was done in a very professional way and David absolutely did the best job he could do.

  Like I said before, it’s very easy for someone who would hide behind a pseudo-name and take someone down. I really applaud Joey for coming to the forefront and taking a lot of criticism. it shows that he cares about the community by taking a stand.

  I am asking you all to do the same thing. Use your names or get into a productive dialogue by using videophones. I’m very sure David would take the time to talk with someone who’s geninue about their concerns and I know he’ll clear up a lot of misunderstandings.

  That is what I am so bummed about.

• 114. chocolate fondue  |  December 29, 2006 at 2:13 pm

  Some people use their names, some don’t. I don’t because I simply don’t see the need to. I always feel like I have to be careful of what I say and worry about being blacklisted or attacked. I’ve seen this happen over and over again. Even here, look how some, including Joey, are attacking Chris for speaking his mind. Our community is often not a safe enviorment for dissent. Anyone who believes otherwise should talk to people like David Musa King and Jamal who experienced some very ugly stuff during the protest for their differing views. Blogs like these give us the freedom to speak what’s on our mind without worrying we will be punished for it by the community. Blogs are where true freedom of expression happen. They are the true pulse of the community.

• 115. Joey Baer  |  December 29, 2006 at 2:14 pm

  Simon - from bottom of my heart, I never intend to attack Chris but if you and others felt that way, I fully respect your perspective and interpretation. Many of us in Bay Area are very frustrated with the treatment we have been getting lately. Too often, things are being said about Bay Area without checking with the sources first. At the same time, I hold myself responsible for what I said and I apologize and I hope Simon, Chris and others understand that. Thanks.

  Tulip - any chance we can get in touch and talk more? I’d like very much to continue the “dialogue” with you directly.

• 116. GU'03  |  December 29, 2006 at 2:21 pm

  I agree 100% with that Chocolate said. Also, Robin, you make the assumption that everyone has VP. Many don’t, including me.

• 117. Tulip  |  December 29, 2006 at 2:21 pm

  CMJ,

  The brave soul was Kevin Clark of Kansas City. Actually a few of his fellow pledges backed him up…These pledges went on to become members…they scathingly pointed to the members that they witnessed and must back up Kevin otherwise he’d be shrouded in a reputation as a liar and known as the person to bring down KG…the pledges pointed out that KG needed to accept responsibility and pay the consequences….greek organization had outlawed hazing sometime before to which KG had ignored. Thankfully the elder members acknowledged their roles and responsiblities. Of course Kevin Clark did not become member and that was okay with him, but he was thankful and grateful to his fellow pledges who are now all KG members. He was brave and stood up. It was a well known fact KG hazed the pledges but none was willing to come forward until Kevin Clark.

  Now I don’t know if KG continues to practice hazing or have since toned it down as PKZ had…Having lost the basement of Krug Hall, they probably don’t have the liberty of hazing in privacy. Anyway, I do hope they no longer practice it. I believe it is totally unnecesary to haze to prove one’s worth to be a member. It is simply utterly ridiculous which was precisely why *I* never joined.

• 118. Robin  |  December 29, 2006 at 2:22 pm

  #114 - This also means that you have the ability to hide behind a pseudo-name and bash someone. To me, that is truly an act of a coward. When someone bashes an unfortunate person, I honestly don’t know how that person would be able to feel great about himself/herself. That’s pretty low if you ask me.

  The person who does that kind of thing is either jealous, insecure, or oppressed. Take your pick.

• 119. chocolate fondue  |  December 29, 2006 at 2:34 pm

  That’s your opinion, Robin, and you’re certainly entitled to it. Perhaps you should also preach this to your group of friends. Isn’t that DE hiding behind the pseudo-name of ‘Super Deafian’? Sure looks like his writing. Why doesn’t he have guts here to post here for himself instead of letting you and others do the work for him?

• 120. chocolate fondue  |  December 29, 2006 at 2:34 pm

  Tulip ~ and all this time I thought you were a *she*!

• 121. Robin  |  December 29, 2006 at 2:44 pm

  #119 - I can promise you this. It isn’t DE who used the pseudo-name of Super Deafian.

  I have to admit this: I’m wondering why I am wasting my time here on blog trying to deal with people (especially the ones with pseudo names) who are taking other deaf people down.

  Maybe I’m the dumb one. Maybe they’re the smart ones - they’ll deal things in person. So if you want an answer from them, see them in person (or via VP, IM - definitely a better type of communication medium).

• 122. $?  |  December 29, 2006 at 2:54 pm

  Surprised to see this still going on after a week. I hate to bring this up but I’m wondering what happened to the $ from the Gala. There were several sponsers donating $$$ plus $40/$50 tickets. I estimate about 100 people showed up. That’s over $4,000 just from tickets. I don’t know how much from sponsers but I bet at least another $5,000. Hotel rental and snacks — couple of hundred to a thousand dollars. Plane tickets for 3 (Tara is local) probably $300 or less roundtrip. That’s a lot of money left over. Where did it go? Just wondering.

• 123. CMJ  |  December 29, 2006 at 3:11 pm

  I know Kevin Clark!!! He lives in the Sacramento area now with his boyfriend. WOW!!!! I had not idea! Thank you for sharing this infos with us Tulip!! I have a new found respect for Kevin.

• 124. GU'03  |  December 29, 2006 at 3:16 pm

  I think Noah Beckman is KG.

• 125. GU'03  |  December 29, 2006 at 3:21 pm

  I like this way for dialogue. In IM or VP, you can only one-on-one. Here, many different views at once. More interesting and varied. I learn many new things on blogs that I won’t learn from one-on-one.

• 126. Tulip  |  December 29, 2006 at 3:31 pm

  Choc
  GASP! I AM a SHE!! I guess you assumed I am male because I said I’d never join KG…sorry I didn’t make myself clear…I meant I’d never join greek organization because they all require devoting my time for 2-3 weeks and submitting to their bidding….I find this ridiculous. I like the way the greeks do at the other univeristies - look at your gpa, resume of participation, hosting events, your philosophy, your views - some have you write essays…I like that system better!

  CMJ

  I heard he turned gay, but I never was sure if it’s a fact. That may explain why he never had successful relationships with women. Regardless, he is a very good person and to be admired. He has my respect. I wish him only the best.

  Joey,
  I hesitate about contacting you…I am not sure of your intentions. Anyway, I highly doubt you even remember me. I am one of those “dark horses” who made plenty of observations but said very little. Sure, you and I ran in similiar crowds at Gallaudet, but we weren’t exactly friends anyway.

  You’re right - Gallaudet is a whole lifetime ago, and I am sure you are a different person than you were back then - just a kid. So was I.

• 127. Not Crazy About Joey  |  December 29, 2006 at 3:39 pm

  Now, you all can see the true side of Joe