The politics of Helen Keller, Socialism and disability

[appalachiablue]

4. I knew her basic bio, then a few years ago I read that she was a socialist which I didn't know.

There's is a lot from the US progressive era that wasn't covered in school or college, or on public television, yet fortunately I know what to look for and many of the names like Debs, Goldman and some of the writers like Sinclair Lewis, others. I forgot she went to Perkins; in the 1980s I worked for a United Way agency for the visually impaired and met a few people from that institution and many others including the AFB (American Foundation for the Blind) HQ in DC. Working as an information coordinator was very interesting, I met a lot of good people.

One of the most memorable public events then was receiving an invitation to a White House Conference on the Handicapped. A nice occasion where Harold Russell, the WWII disabled Navy Vet and pioneer of rehabilitation for veterans (1940s film, 'The Best Years of Our Lives') was the keynote speaker. Next Ted Kennedy Jr. spoke and I was just behind the Senator, his father who stood up and waved at one point.

Keller was a wonderful, brilliant lady; I want to see the sculpture of her in the capitol. Thanks again.