| | Bush - The Politics of Inclusion
 by Steven James Tingus
hroughout his nearly 2-year campaign for the presidency, then-Governor George W. Bush pledged to change the tone of Washington. While pundits remained skeptical, questioning the ability of our chief executive to build consensus among intransigent Congressional caucuses, it was a message Americans needed to hear.
From the 1995 government shutdown and former President Bill Clinton's impeachment, to his administration's inability to reform Medicare or pass a prescription drug benefit, average voters had grown weary of the finger-pointing and buck-passing which came to characterize the Beltway, particularly on the issues that affect them the most.
Just 2 weeks into his presidency, Bush has shown his ability to work from the middle, putting action behind his pledge to be the president of "all the people."
On February 1, 2001, I had the pleasure of introducing the president in the East Room of The White House as he unveiled his "New Freedom Initiative," a comprehensive strategy to provide assistive technology for persons with disabilities around the nation so that they can have better access to transportation, housing, education, and employment. The nearly $1 billion plan is the antithesis of old-school entitlement programs, consisting of tax-incentives, low-interest loans and grants to foster independence.
Bush wasn't the slightest bit inhibited by the fact that the disabled population is overwhelmingly Democratic, forming the most-liberal wing of the party.
Surrounded by disability advocates like myself who have spent their lives fighting for greater access and equal opportunity, Bush called on government to reform policies that keep us unemployed and out of the mainstream. Emphasizing that the policy goal of independence is common to both the able-bodied and disabled populations, Bush stated that we must reach for the day "when the last barrier is removed to full and independent lives for every American, with or without disability."
In a culture where form is as important as substance, Bush chose to deliver his remarks from a lowered-podium where he would be eye-to-eye with disabled wheelchair users who sat beside him.
Showing that his primary objective is to get reforms passed, rather than just taking credit for them, Bush ensured that Democrats were involved in the initiative. The press conference unveiling his new initiative was attended by the lions of disability reform in Congress, such as ADA architect Senator Tom Harkin and Senator Ted Kennedy, who carried the so-called "Work Incentives" bill 2 years ago to allow people like myself to buy into Medicaid-based health insurance even as their income rises above poverty.
Of course, there are many bridges to be built.
Americans with disabilities, for example, have a multitude of important policy issues that need addressing, including ADA compliance, social security reform and implementation of the Supreme Court's Olmstead ruling which called for de-institutionalization of those individuals with disabilities who must be cared for in the "least restrictive" setting.
But even those who opposed Bush in the election should be optimistic. There has been a throng of traditionally-democratic constituencies beyond the disability community that have received presidential attention during the first weeks of the Bush Administration, such as African-Americans and the education establishment, showing Bush's practical, workman-like approach to people's business. If you listen closely, you may hear the sound of gridlock breaking.
Steven Tingus, who has a rare form of muscular dystrophy, is the Director of Resource Development for the California Foundation for Independent Living Centers (CFILC), a trade association representing 27 independent living centers throughout California. Steven, who assisted the Bush campaign in crafting the initiative, recently helped the president introduce his "New Freedom Initiative" in the East Room of The White House.
You can email Mr. Tingus at stingus@cfil.org | |
