All:

I last posted a week ago today, regarding my decision to contact my State Representative and my State Senator regarding the possibility of state level legislation being drafted to require captioned movies be shown in theaters housing 5 more more screens in the state of Kentucky (see my post "Deaf Access to Movies Now").  I drafted my proposal and sent it via email on Sunday.  Within 48 hours, I had received a response from both of them agreeing to work on drafting a bill addressing this very issue!

While I realize drafting a bill and actually even getting it out of committee for a vote by the full body of our state legislature are two completely different things, I am heartened by the quick response time of two of my local elected officials, and their positive response.  One went so far as to even admit "people who don't have these issues would never be aware of these numbers, and I am happy to work with you on this".  That type of candor is refreshing, to be honest.  The other individual came right out and said "Eddie, I will get to work on drafting this bill right away".

You might wonder why I have not mentioned their names, and the reason is simple.  I understand politics well, and I am very cognizant of the fact that most politicians like to issue press releases and the like, when they pre-file or file bills for consideration.  Out of personal respect to these two, and in deference to them for such quick and timely responses to my proposal, I have decided to wait until the language is set, and the bill pre-filed, before I release the names.  Also, I have heard from at least one other person, that very often the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) likes to flex it's lobbying muscles against bills of this type, and I don't want to chance it being shot down before it is even filed.

If you have been reading DeafRead, there was a blog on there that discussed the top vote-getting motions for NAD to place on it's agenda for the 2009-2010 year, and the number one issue was captioned movies in theaters.  Quite a bit of fortituous timing between my beginning to seek more access and NAD moving this to the top of their agenda.  But I can assure you right now, I am not a member of NAD, nor DBC, nor any of the others.  I try my best to remain objective, and I think this helps.  So there is no "working together" conspiracy between NAD and myself, it is just good timing.  I'm not saying at all, that I would not work with them on this issue or that I would not welcome their support.

I will continue to keep everyone posted as best as I can.  My time is really limited somewhat in regards to my blog postings due to family committments and also being in the process of co-authoring a book with Mark Drolsbaugh and Dennis Jones, Jr.  It promises to be an exciting book, one that says what needs to be said regarding many issues impacting the Deaf, HOH, Cochlear Implant communities and others.  I'm truly excited to be working with writers of Mark and Dennis's caliber!