Why can’t disabled people use the tube?
Imagine if there were signs outside this station saying “NO DISABLED PEOPLE ALLOWED”. That would be denounced as outrageous, unfair, a policy of apartheid. But for anyone using a wheelchair, that is the reality of the situation.
Other oppressed minorities have been forced to fight for their rights in the past. Rosa Parkes refused to rise from her seat so that black people could take any seat on the bus, and now, it is time for disabled people to do the same.
Those in power will reply with every excuse… there isn’t enough money, it’s impossible to work on all stations etc. etc. But the time for excuses is over. It is time for a change.
How can we claim to be living in a developed country, a “free democracy”, when such a large section of society are denied the right to use our public transport. Can you imagine this being accepted for any other group of people… no women on buses? No black people on trains?
Then WHY is it OK for disabled people?
Excellent film and commentary from the blog of Jody McIntyre.
Jody McIntyre was one of the casualties of the student protests last week. He was dragged out of his wheelchair by four police officers and beaten. 45 minutes later, one of these same police officers again dragged him out of his wheelchair.
We need a Public Inquiry. Something clearly went wrong on the day. It started out as a peaceful day. People were partying on the street, it was a carnival atmosphere. Why then did a carnival and good spirits end in a riot? End with people being illegally detained in a kettle on Westminster Bridge?
We have to stop the lies being spread by mainstream media and our disgraceful political elite. The situation is being deliberately inflamed to justify an ever more draconian and violent clampdown.
We have the right to protest without fear of being attacked by the police.
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Tags: disability rights, equality, human rights, Jody McIntyre, student protest
