Jeff Nygaard has contributed the last chapter of his series on universal health care. Jeff did an excellent job, raising many questions to ponder, and we thank him. There are some key points that Jeff makes in the article or which we all must be aware 1) universal health care will definitely affect the Minnesota disability programs we have in place today. 2) The disability community must be at the table when the programs are being planned. We have to elect passionate, persuasive leaders to create a system that is fair and equitable. And with that, I’ll move to Justin Dart; there is just no one like Justin Dart. As with all great men, his progressive thinking and ideals were far ahead of his time. I think Justin would applaud any politician that would work to create a government that is fair-minded and impartial to every citizen. The article on page 8 was written by Justin before his death in 2001 reflecting on the elections of November 2002 and November 2004. His passion was for worldwide democracy. Thank you, Yoshiko, for sharing your beloved husband Justin’s life with all of us.

“Historic Disability Vote” tells the story of how much we in the disability community can impact elections. Let’s make it our common mission to get informed and vote in every upcoming election! Let’s make it known that the disability community is the largest voting population – we know our obligations and we will fulfill them!

Lance Hegland starts a three part series researching and reporting the emergency readiness of the corporate workplace and government center. He will be offering resource information as will tips on being more aware in your own workplace.

Bret Helsa in “Malady To Be Cured” explains another perspective on disability, called the Medical/Professional model. He makes us aware of how this ideology has affected everyone’s view of people with disabilities. Mike Cohn in “Who Am I?” touches on the Medical/Professional and Moral models.

Pete Fiegal is back. Pete comes at you full blast with another outstanding article. We certainly hope that a few months off has given him the energy he needs to continue his unbelievable schedule.

Congratulations to Jeni Mundl, who recently received her second masters degree; this one in education. She has written a fun article on robotics.

There’s one person who doesn’t get publicly thanked nearly enough–Scott Adams. Scott has been a cartoonist for Access Press since our beginning. There have been very few issues over the 14 years of publishing that at least one of Scott’s cartoons hasn’t appeared. Scott has dedicated the time each month to making sure that Access Press has a cartoon(s) to use when there is space. Scott has never pushed his cartoons; “only if it fits, and enhances the article.” They always do!

One more thing: Go see Fahrenheit 9/11! It is an eye opening experience.