After reading some comments about the co-opting of the Network with Nami, and the current feeling, by some including myself, that some issues of relevance, that I continue to work with Nami, are as follows. When the
parents or signicant other people, who have experienced
the trauma of mental
illness in their lives through a family member,
I refer them to a support
group, however I caution them about the political agenda,
and tell them to
focus on the recovery process of dealing with their pain and frustration and
loss.
As you are aware, Carla is a close friend. We have worked a number of
years together on various issues, committees, and specific goals with the Dept. of Ment. Hl., Board of Supe’s, Lamp,
and different task forces.
We don’t always agree.
This has the capacity to bring shock waves to some. But
have been very effective advocates in reforms at twin-towers,
and emergency
services, and a couple of pilot programs.
One has to be very careful, working
with Carla, our credibility is very inportant.
My personal reputation
speaks for itself. Her husband Brian and I have a casual
relationship, and the politics are never discussed.
We have similar
personal interests, aside from mental health, and you’re
aware also that Gae is
close to both, not only politically but personally.
There are some
issues that we can work on together. But one needs to tread softly,
we are poles apart on so much — and yet without her suppport the last couple of
years, major reform at twin-towers would have been much harder. She has
access and power. The trick is how to use this to your mutual benefit.
This is what I’ve done. For people to not understand this,
because of dogma or hate,
there is a missed opportunity.
But again one needs to be very careful in
who and when and what one aligns one-self with.
I do not have a problem
with this being posted, but I wanted you to understand
the nature of the
relationship.
Just for your information, Carla hates Sally too, probably because
they’re both so much alike. They love the struggle, both prima donnas,
but very much committed to their causes.
I know Carla better than Sally, longer too, and if
I said that she does have integrity, it would shock some.
It’s
fanatical, and it comes from her own trauma.
Regards
Gerald
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