Rachelle

I'm not sure how marriage has anything to do with this. Please explain.

The car analogy doesn't fly in the least. To purchase a car is an individual choice. To walk down a public street or to enter a public building is your right. Thus the use of the term, Public.

This isn't a difficult concept. The price is only as high as it is because of the preservation of the historic nature of the room, not because of the requirement to make it handicape accessible. If not for the history of the room a 500 dollar ramp could be slapped in and the job would be done.

I think that the scope of this subject is really wondering off target a bit.


rlc

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papa-bear

I agree with you on the personal choice. If you buy a car, house, what ever, it is your choice to pick something that fits your needs. If there is not one that does fit what you require, it is your nickel to have it modified.

On the topic of public places. I do agree that they need to be accessable but within reason. If you are building a new public facility, then yes, one must meet all of the existing codes and policy on access. (you know in 5 years, something else will come up but then start building to the new code and eventually the refresh will incorporate the changes)

If you are doing a renovation to a public building, then make reasonable allowances for handicapped access and provide policy on how people can gain access to the areas that are unreasonable to build access to. Can they be transfered from their existing transport (assuming a wheel chair here) to a modified one provided in the building. Can they be carried (in a dignified manor) to the place they wish to be? In the case of the stairs to the upper room, what do they do with a 300-400 pound person who wants to walk up and see? They are handicapped. Would they tear the house down to rebuild the halls and floors for them? I doubt it.

There are so many types of handicapped circumstances that I doubt anyone could find a way to build for them all to access. Use common sence and reasonable spending. I think most (not all) people in situations where they need access find a way if it is not perfect for their needs. We as a society need to be aware of those needs and help find reasonable solutions for access.

Spend with common sence (something most governments don't do) and don't just throw cash at the squeeky wheels to shut them up, there must be other ways to help than destroy and over spend.

Ancient1

But, this is all based on discrimination, and the "attempt" to remove it. This article was about the "trouble" that is caused when ALL handicapped are taken care of in a way so they are not handicapped. Once this world, including the handicaped, realize there are and always will be differences that can not be removed some of the waste can be slowed. Some of the stupid decisions can be avoided. Would you want to be THE one that told Alioto-Pier that she could not have her 1 million buck ramp? Not a chance. Alioto-Pier would have all the "do-gooders" piled up with a march declaring discrimination even thought 99% of the world would look at the US, just as they do now, and think we are a bunch of idiots. We want a multi-national language here. That has been shown to cause downfalls of even the greatest of nations. Imigration for ALL to the good ole US. Just what we need. I feel fortunate that I will not be here long enough since we all see the fall of the US when we can't stand up to ONE person and say "NO". The US was not built saying "ok" to all requests. I believe it started with something about taxes??

As far as cars.... discrimination...

If you were handicaped and had to pay a few extra thousand bucks for a lift ( even one buck) so you could enter your vehicle and drive where you wanted... Isn't the "few extra thousand bucks" discrimination also? Why do we require the handicaped to pay more than the regular person? That is discrimination. The thought of ending discrimination is a lovely idea that can not be done in our lifetime and will probably never happen. The thought that maybe sometimes the word "NO" could be used a bit more.

OR... maybe I should scream discrimination ( I'll think up something) and see if I can't get a ride on the "free-money-train" as so many others believe they deserve. ( remember, I have already admitted I have a handicaped tag). Yes, thats a good idea. I'll declare discrimination and see if the free-money-train will visit my house. I KNOW I deserve it. Just like the rest.

And where is MY ramp?????????????

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Not everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted."
- Albert Einstein (1879-1955)

"Only two things are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I'm not sure about the former."
- Albert Einstein (1879-1955)

papa-bear

It would never end. Seats to close/far back to high to low, seatbelts the wrong size, controlled environment (air for all) power windows or not, automatic vs standard, peddles vs hand held gas/break/clutch, close to ground, easy access, etc... We would all end up driving crappy boxes as the manufacturers would give up and build one car for all. Forget about style and personal functionality. If they had to make every car come with every feature to suit everyones requirements I think they would just give up.

No

Ancient1

Yes sir papa!!!!!!!!!! I agree!!! You can NOT make everything handicap-able proof. There will always be limitations where the cost outweighs the good! Time for the "IQ" to return to the decision makers!

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Not everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted."
- Albert Einstein (1879-1955)

"Only two things are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I'm not sure about the former."
- Albert Einstein (1879-1955)

Rachelle

Again, the problem here is not with the need for a ramp. The cost has to do with the materials and the requirement to stay with historically accurate materials. There has always been a plan in place for this room of this building, it has been a matter of method and expense that has postponed this renovation for so long.

Focus guys. Focus.


rlc

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papa-bear

Someone posted a thread with hooters. Focus was lost

JulianW

I think I've found the root of the expense!

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gei_spot

You guys are making a WHOLE big deal about this and it's just getting started



http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/articl...&sn=004&sc=735
(click on images for larger picture)

I think a little deep there

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