Members Removed From IN SILC For Speaking the Truth

Indiana has proven once again that they have no interest in helping to
improve the lives of people with disabilities.  After meeting 1 hour
with RSA, at least 8 hours with the Indiana Governor's office, and
filing a formal complaint with the Indiana Public Access Counselor; 
Ramona Harvey and Jodi James both received certified letters yesterday
stating that they were being removed from the IN SILC, ICOIL.  The
reasons given for the removal were 'a pattern of disruptive and
unprofessional behavior ..... has effectively prohibited any meaningful
action or dialogue at meetings of the Council.'  Excuse me, but I've
been on the council for 4 years and I can't remember any meaningful
action or dialogue ever taking place.  They go on to say that 'it has
been clearly made known to our office that your conduct as a member of
the Council neither represents the best interests of the State of
Indiana or those of disabled Hoosiers across the State.'  It goes on to
say that the Governor gaveth and the Governor can taketh away.
 
Yes, we were disruptive.  For one meeting, we demanded to know why we
had been slandered and we demanded that they realize that overthrowing
us from office was not legal.  
 
We were trying to get anyone who would listen to us to hear about how
the council was defrauding state and federal government, how the system
in the state is seriously flawed and promotes keeping people with
disabilities in nursing homes against their will.  We also fought
against the slanderous statements that the council made about the two of
us that have still never been evidenced or documented.  In doing this,
we had nothing but the best interests of hoosiers with disabilities in
our minds and heart.
 
So where do we go from here?  I thought about this last night and
decided that since we have gone to state and federal government, both of
whom have refused to do anything that would help the situation, there is
no where else to go except to the people.  We must keep telling the
truth and hope that we live to see justice and improvements in the
system in this state.
 
Jodi James