September 13, 1997

Dear President Clinton,

       First of all I am Richard Roehm, a 35 year old deaf person 
living in California. Secondly I am a victim of discrimination and 
I have a legal case already in the system and I have settled my case
this summer after 3 years of negotiations.  I know what its like 
to be disabled.  I know how it feels to have been discriminated 
against and be treated as a second class citizen.   I also feel other 
deaf people are going through the same thing I did. 

       I have spent the last 3 yrs recovering from the emotional trauma 
resulting from repeated acts of discrimination and non-ADA compliance from 
my former employer of 13.5 yrs.  The last 5 years was very hard on me.  I 
unable to seek employment elsewhere as I an haunted by the experiences.  
I have turned down several job offers because I can no longer trust 
other people.  

       The past 3 years since I have left work, I have been using my free 
time to accumulate resources and ideas for the Deaf community and I now 
function as a Deaf rights advocate and activist.  I have started a monthly 
newsletter and it is called The Deaf Watch Newsletter.  All of my newsletters
promote Deaf unity and cooperation toward a common goal which is to improve 
the quality of life for the general Deaf population.  I have been seen in the 
news as a civil rights demonstrator and activist on several occasions. Deaf 
Watch Newsletter has strong alliances with heavy duty disability organizations like DICOMP and ADAPT.  

       As I type with paint on my hands I must bring to your attention that
the Gorton Amendment will deal a lethal blow to many aspects of supporting
the disability community.   A veto to the Gorton Amendment will show the
disability community that you care for them.  A veto will send a message
to the politicians that they can not hide behind disabled kids while they
their dirty work against them.  A veto will send a message to the disability
community that they can go ahead and pursue their dreams.   A veto to
the Gorton Amendment will boost the confidence of the disability community
and work toward their goals and become productive and contribute greatly
to the future of the United States.  

       As a president who has always cared for the disabled, I can always
trust you support us by vetoing the Gorton Amendment which is part of the
Senate Labor, HHS, Education Appropriations Bill S1061.

       Thank you very much for your time to read and understand this letter
and I look forward to your support.



                                         Richard Piera Roehm



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Internet: Deaf@activist.com