oldtimer
OBS Chief
I am mobility impaired. I suffer from two different "Invisible Handicaps". I had worked for 41 years in the transportation field 36 years with Amtrak, 1 with the PennCentral, and 4 years in the aviation field. All of these jobs were based in Chicago and the weather and working conditions took a toll on my body.
I have noticed a recent trend on this board to talk about "cripples", and another referring to pre-boarding procedure as "Cutting in line". This talk seriously offends me and probably others on this board. Hell, even the word handicap offends those that know it's entomology (it refers to a beggar having his cap in his hand, asking for a hand out).
I think that posters on this board need to understand that there are reasons that mobility impaired travelers are given priority to lower level seating and pre-boarding as they may not have the ability to get out of the way of you able bodied passengers in your rush to grab the window seats or your scurrying down the Superliner stairs at a stop to go out and smoke. Please don't be upset if a station stop takes a minute or two longer for the loading of a mobility impaired passenger, even if it causes a "late" departure.
I'll get off my soapbox now and hope that you enjoy your trips on Amtrak and just once think about those Amtrak employees that have given their life, limbs, or quality of life to make your trips safe, comfortable and on time.
AL
:angry: :unsure: :angry:
I have noticed a recent trend on this board to talk about "cripples", and another referring to pre-boarding procedure as "Cutting in line". This talk seriously offends me and probably others on this board. Hell, even the word handicap offends those that know it's entomology (it refers to a beggar having his cap in his hand, asking for a hand out).
I think that posters on this board need to understand that there are reasons that mobility impaired travelers are given priority to lower level seating and pre-boarding as they may not have the ability to get out of the way of you able bodied passengers in your rush to grab the window seats or your scurrying down the Superliner stairs at a stop to go out and smoke. Please don't be upset if a station stop takes a minute or two longer for the loading of a mobility impaired passenger, even if it causes a "late" departure.
I'll get off my soapbox now and hope that you enjoy your trips on Amtrak and just once think about those Amtrak employees that have given their life, limbs, or quality of life to make your trips safe, comfortable and on time.
AL
:angry: :unsure: :angry:
Last edited by a moderator: