From Bette Minall, Charlotte, NC:

In May's Readers Forum, John Dragona advocated using the phrase that almost makes me run screaming from the room: "I happen to be blind."

First, no one I know or ever have known happens to be blind. In many cases, pain, grief, anguish, dashed hopes and depression go along with being blind. It does not matter if blindness crept up in old age, or if it came about accidentally from an arrow, a knife or a pencil in the eye. Just "happening" to be blind does not happen.

You seldom, if ever, hear anyone state: "I just happen to be rich--poor--an insurance agent--a bus driver--or teacher." I am always amused when a person calls a talk show, and before addressing the topic--whether it be taxes, politics or marriage-- the caller starts by saying, "I happen to be blind."

My husband of 38 years has never told anyone that his wife is blind. When they meet me, and connect me with the pot of chicken and dumplings that I sent to a meeting one night, or with having heard my talk show in Hawaii, they are pleasantly surprised. These people have a better view of blindness and blind people's abilities, and they also think my husband is a hero. My husband thinks I have the answer for everything. When the car won't start, he hauls me out to investigate.

Please, Mr. Dragona, if you are going to start changing "blindspeak," join my crusade to drop that phrase, "I happen to be blind."