ADVOCACY is not a Four Letter Word...

As many of you have heard me comment, over the last few years the state administration has frowned on Centers for Independent Living "advocating" for funding or services or right of individuals with disabilities; at least when the State is the entity we are appealing to.  This has caused so frustration, and even despair for individuals who have spent a lifetime having to advocate for basic rights given to others.  This past week a local newspaper ran an article chastising people for demanding jobs and health care, in other words, for Advocating for basic needs.  To quote my younger staff; "Seriously??"  It's wrong to want basic needs, i though having a job was a good thing.  Having access to health care in the most advanced country on the planet is bad??     
 If any one has thoughts on this, i'd love to hear from you.  Advocates clearly need a new plan in this era of blaming the poor, disabled and jobless of our nation.