Great presentation. Wish each Senator and Rep would be made to view it.

What has happened to our "civil" society? There seems there is little to no civility within this House of Representatives. The House is full of anarchists, so far Right that they are slipping and sliding into the "wrong" wing. Shutting down the government in order to forward THEIR agenda but caring little for every class of Americans, not just the middle class. Now those fear mongers are against all Treaties? Pleeeeeeze! Come election day will the MODERATES please stand up!

With all due respect I am flabbergasted that the White House would put out a statement condoning the passage of ENDA. While I believe that it is an important piece of non-discrimination legislation, it is the rider that is attached to it. This right to work legislation rider attached to this bill will further diminish the middle class. The democratic parties key constituents are the middle class. This WILL lead to more inequality in the US economy. The income gap between the rich and poor is increasing and this will only further this gap. Please do not allow this rider attached to the ENDA legislation to pass.
In Solidarity,
Sabrina Church-Tate

It is important to make the point that the United Nations is not able to 'impose' anything on any country that signs any UN Treaty. Signing a treaty only means that then the legislature in that country must ratify it, and only then does it go into law. Since the United Nations Convention of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities is based on US law, it would not change any laws in this country to ratify the treaty.

John Hockenberry says his disability makes it hard for him to be neutral, so in the interest of balance, he interviews a State Dept advocate for the measure, who also has a disability. What?

When asked about some GOP Senators' objections to UN involvement, she only says Bill Frist endorses the measure. What? That's it? Good enough for Bill Frist so...?

It might be a good measure, and I am SURE their is much to recommend it for people with disabilities. But the one-sided reporting on this story is ever more typical of NPR's brand of advocacy journalism (the sugar-coating once known as propaganda).

How many other times have I heard NPR permit Democrats and leftists to articulate the opposing point of view, in lieu of actually asking the opposition? Countless times. Even so, this was over the top. Should it be excused it because of your handicap? Is that your expectation? If so it's an ethical handicap, not physical.

I have a close relative living with a severe physical disability who is a disability activist. For this and other reasons, I've been a fan of both John Hockenberry and Judy Heumann for many years. I also had the honor of hearing Justin Dart speak at a national mental health conference shortly after the ADA became law. Needless to say, I was thrilled this morning to hear the two of you together this morning discussing the UN Convention. It's been so upsetting to hear specious (going on delusional), mean-spirited reasons for opposing US endorsement of the treaty. Thank you so much for airing this important issue. I hope to hear more along the same lines in the future!