Bears distinguished herself as an advocate

Thank you to Jennifer Hemmingsen for her sensitive and insightful comments about Lori Bears (“Lori Bears held I.C. accountable,” March 9).

In the early 1990s, Bears and I participated in a yearlong statewide advocacy training for people with disabilities and their families. During training, she distinguished herself as one who unmasked intellectual elitism and snobbery wherever she found it. She reflected the Desiderata maxim: “As far as possible, without surrender, be on good terms with all people.” Bears neither surrendered herself nor required others to do so to be in a personal or professional relationship with her. She brought a lot to the table, and we were wise to listen to her.

Thank you to Lori for leaving a valuable legacy and to Hemmingsen for sharing your appreciation of it.

David J. Novak

Cedar Rapids