Today's guest needs no introduction. Mark has been here before so we welcome him back to share some thoughts with us....
Privacy Rights
I'll give you an example. I'm a quadriplegic and have been so for nearly 35-years. When I was initially injured, my parents, whom I was living with at the time, had some critical decisions to make. A major one was how to give me a normal life and free me from my limitations as much as possible.
Something that quickly became a major issue was privacy. I had to have someone clean my entire body, dress me, get me up, feed me, and everything that constitutes living except for breathe, sometimes that too. Yeah, times were rough for me then as they are for thousands of quadriplegics worldwide.
Anyway, I think all human beings have a right to privacy. The courts have repeatedly upheld an individuals privacy rights although the U. S. Constitution does not mandate it. I think it's been deemed by the courts as a human beings innate right, except in extreme cases, such as revealing sources of information in a murder trial, etc.
How did my parents give me privacy you ask? Well, they gave me time to myself when I asked and they each took on part of my life, like a tag team in wrestling, and they held my thoughts and actions private (that they would do on my behalf).
When you see someone in a chair next time, especially a quadriplegic, think about how they maintain their privacy. What honed skills they must they possess at managing their lives... How could you help them? Think about how much you value your own privacy. I think you'll have a new appreciation what it means to you and others.
-Mark Wayne Allen
Thanks, Mark....that's definitely something to think about!
Mark Wayne Allen was born in Merryvillle, Louisiana where he
now resides, but has lived in many states. Due to life tragedies, he is a
quadriplegic.
A love of books inspired him to write down his own stories,
which, over the years, has evolved to include all categories. From poetry to
short stories to novels, his knowledge of the craft grew over time, and so did
his love for it.
He wrote two short stories and several poems that were
published in a short-lived e-zine called Dementia. In 2013, he published the
science fiction book Star Siege which was written during his years at Louisiana
State University. Since then, he has placed in several contests since and even
had a first place poem. He writes regularly for The Voice Of Southwest
Louisiana Magazine.
Having lived in the North, South, East, and West has given
him the opportunity to talk with a diverse group of people as well as an
appreciation for different cultures. Currently, he lives with his wife of
many years, Kelley, and is an active part of the community. You can keep
up with Mark through his Website,Facebook and Twitter.
Hope you enjoyed today's thoughts. Check back each week for Tuesday Treasures, Thursday Thoughts, and Saturday Spotlight.
7 comments:
For 11 wonderful years now, I've enjoyed marriage to a wonderful woman. Sharing private thoughts and actions with her has been great! It still leaves with a personal privacy matter, but I've adapted.
Of all the issues I've thought about related to physical challenges (although that is far too mild a phrase to ascribe to quadriplegia...so my apologies for that), I'd never considered the privacy angle. Thank you for sharing your perspective, Mark. I'm so glad you have a wonderful wife who shares your life. As Pamela might say, "Gods blessings" to you both.
Wonderful post, Mark. I am a very private person in my way too...God bless you and your writing!
Very insightful post!
Thought-provoking article. Thanks for sharing.
I love my privacy, which I view it as a blessing rather than a right. I think technology and government are taking it away from us. Thank you for your post, Mark.
My husband and I are very close, but we do give each other privacy when we want it. We each have our own interests. It makes life more satisfying and interesting.
Mark, wishing you all the best in life and with your work.
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