To the Editor:

On July 12, John Lancaster of Potsdam, testified before the United States Senate. When former President George W. Bush was in office the United Nations signed an agreement that all involved countries would work for equal rights for people with disabilities. Former President Bush would not sign this treaty and the United States did not participate. When President Barack Obama took office in 2008 he signed the agreement with 136 other countries on behalf of the United States.

To confirm this agreement the United States Senate must also sign it. John Lancaster a veteran, who fought in the Vietnam War and as a result became disabled, traveled to Washington D.C. this week to testify in front of nation’s senate as to why this agreement must be signed. He is one of five individuals who have been asked to do this and his testimony will impact our countries contribution to society on a global level. John shared his story with the Senate and the world in the intention of bringing the United States into the United Nations equality agreement.

I feel it’s important for our community to know that not only can one person make a global impact, but one person from a small town like Potsdam is capable of contributing such a change. I commend John on his bravely and loyalty to our great country and his commitment to making the world a better place for others.

This agreement will not only protect the rights of disabled veterans but all disabled members of society. John is the change I want to see in the world, the United States and this small town.

Brittany Matott, Norwood