Next New York Governor is a blind African American

This must be common knowledge to New York news junkies but I only found out about it today. What an incredible story.

When David Paterson was three months old, he got an ear infection that spread to his optic nerve, leaving him legally blind. Fifty-three years later, Eliot Spitzer’s resignation, effective Monday, will make him the first blind governor of New York.

Seriously for anyone who has ever complained about how much they had to "overcome" in their political career... You're not David Patterson.

Never mind the challenge of graduating from Columbia University and getting a law degree while blind. Can you imagine how to succeed as a politician without such elementary luxuries as reading newspapers, writing speeches, watching campaign commercials. Can you imagine the disadvantage you will have over your opponents, the multitudes of obstacles in your path navigating your way in the cut-throat world of NYC politics, and winning state-wide races while blind? Patterson can only be described as a genius to have pulled this off.

Paterson can read for brief stretches by holding a paper very close to his face, but the New York Times notes that aides often brief him by leaving him long voicemail messages. He memorizes his speeches. He manages to get around without a guide dog or cane, though he tells the NYT that he’s not above asking for help when he needs it.

His achievements don't start here though.

Paterson was the youngest senator in Albany when he was elected at age 31 in 1985. The following year, 1986, he won the seat for his first full term representing the 29th District in the New York State Senate.

...

Paterson was elected by the Democratic caucus of the Senate as Minority Leader in 2002, becoming both the first non-white state legislative leader and the highest-ranking black elected official in the history of New York State. He overthrew Minority Leader Martin Connor for the position, an unusual event in New York state politics.[17] He became known for his consensus-building style, but also sharp political skills.[18] Describing Paterson's tenure in the legislature, The New York Times cited his "wit, flurries of reform proposals and unusual bursts of candor".

I really like what he told NYT about his disability and asking for help.

"I don’t act the way I did when I was 17, like I can do everything myself, because I realized the minute I do that, no one helps me," he said. "So I learned to be a little more pragmatic about life."

It's so easy to be a politician appealing to people's selfish greed and "individuality." How refreshing to find someone who truly understands the value of the human connections, the value of the interdependence in our society.

Best of luck to David in the next 3 years as New York Governor.