Rich,

I'm sorry to hear about your health issues but I'm pleased that things have improved for you. Of course, it's your choice to mention this or not.

You say "why should I have to show my "handicap" sticker"?

Well, in a sense, this is part of my argument. Bringing your music or lyrics on stage or into a session is actually doing this in itself. However, most reasonable people will understand your situation and why you may need to do this.

It's a different matter when there's absolutely no need or even when it's through laziness or lack of preparation. I can understand that some people may lack confidence but, as has already been stated, the best way to get over this is to try to do without the "aides" or walk with out the crutch. Also, the practice of constantly referring to sheet music or song sheets inevitably hampers the progress of a musician or singer in what is essentially an oral and aural tradition/genre and it's surely in their own interests to dispense with these in the long run.

Returning to the analogy of "the crutch" or "crutches", I obviously have no problem with persons who require to use these for any physical reason if they really need them but only for as long as this this the case. For instance, when their broken is leg healed or the plaster is removed etc, it really is in their own interest to "throw away the crutch(es)". Otherwise, they'll never have the confidence to walk unaided.
Of course, there are many people who are permanent "users" of such aides and equipment out of physical necessity and we should all be appreciative and understanding of their needs. The same obviously applies to other aspects of life including the performance of music.