Opinion
Sterilization highway marker recalls dark days in state’s past
The vast majority of the state’s more than 1,500 road markers commemorate a positive chapter in our history. But it’s equally important not to sweep aside the bleaker ones.
The silver and black sign unveiled June 22 in downtown Raleigh focuses attention on a state-sanctioned program that unjustly sterilized more than 7,600 people. It cites a sin for which full amends have yet to be made.
Under the guise of science and initially pushed by prominent citizens with a racial agenda, the state eugenics board between 1929 and 1974 authorized thousands of sterilizations on the flawed premise of fighting mental illness and genetic defects.
At mid-century, more than 30 states had such ill-conceived programs. However, North Carolina’s grew to be one of the largest and flourished while others were abandoned as public pressure mounted and enlightened medical research emerged.
In this state, the story is particularly egregious. At least 2,000 people age 18 and younger were sterilized, often despite parental objections and based on only cursory investigation by overzealous social workers or IQ tests.
Then-Gov. Mike Easley apologized in 2002 for the state’s role in what he called a “sad and regrettable chapter that must never be repeated.” And two years ago, the N.C. Museum of History in Raleigh opened an exhibit examining this dark period.
Even so, the final words haven’t been spoken. A bill seeking reparations for the 2,800 sterilization victims alive today languishes in the legislature. While each would be compensated $20,000, the state’s budget woes have sidetracked, for now, the initiative.
Rep. Larry Womble, D-Forsyth, who spearheads the fight for redress, has said the marker near where the eugenics board met is but a symbolic gesture. At the same time, it is a reminder that this piece of unfinished, sordid business still awaits a just conclusion.
— The News & Record, Greensboro
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Come meet Ashley Woolard Saturday
The First Congressional District is ready for a change. A change in leadership, a change in priorities, and a change in attitudes.
The last Republican to represent the First District was Walter Pool in 1883. Our stagnant advancement under the direction of the Democrats is evident that a change is needed. We need jobs and we need businesses to provide those jobs.
G. K. Butterfield is our representative in Washington. It is his duty to represent all members of his district. The people who are struggling to take care of their families, support their churches, and expect the government to represent them are ignored. How has Butterfield benefited his constituents?
He voted to destroy the best health care system in the world, and voted for a bill that he had never read that will cost the taxpayers trillions of dollars. He voted to use taxpayer money to perform abortions in the healthcare bill.
He voted for Cap and Trade that will destroy millions of jobs at a time we need them most. This bill will drive more businesses out of the country. He was appointed to the Helsinki Committee to adopt the U. N. Global standards of environmental policies.
He voted for finance reform that will further restrict businesses and make it more difficult to maintain job growth.
Butterfield is loyal to Nancy Pelosi, and she has appointed him to several important committees. One of which is the House Committee of Standards of Official Conduct. t is their job to censor fellow members for misconduct, but when Charles Rangel was examined by the committee for lying about his taxes he gave Butterfield a thousand-dollar donation and the charges went away.
Ashley Woolard is challenging Butterfield for the right to represent the First District. Mr. Woolard is optimistic that he can defeat Butterfield in November. However, he is realistic and realizes that he needs help. He needs volunteers to get his message to every eligible voter, because every vote is important, but above all he needs money. It will take a lot of money to put a Republican in Washington for the first time in 127 years.
I am sure everyone knows who Butterfield is, but how many of you know Ashley Woolard? If you haven’t met this young man, we invite you to join an Ashley Woolard for Congress meet and greet on Saturday, July 31, from 4 until 7 p.m. at the Macclesfield Community Center, N.C. 124 and Fourth Street. This will also be a chance to donate to the campaign and purchase barbequed chicken plates for dinner.
Don Harrell
Macclesfield -
She doesn’t like traps for cats
I live in Tarboro and some of my neighbors have put out traps for cats. These cats have been here since I have lived here.
We have all kinds of animals here running here and they look good here.
I am unhappy about the way people do things.
What can we do about this?
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