Groups are composed of unique individuals
D.G. Martin, in a recent column headlined “Where were you when…?” refers to all whites as having “been burdened by a racist past.” He also refers to them as having “unspoken discomfort and shame at living in times of racism.”
By his statements, he labels all whites as a group. Viewing any person only as a member of a race or culture instead of as an individual is itself racism. That is collectivism where all members serve the group, think and act like the group and are judged as a group. No member of a group is identical to another. Individualism is where each member of the group retains his/her own morals and actions and is accountable for them. Each person has his/her own accomplishments and experiences distinctly different from any other person. Differences between members of a race may be related to gender, life’s experiences, residential locale, personality, health, experiences of family and/or parents and more.
I have not been and am not “burdened by” a racist past. I am not suffering from “unspoken discomfort or shame at living in times of racism.” I resent labels being put on any group in this country. The founders of this country put into place the constitutional rights of individuals. This country was founded on the accomplishments of the individual joining with their neighbors to make this country strong and unlike any other. Martin Luther King Jr. included the recognition of individuals over that of the racial group in his famous speech when he said, “I have a dream that my four children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.” This should be for all peoples.
ó M. June Clancy
Salisbury
Misguided fertility
It has been very ammusing and informative to follow the octuplets birth that has drawn such controversy. What everybody is failing to realize is that the publishing bubble, like the technology bubble, has burst. The mother has clearly stated that she plans to support her now 14 children with royalties from story books and interviews to follow. Let’s get real, mother of 14!!!
I personally am so distracted with the economy at this time and have been for the last 12 months that I couldn’t care less about the birth of octuplets. Multiple births through fertility treatments are now limited only by the capacity of the womb and the stupidity of the participants, as is the case here. No one is interested in this case except for the audacity involved, which drives most people away from supporting the cause. Let’s face it. These kids will be supported on the welfare system by the average American.
This was clearly an act of irresponsibility and proves that there should be enforceable limits on fertility treatments with penalties imposed. In reality, you can be kind to foolish people by limiting the stupid stunts they can pull, even if it violates their civil rights. We have to draw the line somewhere.
ó Tommy Cohen
Salisbury
Leave Phelps alone
Why does the media want to crucify Micheal Phelps for smoking pot while it supported Bill Clinton for president? It seems to me that there is some bias in your reporting. Just leave the boy alone and report something of interest.
ó James Cavin
Kannapolis
Business boost
U.S. Sen. Kay Hagan’s recent appointment to the Senate Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee was a real victory for small businesses here in the North Carolina.
Small business is the engine that drives our economy, representing 98 percent of the state’s employers, and having Sen. Hagan on the Senate Small Business Committee means we have a strong advocate in the Capitol.
As state director of the National Federation of Independent Business, the state’s leading small business association, I look forward to working with Sen. Hagan on issues that affect small business owners, their employees and their families.
ó Gregg Thompson
Raleigh
Thompson is state director of the National Federation of Independent Business.