Gold Dome Live

By melvinowens

February 1, 2007 1:35 PM | Link to this

why do white folks feel a need tooffer an apology for past injustices to black folks. these apologies are a little too late. i wonder what these so-called christian white folks will say will they stand before their creator?

By mike

February 1, 2007 1:41 PM | Link to this

Think how sick this really is. Not only was the state sterlizing people, but up until 1967, a black man could not marry a white woman or vice versa. Really…think about it…1967. Absolutely laughable today. Make no misake about it, in 40-50 yrs the state of Georgia, along with others, will apologize for ammending its constitution to prohibit gays from marrying. Mark my word. The next generations will laugh, and ponder in disbelief, as to what people were thinking today. Will you be rembered as ignorant? How did you vote on this?

By lt

February 1, 2007 1:44 PM | Link to this

The article did not mention that blacks were the only ones receiving the sterilization. But while we are on the subject, why do black folks act like they deserve an appology?

By MC

February 1, 2007 1:45 PM | Link to this

The State probably did us a favor by sterlizing a part of the gene pool that should not continue. Mental illness and chronic criminal behavior is not a part of society we need. I may be the only person who says thank you and please reinstate the program.

By bECCA

February 1, 2007 1:46 PM | Link to this

This story is not about black and white. This is something entirely different. People in Georgia can be soooo dumb and EVERYTHING is about race. Duh.

By Steve

February 1, 2007 1:54 PM | Link to this

Do we have to apologize for everything that has happened in the past? Aren’t amending the laws to change the wrong enough apology? People that seek this apology are the same people that want reparations paid to the great great great grandchildren of slaves. It was wrong and it was stopped. And as for gay marriage, please… we have nothing to apologize for there. At least with a black man and a white woman they are members of the opposite sex and not people of the same sex incapable of naturally producing a child, which used to be what marriage was about. The people in San Francisco will be the ones embarrassed in 50 years.

By Wendy

February 1, 2007 1:56 PM | Link to this

I think that a terrible injustice was done to anyone who was sterilized by force. However, I don’t think it was only black males who were being sterilized. It was a variety of people. Besides, that is in the past. If everyone could stop living in the past and start living now and for the future, the world world be a better place. What’s done is done, just learn from the mistakes and move on! Don’t get caught in a “revolving door” where nothing ever changes.

By Chris Salzmann

February 1, 2007 1:56 PM | Link to this

An apology, even much later than the fact, if given on an official basis recognizes that fact that injustice was done. It’s entirely symbolic but the key word here is recognition. I agree with Mike about gay marriage; it should be remembered that they had some pretty (in their opinion) “good” arguments for outlawing interracial marriages, just as they argue about the practice today concerning gays. We can all shake our heads at this today but back then, these miguided idiots thought they were protecting families and family values, just as they do today. What a bunch of idiots!

By Chris Salzmann

February 1, 2007 2:00 PM | Link to this

If marriage was all about producing children, perhaps we need to provide all newly wed couples with a mandate: NO kids in 3 years and they should be forced to divorse!. You don’t need marriage to procriate!

By clotheschic

February 1, 2007 2:02 PM | Link to this

Are you joking or are you really that ignorant? Most mental illness is not genetic and “chronic criminal activity” is never genetic. Please, open a book, watch an educational program, anything!

By Ben

February 1, 2007 2:02 PM | Link to this

Hey Steve, aren’t you and your buddies late for your latest hate crime?

By Blackinga

February 1, 2007 2:03 PM | Link to this

Maybe I missed it but where in the article does it say black people??? Also, this big appology will do what for the people that were part of the sterilization program?

By JB Bartlett

February 1, 2007 2:06 PM | Link to this

I am glad that we are worrying about this. Because… 1) Our schools are perfect 2) We have no homeless 3) Taxes are reasonable 4) There is no crime (Need I go on…)

I don’t want to take anything away from those that were sterilized or those that weren’t able to get married, but we need to worry more about what is happening NOW!

By Lynette

February 1, 2007 2:07 PM | Link to this

I read the article three times. I did not see that the law itself pertained to one race or other. How did it suddenly become a race issue? Did I miss something?

Is it that evil perpetrated on one race deserves an appology and the same evil being perpetrated on another race does not?

I have to wonder if we could hear the voices of the millions of men and women who had been slaves in this country would they want an appology for the past or would they simply want an opportunity to rise above their circumstance and have the same opportunities that americans are offered today.

By Shawn

February 1, 2007 2:08 PM | Link to this

“It”, as a Black man who is from Georgia, many black people that I know, myself included don’t act like we deserve an apology. You deal with the realities of the world. White folks “as a whole” are never going to apologize for the many atrosities that they put African Americans through. Not to even mention the other races. Our ancestors never recieved their “40 acre’s and a mule” that is written in the history books so to look for an apology would be very unrealistic at this point. I know it is hard for you to even began to relate to that but know that not “all” black people are looking for an apology….. just like not “all” white people are rasist, evil, kkk members, etc….

By James

February 1, 2007 2:09 PM | Link to this

While we are at it, why don’t we set up an entitlement to all those “challenged” folks who have been born to people who should have been sterilized and were not. Come to think of it, never mind, they are most likely already wards of the tax payer.

By des

February 1, 2007 2:09 PM | Link to this

This is just the tip of the iceberg. The feds did all kinds of things to all kinds of people. I can remember being given shots and medicine in school without my parents permission. My father had a fit when he found out.

By Ben

February 1, 2007 2:09 PM | Link to this

Also, first a Zell Miller statue and now THIS. It’s a good thing our ELECTED leaders are focusing on real issues that have great impact on our lives.

By Brad

February 1, 2007 2:10 PM | Link to this

I think we should all get together for a group hug because somewhere along the way we everyone has been screwed over.

By Kristen

February 1, 2007 2:11 PM | Link to this

Who cares? It’s the past. We can’t do anything about it now. We need to stop being so PC, move on, and get over it.

This isn’t a race thing so stop with that right now.

If all we ever do is dwell on the past how in the world are we supposed to make the future BETTER?

We had nothing to do with what the Gov’t did in the past. All we can try to do is control the future — so why apologize?

By David

February 1, 2007 2:12 PM | Link to this

Why do Black folks always play the race card? I bet you were taught in school this was part of the civil rights movement……..

By Jonny

February 1, 2007 2:15 PM | Link to this

Nothing but words. How about looking at current injustices and remedies for them instead of looking back at past injustices and making words? We have guys in our jails for 6 months who have yet to see a judge. Will the GA Gen Assembly take that up? No, because it’s not as easy as drafting a resolution that apologizes for the past instead of fixing the present. I hope the liberals feel good in their 300k homes and their Egyption cotton sheets tonight for their empty resolution while poor men rot in jail without due process.

By Lynn

February 1, 2007 2:15 PM | Link to this

Steve if something in life ever happens to you or your family then maybe you will understand. Its called respect and allowing people to live with dignity knowing something wrong was done to them. By the way there are people still around like my father whose great grandmother was a slave- so to some that was not that long ago. As far as the Gay marriage goes- you are violating peoples civil rights. If I am a citizen in the United States I have a right to apply and be approved for any license in any state. So like Mike said when the younger generation realizes our faults it will be corrected. The other idiot who agrees with sterilization have some children and or family members sterilized and then come back and talk to us. And to By it- read and study history and you will see why black people deserve more than that.

By Robert

February 1, 2007 2:15 PM | Link to this

Did the victims procreate BEFORE they were sterilized? If so, what did they do with the children? Put them right in jail or a mental institution and sterilize them as well? Just curious…

By steve

February 1, 2007 2:19 PM | Link to this

Hey Ben… get a grip… just because i don’t support gay marriage doesn’t mean i go out and commit hate crimes.

By Peyton Walters

February 1, 2007 2:20 PM | Link to this

Central State Hospital is a beautiful place with a scary history. The lovely quad with its giant pecan trees is surrounded by large stately buildings that look more like a college campus than a mental hospital. Much has been done there to give names back to patients who died there and were buried in a cemetery where the graves were marked only with a metal pin with a number. The cemetery, which had become a forest has been reclaimed. I think the buildings around the quad elsewhere should be preserved, not razed, as I think the state wants to do and a history museum established on the campus. The memory of the good and the bad that has gone on there should not be lost.

By Mark

February 1, 2007 2:22 PM | Link to this

When do the apologies end?? Quit wasting time in session and get some real work done, like transportation improvements and income tax reform. Put this in the history books with Jim Crow. I’m sure Ms. Oliver is sorry for that too.

By Phil Hale

February 1, 2007 2:23 PM | Link to this

i AIN’T APOLGIZING FOR NOTHING

By DebbieDoRight

February 1, 2007 2:25 PM | Link to this

AMAZING!!!!! I lived in Florida; it not about race, race, race…I lived in Oklahoma…..not about race, race, race…..I lived in Tennessee, California, Washington State, N. Carolina!! Not about race, race, race.

But the SECOND I put my tent down in Georgia… race, race, RACE!! When will ALL sides, (black, white, green, orange, blue, red), get over this? Why is it mentioned in EVERY SUBJECT in this state? If I talk about my dog, some one will say, “Well, was it the black dog or the white dog? Cause if it was the black dog he was done wrong by the white dog; and the white dog is screaming reverse discrimination.”

By DS

February 1, 2007 2:28 PM | Link to this

I can imagine 30 years from now, when the economy is in shambles from regulation resulting from the Global-Warming hysteria, will legislators apologize for destroying the jobs of millions of workers? Or will the voters be smart enough to toss them out on the street?

…Somehow I doubt it.

…The sky is falling!!! The sky is falling!!! The battle cry of the left.

By Doctor

February 1, 2007 2:29 PM | Link to this

clotheschic: There IS a genetic component to mental illness. Not to comment on the program or apology one way or the other, but I do want to point out that studies have proven that both genetics and environment contribute to mental illness, and environment contributes HEAVILY to an individual’s propensity to engage in criminal behavior. On a related topic, though, what do you all have to say about sterilization or mandated birth control for people on welfare who continue to have babies, breeding families of 10, 12 kids that they cannot support?

By steve

February 1, 2007 2:30 PM | Link to this

By Lynn: As far as the Gay marriage goes- you are violating peoples civil rights. If I am a citizen in the United States I have a right to apply and be approved for any license in any state.

Absolutely not true. A state may decline to grant you a driver’s license because you have a poor driving history or a concealed carry permit for a firearm if you have a history of mental illness or a hunting license if you haven’t gone through a safety course. Also many states have residency requirements for specific licenses, its called a state’s police powers. Just because you are an American citizen it does not give you the right to be approved for any license, apply yes.. be granted… no

By Don't be fooled

February 1, 2007 2:31 PM | Link to this

I don’t even know why I am responding to this. First of all, race was mentioned in this article, just not referring to the sterilization issue. Don’t get me wrong, I am very tired of the race card being pulled unnecessarily, but don’t think for a second race is not still a HUGE issue in tis country of ours. Just because blacks are not being lynched or hanged doesn’t mean that everything is equal and fine now between races. I don’t want an apology because I don’t deserve one, I wasn’t alive during that time, but I wish people would stop thinking that racism does not exist anymore, it’s just packaged differently. As long as the underlying prejudices and racism still exist (from all races), we will never be able to get past it.

By RR

February 1, 2007 2:35 PM | Link to this

The U.S. Government both apologised and made reparations to Japanese-Americans who were sent to internment (concentration) camps during World War II. These surviving families included a U.S. senator. If Sharon Cooper or any other state house member had a relative who was sterilizes due to this horrible piece of legislation they would not only champion this cause, they would be first in line to pick up their check. Chris Salzmann was right on when he says the key word here is recognition. Rep. Cooper, and anyone else who thinks like her, you just don’t get it. These laws were put in place to further belittle people who were already powerless to begin with.

By DebbieDoRight

February 1, 2007 2:38 PM | Link to this

On a related topic, though, what do you all have to say about sterilization or mandated birth control for people on welfare who continue to have babies, breeding families of 10, 12 kids that they cannot support

I’d say that’s called Hitler’s Final Solution.

By Chris Salzmann

February 1, 2007 2:48 PM | Link to this

“i AIN’T APOLGIZING FOR NOTHING” Phil Hale

Spoken like a true Georgia redneck. By the way, APOLGIZING is spelt APOLOGIZE. No doubt Phil is another product of this state’s highly rated public school system.

By Ron

February 1, 2007 2:49 PM | Link to this

Can’t our legislators spend their time on something important! Why worry about something that happened so long ago. It’s not like we’re at any risk to have it happen again. This only serves to bring up an old issue that most everyone has forgotten. Let’s debate something relevant.

By Chris

February 1, 2007 2:55 PM | Link to this

Why is the legislature “considering”? What is there to consider? It was wrong as hell and there is no justification for thier actions. Stop considering and apologize.

By Chris

February 1, 2007 2:57 PM | Link to this

White folks are just sick!!!

By Rodjuan

February 1, 2007 3:01 PM | Link to this

the wound is still open between the European and the Afrikan, no matter the subject matter we will always defer to this subject, there is no place to hide, ignorance will not shield you from the truth. The truth according to Time Magazine 9/11/2006 edition is that 77% of caucasians surveyed acknowledge that owing to the COLOR OF THEIR SKIN ONLY they have an advantage over the Afrikan, and that they do not wish for this advantage to change.

Hmmm how did they get this advantage? Caucasians today must come out from under the veil of denial, they are living in a world whose politics and economics are skewed in their favor due to the horrific actions of their ancestors.

Consider also that Europe emptied its jails, its mental hospitals, swept degenerates off the back streets and sent them to America to build a new world, today’s caucasians are the offsprings, what would have happened if a sterilization program was in place by Afrikans, and we opted to sterilize these degenerates and criminal types?

We don’t want your apology, what we deserve is at least 3/4 of the total wealth of Europe and its subordinates including America, why? because it is by the blood of our ancestors that this wealth was acheived.

By james

February 1, 2007 3:01 PM | Link to this

Really, what’s the difference in this past policy and the new push to test/screen unborn humans for defects and euthanize them? Both policies are meant to “improve” the human race. One was shown to be flawed, I wonder if the other will too.

By Carmen

February 1, 2007 3:03 PM | Link to this

On a related topic, though, what do you all have to say about sterilization or mandated birth control for people on welfare who continue to have babies, breeding families of 10, 12 kids that they cannot support

I say bring it on…I have a 25 year old mentally unstable daughter who thinks absolutely nothing about having babies that she’s not capable of taking care of on her own. She knows she’s can’t support them, but that doesn’t seem to matter to her in the least…If I could legally get away with having her sterilized. You better believe I’d do it in a heartbeat.

By Neverending

February 1, 2007 3:05 PM | Link to this

If your child slapped another child would you make him apologize? Let’s say you didn’t; now your child slaps anyone they want to whenever they want to. They don’t have any consequences for there actions and besides the people they slap should just get over it right? You want an apology if someone pushes you or steps on your shoe… but sterilization of people doesn’t deserve an acknowledgment of wrong doing? The rest of the world views us as the children that go around slapping people… because we can and who’s there to stop us?? We should start holding our government responsible for her wrong doings past and present. I guess you think the prosecution of those who committed hates crimes in the 50 and 60 is wrong too. I mean these people killed and terrorized families, but it was so long ago we should just get over it and move on to the future? No one tells Jews to “get over” the holocaust, but 6 out of 10 white people tell blacks they should “get over” slavery. Nervy people you guys are really nervy people.

By Jan

February 1, 2007 3:09 PM | Link to this

Why can blacks see no further than the end of their noses? There was no mention of monetary compensastion in the article, but those blacks who responded, pulling out the race card, are obviously optimistic that there may be a check at the end of the ridiculous apology for a 70 year old error, and want to be first in line. I am sick of their racial bigotry. White Americans cannot hold a candle to black American racial slurs. The article was citing mental issues, not skin color.

By Jack

February 1, 2007 3:10 PM | Link to this

What good will come from apologizing. How did this turn into the need to apologize to blacks? To the man who asks, “what will they say when they meet thier creator?” most of the men who made this law have already met their creator, ask them for an apology. Lets recognize and learn from mistakes. Apologies mean nothing.

By mustang100

February 1, 2007 3:12 PM | Link to this

Melvin, why the race card? This was being done to EVERYONE considered “substandard”. But, this IS Atlanta.

By Trinita

February 1, 2007 3:15 PM | Link to this

Fact is fact, there is still a lot of discrimination and racial tension/injustices going on. For the record, you can’t change people’s minds. Its up to them to do so. People always say that there is none, but just look at the census. How many african americans live in Forsyth, Buford, gainesville, etc? How many white americans live in southwest ATL or south dekalb areas of lithonia, ellenwood, or south decatur? point is that white americans here want to live around their kind and vice versa because they are more comfortable there or have stereotypes still. I think its stupid personally.

By julie

February 1, 2007 3:15 PM | Link to this

Chris Salzmann-spelt? Don’t you mean spelled? What school system did you attend?

By mustang100

February 1, 2007 3:18 PM | Link to this

Look, women were being sterilized also, no doubt by hysterectomy.Where in this article did it specify ONLY black and ONLY male?

By Name Witheld

February 1, 2007 3:20 PM | Link to this

Why does the black race ALWAYS pull out the race card when it’s convenient for them? Why don’t they look at it this way. If it weren’t for slavery, they would STILL be in Africa fighting for survival, instead of living off Welfare, Food Stamps, and other Government Programs. They wouldn’t br driving fancy cars, wearing tons of jewelery, or selling millions of rap records.

Now, I agree that not ALL black people are lazy Gang-Bangers, but, it IS the actions of a few to bring down the view of all.

I think the sterilization of “mentally challenged” and homicidal persons if the best thing the State of Georgia could have done. How many rapists, and molestors have they stopped in that way? How many people have they kept OUT of the system?

And remember, WHITES were sterilized too. Do you hear them screaming for an apology?

By Q G-State

February 1, 2007 3:20 PM | Link to this

I am so outraged at everyone first off in order to move on through the future we must learn from our past mistakes. An apology is not going to erase the memories the tradey that so many families when through in the past put it will shed light on what our future holds and how to make our future better. To think that slavery does not exist today you must be crazy. To think that a Black person has the same chance as a white person you must smoking something. The issue of sterilzing mental ill persons go back farther than the 1950’s and 60’s this is a problem that needs to recognized and and publicly apologized for because we have people thinking that sterilizing someone today would be great looking at the Mayor in SC he think sterilizing mothers that have children that act out through crime is necessary as well as those children clearly the American people have their way of covering up stuff and the more that is undercovered and recognized and studied the better my future as a woman of African descent will be.

By kevin

February 1, 2007 3:20 PM | Link to this

to chris salzman…… spelt? where did you go to school

By Don't be fooled

February 1, 2007 3:21 PM | Link to this

Jan, that was one person who brought up money. As a black man, I don’t want any handouts from “the man”, I just want people in America to take a step out of their comfort zone and see this country for what it really is. By the way, I see way past my nose. So don’t clump all black people into one category based off of one person’s opinion and off what you see and read in the media. This is exactly what I am talking about. Please, get over yourself.

By Productively Bi-polar Terre

February 1, 2007 3:24 PM | Link to this

If anyone has read the article,it stated the apology to those sterilzed and made reference to no marriage between blacks and whites (no apology has been made public regarding this law)No apology can change what was once law. The whole point is that acknowledgement,responsiblity and ownership of an injustice was made public. This is a start. Unless you were directly sterilized or prevented from marrying interacially-it is only an observation from the outside myself included. These comments on the article made 2/1/07,are as sickening as the outdated laws stated with malace,prejudice and ignorance-( sound familiar). This is 2007. We are suppose to be an educated community rooted in the pursuit of happiness united in peace while maintaining the saftey of our youth. Peace now there is a real ralley cry! On an ending note,more mentally ill persons have made contributions to society than so called sane- do your research before you use your keypad to type nonsense…

By don't be fooled

February 1, 2007 3:25 PM | Link to this

Julie, I saw that too, but you can spell it spelt, I looked it up in the dictionary.

By Chris

February 1, 2007 3:25 PM | Link to this

Who cares! Pass the law to let me by beer on Sunday and Apologize for taking so long to let me!

By Charles

February 1, 2007 3:31 PM | Link to this

Georgia needs to apologize and make amends for authorizing the sterilization of 3,300 prisoners, state mental patients and others as part of the pseudoscientific eugenics movement in the 20th century. Georgians and the nation needs to apologize and make amends for the imprisonment of nearly two million African-Americans, police aggression, and building a Wall-Street bonanza from their suffering. This is despicable and sinful. What is our excuse for this travesty? They committed crimes? Their leaders caused the madness?

Integrationist African-American chosen by the nation to lead us do not control or have any of the life essential institutions, industries, educational facilities required for a people to live a life in dignity and self respect; neither do they understand the significance. Otherwise this is a vile political attempt to force the masses of African-Americans to become integrationist or suffer the consequences. This is similar to the communist taking control in Vietnam in 1975. The masses either had to convert to communism or suffer the consequences, prison, flee to America, reeducation camps, starvation, or out right execution. The masses of African-Americans face similar circumstances.

Institutions are to any people what the spirit is to the body. They are inseparable. What can we expect from any people living in an abject condition? Your condition is abject when you do not have the institutions to satisfy basic needs regardless of income or educational background. We separate them from what they need to live in real dignity and real self respect and pay off a few cronies to support the machinations.

We have set the stage for our children and grandchildren to apologize and make amends for our spiritual and carnal sins. By the grace of God, I hope that we overcome.

I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just; that his justice cannot sleep forever. Thomas Jefferson

By don't be fooled

February 1, 2007 3:32 PM | Link to this

Name witheld, you just answered your own question to why black people always pull the race card:

it IS the actions of a few to bring down the view of all

So based on your logic, black people view the action of a few racist white people and it brought down the view of all.

By the way, I don’t feel that way, I get to know a person before I make any judgement of them.

By Craig

February 1, 2007 3:32 PM | Link to this

Hey Ben! Just what is a “hate” crime anyone. Is it the opposite of a “love” crime? And how do you know that a crime was committed by a person feeling “hate”. You liberals need to get a grip. While it may sound like a lovly sentiment to go back into history and “right the wrongs”, all your really doing is re-writing it through todays PC filter. The only purpose this serves is to make the people doing these things feel good, which is the basis for all liberal political thought.

By Rodjuan

February 1, 2007 3:33 PM | Link to this

Fact is, this horror was commonplace for the European, should I mention the Tuskegee experiments? The quality of Europeans was sub-par even by their standards, what mind would conceive of pouring gunpowder in the anus of a human being and lighting it, while laughing? what mind would conceive of burying a man alive up to his neck and unleashing hoardes of killer ants to devour his head? No apology would ever make up for that?

Nuff said.

By kevin

February 1, 2007 3:37 PM | Link to this

dont be fooled ….gotta throw the bs flag on that one

By Falcons Fan

February 1, 2007 3:39 PM | Link to this

melvinowens

“why do white folks feel a need too offer an apology for past injustices to black folks”

I certainly don’t “feel a need” to apologize for your ancestors selling you off as chattle. Why don’t you ask for an apology from the African nation that sold you?

“these apologies are a little too late”.

Again, why does any post 20th century born person need to offer up any apology. Be it short or long?

“i wonder what these so-called christian white folks will say will they stand before their creator?”

Here, maybe it will go something like this: Dear Jesus, (yes I’m a christian and Jesus is my Lord and Saviour) I have tried my best to live each and every day as an example of your love. I know in my heart that I have failed, for I am “human”. Lord, you know I never deliberatly went out of my way to be unjust or unkind to any living person or creature. But I know that the eternity of my soul is in your heavenly hands and I seek the grace not only for myself, but for all mankind to sit in your presence.

I think I’ll say something like that “melvinowens”

How ‘bout you?

By diverdown

February 1, 2007 3:41 PM | Link to this

Bottom line is no apolgy is necessary. The State of Georgia is a ward of the elected body. It is a mindless entity that depends on the elected officials to do the right thing. Those who passed the law are the ones who should apolgize. The current group of legislators were either very young when the law was passed or were yet to enter the world.

It sounds like this professor is trying to make a name for himself.

By don't be fooled

February 1, 2007 3:45 PM | Link to this

Kevin, which response do you feel is bs and please explain why?

By kevin

February 1, 2007 3:53 PM | Link to this

chris salzman cant spell. divorce

By TM

February 1, 2007 3:53 PM | Link to this

‘SHAWN’: I’m white. And you’re right, I won’t apologize to any black person. Why?? Because I haven’t done anything to any black person.

By TC

February 1, 2007 3:58 PM | Link to this

Don’t be fooled, I was born in a small town in Tennessee and oddly, never saw a black person (other than on tv) until I moved to GA at 13. I also had never known or shown racism but I knew it existed once I came here. That was 30 yrs ago, and I do know that things have changed. I think equality has taken over and everyone, regardless of color are given a chance now. You should be proud that your race not only endured and survived what they went through but also the fact that their families are now doctors, lawyers, educaters, etc. Heck, we all know in the next 30 yrs there will only be one race…a mixture of all of us.

By Shawn

February 1, 2007 3:59 PM | Link to this

“TM” Exactly, we don’t want an apology from you…

By don't be fooled

February 1, 2007 4:00 PM | Link to this

Oh, I didn’t notice that he mispelled divorce, but you can spell spelled spelt.

By Reeling

February 1, 2007 4:07 PM | Link to this

I am shocked at this whole discussion.

Why do blacks think they are owed anything? I work for what I get and they should also. I know too many hard working productive members of society (of all colors to be sympathetic with the gimme gimme group.

I agree with Carmen, If i had a mentally deficient child who was breeding and unable to care for her offspring, I would do whatever was necessary to have that child sterilized.

Unrestrained breeding by welfare recipiants? Cut them off the welfare roles, that will stop the breeding. If they can’t get more money for beer why bother to breed more.

By kevin

February 1, 2007 4:07 PM | Link to this

he must be from the UK

By matt

February 1, 2007 4:08 PM | Link to this

BREATHE IN…..BREATHE OUT….MOVE ON!!!

By Ms. Writer

February 1, 2007 4:08 PM | Link to this

David: Many Black people play the race card because too many White people won’t change the deck of cards.

Brad:lol @ your comment - that’s funny

Jan: If this error had happened to one of your family members would you just forget it? And as for your waiting for a check comment, welfare is government aid just like the subsidies that farmers get and you don’t complain about that.

Name With held: you are evidently an idiot. You think that people should be greatful for slavery..you are a true Georgia idiot.

Falcon Fan: If you read, YA doo reeed don’t chaa..hick? Many African nations have offered an apology which includes dual citizenship for African-Americans.

By tired

February 1, 2007 4:11 PM | Link to this

Some of my Irish ancestors were taken and used as rowers on ships 300 years ago. I need an apology.

Why can’t we just do away with every holiday, history month, or anything that chooses to relish in one color, and just learn to see only one. HUMAN!!!

I have lived all over the world while in the military and these types of issues are only celebrated daily in America.

By don't be fooled

February 1, 2007 4:14 PM | Link to this

TC, I agree that things have changed significantly and I am proud that as a people that we overcame so many obstacles, hell I am a product of a very successful household, but I don’t want people to be fooled in thinking that race is still not an issue in this country and you can tell that just by looking at these blogs. I don’t believe that every person I see is a racist, but there are still people out there that are and until our world is free of prejudice and inequality, I don’t think people will just be able to just get over it. I don’t agree that everything is about race, and I don’t even understand how people are getting it out of this article, I was just responding to some of the other bloggers because I felt it was getting ready to take a turn for the worst and maybe I could be a voice of reason and try to clear up some things for people.

By Upset

February 1, 2007 4:18 PM | Link to this

I must be “color-blind” but the woman on the front page of this story looks white to me!!!!!

By readmylips

February 1, 2007 4:20 PM | Link to this

I’ll tell you the way it was told to me.You don’t see a horse mating a cow.You don’t see a dog mating a cat.The black stay with the black the white with the white!STAY IN YOUR RACE!

By A

February 1, 2007 4:21 PM | Link to this

MELVINOWENS: Stand still while we knock the chip off your shoulder. This isn’t about race although you were quick to turn it into that. Nice. Whites have nothing on blacks when it comes to being racist. I agree with Matt: MOVE ON!

By Falcons Fan

February 1, 2007 4:21 PM | Link to this

By Ms. Writer “Falcon Fan: If you read, YA doo reeed don’t chaa..hick? Many African nations have offered an apology which includes dual citizenship for African-Americans.”

Your a shining example of why, when the door opened, you should take the opportunity.

Can YOU comprehend my meaning?

By Upset

February 1, 2007 4:21 PM | Link to this

I MUST BE “COLOR-BLIND” BUT THE WOMAN ON THE FRONT PAGE OF THIS STORY LOOKS “WHITE” TO ME!!!

By Grigori

February 1, 2007 4:22 PM | Link to this

Preventing criminals and mentally disabled people from making babies is a fantastic idea…let’s bring it back! Since we don’t have a libertarian system that allows stupid people to whither away and die from their own incompetence we should have the government sterilize the men and women who will be downloading the carjackers and predators of tomorrow. This will make the lives of productive people better as they won’t have to pay the taxes to prosecute and imprison these criminals, and the mentally ill and criminals will benefit because they’ll only have to take care of themselves. If a program works for stray dogs and cats it’ll work for humans as well.

By TC

February 1, 2007 4:23 PM | Link to this

Well then, what are we suppose to do? It’s only natural for any race to stand up for their own when attacked, so do you understand that the white race today did not commit the crimes but are to this day paying for them? I just want to see peace between everyone and both races working to make a better world. Is that so wrong?

By Ms. Writer

February 1, 2007 4:29 PM | Link to this

By Falcons Fan “Your a shining example of why, when the door opened, you should take the opportunity.”

The correct word to use would be “You’re” ,meaning “You are”…Your is a possive pronoun.

Just letting you know :)

By Ms. Writer

February 1, 2007 4:31 PM | Link to this

Upset: You are correct, but this is Georgia and people still have a lot of pent up anger towards each other, black and white. This is why our country is depleting at the rate that it is, we are still very divided…

By Ms. Writer

February 1, 2007 4:33 PM | Link to this

Grigori, is that French for idiot? You could sterilize every criminal, every mentally ill person and insanity and crime would still exist.

By everydayjaneblow

February 1, 2007 4:33 PM | Link to this

Let’s talk about hair…..

By tired

February 1, 2007 4:33 PM | Link to this

Ms Writer:

Do you mean passive? Or, positve? What do you really mean with that?

By Falcons Fan

February 1, 2007 4:34 PM | Link to this

Dag gum ms.Writer rec’on you are (you’re) pert’ near one of them’ thar edumakated ones. Conflatulations

By GaNative

February 1, 2007 4:34 PM | Link to this

LMAO Upset, maybe her sisters are black. You know God can put a curse on you and make your sibblings black. LMFAO

By everydayjaneblow

February 1, 2007 4:34 PM | Link to this

What is “possive”?

By tate

February 1, 2007 4:34 PM | Link to this

Amen to “tired”. I totally agree. I have traveled many places and have never seen such racism as I see in Atlanta.

By Falcons Fan

February 1, 2007 4:35 PM | Link to this

oh and :) back at ya missy

By Ms. Writer

February 1, 2007 4:36 PM | Link to this

possessive - excuse me peanut gallery

By tired

February 1, 2007 4:39 PM | Link to this

Thank you tate!

I’m sure you understand we spend too much time celebrating differences in this country and not enough time looking at the similarities.

By Ms. Writer

February 1, 2007 4:39 PM | Link to this

By GaNative does LMFAO - mean laughing my fat azz off? Im new at this humor me.

By ChadInAtl

February 1, 2007 4:40 PM | Link to this

DebbieDoRight you could not be more right! I moved here from Louisiana. It is not about race there. I have lived in Florida too,. It is not about race there either. I moved to Georgia a year ago. People here, and it seems like all people here, are obessed with race. It is so sad that there are that many ignorant people here. It is disgusting and I am so sick of it. It is a major turn off on Atlanta and makes you feel unwelcome everyhwere you go. You people need to grow up.

By Ms. Writer

February 1, 2007 4:40 PM | Link to this

Falcons Fan: Yes in one of your tremendous forefathers intitutions nonetheless.

By don't be fooled

February 1, 2007 4:41 PM | Link to this

TC, I said earlier that I don’t want or deserve any apologies from white people for what happened years before I was born. I also am tired of people pulling the race card and don’t think it is necessary all the time. I try to only see one race, the human race. But you have to forgive some people for feeling the way they do because you have to understand that these feelings, from both black and white, are coming from how many people are raised to think because parents have instilled these feelings in their children since day one. Some white people, not all, are raised to view anybody that doesn’t look like them as inferior. At the same time, some black people were raised from day one not to trust the white man. When it is your parents that are telling you this, it’s kind of hard to get rid of those feelings. Until we can stop this vicious cycle, race is always going to be an underlying issue with some people. What are you supposed to do, exactly what you are doing, and that is not harbor those feelings and question people that do. That is all any of us can do. By the way, I totally agree with you on everything.

By mustang100

February 1, 2007 4:43 PM | Link to this

I have read every one of these posts, and NO ONE seems to grasp what is TRYING to be pulled off. Here goes. Once Georgia OFFICIALLY apologizes that a policy enacted 70+ years ago,according to the morals and mindset of THAT era, was wrong, using human rights standards of the 21st century, the state becomes culpable to civil tort liability by said “victims” and/or their heirs/survivors. What does this mean? Rabid t.v. lawyer ads. Reparations on a state level. Look out Georgia taxpayers!!!!!

By redtop

February 1, 2007 4:48 PM | Link to this

To “tired”…touché!!

By JR

February 1, 2007 4:48 PM | Link to this

I love the comment section of stories. This one has devolved into a racial debate with people making statements that eugenics were only applied to black males. Kind of an odd conclusion to draw when the photo that accompanies the story is of a white female.

Good job everybody!

By Fred G. Sanford

February 1, 2007 4:51 PM | Link to this

Wait and see— State monetary reparations for all retards born in the Peach state between 1930 and 1970? Let’s cut’em a check and be done with this insanity-no pun intended.

By Ms. Writer

February 1, 2007 4:51 PM | Link to this

People seem to be under the misconception that “It’s not about race”

In Lousiana: please the majority of people below the poverty line are black.

In Florida: Less than 20% of property owners are black.

It’s not about race because you are not on the crappy end of it.

By pen

February 1, 2007 4:52 PM | Link to this

Kinda ridiculous to apologize for something someone else did. Sounds like they are hoping and apology will ease the lawsuits. I am not entirely opposed to this sterilization, but it should be on a case by case basis with family consent.

By tired

February 1, 2007 4:52 PM | Link to this

don’t be fooled:

Very interesting! I agree. But don’t you feel we have created a society that only supports and encourages these issues. Diversity Training? Why do we continue to institutionalize the the view of differences? Should’nt we be doing more to create a world were we are all the same?

Policies, apologies, and anything that continues to support the remembrance of negative feelings needs to be abolished. We need to have Unity Day!!!

By cgb

February 1, 2007 4:53 PM | Link to this

to Julie, Chris Salzmann-spelt? Don’t you mean spelled? What school system did you attend?

It’s not misspelled, it’s old English and it’s still in use in the other English speaking countries except the U.S. Try and read the www.bbc.co.uk and you’ll see it quite frequently along with learnt.

By tired

February 1, 2007 4:55 PM | Link to this

mustang100:

Good point. Only too true.

I must say though, If there are people that are still living that went through this, it is deserved.

By don't be fooled

February 1, 2007 4:56 PM | Link to this

JR, as I said before, I don’t know how the hell this got turned into a black white thing, but personally, I am just commenting on other responses. Even though this was not exactly the right place to talk about race relations, because this article had nothing to do with it, but I do think, espacially in Atlanta, we need to have an open forum to talk about it, respectfully. If we keep sweeping it under the rug like it isn’t an issue, nothing will ever get solved. Am I preaching too much?

By C. M. Thornton III

February 1, 2007 4:57 PM | Link to this

I say take the practice of forced sterilization back up again. Tards and nut cases shouldn’t be able to reproduce anyway…

By tired

February 1, 2007 4:57 PM | Link to this

ms writer:

there are numerous reasons for this. Have you ever read Bill Cosby’s feelings on this. You might not want too. A little too close to the truth. It all starts in the home…

By Raiderbeater

February 1, 2007 4:58 PM | Link to this

This is like finding the unmarked grave, digging it up, and beating the old dead horses skeletal remains.It dosn’t matter.In 40-50 years we will be speaking chinese…….thats what apologizing for other peoples mistakes will get you. Its as dead as the people that made the law …….. ask any regular person on the street what “eugenics” is and watch them say a city in Louisiana…..liberals…phew, can’t live with ‘em can’t live without ‘em!

By UPSET

February 1, 2007 4:58 PM | Link to this

I CAN’T SPELL, I CANT WRITE,I CANT SING,I CANT DANCE…

SO WHO CARES?

By don't be fooled

February 1, 2007 4:59 PM | Link to this

Tired, I totally agree

By B-Love

February 1, 2007 5:00 PM | Link to this

My ancestors weren’t even in this country when Slavery was going on. They were in Italy, so don’t lump all white people in that time together. I don’t have to apologize to anyone.

Maybe someone should apologize to me for the stereotypes that are given to Italians…

By ChadInAtl

February 1, 2007 5:02 PM | Link to this

Ms. Writer,

When I say hung up on race I am not talking about poverty. I am talking about how people treat each other and interact with each other. Poverty does not apply to race, it affects all. If you want to apply it to race then you should know there are many more poor white people in the country than there are black people. I can see both sides. I am in a interacial relationship. We face racial challenges everyday. But together we get through them. It was a first experience in Atlanta. People in this city are not accepting in general. It does not apply to whites or blacks, or blues, it applies to all races here.

By UPSET

February 1, 2007 5:02 PM | Link to this

I CAN’T SPELL, I CAN’T WRITE, I CAN’T SING AND I CAN’T DANCE.

SO WHO CARES?

By TC

February 1, 2007 5:04 PM | Link to this

Don’t be fooled…guess we’ll just keep on working together till we get it right…Have a nice night!

By mustang100

February 1, 2007 5:05 PM | Link to this

Fred G. : let’s contact our peeps in the state house and tell them no to apologies of ANY kind. Hey folks, this is NOT an eighth grade english class, and is certainly NOT a referendum on Atlanta race relations. What happened to these “victims” WAS, not IS, wrong, but don’t try to make myself and my children responsible. WE weren’t even born.

By James

February 1, 2007 5:08 PM | Link to this

Just saw a story on the Hx channel about x-ray machines that were used to fit shoes in the 50’s. By today’s standards they are considered extremely dangerous as they emit huge amounts of stray radiation. I remember having shoes fitted by this method when I was a child. I want an apology and a some money. BTW it was not a racial thing since blacks were not allowed in white shoe stores in those times. Matbe segregation wasn’t always a bad thing???

By Here We Go Again

February 1, 2007 5:13 PM | Link to this

This blog is NOT about race! WHY do black people make everything about race? We whites should be the ones whining. If a black & a white who are equally qualified apply for the same position, guess who gets it? The black person. It’s much easier for African Americans to get welfare but then again, most whites have too much self-respect to rip off their fellow Americans. Debbie Doo-Doo, you are a RETARD! Maybe you don’t mind supporting lazy welfare crud, but I do. Oh, wait. You probably ARE lazy welfare crud! As for the topic at hand, mental illness IS hereditary but even if it wasn’t, defectives & criminals should be forcibly sterilized. They don’t merit or deserve “rights” in the sense that the rest of us do. Also, a lot of the retarded are like animals, they go around sleeping with anything, so this is for their own protection. And anyone not fit to raise a child should NOT procreate. Political correctness is a pie-in-the-sky ideal. Protecting our society is reality.

By Rodjuan

February 1, 2007 5:30 PM | Link to this

Don’t be fooled you sound like you have been, where do you think all the pain went? energy cannot be destroyed it has to be toned, thus the term ‘ATONEMENT’. 77% of caucasians already testify that they know they have the advantage because of the COLOR OF THEIR SKIN and they aren’t willing to relinquish this advantage, you can’t have an ADVANTAGE without a DIS-ADVANTAGE, so if they have the ADVANTAGE, who do you think has the DIS-ADVANTAGE?. DON’T BE FOOLED.

That same 77% say Afrikans nned to stop tripping and just work hard and everything will be alright, BUT THEY WON’T GIVE UP THEIR ADVANTAGE.

U WERE FOOLED.

By Corey

February 2, 2007 8:58 AM | Link to this

Debbie, People are limited to the number of years they can collect welfare. I don’t know if it is possible to have 10 to 12 babies in two years. I work in human resources etc. In Dekalb County the Dept. of Labor has eliminated the unit that worked primarily with Welfare-to-Work clients because there aren’t enough clients to serve. In other words, the program was very successful.

By JRJ

February 2, 2007 11:52 AM | Link to this

This is an All Points Bulletin…There are more white people on WELFARE and other public assistance programs in America than there are African-Americans!! Another point for the people who believe that blacks and whites who are equally qualified for a position and the job goes to the black person because of Affirmative Action…FALSE! Affirmative Action as the law was written goes to benefit women and minorities. The ‘Women’ portion of the law means WHITE WOMEN. The law has benefited white women more so than it has helped any person of color in this country. White women went from being secretaries and housewifes to now making up a significant part of the workforce. That’s AFFIRMATIVE ACTION!! Please get over your amnesia and recognize the truth.

By j

February 2, 2007 12:51 PM | Link to this

Lynn, you do have a right to apply for any license you would like, but you do not have the right to receive a license. Driver’s licenses are privileges, marriage licenses and others are contingent on certain other things. That is the problem with this country today, too many people feel they are entitled to everything simply because they are here.

By Jim

February 2, 2007 1:16 PM | Link to this

I’m white and i dont owe anyone a g******* apology, whether living or dead, about sterilization, slaves, WTF ever!! GET OVER IT!!!!!!! While the govt. is in the mood to apologize, why not apologize for allowing the FDA to make sure that every living person in America is taking a prescribed drug. If you arent presently taking one, then ASK YOUR DOCTOR!!!

By SO Refugee

February 2, 2007 1:18 PM | Link to this

Let’s see. The article did not overtly indicate blacks were the focus of the sterilizations; however, the state prohibited interracial marriages as part of a program to “improve the human race.” The demographic of the GA legislature from 1937-1970 was - let me take a wild guess on this - predominantly white males. From whom do you think they were trying to keep from their white women?

Damn. Get your head out of your cracker a*.

By Productively Bi-polar Terre

February 2, 2007 2:56 PM | Link to this

we should allow for the sale of beer on sundays (starting superbowl sunday)—, have a party learning to spell,sing and dance, with food sponsored by government issued foodstamps.It is amazing how an article on mental health sparked this racial debate… If not beer then have a coke and a smile-or at least meet up for a “group” hug