Comment Archives: Stories: Special Issues: Citizen Awards
Re: “Dix Park: Saving a prime piece of land through a critical mass of people”
NC is indebted to the dreams and the voices of 10s of thousands of Dix Park supporters who for over a decade worked to preserve this land for a 21st century destination park for all the people of NC and the generations to come. A special thanks to Mayors Nancy McFarlane & Charles Meeker, Governor Beverly Perdue, the Raleigh City Council and the NC Council of State who listened to and entrusted this land to their people.
Quoting Stanley Abbott, landscape designer for our Blue Ridge Parkway:
“I can’t imagine a more creative job than locating that Blue Ridge Parkway, because you worked with a ten-league canvas and a brush of a comet’s tail.”
Perhaps I can speak for the thousands anxious to participate: let’s bring out our canvases and brushes, find our Umsteads and Abbotts, unleash the excitement and imagination of our people as we begin together the journey to make Dix Park our 21st century masterpiece.
Re: “The YES team: Lobbying for a school health center”
Woohoo! Go YES! Team!
Re: “Past Winner: Eddie Davis, Class of '85”
As I read this article, I have flashbacks to the days when I was a student in one of the first English classes taught by Mr. Eddie Davis in Weldon City Schools.As a teacher, he knew he needed more than a textbook for students who attened one of the poorest school districts in the state. He took a chance with us, by going before the School Board requesting permission to take us on educational field trips outside the state of North Carolina to expose us to the arts. Words can not describe the impact the teaching of Eddie Davis had on my life as a teacher, parent and Educator for over thirty-three years. I will always remember him as my favorite teacher at Weldon High School!
BPIERCY
Re: “Charmaine Fuller Cooper”
Awesome article, awesome person congrats
Re: “Clean Water for North Carolina”
"Ground water is an incredibly valuable resource. And there aren't a lot of people speaking up for it" - Bill Homan of Duke University
According to Holman's statement above, I was wondering if CWFNC and other Citizen Award-nominated participants used the power of social media in their campaigns to promote awareness related to their causes.
I know the statement did not come from you directly, however, maybe you could expand that part of the topic by studying how the influence of social media is helpful in promoting awareness to the public about certain issues going on in their communities. The lack of social media exposure may be a factor behind the statement since it is easier for the public to be exposed to regional or national issues than local.
Myself, I am an avid social media explorer and often reply on Twitter for news. I thought I'd share my thoughts regarding your article. Thank you for taking the time to read my message.
Re: “Charmaine Fuller Cooper”
I've researched and written about the Eugenics movement, even a very distant relative's involvement in its origin (Paul Brandon Barringer at UVA).
It is a horrible chapter in our history that should have been stopped before it started. But it attests to the power of propaganda - the same kind that had so many believing for so long that those of African descent were less human than others.
I believe it is also important that we recognize more modern forms of these atrocities, now, and not wait for decades to make necessary reforms or reparations.
I believe our state's "mental health" practices and laws serve as a more subtle continuation of the old Eugenics program, and I know there are safer and more compassionate alternatives, like Finland's Open Dialogue program, that the state should be implementing.
There is plenty of evidence that the drugs forced on those branded with the more politically correct labels used today cause infertility and hormone imbalances, as well as diabetes and even death. Forced drugging and incarceration in prison-like psychiatric hospitals (like Cherry, which once did sterilizations) is just another example of violation of human rights.
The petition linked below elaborates on the issue and is available now for signatures for those who wish to end eugenics for good.
Please share it and consider this issue.
http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/end-moder…
Re: “Past Winner: Eddie Davis, Class of '85”
Eddie was the impetus for many of us who became involved in efforts to improve education for the children of North Carolina. He is truly an inspiration--even today!! One day I saw Eddie walking the halls of The Ethelyn R. Strong School of Social Work at Norfolk State. I stopped him and learned that he has family in Virginia. That afternoon, I shared with my students the achievements of a truly great man who is modelling the values of social work!
Re: “Amanda Arrington: Good fences make good pets”
I was also inspired by this story and your many video's on youtube. Could anyone living in or around Alamosa, Colorado who would like to start a chapter here please email me?? My email is mylizardcujo@yahoo.com.au (I used to live in Australia).
Amanda, what you've done for these animals is beyond words. The happiness at finally getting their freedom is something we all take for granted. Thank you for starting this wonderful group and also please thank all your volunteers for all their hard work. Could you please email me information about starting a group here? I'd appreciate it.
Linda
Re: “Amanda Arrington: Good fences make good pets”
great work, Amanda.......you and the coalition are such an inspiration....i, too, would love to be a part of this cause.......please let me know how i can start one in my county.
Re: “2010 Citizen Awards”
First off, GREAT call on the NC DREAM Team. I have had the honor of meeting and working with some of these fine young people, and they are smart, dedicated and motivated. Their love for this country and belief in justice is an inspiration when the loudest voices scream. "Hell no you can't."
@ dianel, One does not have to renounce U.S. citizenship to lower their taxes, they just have to get Congress to extend the Bush tax cuts.
@ fsilber, DREAM Activists have been living in this country for at least five years and have a U.S. high school diploma. Zimbabweans who do not live here would have a substantially smaller claim. I am sure you did not mean to extend your concern only to Whites, and so I assume you want the United States to expand its participation as a third country resettlement option for the UNCHR. Commendable, but that is really a separate issue.
Re: “2010 Citizen Awards”
On a day reserved for giving thanks, I am especially grateful to The Independent for choosing this week to feature your Citizen Award winners.
Our community is indeed fortunate that these groups and individuals choose daily to give of their time, energy, and resources without expectation of praise or recognition. Rather, it seems to me, these leaders ask only that we discover, develop and share our own talents, initiative and perseverance.
Re: “2010 Citizen Awards”
dianel wrote: "Citizenship as defined today in this country is simply a piece of paper."
Yes, the entire article belittled the significance of American citizenship. Be careful what you wish for, though, because you may get it.
Remember that when it comes to changes in social attitudes, you have to take the bad with the good. Don't forget that any American who can afford to set up a residency in Bermuda and who is willing to renounce his American citizenship can escape that vast majority of his personal and corporate income taxes. The chief emotional obstacle to this stratagem is the notion that American citizenship itself is priceless; destroy that notion and you may find that your milk cows have escaped their pens and disappeared over the fence.
The Left and the Right may disagree as to the amount of taxes that are the rich's fair share, but the very notion of a "fair share" depends on the belief that the rich bear more responsibility to their fellow citizens than they do to the rest of the world's arbitrary strangers.
Consider the marriage license -- that other "mere piece of paper." Mothers who agreed to forgo that "mere piece of paper" have found that their baby-daddies have pretty much left them on their own. Don't belittle the significance of citizenship if you care anything about America's poor, or you may find yourself the loser yet again.
Re: “2010 Citizen Awards”
Citizenship as defined today in this country is simply a piece of paper. What makes a citizen by my definition is someone who loves the country they live in, who strive to serve it in many ways, and who honor others within that country. Thank you for recognizing the NC Dream Team. This group has worked hard - along with many others - to make post-secondary education accessible to young people who've grown up in this country and serve it each day of their lives.
Also, Dan Hill, with whom I serve on a board, is indeed worthy of this recognition! He quietly serves his community in many ways, while he could be spending his days out on a golf course somewhere. That's another mark of a good citizen as well.
Re: “2010 Citizen Awards”
By your logic, our country should have been open to all the whites of Zimbabwe when Robert Mugabe began acting up. They were no less documented than these people.
Re: “Michelle Cotton Laws”
No reflection on Ms. Laws, but Keith Edwards did not win her lawsuit. In fact, most of the complaints were thrown out by the judge at which time she settled for her retirement in a lump sum and some extra, the original offer made by the university. It's on file at the clerk's office.
Re: “Amanda Arrington: Good fences make good pets”
I would love to join the cause, but don't know how!!! I gave to the ASPCA and the Humane Society until I lost my job, even then, held out for 6 months afterward. I have always been a supporter of ALL animals, but I went to your website, could not get a hold of anyone. I lost my job etc, I may not be able to give $ at this time, but I have the resolve and passion to help animals, please help me to help them. Every dog or cat I have ever owned was a throw away, abused or abandoned. Please contact me to let me know how I can help, I already have a lead on 2 dogs chained....I'm spreading the word already, have responses, but don't know where to go from here.
Thank You
Nancy A. Casey
Re: “Judy Kincaid”
Judy is going to speak to our fledgling Green Living in Woodcroft group. We are so fortunate; come hear her explain to us and motivate us to become a community that thrives on sustainable living. The program is 7 pm Jan. 21 at the Professional Building on Woodcroft Pkwy.
Re: “Lifetime fighter”
I've known Lewis for 30 years, as far back to the Silkwood days, and he has my greatest respect. He;s represented me in court and stood beside me in non-violent confrontations with police and corporate henchmen. Simply, there are none better than he.
Re: “Judy Kincaid”
Thanks to the Indepedent for recognizing this hometown hero! Judy has remarkable vision, energy, determination, and courage. As a former board member for Clean Energy Durham, I know for sure that Judy has gone above and beyond the call of duty to develop this fantastic idea. I hope that she will get the support she needs to spread the program all over the country.
Re: “Dix Park: Saving a prime piece of land through a critical mass of people”
In a world that needs those who strengthen our community, Bill Padgett is one of my heroes. Thanks Bill and many others for your continuing efforts to make our home a better and more inclusive place for everyone.