North Carolina: Threatening Fifty Years of Progress in Ten Months by Atty. Gen. Roy Cooper

[octoberlib]

It was January 18, 1963, and North Carolina Governor Terry Sanford's call for racial equality on the 100th anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation captivated the nation, or, in some cases, jolted it. Sanford's vision that "North Carolina will attempt to provide leadership for the kind of understanding America needs today" was as brave as it was prescient. No southern governor had ever proclaimed with such clarity the role his state could play in building a new South.

From Terry Sanford's vision, and the work of progressive leaders such as Governor Jim Hunt, grew a renowned public university system, acclaimed early childhood education, a vibrant high-tech economy, a national center of finance, a world-class tourism destination and a reputation for innovation that attracted waves of new residents and businesses large and small.

North Carolina's journey has not always been easy. Our empty textile mills and furniture factories are reminders of the challenges we still face in moving from the old economy to the new. But from the barrier islands of our coast to the Smoky Mountains in our west, North Carolina has prospered and grown over these past fifty years with a commitment to opportunity for all.

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It's why the events of the last 10 months are so devastating to our state. The damage that has been done to North Carolina cannot be understated. But as Terry Sanford said in that speech fifty years ago, "North Carolina is not going to be left behind." He was right then and he's right today. North Carolina is better than this. We must turn this around and move forward. As North Carolinians have seen and experienced this year, the alternative is unacceptable.

Roy Cooper

Attorney General of North Carolina

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/roy-cooper/north-carolina-republicans_b_4100573.html

[philly_bob]

1. We had a visitor from NC looking to move to Philly to get away from this. (nt)

[LastDemocratInSC]

2. That's what the conservatives in NC want

Unfortunately, the conservatives want all those who won't cozy up to their policies to please leave the state. The more the merrier, and the sooner the better.

By doing so, the population that is left in the filter paper will be those who are apathetic, complacent and stupid.

[philly_bob]

3. The would-be refugee was a cultured, progressive, empathetic professional.

Tragically, you're probably right, LastDeminSC.