Our Thoughts on Amendment One

Wilsonian Voices has taken the following position with regards to the Marriage Amendment also known as Amendment One. As we continue to review and research House Bill 514, we are of the opinion that the particulars of the bill outline much more than the” most popular summation” that the marriage between a man and a woman is the only recognized union in the State of North Carolina...

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Contrar to what’s being called an amendment to ‘ban gay marriage’, the bill, as it is written takes a negative and harsh stand against any civil union in the State of NC.

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The repercussion of passing this amendment will serve as a detriment with serious harm.

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Regardless of how you believe, what you believe, this amendment delves deeper into the lives of people who may not be LGBT.  
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In addition, a vote ‘FOR’ this amendment serves to disband an intricate system already in place that protects civil unions and other matters of a domestic nature designed to protect children, seniors, women, and many other healthcare issues.

Folks who may not be married yet have children together will be impacted. People who may not be married but have lived together for many years will be affected. This amendment is not just about the LGBT community and banning marriage. 

The very fact of the matter is same-sex marriage is ALREDY ILLEGAL in the State of NC. State statute currently limits marriage to opposite-sex couples.

N.C.G.S. § 51.1-2 prohibits marriages between individuals of the same gender.

SO WHY is THE CHANGE needed to the CONSTITUTION? Honestly, WHY? We asked this question earlier this week on our Facebook page. Responders voiced their concerns. Those voting ’ FOR THE AMENDMENT’ shared they believe marriage is ‘ONLY’ between a man and a woman. God has ordained it to be and nothing else matters.

Those voicing an opinion ‘AGAINST THE AMENDMENT’ are concerned about the wording of the entire document and how it will affect civil unions and all of the intricate aspects that govern such matters across the board for all.

Bottom line – Amendment One affects so much more than simply ‘banning Gay Marriage’. The wiser thing to do would be to read the amendment, itself. Peel back the layers to get to the core of what it actually says it will do. That’s part of the reason Wilsonian Voices hadn’t shared a viewpoint one way or the other. We wanted to know the facts not the fiction.

The more we read the document, the more persuaded we are that there is not enough information that speaks to the ramifications of its passing where civil unions are concerned and how it will impair a system already designed to protect the people.

LET’S BE VERY CLEAR ABOUT THIS MATTER: This is NOT an amendment to ‘Ban Gay Marriage’ in North Carolina.

We know that’s what’s being told. You hear it repeated everyday. However, that’s what you call a “smoke-screen”. (You need to get beyond the smoke to see what's behind it.)

Gay Marriage is already ILLEGAL in the STATE of NC. We don’t need it added to the constitution, it’s ALREADY the LAW of the LAND. (Think about it) Adding this amendment to the constitution does not give it any more power than what the LAW already is. The LAW is the LAW.

You keep hearing the fire & brimstone shouts that God made man for a woman. God made man and woman for one another. The only legal marriage in the sight of God is between a man and a woman. That’s the way it ought to be in NC.
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HOWEVER, you have not heard conversations from those advocating ‘FOR’ the amendment tell you is how it affects everybody else.

And while we agree marriage was ordained by God, simply put this amendment does not serve as that dog in this fight. IT DOES NOT. It’s the SPIN placed on this amendment but it’s NOT the ultimate reason HB 514 was introduced.

OUR RECOMMENDATION:  With much thought and careful research, we are of the opinion when it comes to Amendment One - Wilsonian Voices stands with those
who are in opposition of its passing, therefore the stand is a vote AGAINST amendment One. 


READ IT. And while you're reading it, KEEP in mind – NC has already banned gay marriage in this state. It is already the law of the land.

READ IT: 
N.C.G.S. § 51.1-2 prohibits marriages between individuals of the same gender.
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FACTS FIRST: Same-sex marriage is ALREDY ILLEGAL in the State of NC. State statute currently limits marriage to opposite-sex couples. That’s between a man & a woman as God has ordained.

Read Amendment One for YOURSELF, make an EDUCATED DECISION not an EMOTIONAL DECISION. Your personal beliefs concernin what God has ordained has already been addressed in the State of NC. 

N.C.G.S. § 51.1-2 prohibits marriages between individuals of the same gender.
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MAKE YOUR DECISION then GO & VOTE YOUR CONSCIOUS. Just get the FACTS FIRST!

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WV Facebook Friends Speak Out

Recently, one of our FaceBook Friends made the following comment: “I am very discouraged that the Wilsonian Voices only seams to share the view point that is against the marriage amendment. I wish you would post that beautiful letter that Loretta Winslow placed in the paper Thursday in the opinion section of the Wilson Daily Times.”

Here's the link to the letter Ms. Winslow wrote 'FOR' Amendment One. (And Ms. Bass, if don't mind us saying, it’s actually “seems” versus seam. Just thought we’d mention that to you. All the Best. Wilsonian Voices )

We also found another letter that was written by an individual in a neighboring county we'd like for you to take a look at as well. This letter was written by Frank Dunn of Winterville, NC (Pitt County) was written 'AGAINST' Amendment One.

Opinions are many and emotions are high when it comes to the viewspoints concerning House Bill 514 also known as Amendment One. You will be be voting 'FOR' or 'AGAINST' it when you go to vote on May 8th or during early voting.

When you weigh in whether Amendment One is worth it, Don't forget the facts 

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Voter Registration Under Attack

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PLEASE PAY CLOSE ATTENTION

Registering Americans to vote has been a hallmark for many civic organization. Unfortunately, this historic act of patriotism may be stopped. Florida has been among many of the Republican Controlled States that have adopted strict voter registration laws. North Carolina is one of those states as well.

These laws are making it very hard for groups like the NAACP and the League of Woman Voters to register voters. According to an article in today’s NY Times: “The state’s new elections law — which requires groups that register voters to turn in completed forms within 48 hours or risk fines, among other things — has led the state’s League of Women Voters to halt its efforts this year.

Rock the Vote, a national organization that encourages young people to vote, began an effort last week to register high school students around the nation — but not in Florida, over fears that teachers could face fines. And on college campuses, the once-ubiquitous folding tables piled high with voter registration forms are now a rarer sight.” (nytimes.com) 

Many Republicans feel that these laws are necessary to prevent voter fraud. However, many statistics have showed that voter fraud is very low and does not support this claim. Is this really about protecting the right to vote? Or preventing President Obama from winning a second term? 

The question must be asked, why now? Why are these laws being enacted now especially in states where Republicans already have complete control?

The article also highlights how impossible this law will make it for voter registration drives: The law in Florida, which was passed by a Republican-controlled Legislature and signed into law by Gov. Rick Scott, a Republican, also reduces the number of early voting days in the state.

While the effects of those changes may not be seen until the fall, the new restrictions on voter registrations are already being felt — as Sabu L. Williams, the president of the Okaloosa County Branch of the N.A.A.C.P., discovered this year when he registered some voters during the Martin Luther King’s Birthday weekend.

Mr. Williams’s group registered two voters on the Sunday of the three-day weekend, and noted the time, as required by the law: 2:15 p.m. and 2:20 p.m. When the local elections office reopened on Tuesday, Jan. 17, the group handed the forms in. They were stamped as received at 3:53 p.m. 

This resulted in a warning letter from Secretary of State Kurt S. Browning, who noted that the state can levy fines of $50 for each late application, with an annual cap of $1,000 in fines per group.

“In your case, although the supervisor’s office was closed on Monday, Jan. 16, the 48-hour period ended for the two applications on Jan. 17 at 2:15 p.m. and 2:20 p.m.; therefore, the applications were untimely under the law,” Mr. Browning wrote. The letter said that “any future violation of the third-party voter registration law may result in my referral of the matter to the attorney general for an enforcement action.” (nytimes.com)

If laws like this continue to be enacted, the result will be devastating for the minority community and the country. If these states want to protect voting, allow civic groups to register voters with sensible oversight. They should not allow their goals to unseat a president come on the heels of disenfranchising voters.

Source: Politics is Power

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Unity In the Community... 'NOT'

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“Bless be the ties that bind, our hearts in Christian love, the fellowship of kindred minds is like to that above. ”

It was one of my Granny’s favorite scriptural verses. We’d be sitting quietly together and then all of a sudden her soft sweet voice could be heard reciting the words. My, how I miss those days. 

My Granny’s long gone now, since July 4, 1985. That was her “Independence Day.”  One-hundred and one years old. Her work on earth was done. If she were here today how amazed she would be knowing there were African Americans running in the race to be mayor of Wilson, North Carolina. Let alone three. 

Well, here we are again folks. Another election year upon us and it’s time to elect a mayor. And in a year where there are three African Americans vying for the mayor’s seat there has been a lot of talk in the community about the splitting of the black vote.  {You can do your own math.} 

Much talk around the town has centered around whether or not the candidates would be willing to come together to talk amongst themselves to unify the African American community. Even in a time when it’s hard to get people engaged in local politics and proud to have  folks who would be willing to run -three in the race were three too many. 

So, with little fanfare from the press as they were not invited to the table, such a meeting did take place a week ago Thursday.  M.K. Smith and Ricardo Dew came together in a local church for a hearty conversation to see if the issues that separated the two could be combined to solidify the African American vote and rally behind one or the other. 

Those in the attendance made a vow that “intimate particulars” about what was being said would remain amongst those present. And while I won’t betray that bond here, there is a need for the community to know a general synopsis of what transpired in the room that day. And it really won’t take long. 

Who was there?

The two candidates, a local pastor, a retired Elected Official with more than 30 years combined experience with 8 of those years serving as mayor pro tem from a neighboring county, a candidate's brother and myself.

What was discussed.
Electability. Resources. Time. The base. Experience. Sustainibilty.

What separated the two candidates.
Personality differences, subliminal ego-trippin', a lack of tolerance &  a haughty disposition. 

What was the end result.
What you see is what you get. The two maintaining their positions running for mayor. 

Why are we sharing all this now.

Quite frankly, the community needed to know an attempt was made to bring them together in an effort to iron out the differences for the overall good of the community.

My Personal Thoughts: 
At the end of the day . . . it’s not about either candidate. It’s about the people within this community and this opportunity to change the landscape of this city in the 20 years. That message was personally conveyed to each of the candidates. 

One candidate has the electability.

Another does not.

One candidate has never entered this race before.

Another has. And LOST - SIGNIFICANTLY.

One candidate has the resources & the network from whom to pull. 

Another has a hand full.

One candidate has the solid base in place.

Another attempts to solicit.

One candidate has the time to liberally dedicate.

Another is obligated to the company store, when and as needed. 

A certain level of success is required amongst the candidates to at the very least introduce an opportunity to make a significant difference within this community. 

A THOUGHT:

It is not so much what you have done in the community or what you’d like to do. Rather, doing the right thing, at the right time when you know an opportunity actually exist to change the outlook and the future of the people within this community.

It’s about making a decision to unify and consolidate your energy and your effort with the majority to send a clear signal across this city that WE, The People are UNITED and that WE, The People STAND TOGETHER and WE, The People will Make A Difference. 

However, in the room that day, I heard one say, they’d rather see the incumbent mayor maintain the seat rather than stand with the majority to ensure his defeat. {You can do your own math.} 

Community Blogger,
Zette McArn - Bless be the ties that bind.

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Betwixt & Between

There has been much talk in the Wilson community concerning the mayoral race. Three African Americans seek to unseat the 20 year incumbent. Residents are asking how can that be when the vote will be split three different ways. Suggestions of the three candidates meeting together to form a unified base have been circling the community for weeks now.

Well, we're here to share that meeting did happen. At least between the two strongest in the race. We're currently working on a blog post to share with you what we can about what happened on that day.

This community and the people who call this place home mean more to me than the ego of a man. Regardless of the man. The work that we do, the work that we've done and the work that lies before us as a people is far greater than any "insidious alliance" guised for the good of the community. 

Stay tuned.

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Wide Awake Wilson

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Good Monday Morning Fellow Wilsonians - It's the start of a new day, new week, and new beginnings. We're about the business of taking care of business, as we're sure you are.

This day we begin our "Tell It Like It IS" Campaign for the remainder of this primary election season. In the days to come we'll be highlighting various positions and candidates. Taking a "GOOD LOOK" at what they've said on ...the campaign trail. What they've done or didn't do.

Whether you agree or disagree with our viewpoint, we're here to speak truth to power. Candidates are vying for various positions seek our vote come May 8th. The process should not be a cakewalk for incumbents who have not served us well in the past. Nor should it be the same for someone who's unfamiliar with our community, it's needs and its people.

WE ALL MAKE A DIFFERENCE 

regardless of what side of town you live on. East, West, South or North. WE ARE CONNECTED.

WE ALL ARE WILSON & WE ALL CALL THIS PLACE HOME.

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Citizen Fired Up

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ALL COMMENTS MUST BE APPROVED... That's what it says when leaving a comment on the Wilson Times Online (WT) comment section. The SAME rule applies here as well.

THE DIFFERENCE... On ocassion, the WT will not publish a comment a reader has submitted. And when that happens from time to time, we'll receive an email message asking us if we will share it here on WV.

Such is the case now. We received a request to publish the following message and decided to share it. In the email, the commentor explained the response was in reference to articles that have appeared in the WT regarding mayoral candidates running in the May 8th elections. The email expressed frustration with the local newspaper and what they deemed to be an attack on only certain individuals who are running for office.  We're told the comment was left under an article entitled "Who is M.K. Smith? A staff writer by the name of Rochelle Moore wrote the story.

HERE'S THE COMMENT: (Here's the story)
( Here is the uneditied, uncensored comment that was emailed to Wilsonian Voices)

To the staff writer of the Wilson Times, Rochelle Moore, AS YOU ARE GOING TO DO ARTICLES OF THIS KIND - WHY is it that, WE, THE CITIZENS of WILSON can't seem to get a thorough investigation of C. Bruce Rose and his role, his financial income and ALL other info pertaining to his involvement with Electricities.

NOT just NOW but when Tilton was at the helm and Rose's part in getting Graham in the seat he serves now? THAT INFO is as important as what the WDT wants to feed the community and have us chew on where this man and all the other challengers are concerned. We have read DARDEN'S massacre, DEW'S came last cycle around who knows what  you have up your sleeve for this year and now SMITH, BUT NOTHING on ROSE. Wake up WDT cause the rest of us are Wide Awake in Wilson for a CHANGE!

DO WE, THE PEOPLE DARE ASK... ARE YOU TARGETING THE AFRICAN AMERICAN CANDIDATES to be viewed negatively over and over again while illuming Rose as squeaky clean and lilly white. Cause IF THAT'S "NOT" WHAT YOU'RE DOING... WE CAN'T TELL. 

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Senate Bill 514 - Confusion, Corruption or Correct

.SIMPLY  STATED:  SENATE BILL 514
Is an act to amend the North Carolina Constitution to decree and declare that marriage between one man and one woman is the ONLY LEGAL domestic union that shall be VALID or RECOGNIZED in the State of North Carolina.

POINT: Common–Law marriages, Living together aka “shacking or cohabitating “ with one another is not recognized by the State of North Carolina.

POINT: Gay marriages aka “same sex relationships” are not recognized by the State of North Carolina. Also, there is a law that outlaws gay marriages in the State of NC.

THE QUESTION: OK. .. With  “common-law” marriages null & void and Gay marriages outlawed in NC – WHY is it even necessary for an amendment to be made to the Constitution for the State of NC?

WHY ARE WE, THE CITIZENS of NC BEING ASKED TO CHANGE / AMEND THE CONSTITUTION WHEN THERE ARE ALREADY PROVISIONS IN PLACE THAT ADDRESS THE ISSUES of LGBT MARRIAGES & COMMON LAW MARRIAGES in the STATE of NORTH CAROLINA? WHY?

"DON'T FORM AN OPINION WITHOUT GETTING

THE FACTS FIRST!

WHEREAS, The Constitution of the United States of America is the supreme law of the United States. The Constitution is the framework for the organization of the United States government and for the relationship of the federal government with the states, citizens, and all people within the United States likewise is the Constitution of the State of North Carolina.

Definition > Constitution

Noun:

A body of fundamental principles or established precedents according to which a state or other organization is acknowledged to be governed. A written record of this.

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Candidate Forum - Will You Be There

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Exception, Proves the Rule

"Question with boldness even the existence of a God; because, if there be one, he must more approve of the homage of reason, than that of blind-folded fear."
Thomas Jefferson

Somewhere, within the past couple of weeks, we've read the incumbent Mayor of the City of Wilson has stated he is NOT available for any debates during this election season as he is booked solid with other engagements through the month of May.

OH, HOW CONVENIENT, MR. MAYOR!

Let's Do the Math. You're an incumbent who has been in office for six terms, each term has been (for) four years, (pretty much) so that's 24 years already that you've been the mayor. Now, you want another four more...Yet, you don't want to make yourself available to debate your challengers. That's interesting. However, it's not like this strategy is a new thing where you're concerned. We're recalling similar situations the last time around when you refused to participate on a panel discussion with previous challengers.

THE QUESTION IS... Your absence and your unwillingness to participate be it a candidate forum or a debate... Can that be translated into votes at the polls come Tuesday, May 8th?

THE ANSWER IS... Sure it can. It's called the "Reciprocal Agreement of 2012."

If  the folks you're counting on decide to make themselves unavailable or they decide they do not want to vote for you come Tuesday, May 8th in light of your decision to not participate, they certainly have the right to do the same.

ORDINARILY, most incumbents jump at the opportunity to showcase their accomplishments and exaggerate their achievments about what they've done while in office. You don't want to. That's suspect and why not.

OK, perhaps there's another way to look at this. Immediately, two words come to mind. One is "entitlement" and the other is "privilege."  Both terms encourage a heavy dose of "confidence & assumption" that those who have entered the mayoral race are not viable opponents nor capable candidates to unseat you. Thus being, you confidently believe you will resume the position and preserve the title. Long live the legacy of THE BRUCE ROSE. 

Let's look at ENTITLEMENT: Based strictly on local history and status quo, for all the years you have served the City of Wilson, this state of mind or condition leaves you with a sense of  having a right to hold and maintain this mayoral position until such time as you dictate and decide its no longer what YOU want to do. PRIVILEGE: You have deemed yourself to be worthy of this title as you see no challengers capable of soliciting sufficient votes to surpass your margins of past elections. 

Therefore, longevity sets you separate and apart from all the rest under the auspices of entitlement and privilege. So, sure, you can choose to ignore accountability, integrity and transparency within your administration where your constituents are concerned while hiding behind the cloak of being incognito.

However, that decision may cost you in the long run if you don't find yourself being called Mr. Mayor at the end of the day come Tuesday, May 8th. A decision you may live to regret.

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Election Time

Tuesday, May 8th is quickly approaching and if you don't know what the date signifies than you're really not paying attention. Listen Up! This post is especially for you. Locally speaking, it's time to select a mayor to serve the citizens of Wilson, NC. It's also time to elect city council representatives for District 1, 2 and 4, Coleman, Burton and Johnson, respectively.

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What constitutes child abuse

As far as we're concerned, Child abuse is the physical, sexual or emotional mistreatment or neglect of a child.

In the United States, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Department for Children And Families (DCF) define child maltreatment as any act or series of acts of commission or omission by a parent or other caregiver that results in harm, potential for harm, or threat of harm to a child. Child abuse can occur in a child's home, or in the organizations, schools or communities the child interacts with. There are four major categories of child abuse: neglect, physical abuse, psychological/emotional abuse, and child sexual abuse. 

Different jurisdictions have developed their own definitions of what constitutes child abuse for the purposes of removing a child from his/her family and/or prosecuting a criminal charge. According to the Journal of Child Abuse and Neglect, child abuse is "any recent act or failure to act on the part of a parent or caretaker which results in death, serious physical or emotional harm, sexual abuse or exploitation, an act or failure to act which presents an imminent risk of serious harm".

IF YOU WITNESS A CHILD BEING ABUSED, HERE'S PRAYING YOU STRENGHT TO DO THE RIGHT THING . . . REPORT IT. MAKE an anonymous call to the proper authorities.

The song lyrics say Bless the beast and the children for in this world they have no voice. They have no choice. Consider both - in this case in particular, THINK of the CHILDREN!

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Autism Awareness Month

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Chippers Backyard Grill

TRY ... Something Different" for Lunch - Check Out CHIPPERS!
Backyard Grill Inside - Eat In or Take Out, Call Ahead
Location: Corner of Black Creek Rd. & Hwy 301 - Shell Station
Buffalo Wings, Burgers, Chicken sandwiches & Chipper Dogs
Open: 11am until 9pm - STOP BY TODAY! Call 252.991.3798

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