-Caveat Lector- Records of Vermont eugenic project uncovered Copyright � 1999 Nando Media Copyright � 1999 Associated Press BOSTON (August 7, 1999 9:02 a.m. EDT http://www.nandotimes.com) - A doctoral student has uncovered a dark secret in Vermont's past: Scientists in the 1920s and 1930s had an active eugenics plan to eliminate the New England state's "degenerate" bloodlines and replenish "old pioneer stock." In a book to be published later this year, Nancy Gallagher details the plan called the "Vermont Eugenics Survey." The 12-year survey, developed by an independent team of social scientists, studied "good" and "bad" families in the state and listed those which it determined needed to be eliminated, Gallagher told The Boston Globe for an article in Saturday's editions. The report was circulated among policy-makers at the time and led to the passage of a 1931 sterilization law. The law resulted in the sterilization of several hundred poor, rural Vermonters, Abenaki Indians and others deemed unfit to procreate, the Globe reported. Vermont was hardly alone in embracing eugenics, the science of human breeding that branched off from social Darwinism. The concept was to manage the misery of the poor. Studies had suggested domestic abuse and alcoholism were thought to be caused by recessive genes and inbreeding. Thus, by reducing the number of babies born to sick or unwed parents, and by attracting desirable settlers, social scientists thought they could a build a healthier society, the Globe reported. Gallagher said Vermonters seemed willing to accept eugenic solutions. She said public records of the eugenics project reflect an abhorrent mindset of scientists. One, Dr. Henry Perkins of the University of Vermont, came up with "pedigrees of degeneracy," Gallagher said. In 1931, Perkins' work prompted Vermont to become the 31st state to enact a sterilization law for the handicapped or "the feeble-minded." Records do not show the extent to which the sterilization policy was enforced or how the option was presented to its subjects. The laws were rolled back in the 1960s and 1970s. Gallagher, a 50-year old former biology teacher, said she initially hesitated pursuing her thesis because she knew some families would find their relatives among those the scientists considered unfit. "Every step of the way, I wondered if I should even be writing it," she said. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Steve Wingate California Director SKYWATCH INTERNATIONAL Anomalous Images and UFO Files http://www.anomalous-images.com DECLARATION & DISCLAIMER ========== CTRL is a discussion and informational exchange list. Proselyzting propagandic screeds are not allowed. Substance�not soapboxing! These are sordid matters and 'conspiracy theory', with its many half-truths, misdirections and outright frauds is used politically by different groups with major and minor effects spread throughout the spectrum of time and thought. That being said, CTRL gives no endorsement to the validity of posts, and always suggests to readers; be wary of what you read. CTRL gives no credeence to Holocaust denial and nazi's need not apply. Let us please be civil and as always, Caveat Lector. ======================================================================== Archives Available at: http://home.ease.lsoft.com/archives/CTRL.html http:[EMAIL PROTECTED]/ ======================================================================== To subscribe to Conspiracy Theory Research List[CTRL] send email: SUBSCRIBE CTRL [to:] [EMAIL PROTECTED] To UNsubscribe to Conspiracy Theory Research List[CTRL] send email: SIGNOFF CTRL [to:] [EMAIL PROTECTED] Om
