You did not know that...

[Shahed]

.. the United States was the first country with a 'forced' sterilisation program ? Even before Nazi Germany. Actually the Germans in war crime courts argued that they took their inspiration from the US.

Well I did'nt and just found out while I was reading about NASA. Apparently Von Braun a leading German rocket scientist was brought to the US and ... rest is history.

Anyway, I found this very interesting and I could'nt wait to share it with you all, just in case you are ignorant as I am :P ;) (joke)

And Sweden had one too ! Did'nt know that either.

source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Compulsory_sterilization

"The principal targets of the American program were the mentally retarded and the mentally ill, but also targeted under many state laws were the deaf, the blind, the epileptic, and the physically deformed. Native Americans were sterilized against their will in many states, often without their knowledge, while they were in a hospital for some other reason (e.g. after giving birth)....."

[CrossLOPER]

Yep. People do crazy (removed)... stuff.

[Kralizec]

Yes, I had heard and read about that before. Crazy eugenetics movements...

Also of interest:
http://news.amnesty.org/library/Inde...pen&of=ENG-376

(Allegedly) forced sterlization on Roma women in Slovakia, as late as 2003 or possibly present.

[Shahed]

Damm. Thanks for the link.

[Lorenzo_H]

I actually did know that thanks to a DVD from James Kennedy or someone...

[Lemur]

There was a book out about this ... something about IBM and the U.S. gov working together on an early eugenics program. I almost bought it, but for whatever reason I decided I had filled my quota of depressing nonfiction for that month.

For those orgahs who are in school, here's a trick the lemur used to play: Whenever asked "What's your major?" I would always respond with "phrenology" or "eugenics." If the questioner laughed, we could be friends. If they were just puzzled, I let it go. Best was when they didn't understand, but were very enthusiastic about the eugenics program.

[edit]

Found the book. War Against the Weak.

[Spino]

This doesn't surprise me in the least. Human beings aside life in general has a proven track record of intolerance for individuals, groups or entire species that are ill equipped to survive in any given environment. Eugenics programs are simply a manifestation of the human instinct which exhibits a strong aversion to the practice and by-products of bad breeding. A perfect example of society restricting the free will of individuals in favor of the genetic 'health' of society as a whole are the countless statues that outlaw incestuous marriage. With these laws society is essentially violating civil liberties in favor of the greater good.

I'm all for eugenics... provided the processes and all relevant procedures are firmly left in the hands of individuals and not the state. Want to abort/engineer/modify your sperm, eggs or unborn children? Go ahead, it's your right.

With the field of genetics and its associated industries seemingly ready to blossom over the course of the next few decades it seems inevitable that eugenics will be embraced wholeheartedly by humanity and its practice and discourse become a part of everyday life. Genetics has to be the most important 'invention' or 'by-product of invention' man has ever created. For the first time in the history of life on this planet an organism has created a tool that will it to alter its evolutionary path. A daunting thought but Pandora's box has been opened and there's no going back. No time for discussion or moderation either, what's the point? Try convincing modern civilization to abandon the pursuit of nuclear power and weaponry. Try going back in time and persuading primitive man to abandon the use of fire so that the tribal elders can first discuss its implications on the development of society!