Is there a disabilities rights movement out there?

Is "state rights" movement motivated by racism and bigotry?

• That is what I think is going on in the background. For example: many Southern states had segregation. In the end, it was the federal government that forced the states to desegregate. Many Southern states banned interracial marriage. In the end, it was the federal court that forced the states to drop their miscegenation laws. History shows that the federal government has had to step in and force the states to change their discriminatory laws and practices - because many Southern states had a history of having discriminatory government elected by populations that are mostly racists and bigots and rednecks . If we left everything to the states and trust states to do the right thing, we would still have slavery. Often, it comes down to "individual rights" vs "state rights", and states would often trample on individual rights. That is why and when we need the federal government to come in and override state rights to protect individual rights. I think that is the unspoken, underlying motivation for the South and rednecks to push for "state rights" -- because they just despise the federal government and federal court for taking away their "rights" to enslave, segregate and discriminate. That is what I have observed. Unless you want to convince me otherwise.

• Answer:

  Depends on the issue. For example, here in Tennessee, we like to go fast. Our interstate speed limit is 70 mph. If you don't care to drive that fast, then don't. If you don't think I should drive that fast, I'll ask you to mind your own business. But I think you were talking about things like gay marriage, segregation laws, and such. I would agree that the phrase "states rights" has been borrowed to include some discriminatory laws and policy, but that has been kept in check by the courts and the federal government. States rights have a broader scope than just the handful of examples you cited. Fundamental to our success as a nation is for the states to govern themselves. Freedom is expressed this way, by groups of people of like minds deciding their own laws. Occasionally, and unfortunately, some individuals have experienced discrimination from this system, which is why we have courts. I do not intend to discriminate against anyone, but I cannot let you or anyone take away my freedom on the chance that I might.