Tillis Opposes Wilmington Race Riot Bill

The measure creates concerns on many levels and we need your help!

Two weeks ago, the House members received criticism for supporting a resolution expressing regret for the institution of slavery.  The measure passed the House and Senate with unanimous support from republicans and democrats.  CLICK this link for more information.

While I believe there were valid reasons for supporting the resolution apologizing for slavery, I am adamantly opposed to the HB751 1898 WILMINGTON RACE RIOT ACKNOWLEDGMENT (click the link to read the proposed bill).  Key reasons for my position are outlined below.

As proposed, this bill will be written in the LAW.   This is a bad precedent.

Unlike the non-binding RESOLUTION acknowledging the General Assembly's regret for slavery, HB 751 will be included recorded as session law.  Many believe this elevates the measure to a level beyond an acknowledgement.  Though it does not prescribe any specific actions, I believe it is inappropriate for the bill to have this affect.  I am concerned that future legislators or court cases may somehow misuse this for other purposes.

There are legitimate questions about the bill's historical accuracy

Republican minority leader, Representative Stam, proposed an amendment which would have included words included in an independent commission's reporting on the Wilmington Race Riots.  The proposed amendment would have acknowledged the historical fact that the white Republican government joined with black citizens to oppose the rioters.  No one disputes the historical accuracy of the proposed amendment, but opponents to the amendment said the motivation of Rep. Stam were purely political.  I disagree, and I believe there is some basis for charging the bill sponsor with being motivated by political factors.

It is time to move on

In supporting the apology for slavery, most members felt it was an opportunity to recognize a past wrong and move on to pressing matters facing our State.  HB 751 and others in the pipeline are redundant and they are consuming time and attention that should be dedicated to addressing education, transportation, and immigration problems plaguing this State.  Supporting HB 751 lays the groundwork for even more bills that will take us further away from priorities of today.

Voice your opinion

Members of the NC House need to know that there are a lot of people out there that want to move on too.  If you agree we me and the majority of the Republican Caucus, CLICK this link to send an email to the members of the NC House of Representatives.  Clicking this link will start your email application where you can add information or simply send the message with the Subject:  "House Members:  Oppose HB 751.  Let's move on."