A kinder, gentler Ku Klux Klan? 'We do not hate anyone,' imperial wizard says
by Alicia W. Stewart, CNN
(CNN) –“All we wanna do is adopt a highway,” said April Chambers, secretary of the North Georgia chapter of the Ku Klux Klan. “We're not doing it for publicity. We're doing it to keep the mountains beautiful. People throwing trash out on the side of the road ... that ain't right."
For many Americans, the Ku Klux Klan has been a symbol for terrorism, racism and evil in America, synonymous with burning crosses, lynchings and hooded men.
Even today, the name evokes vociferous discussion about the rights of a local group to adopt a highway in North Georgia, which was recently denied.
Overheard on CNN.com: Reader 'feeling a bit dirty' for agreeing with KKK on litter pickup
But is the latest effort to adopt a highway an introduction of a new era of a kinder, gentler Klan or merely an effort to gain attention? After more than a century and a half, what is the Ku Klux Klan today?
Report: Women, more than men, develop talent in the workplace
by Moni Basu, CNN
(CNN) –Nancy Bauer began working at a time when jobs were sometimes classified by gender. At her first two employers, she was the sole woman.
Now 60 and successful as a senior partner at Fleishman-Hillard International Communications, Bauer reflects on a career laden with pitfalls for women. She credits much of her corporate success to female colleagues who stopped to listen and discuss ideas. They were women who helped Bauer get ahead.
"There was this thinking: We all have to help each other," she says.
Today, she's giving back.
"I am more likely to help women because I was helped," she says. "That's my nature. I win, you win, we all win."
If you ask Bauer, the sisterhood is alive and well in the American corporate workplace.
But public perception of corporate women is often the opposite.
Many see alpha females who will cling to power at any cost. The ones who will stomp all over other women, not think twice about putting them down. The kind of women who make anyone wish for a male boss. FULL POST
Robin Roberts found a match, but others likely won't be as lucky
By Jacque Wilson, CNN
CNN) - Robin Roberts' battle against myelodysplastic syndrome, or MDS, is just beginning. The "Good Morning America" anchor will undergo chemotherapy before having a bone marrow transplant later this year.
"Bone marrow donors are scarce and particularly for African-American women," Roberts wrote Monday. "I am very fortunate to have a sister who is an excellent match, and this greatly improves my chances for a cure."
More than 10,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with blood-related disorders every year, according to the National Marrow Donor Program. Often the best treatment is a bone marrow transplant. During the procedure, a donor's stem cells are directly transfused into the sick patient's bloodstream. The patient's new cells multiply over time to create healthy bone marrow.
Unfortunately, the chance of finding a match on the national registry is as low as 66% for African-Americans and other minorities, compared with 93% for Caucasians.
Overheard on CNN.com: Reader 'feeling a bit dirty' for agreeing with KKK on litter pickup
Editor's note: This post is part of the Overheard on CNN.com series, a regular feature that examines interesting comments and thought-provoking conversations posted by the community.
You've probably seen those highway adoption signs emblazoned with the names of various local organizations. A North Georgia chapter of the Ku Klux Klan wants to adopt a one-mile stretch of Georgia State Route 515. The group is applying to receive state recognition for cleaning up litter in the Appalachian Mountains near the North Carolina border. The Georgia DOT is considering the matter, as are many of our readers.
KKK chapter wants to adopt stretch of Georgia highway
Some readers said the KKK just might have something there.
Techsupp0rt: "Agreeing with the KKK kinda leaves me feeling a bit dirty. They've got a point. If other racist organizations can do it, they should be able to as well. Treat all racists equally. You do gotta pick up the trash though."
This person would beg to differ.
Clabdurch:
Read more on CNN's This Just In Blog
"Dear KKK,
Thank your for your inquiry, but no, you KKKan't have it.
Signed,
The Southerners that are not proud of you."
About In America
What defines you? Maybe it’s the shade of your skin, the place you grew up, the accent in your words, the make up of your family, the gender you were born with, the intimate relationships you chose to have or your generation? As the American identity changes we will be there to report it. In America is a venue for creative and timely sharing of news that explores who we are. Reach us at inamerica@cnn.com.
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