Justice Learned Hand, Buck V. Bell, 1927: “...three generations of imbeciles are enough.”
Evidently, the Discovery Institute opposes forced sterilization of hereditary incompetents. In a welfare state like ours, what does that mean for the future?
That opinion was written by Oliver Wendell Holmes, and is a dark blemish on his mostly admirable record. Learned Hand -- nomen est omen? -- was an influential and revered jurist and scholar, but never served on the US Supreme Court.
Evidently, the Discovery Institute opposes forced sterilization of hereditary incompetents. In a welfare state like ours, what does that mean for the future?
Not much. Impaired folks who are capable of making such decisions for themselves usually chose sterilization or persistent forms of birth control. Those who aren't capable of deciding have parents or guardians to make the decision. he eugenecist's nightmare of retards rutting in the streets has never happened and will never happen.