LGBT values revisited
Having been embarrassed and angry with the last two letters to the editor regarding values and LGBT families, I re-thought the issue and directed my feelings toward the real culprit: NASW.
By promoting a culture of advocacy at the expense of civil discourse and scholarship, NASW has created a climate in which dogmatism flourishes on both sides of the aisle and many professional constituents become alienated. I have a solution. Embrace science, debate and philosophical discussion, and the belief that nobody has the final word on how social work values are manifested.
Maybe then we can quit squabbling over who has the higher moral ground and instead create a profession dedicated to considering all reasonable arguments related to the important work we do.
Lance T. Peterson, Ph.D., LICSW,
St. Paul, Minn.
Protecting kids
I find it encouraging that the Protect our Kids Act has been introduced in Congress and that NASW was a part of advocating for this. However, I find it disturbing that NASW still does not consider abortion an assault on the child in the womb.
Carolyn J. Hines,
Indianapolis, Ind.
Historical trauma
This letter is in response to Dr. Jeane Anastas’ column in the February 2012 issue of NASW NEWS. Thank you for your article on “Eugenics: We can learn from history.”
As an employee of my Tribe’s Social Services Department, I recently presented to our foster parents on historical trauma. As many of you know, Native Americans have suffered greatly historically.
Eugenics, or sterilization, of Native American men and women during the 1970s was one of many atrocities afflicted against my people.
Any professional enculturated agency working with Native American families, and children, would benefit greatly by making themselves aware of issues STILL impacting our people.
As a professional, I can attest to the fact that keeping myself plugged into therapeutic services is essential. In working with clients, I need to be ever aware of how my own “historical trauma” plays out and what I need to do to combat that.
Beverly Swaney, MSW,
Polson, Mont.