She's not likely an heir to anything.

He was a lawyer, i'm sure he's amassed some money and property over the years, and I'm sure he had a very explicit will. Unless he died w/o a will (which is very doubtful) or used very vague terminology such as "to my children" (which is also doubtful b/c he knew about his illegitimate child), she has no claims to his estate.
Damn, i actually learned something in property class....

Anyway, if she's been quiet for so long, I don't think she's the type of person to be doing it for the money. If she were, she would've gone public while he was alive. She could feasibly try to squeeze some money out of the family in some way, but it doesn't seem like that kind of situation.

My understanding is that Essie Washington doesn't want any part of the Thurmond estate, she just wants to claim her paternity. The genealogist in me thinks that everyone has that right.

This was hardly a secret, so really, she really shouldn't need to resort to DNA. That said, I think the proper thing for the Thurmond family to do is to offer to supply DNA samples for her.

I didn't mean heir in terms of inheriting money or property. I mean in terms of being including as one of his children, if that is what she wants.

Maybe heir is the wrong word for what I mean.

Heir works here! :)

That apparantely is true.

I heard on NPR today that the Thurmond family has made an announcement today basically confirming all of the facts and wishing her and her (highly accomplished) family well.

Or how about all men take care of their illegitimate children?

This is much more of a societal problem than anything else.

Agreed. Being a deadbeat dad knows no political boundaries. All men should take care of their kids.

Societal problem?? There are no illegitimate kids or 28 year old grandmothers in my neighborhood.

Good point, kddani! And not just out of wedlock children, and not just men and fathers. Parents need to support their children. Sometimes when parents divorce, the noncustodial parent doesn't pay child support and sometimes that parent is the mother.

For some reason, I don't like the word 'illegitimate' when describing a child.

Back to the topic, here is a news article which includes Strom Thurman, Jr.'s reaction. "We have no reason to believe Ms. Williams was not telling the truth," his son says.

Obviously I have no personal knowledge of this situation, but the story on National Public Radio at least made it sound like the late Senator did support both women -- mother and daughter -- financially.

How do YOU know that there aren't any illegitimate children (or deadbeat parents) in your neighborhood.

BTW...how's the air up there on your high horse? :p

This is true. In stories about this released both before and just after the Senator's death, it is mentioned that he provided for her--including her education and life after school. If memory serves, she is also a Delta; this was back in the day when only women of a certain socioeconomic background could even THINK of joining a sorority. Her classmates told stories of how she would contact him whenever she needed money.

I would be absolutely surprised if the Thurmond children had no idea of this woman's existence.

Uh, yeah, seriously. I'm an illegitimate child. You wouldn't know that by looking at me or talking to me. So, you can take that attitude and shove it where the sun doesn't shine. Thanks.

^5 :D

R U serious?
 

You may be an illegitimate child! Your mom could be keeping that from you..ever thought about that?? I'm not attacking you personally..I'm just trying to make the point that NO ONE can tell just by "looking" from the outside that one is not a illegitimate child. I feel like this discussion is common sense...but obviously you really think you know the heredity of all the people in your neighborhood.

And further...are u implying that this is NOT a societal problem and that dead beat dads are limited to certain segments of the population?? Sounds like you are...but instead of assuming, I'm asking you.

***Strom Thurmond's daughter will be on 60 Minutes II tonight*****