  NC infant death rate, number of births increase  RALEIGH --
North Carolina officials say the state's infant mortality rate
increased 5 percent in 2007, one year after falling to its
lowest level in state history. The Department of Health and
Human Services said Thursday that North Carolina's infant death
rate inched up to an average 8.5 deaths per 1,000 babies born as
compared to 8.1 in 2006. The mortality rate for minority infants
remains more than double that of white infants. State officials
said mothers' drug use, insurance and health condition can
affect their babies. National studies indicate North Carolina
still has one of the highest infant mortality rates in the
country, even though the rate has decreased over the last 30
years. The statistics also showed a record 130,886 births were
recorded in 2007. (Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All
Rights Reserved.)    Why is it that race is  Why is it that race
is always an issue NO MATTER WHAT THE ISSUE ? !! Why is it that
minority & white people ar