should Lott step down?

[fishing is life]

at the risk of starting some controversy on ifish i thought i would see how some of you think. first of all i am a minority (Chinese descendents). i see it from both sides. i know the guy screwed up, but what was the reason he made the comment. i am not sure but it was a bit ignorant for a politician. i saw Trent Lott on "BET" today facing the heat. it is interesting how the whole segregation thing is a bit hipocritical. BET stands for Black Entertainment Television and you dont see many other races on there. it is a form of segregation. i sometimes think there are double standards. there is a Latino American Achievement Awards. what if there was a White channel or White awards? probably could cause some hard feelings. i can say this stuff as i am a minority and i cant get accused of being a racist. i am a realist. anyway i think Lott should step down. anybody who is supposed to lead should not be that dumb, but in the end it is up to him.

[1pump]

I'm no Republican, and definitely not a fan of Sen. Lott. But I think his remarks were taken out of context. It was obviously a major case of brain fade that he didn't make the connection between the 1948 election and Thurmond's segregationist platform. He was just trying to commend the old geezer on his birthday. I don't believe for a second that any congressman would commit political suicide over a lost cause from 50 years ago. The guy just bit into his wingtips. And what about Thurmond? Sure, he's reformed (he says) but he was the Jim Crow advocate. I don't hear anybody roasting him.

FIL, you can be a racist no matter what color you are. (I'm not calling you one, BTW) Unfortunately it's a label always applied to white people. Racism and discrimination are just that, regardless of who's doing it to who.

[The Fishing Geek]

I'm going to second what 1pump said. I'm pretty far left as most people know, but I really think that he said it out of ignorance of Strom's platform over 50 years ago. He was saying something nice about the guy, and likely didn't know what it would be seen as.

Of course, the political feeding frenzy is eating him up. Honestly, I don't even associate with those people anymore.

[Straydog]

No, I don't think he should step down for his stupid remarks. It will be more interesting watching the cannibals take him piece by piece.

[fish assassin]

Originally posted by Straydog:
No, I don't think he should step down for his stupid remarks. It will be more interesting watching the cannibals take him piece by piece.

<font size="2" face="verdana,arial,helv">Sort of like the Republicans did to Mr. Clinton a couple of
years ago. It's kinda fun watching the sharks feed on thier own
kind for a change!

I 'specially like that Bush Jr. isn't backing Lott on this! I really
thought he would.

I saw a "good ol' boy" from Mississippi on the TV the other night saying
that he didn't see anything wrong with what Lott said ... that he
didn't see 'segragation' as a bad thing or a bad word. I guess this
whole thing boils down to Sen. Lotts upbringing!

-assAssin-

[The Fishing Geek]

I found greater humor in Bush Jr. saying that Kissinger shouldn't have to disclose who his private business customers are in case there might be a conflict of interest. Mr. "Conflict of Interests" Himself.

[fishing is life]

you are right one pump, we can all be racists. i did not mean to make that sound that way.

i still think he should step down as the whole ordeal (mainly media caused) has caused some hard feelings that may be difficult to repair.

[lost_sailor]

Resigning his leadership position would be in the best interests of the Republican party. Therefore, NO, he should fight it out to the bitter end!

[CATCH AND EAT]

I think it is unfortunate that his comments were taken out of context. They did not come out the way I believe he intended. I believe the man has appologized for his mistake and that things should move on. His appology was more sincere than Slick Willies were.. and slick Willie stayed in office.

Like lost sailor said, it may be better if he stepped aside for the betterment of the Republican party. Too bad, I think the guy was doing a great job.

[Straydog]

FA,

I am not suprised that GW is not fighting for Lott...... realize how many voters he would be making mad and he is constantly campaigning for '04.

I think Lott may have misread his audience and probably meant exactly what he said but thought it would be recieved differently than it was. Think of his background and the mentality of his generation and the area he comes from.

As a general comment, we have over 200 years of history in the this country but it seems everytime a national political issue comes up Clinton instantly becomes the measuring stick for all actions........ why do you think that is?

Maybe just that he was the last one in office, I don't know....

Lott's an Ass.

What he said shouldn't mater, what he has done (or not done) as a senate leader should.

Comparing this to Clinton's actions is ignorance.

[GutshotApe]

What Lott said was no big deal. It was something said about an old man on his 100th birthday, was obviously said tongue-in-cheek, and in no way should have been interpreted to mean anything more. Anytime a politician speaks in front of a microphone, however, he needs to be very careful and Lott was not careful.

The hysteria over this unfortunate incident is evidence of the left-wing bias in the media.

Lott should serve out the rest of his senate term but the Rs need a new leader. Lott's pathetic series of apologies, most recently on Black Entertainment TV (which IS a racist concept BTW), indicate the guy is basically a weasel .

[northriver1]

What is the difference between a liberal and a conservative? A conservative will eat its own.

[northriver1]

As for stepping aside I say no. But if I was Lott I would start playing hardball. It would boil down to the following. If I resign I am resigning from the Senate, period. You guys figure out how split up a 50/50 Senate. And thanks Mr. Bush ll for your support. Thats what I would do, also, I would tell Jesse Jackson to pound sand. What is that saying about rocks and a glass house?

[CATCH AND EAT]

Keta, I did'nt think it was ignorant at all. Just proving the point that a president can get away with murder while a senate leader can't let a few words slip. I think everyone knew what lot meant. They just found it convient to read into it anything they wanted.

Just wondering who are the true "racists" are. Maybe the accusers.

C&E

BINGO!

And the Klinton reference was for fish assassin
not you.

[ 12-18-2002, 01:14 PM: Message edited by: Keta ]

[fish assassin]

Originally posted by Keta:
C&E

BINGO!

And the Klinton reference was for fish assassin
not you.

<font size="2" face="verdana,arial,helv">I'm not very good at this arguing political stuff, so I guess I should leave
it to folks like Keta.

My point was that I was disappointed in the political process when
everybody went after Clinton and I'm just as disappointed now when
everybody goes after LOTT.

That's all!

-assAssin-

OK, I'm gone from this thread! No more politics for me ... it just upsets
me *way* to much. Sort of like discussing religion ...

[DanS]

He's now a distraction and a detriment to the GOP. He HAS TO go.

When you make a living with sound bites and propaganda, you shouldn't be surprised when a sound bite takes you down.

I thought he was smarter than this.

GW is too much of a "vote ho" to stand behind Lott.

He should have been kicked out three years ago.

[GutshotApe]

Yeah Keta, Lott did or said something else a while back but I can't remember what it was :whazzup: .

[HeavyMetal BankFisherman]

He should be man enough to spare us all the misfortune of having to watch this feeding frenzy unfold. The news media is out fishing for a story and he's been hooked.

[roadsend]

... and maybe no one will remember what he said three years from now. Or three days if there is a really major news event for the media feeding frenzy.

[HeavyMetal BankFisherman]

Well I definately hope everyone remembers what he said. He definately has personal views that are not in synch with a fully free democratic society. Remember he thinks that we would be better off today had Strom won in 48. Yeah right

Truman wasn't the best president and he let the Soviet Union have Eastern Europe.

[thankful]

I kind of noticed the finger pointing most of all. Must be a lot of saints in Congress these days. It appears Lott is the only pointed head racist according to the media. The man has been in Congress for years and you would think his fellow congress men would have found out about his racist ideals and done something about it. This man was selected to be Majority leader. They must have known about his past......Yes folks, his past. He was talking about this old-geeser in past tenths, but the media and the holy-than-thou finger pointers will definitely cloud the true heart.......

[Gobbaworms]

The '48 election was a historic event. Strom was a Dixiecrat, an offshoot of the Demcratic Party formed in opposition of their civil rights plank. They knew they wouldn't win the election, they were stealing electoral votes.
Saying his remarks were taken out of context is giving him a huge benefit of doubt.

If Lotts memory is that bad, he needs to step down because there's no telling what else he'll forget.
If he did remember and didn't realize the implications of his comments, his political prowess is gone and needs to step down.
If he did remember and did realize, he's an idiot and needs to step down.

Just in case anybodys wondering, I'm a white Republican.

[1pump]

Got my Time magazine in the mail today and guess who's on the cover?
The sharks are circling and they smell blood.
Either that or it's a slow news week.
Maybe we can turn Ken Starr loose on this guy and see what he digs up?

Lott should go! He has lost any influence he once had and now his fellow "Dumb Elephants" want him out too. Out of context? Give me a break Once a racist always a racist. Spend a little time in the deep south and you'll see why Lott's thinking is the way it is. The civil war is still being fought
I wonder how many years it will be before Clinton isn't blamed for everything...come on guys time to move on. You don't see Bush blaming him do you? Just step away from the radio when "Flush Rush" is on and you'll be fine :grin:
Wonder how many think Ollie and G.Gordon are heroes?

[Straydog]

Well said Shane!! [img]graemlins/applause.gif[/img]

[crabbait]

Lott's comments were not taken out of context. He finally exposed himself completely in context. Take a look at his voting record on anything race related and to his segregationist leanings all the way throughout his career.

I agree with Keta, there is no comparison between Clinton's actions and Lott's. Clinton played with an intern and the whole nation jumped on a problem that was Hillary's alone. Lott, on the other hand, has spent his life trying to heap injustices on other Americans. The two are not at all comparable.

I think Lott should continue in his present role as long as he can. He exposes the GOP for what it really is, the Good Ole boys Party.

crabbait,
Clinton lied in a deposition (sp?) and got caught. That is what he was impeached for.

[GutshotApe]

Clinton [img]graemlins/berry.gif[/img] lied and he lied about lying. Can you imagine the public uproar if, say, the president of Oregon State Univ. was diddling his 21-yr old intern in the office? How long would he last? :whazzup:

As for Lott, it is interesting how he is being pilloried for his alleged racism based on inferences from an off-the-cuff remark meant to humor a 100-yr old geezer on his birthday. Yet, elder Democrat statesman Senator Byrd of W.VA was a card-carrying member of the Ku Klux Klan - don't hear anyone calling for his ouster. And according to Arkansas State Troopers who were Clinton's [img]graemlins/berry.gif[/img] bodyguards, he routinely used "the N word" :shocked: when there were no blacks around.

Hypocrisy!!!

OMG Bernie :shocked: I'll bet you want old Ronald Rayguns likeness on Mt. Rushmore after he passes on! Great old Patriots? You mean like Nixon, McCarthy, Raygun, Ollie North, G Gordon Liddy,Spiro Agnew.
The only patriots I see in the Greedy Old Parasites party is Ike,John McCain and Bob Dole.

[DanS]

the dirty was done in the White House on public time.

<font size="2" face="verdana,arial,helv">Public time? When GW and Laura are doing it, is it public time?

I guess some people think a hummer is an earth-altering event that needs to be investigated by Congress and an Independant Counsel.

Some people don't score enough.

Third floor is their home. Below that is our property.

[CATCH AND EAT]

Shane, Reagon on Rushmore. Nope. Just put his likeness on a coin and I'll be happy. :grin: John McCain is a Patriot but I sure don't want him as President. He would have the same problems as Lott is right now. :depressed: Ike yes, Liddy no. Nixon, well, mixed feelings there. Lets just say he got caught. Big time!!! :blush:

Dan S. Please, What GW and Laura do is fine with me. They are within the bounds of marriage. Not even close to Clinton and Monica concealing the evidence in a closet off the oval office. :shocked: Out of wedlock on public time. OH, NOT ON THE 3rd FLOOR!!. Clinton had not and ounce of respect for the public or this office. I much rather had Al Gore in office at that time. At least he has some morals. He just disagrees with Tipper about how many times they have done it. Al wants a recount.

Still no one has told me what makes Kerry so special that he deserves to be President. What's up with that? What about Daschal? Everyone wants to say how bad Bush is but no one wants to say why these Dems would do better.

[DanS]

Oh, OK.........I get it. It's WHICH FLOOR you get a hummer on that matters. Silly me.

[TheRogue]

ooops, wrong topic :grin:

[ 12-19-2002, 05:29 PM: Message edited by: TheRogue ]

Yes Dan. The third floor is their PRIVATE RESIDENCE (home). Below that is the Whitehouse (work). There is a differance between what you can do at home and what you can do at work, in the private sector and in government.

[DanS]

Uh, oh. Better keep that stuff at home, Bill. :grin:

I'm just funnin' everyone. I DO find it humorous that it's illegal to lie to Congress.....the biggest collection of liars known to man.

[Alligator]

This is great. The Dems just can't figure it out!

They had a party at a memorial and made complete fools of themselves which cause the great losses in the senate during the last elections and now this as a payback. Again they make fools of themselves with this trumped up public linching of Lott.

I agree, Lott should step aside and all the gop should take advantage of this harmless lesson to be sharper and on the highest guard for preperation for this next GOP victory in 2004.

Thanks again to the Dems for the practice run.

Go Rush and Hannity :grin:

[CATCH AND EAT]

"Flush Rush", Shane, you need to go fishing bro.

Big difference between Lott and Clinton. Lott fessed up and is trying to make good. Clinton denied, lied, excused himself and made a ******* out of the office of President. What might have been "Hillary's problem" became a national problem since the dirty was done in the White House on public time. Then went on to try to redefine Sex as we know it and skirt questions that ultimately lead to his impeachment. What did he do after the impeachment? Why he smoked that dang cigar thats what! [img]graemlins/icon_argue.gif[/img]

So get a rope and hang o'l Trent from the highest tree.

It is unfortunate that the damage has been done. With regrets I too believe he should step down after the first of the year. It will give the GOP (Great O'l Patriots) time to regroup before the next election. Really, when this is all said and done I think it will be the Democratic Party struggling for air.

[AuntyM]

I think Lott meant what he said. He didn't have to "compliment" Strom's career with such a statement. There are many other compliments he could have used instead. He is well aware of what Strom's views were and what he stood for.

He should step down.

[ultralight]

Well, he took your and the majority of the people's advice and indeed stepped down as expected. The disturbing aspect of his "stepping down" is that some people, mostly the Republicans, wanted him to step down for political reasons, rather than for moral and fundamentally human rights reasons!

It's sad that some people either are blind to or refuse to see the great harm the segregation done to African Americans. This root issue needs to be discussed further so we make positive progress on this highly divisive topic which most of us are reluctant to talk about. But it's quite obvious that some people still harbor this ill sentiment, even the most powerful who have the authority to greatly influence the country. I just hope Lott's resignation from the majority leadership doesn't sweep this problem under the rug, but I hope we can make some real progress.

[DanS]

all the gop should take advantage of this harmless lesson

<font size="2" face="verdana,arial,helv">I don't think Lott would call it harmless now. The lesson was harmful to him.

[northriver1]

It took Bill Clinton two weeks to weigh in on the issue of Lott but in a few words he said alot. I vote conservative idea/people so I am a racist. All you white guys who voted for Bush welcome aboard, thanks Bill.

[AuntyM]

SOME republicans (who are white) expect political leaders not to behave in a racist manner or have racist views. I happen to be one of those. To me, it IS a moral issue.

Too bad folks always rally around their party's wrong doers. I won't. I will hold every politician accountable, regardless of affiliation. A dirtbag is a dirt bag.

[GutshotApe]

I never really liked Lott........and the new guy, ol' what's-his-name, may be better.

But the feeding frenzy we've just witnessed that railroaded Lott out of power because of an off-the-cuff remark that was made to humor an old man at his 100th birthday party, is too much. His comments were ill-advised and may have been offensive to many, but is making a public speaking gaffe a capital offense?

Now we have the disgraced, impeached former President Clinton [img]graemlins/berry.gif[/img] saying, in effect, that this proves all Republicans are racists!

Beam me up Scotty, there's no intelligent life down here!

[crabbait]

Dear Mr Lott: Bu-bye. :grin:

[Busy]

Great to see some of the earnest dialogue here. As a republican who is a conservative I heard what was said and initially thought that it was just a 'harmless' comment to an old senator. After researching Lott's position I see that it is probably more a true sounding of how Lott feels rather than just a 'harmless' comment.

Like it or not, we may be headed for some rough times. Lott did a more noble thing for the Republican party by stepping down and not leaving his post, allowing the Republicans to maintain a majority in the Senate. ( If he had left the Senate his post would have been filled with a Democrat most likely because his state has a Democrat for governor and the governor decides who replaces a suddenly vacant Senate seat.) Sorry Dems....better luck next Senator. ( Hopefully there will not be one.)

I do not approve of racism/prejudice in any shape or form. For those that want to look it up instead of bashing one party or another, the abolishionist movement was supported mainly by the Republican party. Think Abe Lincoln...but that Republican party was the 'left' then. There have been good and bad presidents from both parties...Good and bad politicians.

Someone once pointed out to me that it seems that the more 'liberal' the person, the more intollerant they are of other peoples point of view in practice rather than speech. A liberal may point out that everyone must share their viewpoint in order for there to be 'tolerance', but true tolerance allows for others to hold different viewpoints and not...repeat not... hold it against the other person. Sometimes a conservative may be more 'liberal' that the liberal! I guess what I am getting at is that we, and I include myself, tend to make the mistake of lumping people together too much instead of looking at them as the individual. The Democratic party is not bad because of Clinton, and the Republican party is not bad because of Lott...each of them screwed up on their own.

Let's get back to what really matters....the poor, the hungry, jobs, taxes, to war or not to war, terrorism. Aren't they big enough issues?

[ultralight]

What Lott said was not a "public speaking gaffe" or "off the cuff" comment, but rather it was a true revelation of what was in his heart and what he has practiced in his entire life. He campaigned to keep segregate the college faternity he was in while attending Ole Miss. He said he feels closeset to Jefferson Davis, a man who endorsed slavery; and stated that the spirit of Jefferson Davis lives in the 1984 Republican platform, having served as chairman of his party's platform committee. He voted against MLK Jr's holiday and affirmative action. After he got to Congress, Lott opposed President Reagan and voted instead to end the federal government's commitment to guaranteeing voting rights of all citizens. He offered himself as a character witness for Bob Jones University in defense of its ban on interracial dating. And in 1980 and again in 2000, he repeated that Strom Thurmond should have been elected the president.

Although there is a media feeding frenzy, as is the case when there is a highly controversial issue, it is not at all without merit. This issue needs to be aired and discussed. Because race relations is one of the most significant, yet under-discussed, issues we have in America today. Human and Civil Rights are not just something to be taken lightly. We as a nation have become much more wise and enlightened since the days of segregation and overt discrimination, and we need to continue to make progress to the point where we can treat each other equally. Putting our heads in the sand is not an option.

[ 12-20-2002, 12:43 PM: Message edited by: ultralight ]