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LBM20

(1,580 posts)
Fri Feb 1, 2019, 09:00 PM Feb 2019

Here we FUCKING go again. "Pussy Grabber" and Kavanaugh in ultimate power, and we hang our guy who

wore a stupid costume 35 years ago. So fucking typical. What a travesty! Yes, it was a very DUMB and WRONG thing to do. But it was 35 frigging years ago.

Northam has apologized. Northam is a good man, a good doctor, a good veteran, and NOT a racist. And ENOUGH of these rushes to make him resign for something SO long ago. This one dumb thing 35 LONG years ago does not define the man today nor his entire life.

Tell me who hasn't said or done something dumb in their past. Who?????

142 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
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Here we FUCKING go again. "Pussy Grabber" and Kavanaugh in ultimate power, and we hang our guy who (Original Post) LBM20 Feb 2019 OP
Thanks! triron Feb 2019 #1
What I don't understand is how it made it into the yearbook TexasBushwhacker Feb 2019 #2
Yes, but 35 years ago it was seen as silly costuming and over the top goofiness. Those were LBM20 Feb 2019 #4
Wearing a Klansman hood was acceptable in 1984? DemocratSinceBirth Feb 2019 #6
It looks like it was over the top goofiness and stupid costuming. WRONG and DUMB. But LONG ago. He LBM20 Feb 2019 #13
I am not a public official and my actions can't embarrass an entire state and party. DemocratSinceBirth Feb 2019 #19
This message was self-deleted by its author ananda Feb 2019 #62
Yeah like..huh??? workinclasszero Feb 2019 #23
We were wrong about that, THIS IS 1984. n/t rzemanfl Feb 2019 #32
Feels more like 1948 ProudLib72 Feb 2019 #53
I was just learning to walk in 1948. Don't remember much about it. rzemanfl Feb 2019 #56
I thought you were referring to the novel. ProudLib72 Feb 2019 #58
I was, then you brought up 1948. It's probably a good thing rzemanfl Feb 2019 #99
I can travel in time! ProudLib72 Feb 2019 #122
Am I being callous by saying this was OK with white folk in 85?! Hell, its ok with 33% of them now ! uponit7771 Feb 2019 #33
That's why there is a Republican party. DemocratSinceBirth Feb 2019 #43
true, very true uponit7771 Feb 2019 #48
In 1984. Blue_true Feb 2019 #49
I'm old enough to remember 1984 DesertRat Feb 2019 #8
I grew up in the exurban south DemocratSinceBirth Feb 2019 #12
Totally! It wasn't that long ago and it was considered extremely racist. The Wielding Truth Feb 2019 #59
Yes it was! I remember all the Miami riots down here protesting injustice and racism during the 80's FM123 Feb 2019 #105
I doubt very many black people saw it as silly or goofy Clash City Rocker Feb 2019 #16
Silly and goofy is dressing as a penis and having two friends dress as balls. DemocratSinceBirth Feb 2019 #21
Okay, this is a very serious issue, but you made me laugh out loud. Caliman73 Feb 2019 #50
No, just no mcar Feb 2019 #36
THIS! How is this even a discussion?? Just NO! Squinch Feb 2019 #135
bs. jessie jackson won a presidential primary. in Virginia. in 1984 Kurt V. Feb 2019 #54
I was in college in Massachusetts in '84 and there's no way that would have been allowed AdamGG Feb 2019 #81
I am almost certainly the whitest man alive. Codeine Feb 2019 #138
They know that we will always Bettie Feb 2019 #3
Post removed Post removed Feb 2019 #5
Condemning dressing up as Klansmen and black face is "political correctness on steroids" DemocratSinceBirth Feb 2019 #14
No, that is NOT what I am saying. Rushing to calling for a someone to resign over a mistake from 35 LBM20 Feb 2019 #20
He was 24! mcar Feb 2019 #38
Democratsincebirth: SCantiGOP Feb 2019 #92
I never dressed in any racist costume. Tipperary Feb 2019 #7
And I never judged a person's entire life on one dumb thing from 35 years ago. Did you ever make a LBM20 Feb 2019 #15
Tipperary isn't a governor and his actions don't reflect on an entire party. DemocratSinceBirth Feb 2019 #18
And the act was 35 damn years ago. It doesn't reflect the man's entire life. My god. LBM20 Feb 2019 #22
My Feelings Exactly! Desert grandma Feb 2019 #94
+1 happybird Feb 2019 #108
But today every thing you did, no matter how far back, is being brought out to use against you. oldsoftie Feb 2019 #137
his yearbook also has a quote about beer KayF Feb 2019 #9
I thought the same thing. Yo_Mama_Been_Loggin Feb 2019 #10
Because Republicans suck. We are the good guys. DemocratSinceBirth Feb 2019 #17
Good guys don't condemn people forever for a dumb thing done 35 VERY LONG years ago. LBM20 Feb 2019 #24
Good guys had no problem DemocratSinceBirth Feb 2019 #25
Last I checked Brett Kavanaugh was on the Supreme Court. LisaL Feb 2019 #26
Without any Democratic votes but Manchin. DemocratSinceBirth Feb 2019 #27
This! yuiyoshida Feb 2019 #104
Those were criminal acts and they obviously lied about them. There were physical assaults. LBM20 Feb 2019 #28
Kavanaugh lied, and roy moore was currently a bigot. that happened NOW JI7 Feb 2019 #30
I stand with the NAACP, April Ryan, Kamala Harris, Bakari Sellers... DemocratSinceBirth Feb 2019 #39
im not defending what he did. im saying there is still a difference and that Kavanaugh lied. JI7 Feb 2019 #46
Sigh, this is true ... I'm thinking there are second chances for people who in word and deed have .. uponit7771 Feb 2019 #55
I think it would be better if he had come out with this long ago. pnwmom Feb 2019 #131
Yep mcar Feb 2019 #40
Assault is different from a drunk unfunny racist costume spooky3 Feb 2019 #45
It depends whose ox is being gored. DemocratSinceBirth Feb 2019 #51
No, you are missing the point. Participation in those acts spooky3 Feb 2019 #61
But ... BK lied about what he did 3.5 months ago. If BK would've AT LEAST done a GWB and said uponit7771 Feb 2019 #52
When they go low, We go stupid. n/t MarcA Feb 2019 #109
Agree. delisen Feb 2019 #11
More gopeee ...divide and conquer... when will we learn Thekaspervote Feb 2019 #29
The GOP didn't do anything! fountainofyouth Feb 2019 #77
Dude, he was 25. LOL. He has to go. Yesterday. manor321 Feb 2019 #31
Could not agree with the OP more. Let"s not focus on the man who wants to remove 11 million people Doodley Feb 2019 #34
Did you call for Trump to drop out and Kavanaugh withdraw? Renew Deal Feb 2019 #35
Jury enid602 Feb 2019 #37
Unlikely. Kavanaugh definitely won't. OliverQ Feb 2019 #42
Yup, Democrats are eating their own while Republicans gain more power. OliverQ Feb 2019 #41
How do the Republicans gain more power if Northam resigns and is replaced w/ Lt. Gov Fairfax-D? Pachamama Feb 2019 #87
I'm referring to them gaining power in other areas, because they don't have OliverQ Feb 2019 #100
If he were a Republican would we insist that he resign? The Velveteen Ocelot Feb 2019 #44
republicans support lynching today and got elected in mississippo JI7 Feb 2019 #47
Actually, it's Mississhity. paleotn Feb 2019 #74
In the last year, how many Democratic lawmakers have demanded that Trump resign? Doodley Feb 2019 #57
If he was a Republcian I would assume he still was racist. NutmegYankee Feb 2019 #64
that's how I have to look at it nini Feb 2019 #93
Exactly Owl Feb 2019 #60
Just watched a discussion on Chris Hayes about this topic. debsy Feb 2019 #63
Who here among us hasn't dressed up as a Klan member? inwiththenew Feb 2019 #65
THANK YOU! Basement Beat Feb 2019 #97
Just like so many in politics and the limelight shadowmayor Feb 2019 #66
That's a very good point. nt Duppers Feb 2019 #88
Oh ffs! TDale313 Feb 2019 #67
If you consider that Fairfax would move into the governor's job spooky3 Feb 2019 #75
I think the chance of something "happening" to the 39 year old in the next three years, pnwmom Feb 2019 #117
That wasn't what I meant. The Republicans are probably already spooky3 Feb 2019 #124
Fairfax is a former federal prosecutor, an asst. US attorney. He's already had checks pnwmom Feb 2019 #130
I hope you're right, but history is filled with cases spooky3 Feb 2019 #141
I do not like what the governor did Chickensoup Feb 2019 #68
Was he maybe dressed as a "Blazing Saddles" character? raging moderate Feb 2019 #80
Ummm...no greatbaldeagle Feb 2019 #111
Tell me who hasn't said or done something dumb their past. Who????? pangaia Feb 2019 #69
Gov Northam will have to resign. djacq Feb 2019 #70
We're NOT republicans backabby-blue Feb 2019 #71
We cannot eat our own. Pepsidog Feb 2019 #72
So what you mean to say is, fountainofyouth Feb 2019 #82
Franken was set up, offered an apology an ethics investigation and one of our most effective Pepsidog Feb 2019 #98
Human frailties,.. no one is perfectly perfect,.. magicarpet Feb 2019 #132
Our standards are way too high. Nice 376th post. Funtatlaguy Feb 2019 #128
Nice 4,033rd post! n/t fountainofyouth Feb 2019 #142
Has anyone evolved in terms of their beliefs and/or ideology? We're never going to make it as a YOHABLO Feb 2019 #73
O.K., *THIS* o.p. convinced me. UTUSN Feb 2019 #76
so Kavanot bdamomma Feb 2019 #78
No it was him. He admitted it. underpants Feb 2019 #85
Sad bdamomma Feb 2019 #90
Yes it is sad. By all accounts he's really actually nice man underpants Feb 2019 #95
Wrong. It's 2019. All should be crucified for any sins no matter how long ago. MadDAsHell Feb 2019 #79
The left is stupid. Dawson Leery Feb 2019 #83
That alone isn't enough...but there is a way. zaj Feb 2019 #84
Trump was raping his wife back in the 80's aeromanKC Feb 2019 #86
I don't accept that there are only two pathways forward....either resign, or, try to serve out wiggs Feb 2019 #89
Can Al Franken be appointed Governor of Virginia? Reciprocity. BamaRefugee Feb 2019 #91
Sorry... Basement Beat Feb 2019 #96
Al Franken all over again. FuzzyRabbit Feb 2019 #101
It is times like these that tell us who we are. TeamPooka Feb 2019 #102
Not really, the republicans CURRENTLY support a racist bastard while democrats do not. I don't think uponit7771 Feb 2019 #103
If the Democratic Party does give a Damn then Northam must resign TeamPooka Feb 2019 #106
+1, he should because he didn't disclose this crap earlier. I do think we should welcome repentant uponit7771 Feb 2019 #107
If he had really matured, as some claim.... TeamPooka Feb 2019 #123
This governor should resign - - people Feb 2019 #110
He might be "your guy" but he's not "my guy." Here's my guy: pnwmom Feb 2019 #112
Agreed. Unless there's a 35-year pattern, he's not a racist. n/t Beartracks Feb 2019 #113
1984 wasn't the dark ages. He knew better. And his medical school should have known better pnwmom Feb 2019 #115
This is why Republicans always beat us Dopers_Greed Feb 2019 #114
What have we lost if he resigns and Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax replaces him? pnwmom Feb 2019 #116
I agree with that, but... Dopers_Greed Feb 2019 #118
We're setting a standard so we're not the total hypocrites that they are. If Northam had put this pnwmom Feb 2019 #120
The photo has always been "out there." How could spooky3 Feb 2019 #125
No, it wasn't. He needed to hand it over to his campaign team, so they could decide pnwmom Feb 2019 #129
The yearbooks are in the public library. That is how spooky3 Feb 2019 #140
It wasn't a mistake he made 35 yrs ago angrychair Feb 2019 #119
Yes. By contrast, Beto O'Rourke copped to some stupid college things and probably pnwmom Feb 2019 #121
Agree, accept his apology & move on onetexan Feb 2019 #126
I think it's already too late for that. And that is because Hortensis Feb 2019 #127
It's different parties at the end of the day BeyondGeography Feb 2019 #133
I'm an AA and I agree Sunsky Feb 2019 #134
Robert Byrd was a good Senator. And a good democrat. mn9driver Feb 2019 #136
Huh Etherealoc1 Feb 2019 #139
 

LBM20

(1,580 posts)
4. Yes, but 35 years ago it was seen as silly costuming and over the top goofiness. Those were
Fri Feb 1, 2019, 09:07 PM
Feb 2019

different times considering the context.

 

LBM20

(1,580 posts)
13. It looks like it was over the top goofiness and stupid costuming. WRONG and DUMB. But LONG ago. He
Fri Feb 1, 2019, 09:13 PM
Feb 2019

is NOT a racist and this dumb foolishness from 35 years ago should not define him now nor his whole life. That is CRAZY to do to someone. My god. Who is perfect? Who hasn't made a dumb mistake? How about you?

DemocratSinceBirth

(99,705 posts)
19. I am not a public official and my actions can't embarrass an entire state and party.
Fri Feb 1, 2019, 09:18 PM
Feb 2019

And no, I never wore a Klansman's outfit.

Response to LBM20 (Reply #13)

rzemanfl

(29,540 posts)
99. I was, then you brought up 1948. It's probably a good thing
Fri Feb 1, 2019, 11:06 PM
Feb 2019

we can't travel in time, we'd be terribly confused.

Blue_true

(31,261 posts)
49. In 1984.
Fri Feb 1, 2019, 09:48 PM
Feb 2019

Men beat their SOs and nothing was done to them, it was virtually impossible for a woman to get a restraining order.

Men standing in a group could openly and loudly use the B world to describe ANY woman.

Men could get away with "accidentally" touching a female coworker. I knew some that had lovers on the company payroll and even supervised them.

Times change. None of the stuff that I write about above would be tolerated today. It was certainly wrong even in 1984, but it was done. I was never a sexist, I always judged women on what they accomplished and was ok with female bosses, but my views on females and how I interact with them have certainly changed since 1984. I am more interested in what Northam did during his long time in politics. Heis not the same as Kavanaugh, those men have it changed at all.

DemocratSinceBirth

(99,705 posts)
12. I grew up in the exurban south
Fri Feb 1, 2019, 09:13 PM
Feb 2019

Last edited Sat Feb 2, 2019, 12:00 AM - Edit history (1)

I grew up in exurban Florida where the suburbs touch the rural areas and it wasn't acceptable when I was a kid in the seventies.

FM123

(10,050 posts)
105. Yes it was! I remember all the Miami riots down here protesting injustice and racism during the 80's
Fri Feb 1, 2019, 11:21 PM
Feb 2019

Clash City Rocker

(3,379 posts)
16. I doubt very many black people saw it as silly or goofy
Fri Feb 1, 2019, 09:16 PM
Feb 2019

They just didn’t feel safe talking about how it made them feel, because it would be turned against them.

Don’t excuse racism with “it was a different time” nonsense. It was racist and insensitive to black people, then and now. I was in college then, and if I knew someone who pulled that crap, I would never have spoken to him again.

Caliman73

(11,694 posts)
50. Okay, this is a very serious issue, but you made me laugh out loud.
Fri Feb 1, 2019, 09:48 PM
Feb 2019

It is true. There are all manner of "silly and goofy" over the top things you can dress as, a Klansman, a Nazi soldier, or Blackface are not "silly" at all. They are meant to send a message to minorities.

I am not saying that Northam is an active racist and I am not saying he should resign. I actually think that it is up to the Black constituents in his state to decide what is appropriate. If they can move past it then let it go, if they think that his really really stupid choice (even 30 whatever years ago) makes it impossible for them to feel represented by him now, then he should step aside.

mcar

(42,210 posts)
36. No, just no
Fri Feb 1, 2019, 09:34 PM
Feb 2019

KKK robes and blackface were racist in 1984. A person intelligent enough to be in med school knew that.

Why the school and yearbook editors thought including that photo was OK should be another discussion, but

Northam was a grown man who wore that costume. He doesn't get a pass just because the racist Republican party gives their people a pass for their past behavior.

Squinch

(50,774 posts)
135. THIS! How is this even a discussion?? Just NO!
Sat Feb 2, 2019, 08:46 AM
Feb 2019

Show me lots of anti-discrimination work he has done in the intervening years, and I might rethink wanting him gone. But for God's sake DON'T try to tell me this was ok because it was 1984.

AdamGG

(1,276 posts)
81. I was in college in Massachusetts in '84 and there's no way that would have been allowed
Fri Feb 1, 2019, 10:38 PM
Feb 2019

I guess the south took longer to come around - they still had confederate state flags & statues.

Also, it's kind of weird that none of Northam's political opponents discovered this until now.

 

Codeine

(25,586 posts)
138. I am almost certainly the whitest man alive.
Sat Feb 2, 2019, 09:46 AM
Feb 2019

I’m the very definition of Generic Caucasian Man, and even I cannot FATHOM describing dressing as a Klansman or in blackface as “over the top goofiness.”

Bettie

(15,998 posts)
3. They know that we will always
Fri Feb 1, 2019, 09:05 PM
Feb 2019

get rid of anyone.

They found a formula that works, because Democrats will always eat their own.

Apparently, I'm one of only a few around here who wasn't born perfect.

Response to Bettie (Reply #3)

DemocratSinceBirth

(99,705 posts)
14. Condemning dressing up as Klansmen and black face is "political correctness on steroids"
Fri Feb 1, 2019, 09:15 PM
Feb 2019

Am I at the right site?

 

LBM20

(1,580 posts)
20. No, that is NOT what I am saying. Rushing to calling for a someone to resign over a mistake from 35
Fri Feb 1, 2019, 09:19 PM
Feb 2019

frigging years ago is the political correctness on steroids. And it IS. Northam is not a racist, this was LONG ago, and to condemn someone for something like this from SO damn long ago is WRONG. Just plain wrong.

EVERYONE has made a dumb mistake. He was MUCH younger, it was a costume, it was VERY DUMB and WRONG, it was LONG ago, and it should not define his whole life. My goodness!

mcar

(42,210 posts)
38. He was 24!
Fri Feb 1, 2019, 09:37 PM
Feb 2019

Black children are treated as thugs and murdered for next to nothing but 24 YO white men get a pass because of youthful exuberance? Come on, LBM20, we are better than this.

SCantiGOP

(13,856 posts)
92. Democratsincebirth:
Fri Feb 1, 2019, 10:50 PM
Feb 2019

You are right. It was racist and he may need to step aside; that will be his decision.
We need to remember what makes our party different from their party, because that difference is why we are (currently) winning the battle for the soul of America.

 

LBM20

(1,580 posts)
15. And I never judged a person's entire life on one dumb thing from 35 years ago. Did you ever make a
Fri Feb 1, 2019, 09:15 PM
Feb 2019

mistake? Should it define your entire life? Get real.

Desert grandma

(802 posts)
94. My Feelings Exactly!
Fri Feb 1, 2019, 10:54 PM
Feb 2019

Sheesh! When will we learn not to devour our own over stupid, dumb mistakes in the past that no not define the actions of the present??

happybird

(4,516 posts)
108. +1
Fri Feb 1, 2019, 11:40 PM
Feb 2019

I found his apology to be heartfelt and sincere. People can and do change. His disgust after Charlottesville was palpable. And, I trust President Obama's judgement. Northam was one of the few people he came out and campaigned for, and I very highly doubt Obama would do that for a racist douchebag.




oldsoftie

(12,410 posts)
137. But today every thing you did, no matter how far back, is being brought out to use against you.
Sat Feb 2, 2019, 09:32 AM
Feb 2019

I've said this before, wait till people are rung for office in 2030ish. THOSE people will be people who's entire LIVES have been on social media. EVERY "crazy" picture from every party at every age will be "findable". Anti will get more crazy than it is now.
And I'm not sure the best person for ANY job is the person who starts cultivating a "perfect" presence from age 10. Thats just creepy.

Yo_Mama_Been_Loggin

(107,111 posts)
10. I thought the same thing.
Fri Feb 1, 2019, 09:12 PM
Feb 2019

It was monumentally stupid but I'd look more at recent history of the guy.

Trump brags about grabbing women by the pussy and the GOP considers him a good Xtian.

DemocratSinceBirth

(99,705 posts)
25. Good guys had no problem
Fri Feb 1, 2019, 09:24 PM
Feb 2019

Good guys had no problem condemning Brett Kavanaugh and Roy Moore for things they did "35 VERY LONG years ago."



DemocratSinceBirth

(99,705 posts)
27. Without any Democratic votes but Manchin.
Fri Feb 1, 2019, 09:26 PM
Feb 2019

I don't look to Republicans for moral instruction because they don't have any.

 

LBM20

(1,580 posts)
28. Those were criminal acts and they obviously lied about them. There were physical assaults.
Fri Feb 1, 2019, 09:28 PM
Feb 2019

There were direct victims of crimes. Very different situations.

DemocratSinceBirth

(99,705 posts)
39. I stand with the NAACP, April Ryan, Kamala Harris, Bakari Sellers...
Fri Feb 1, 2019, 09:37 PM
Feb 2019

I am not going to defend blackface and donning Klansman outfits out of some misguided sense of tribal loyalty. As a Jewish person if Northam dressed like a guard at Auschwitz and his pal dressed as a concentration camp prisoner I would be apoplectic. The Klan was created to terrorize the freedman . I suspect African American feel about the Klan how Jews feel about the NAZIS. He was 25 years old, not a kid.

uponit7771

(90,225 posts)
55. Sigh, this is true ... I'm thinking there are second chances for people who in word and deed have ..
Fri Feb 1, 2019, 09:52 PM
Feb 2019

... turned their hearts around against that type of crap.

Maybe the VA gov should've came out with this long ago and publicly apologized vs someone else outting him

pnwmom

(108,925 posts)
131. I think it would be better if he had come out with this long ago.
Sat Feb 2, 2019, 07:42 AM
Feb 2019

Instead, in a state where racial issues still cause significant tension, he has lost his moral standing.

DemocratSinceBirth

(99,705 posts)
51. It depends whose ox is being gored.
Fri Feb 1, 2019, 09:48 PM
Feb 2019

The Klan was created to terrorize the freedman and woman and prevent him and her from exercising their franchise, up to castration and lynching for trying.

spooky3

(34,303 posts)
61. No, you are missing the point. Participation in those acts
Fri Feb 1, 2019, 10:03 PM
Feb 2019

Is different from dressing up as a participant at a party. Both are offensive or worse, but one is a crime.

uponit7771

(90,225 posts)
52. But ... BK lied about what he did 3.5 months ago. If BK would've AT LEAST done a GWB and said
Fri Feb 1, 2019, 09:49 PM
Feb 2019

... when I was young and stupid I was young and stupid then there wouldn't have been ...AS.. big of a backlash imho

Doodley

(8,976 posts)
34. Could not agree with the OP more. Let"s not focus on the man who wants to remove 11 million people
Fri Feb 1, 2019, 09:33 PM
Feb 2019

from america, to separate children from parents, remove dreamers, ban all Muslims from entering this country, and brand Mexicans as murderers and rapists. This is how we lose elections. This is how we let the real bigots win elections. For God"s sake, it is time we spent as much effort on fighting against the biggest threat we face, six more years of this fucking nightmare.

 

OliverQ

(3,363 posts)
42. Unlikely. Kavanaugh definitely won't.
Fri Feb 1, 2019, 09:39 PM
Feb 2019

He will never face consequences. He's on the Court for life and he's not getting removed.

 

OliverQ

(3,363 posts)
41. Yup, Democrats are eating their own while Republicans gain more power.
Fri Feb 1, 2019, 09:38 PM
Feb 2019

Sometimes trying to be too pure just backfires. You can take the moral high road without burning everyone at the stake.

Pachamama

(16,875 posts)
87. How do the Republicans gain more power if Northam resigns and is replaced w/ Lt. Gov Fairfax-D?
Fri Feb 1, 2019, 10:42 PM
Feb 2019

....And who happens to also be an African American?

 

OliverQ

(3,363 posts)
100. I'm referring to them gaining power in other areas, because they don't have
Fri Feb 1, 2019, 11:07 PM
Feb 2019

purity tests. White House, Supreme Court, Senate.

The Velveteen Ocelot

(115,280 posts)
44. If he were a Republican would we insist that he resign?
Fri Feb 1, 2019, 09:41 PM
Feb 2019

That should be the test: Should this be considered so impermissibly racist that the person who did it should resign irrespective of their party? If you don't think he should resign, would you think the same thing if he were a GOPer?

Doodley

(8,976 posts)
57. In the last year, how many Democratic lawmakers have demanded that Trump resign?
Fri Feb 1, 2019, 09:53 PM
Feb 2019

Let"s have a level playing field and apply equal standards.

NutmegYankee

(16,178 posts)
64. If he was a Republcian I would assume he still was racist.
Fri Feb 1, 2019, 10:07 PM
Feb 2019

I don't make the same automatic assumption with a Democrat. I grew up in the Southeast and still shake my heads at the stuff I saw and heard as a child.

debsy

(527 posts)
63. Just watched a discussion on Chris Hayes about this topic.
Fri Feb 1, 2019, 10:05 PM
Feb 2019

I went in thinking exactly the same thing you stated but, after listening to the panel, came around to the other side and agree that it is totally disqualifying. The KKK is a terrorist organization and black face is so offensive on so many levels. Anyone who wants to server the public needs to meet a higher standard. Since the Republicans are showing how we should not behave, we need to show how we should behave. Thirty-two years ago in 1984, I would have been disgusted and appalled by the kind of behavior displayed by Ralph Northam back then. I am still disgusted by it. He should resign and let Lieutenant Governor Justin Fairfax take over. If we can't hold any of the Republicans to the higher standards we expect, we should at least hold those in our party responsible for actions such as this that are disqualifying.

inwiththenew

(972 posts)
65. Who here among us hasn't dressed up as a Klan member?
Fri Feb 1, 2019, 10:09 PM
Feb 2019

Next thing you tell me is that you don't have an Nazi SS officer uniform that you wear around as a goof.

shadowmayor

(1,325 posts)
66. Just like so many in politics and the limelight
Fri Feb 1, 2019, 10:10 PM
Feb 2019

Never forget that Northam was truly hoping that this would go unnoticed. Had he any real integrity, he would have brought it up during his campaign, apologized, and used it as an example of growing older with some grace. But, he chose not to. Too many of these people cry sorry and mea culpa only after they get caught. If you've got skeletons in your closet, best bring them out and dance with them in front of the world. And yes folks, that crap was totally racist in the 1980's with many blessings from the Reaganites and the media.

TDale313

(7,820 posts)
67. Oh ffs!
Fri Feb 1, 2019, 10:12 PM
Feb 2019

This isn’t harmless if tasteless fun. This is racist af and was at the time. Also, if steps down, we still end up with a Dem Gov there- an African American one at that. We should not accept this in our leaders.

spooky3

(34,303 posts)
75. If you consider that Fairfax would move into the governor's job
Fri Feb 1, 2019, 10:33 PM
Feb 2019

relevant, I think you also have to consider relevant the fact that the Republican legislature would select his replacement. Then, if something were to happen to Fairfax, VA would have a Republican governor again.

pnwmom

(108,925 posts)
117. I think the chance of something "happening" to the 39 year old in the next three years,
Sat Feb 2, 2019, 12:11 AM
Feb 2019

that would require his replacementby whoever is appointed by the legislature, is tiny.

spooky3

(34,303 posts)
124. That wasn't what I meant. The Republicans are probably already
Sat Feb 2, 2019, 06:29 AM
Feb 2019

Turning rocks over looking for dirt on Fairfax.

The point is that some people may feel this is strictly a matter of principle and that Northam should step down regardless of the power it may give to Republicans and regardless of all of the good work he has done in 35 years (eg expanding Medicaid). I get that. But if others would feel differently if a Republican were in line for the governorship, they should also be worried about how easily Republicans could move Fairfax out of the way too. They may be thinking that Fairfax would appoint the lieutenant governor or that there would be a special election. That’s not how it works in VA.

pnwmom

(108,925 posts)
130. Fairfax is a former federal prosecutor, an asst. US attorney. He's already had checks
Sat Feb 2, 2019, 07:31 AM
Feb 2019

for federal security clearances. They can flip over all the rocks they want. The worst they'll find is he was a defense lawyer for somebody who turned out to be guilty.

spooky3

(34,303 posts)
141. I hope you're right, but history is filled with cases
Sat Feb 2, 2019, 11:16 AM
Feb 2019

In which surprises have been found.

I guess we will see what happens.

Chickensoup

(650 posts)
68. I do not like what the governor did
Fri Feb 1, 2019, 10:14 PM
Feb 2019

35 years ago. I do not like many
Things I did back into my life as well.
So he apologized and we should judge him
on what he will do now and in the future .
However what really kills me is that
what Trump is doing every day is
crossing every limit, total insanity.
One has to be equally brainless to think
he is doing a reasonable job.
He is a racist disgusting liar and a con man
Without any guiding principles
We should all be screaming with one voice
Impeach the MF.

raging moderate

(4,281 posts)
80. Was he maybe dressed as a "Blazing Saddles" character?
Fri Feb 1, 2019, 10:38 PM
Feb 2019

I remember there was a movie (some time in the seventies, I think) about a town in the Old West where a heroic Black man dressed up in a Ku Klux Klan outfit to infiltrate a Ku Klux Klan rally. Did the 24 year old Northam perhaps just think he was heaping scorn on the KKK by dressing as this character, or as another character, in that movie? I don't think it was funny, and I would never have done it. I grew up as one of a minority of non-Jews in a mostly Jewish neighborhood where some of our Jewish friends had lost relatives in those death camps, and the similarity between the KKK and Nazis was very real to most of us. Besides, my mother had a book that detailed how American KKK and Nazis had helped to finance the rise to power of the German Nazis. I am remembering that Prince Harry of England went to a costume ball dressed as a Nazi, when he was very young. And he said he had meant to make fun of the Nazis, and that he hated Nazis, and he just hadn't realized how it would feel to people who had been victimized by them. And he does seem to have been telling the truth, based on both prior and subsequent behavior. So my question would be, what was Northam doing and saying otherwise at that time? And what has he done and said since then? But yes, Northam really should have brought this to light, much sooner, with apologies and works of penitence.

greatbaldeagle

(157 posts)
111. Ummm...no
Fri Feb 1, 2019, 11:53 PM
Feb 2019

You can spray all the perfume you want on a turd but it's still a turd. It was racist BS and there are no excuses or explanations that can dismiss it. I wonder how many of his black patients suffered as a result of neglect in the months and years after that photo was taken. And to think, he became a PEDIATRICIAN! Lord help us.

pangaia

(24,324 posts)
69. Tell me who hasn't said or done something dumb their past. Who?????
Fri Feb 1, 2019, 10:19 PM
Feb 2019

ME

! Well except for late November last year, then Dec 22, then again Jan 12 and finally Jan 26.


It has cost me BIG TIME !!!

djacq

(1,633 posts)
70. Gov Northam will have to resign.
Fri Feb 1, 2019, 10:20 PM
Feb 2019

As an African American and a Virginia Resident, I and my family "was" proud voters for Northam. The African American vote, especially with black women, brought Northam that win.

Doesn't matter if it was 35 years ago. Doesn't matter if he is of good character now. He's a good governor and I'm quite sure Northam is a good man, a good doctor, a good veteran, and NOT a racist.

But that image is there and we all see it. But you also can't dismiss the images of African Americans during Slavery, Reconstruction, and Jim Crow. Watch the 60 Minutes segment on Lynching and The National Memorial for Peace and Justice. Look at the images of unarmed young men being killed.

Should I tell my two adult black children to dismiss the images of their heritage? So, why should I or any DU member here should easily dismiss images of Northam in either of the two individuals.

I can't take back my vote but Northam can do the right thing and resign.

 

backabby-blue

(144 posts)
71. We're NOT republicans
Fri Feb 1, 2019, 10:23 PM
Feb 2019

So no matter what god awful things they do it does not mean we give ourselves a pass. It may have happened 35 years ago but if he does not resign and democrats do not force him out... It sends a dark message to African American folks in our nation.

Pepsidog

(6,252 posts)
98. Franken was set up, offered an apology an ethics investigation and one of our most effective
Fri Feb 1, 2019, 11:04 PM
Feb 2019

advocates is now gone, forced out by Dems. There is no excuse for Va. Governor’s past actions, but he has taken responsibility and apologized. So by these 2 standards he should not be forced to resign. There is no perfect candidate, we are all imperfect, there should forgiveness to those who recognize and admit their faults. Not in all cases but in this case we should stand beside him.

magicarpet

(13,941 posts)
132. Human frailties,.. no one is perfectly perfect,..
Sat Feb 2, 2019, 07:51 AM
Feb 2019

... the hope is we learn from our mistakes not habitually perpetrate them.

In that same regard,.. the bluest of blue bloods fucks up too,...

(Begin snip)

Prince Harry has come a long way since his bad boy days to emerge as arguably Britain’s most loved royal.

By Jim Mitchell
28 AUG 2017 - 2:32 PM UPDATED 28 AUG 2017 - 2:42 PM

It wasn’t that long ago that Prince Harry (aka His Royal Highness Prince Henry of Wales) was deemed a write-off. After losing his mother, Diana, Princess of Wales, at just 12 years old in 1997, a cheeky, relatively buoyant childhood in the public eye became laden with burden. At 17, Harry’s party boy ways became evident, the beginning of a decade or so of scandalous behaviour that would bring the monarchy into disrepute.

But much has changed since then. Harry, at 32, along with big brother Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, has become an unlikely saviour of the royal family, following in the footsteps of his ancestors (see SBS documentary The Royals Who Rescued the Monarchy) and dedicating his life to social activism just like his mother. He’s arguably now the most approachable royal since Diana.

Here we chart how he went from disgraced party prince to beloved, upstanding royal.

(End snip)

Much more detail at link,..

https://www.sbs.com.au/guide/node/10197

 

YOHABLO

(7,358 posts)
73. Has anyone evolved in terms of their beliefs and/or ideology? We're never going to make it as a
Fri Feb 1, 2019, 10:31 PM
Feb 2019

Democracy or as a country if we can't forgive our past mistakes. Robert Byrd comes to mind. He turned out to be quite a leader in the Democratic Party, but once a member of the KKK. Allowing people to atone is a more civil thing to do then to completely pull the rug out from under them. We learn best when we make mistakes.

bdamomma

(63,658 posts)
78. so Kavanot
Fri Feb 1, 2019, 10:35 PM
Feb 2019

gets on the Supreme court, and this Governor Northam has to resign?? Also was this a set up?

bdamomma

(63,658 posts)
90. Sad
Fri Feb 1, 2019, 10:47 PM
Feb 2019

It just shows you that any little thing will come back to bite you. But Repigs just claw. fight and deny.

 

MadDAsHell

(2,067 posts)
79. Wrong. It's 2019. All should be crucified for any sins no matter how long ago.
Fri Feb 1, 2019, 10:36 PM
Feb 2019

We need more people spending 24/7 sifting through old tweets and yearbooks.

Dawson Leery

(19,348 posts)
83. The left is stupid.
Fri Feb 1, 2019, 10:39 PM
Feb 2019

The GOP stands behind Nazi's and the left cannot forgive a sin from two generations back from a person who is
now on the good side.

 

zaj

(3,433 posts)
84. That alone isn't enough...but there is a way.
Fri Feb 1, 2019, 10:39 PM
Feb 2019

He can call a press conference and talk honestly and vulnerably. Lead by example. Speak about his shame. How long ago it was that he learned about how insane that behavior was. How it's understandable that people of all types need to disassociate from acts like that. How he's one of them, but cant ever undo that moment. And how he is a better man because he learned years ago how his upbringing was failure. And how he is happy to be the poster child of what never to let happen again.

Worst case scenario is you say all of those things while the world watches, and you still resign, but you leave a lasting legacy about how to handle these moments with honor and sincerity.

aeromanKC

(3,307 posts)
86. Trump was raping his wife back in the 80's
Fri Feb 1, 2019, 10:40 PM
Feb 2019

But according to trump they were married so it was OK. He has never apologized for that or his sex assaulting grabbing comments.
Neither has Kavanaugh apologized for assaulting and training those girls back in the 80's either. I don't see the GOP calling for them to resign.

wiggs

(7,788 posts)
89. I don't accept that there are only two pathways forward....either resign, or, try to serve out
Fri Feb 1, 2019, 10:45 PM
Feb 2019

the remainder of the term in shame and impotence. Too polarized...again.

Assuming this is the only example of poor, racially charged decisions in his past I wonder if the moment is best owned by him and then he somehow can serve as an example of a changed mind, an enlightened belief, a constructive model. Start a public discourse that allows him to make amends and make a difference. If he resigns, quickly, he's a forgotten public figure. If he is able to stay and make an enormous and transparent effort to do the right thing...then isn't that better?

Now, Northam's lieutenant gov sounds great, if he should ascend to the governorship. Maybe it'll be better in the end. But that's not the point. I'd like to see someone in Northam's position consider ways he can REALLY make a difference on this topic. He has the power of the governor's office...he can lobby for legislation, staff committees, call for research...become an advocate against racism. He has a duty to offset the damage he's done, then and now, and perhaps he should be given the chance to do that?

I'm not saying just forget it and I'm not saying to cut him slack without him FIRST convincing us that he can do something special. But if he's really not the person in the photo anymore, I'm open to hearing how he intends to prove it. Maybe his first and best idea is to let his next in line, who is black, take over. Fine. or maybe he has other ideas how he, as a white guy, can serve. Let's hear it.

Basement Beat

(659 posts)
96. Sorry...
Fri Feb 1, 2019, 11:01 PM
Feb 2019

It's hard for me to have very much compassion for a person who finds enjoyment in mocking the systematic destruction of people who looks like me. People of color have RARELY been given the benefit of doubt, no matter how innocent and old something was.

This just gets a big ol' welp from me.

FuzzyRabbit

(1,958 posts)
101. Al Franken all over again.
Fri Feb 1, 2019, 11:13 PM
Feb 2019

Sure, Northam did something foolish, and even mean, 35 years ago when he was young. Do you really believe he has not grown and matured?

We set a bad precedent when we let the Republican operatives trick us into forcing Al Franken to resign over a silly show business joke from many years ago.

And we are falling for this again. How many more times are Democrats going to let Republican agents choose which Democrats are allowed to serve in office?

Already Elizabeth Warren has been weakened to the point where she has lost much of her Democratic support. Now the Republicans are going full bore against Kamala Harris.

Notice they choose Democrats who are very effective and popular. Who will be next?

TeamPooka

(24,156 posts)
102. It is times like these that tell us who we are.
Fri Feb 1, 2019, 11:13 PM
Feb 2019

It is times like these that tell us who we are.
I would find this unacceptable in any Republican candidate or officeholder.
That means I have to find this unacceptable for a Democratic office holder also.
Otherwise I would be a hypocrite.
I believe Northam must resign.
Justin Fairfax will make a great governor of Virginia

uponit7771

(90,225 posts)
103. Not really, the republicans CURRENTLY support a racist bastard while democrats do not. I don't think
Fri Feb 1, 2019, 11:18 PM
Feb 2019

... that is a good comparison seeing at least democratic party tries to give a damn.

uponit7771

(90,225 posts)
107. +1, he should because he didn't disclose this crap earlier. I do think we should welcome repentant
Fri Feb 1, 2019, 11:28 PM
Feb 2019

... hearts.

TeamPooka

(24,156 posts)
123. If he had really matured, as some claim....
Sat Feb 2, 2019, 02:11 AM
Feb 2019

If he had really matured....
He would’ve addressed this years ago.

He would’ve talked about this photograph, how he was raised, and what he learned when he became an adult (because clearly he didn’t seem to be an adult here at 25 in the photo) and how he’s become a better person Who wants to fix some of the social inequalities, and work to eliminate the prejudices that exist our nation.

He would’ve addressed the terror the KKK brought the families across the south and the rest of this nation for that matter.

He would’ve addressed the symbolism of the old confederacy represented in blackface and how it is a legacy not to be cherished and idolized, but to be scored, spurned, and denigrated.

He had 34 years to get out in front of this picture, but he did not.

people

(612 posts)
110. This governor should resign - -
Fri Feb 1, 2019, 11:45 PM
Feb 2019

I grew up in Illinois in the 1950's and 60's. Never ever would it have occurred to me to dress up like someone who in fact murdered and terrorized black people. This yearbook page was his chosen way to present himself in 1984 in his medical school yearbook - this was about 20 years after the full fledged launching of the civil rights movement. Yes, everyone has things they regret from their youth but dressing up in this particular hateful racist regalia is not something that can be just poo-pooed. Yes he probably is no longer that stupid totally white supremacist person, but even so this symbol of hatred and terror is too much for a current governor. I do not want Trump bringing up this guy's yearbook photo to excuse for all of the racists in his party.

pnwmom

(108,925 posts)
115. 1984 wasn't the dark ages. He knew better. And his medical school should have known better
Sat Feb 2, 2019, 12:06 AM
Feb 2019

than to publish that thing. I lived in Virginia several years before then and this kind of humor was UNACCEPTABLE.

And knowing that yearbook photo was out there -- and I refuse to believe he didn't -- he should have made this public and apologized BEFORE he ran for public office.

Dopers_Greed

(2,640 posts)
114. This is why Republicans always beat us
Fri Feb 1, 2019, 11:59 PM
Feb 2019

We HAND THEM the gun to use against us.

Expect similar tactics against every 2020 contender. And expect 4 more years of Trump and McConnell.

pnwmom

(108,925 posts)
116. What have we lost if he resigns and Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax replaces him?
Sat Feb 2, 2019, 12:08 AM
Feb 2019

We'll have a good Democratic governor without a (no longer hidden) racist past.

Dopers_Greed

(2,640 posts)
118. I agree with that, but...
Sat Feb 2, 2019, 12:14 AM
Feb 2019

But we're setting the precedent that Repug operatives can destroy any of our elected officials whenever they please.

pnwmom

(108,925 posts)
120. We're setting a standard so we're not the total hypocrites that they are. If Northam had put this
Sat Feb 2, 2019, 12:29 AM
Feb 2019

photo out there before running for public office, and offered an explanation about his change of heart and his sorrow, I think he'd still have a political career. His big mistake was trying to hide this.

spooky3

(34,303 posts)
125. The photo has always been "out there." How could
Sat Feb 2, 2019, 06:34 AM
Feb 2019

he have hidden it? It’s just now that Republicans found it and made hay.

None of this excuses his dressing up in one of those costumes.

pnwmom

(108,925 posts)
129. No, it wasn't. He needed to hand it over to his campaign team, so they could decide
Sat Feb 2, 2019, 07:29 AM
Feb 2019

how to handle it. This is SOP. Instead, he blindsided them.

spooky3

(34,303 posts)
140. The yearbooks are in the public library. That is how
Sat Feb 2, 2019, 11:14 AM
Feb 2019

The Republicans found it, from the reporting.

angrychair

(8,594 posts)
119. It wasn't a mistake he made 35 yrs ago
Sat Feb 2, 2019, 12:15 AM
Feb 2019

It was a mistake he has made every day since he decided to be a leader and did not choose to address something he knew was in his college yearbook.

I was in high school in the 80s and I’ve seen a lot of yearbooks and I’ve never seen ANYTHING like that.

He should resign.

pnwmom

(108,925 posts)
121. Yes. By contrast, Beto O'Rourke copped to some stupid college things and probably
Sat Feb 2, 2019, 12:31 AM
Feb 2019

few people can even remember them now. Laura Bush did something terrible as a young woman and how many people remember? If she had run for office that wouldn't have been what held her back.

Americans tend to be forgiving, when people are honest and ask for forgiveness.

onetexan

(12,994 posts)
126. Agree, accept his apology & move on
Sat Feb 2, 2019, 06:46 AM
Feb 2019

We seem to be much harsher on our own. Look what happened to Al Franken

Hortensis

(58,785 posts)
127. I think it's already too late for that. And that is because
Sat Feb 2, 2019, 07:14 AM
Feb 2019

this occurs in a far, far larger context than whether a VA governor would get to finish out the his single term. Our entire nation is in an existential battle for our future. Will we continue as a representative democracy where voters choose our governors? Or will they be chosen by an uberwealthy ruling class? Will we always be chatting on line like this, or will we nervously remember and regret what we once wrote?

The culture wars and current surge of demands for women's and minority rights and equality are a big part of this. On right and left, they are supplying much of the voter fuel that wannabe kleptocrats are using to take power AND much of the voter fuel Democrats are using to fight to save our democracy. Some naturally assume what's happening here is all about one man and racism, but it's not. But for sure what's happening is especially huge for POC. We all have a tremendous amount at stake, but how much worse would their lives be if we all lost the power of the vote? In a world where whole towns and counties can now be quickly brought to their knees, scrabbling for survival, just by turning off the electricity and water?

In any case, that's what I believe is happening. When the right manages to weaponize one of our politicians against us in this giant battle, his or her colleagues move to eliminate their new weapon, not leave it in place to batter us right up through November 2, 2020.

BeyondGeography

(39,284 posts)
133. It's different parties at the end of the day
Sat Feb 2, 2019, 07:51 AM
Feb 2019

We find ourselves in this situation more than Republicans because we have higher standards (the belief that government can improve society, eg) and a much more diverse group of voters (a government of all the people). Republicans can get away with abusing this or that segment because they cater to a much more narrow constituency. Their voters also tend to have a more jaundiced view of human nature and lower expectations of what government can and should do.

Try to think of the equivalent situation for a Republican Northam. What would it be? Posing with the Bible with its pages torn out and being used for toilet paper? Yeah, I guess that would sink him. But it’s a party that is obviously comfortable with sexism and racism and we’re not. It comes down to voters. Northam received strong support from blacks, why should they have to endure this from him, and how can he proceed with full credibility as their Governor? These are basic questions that Republicans rarely confront.

Sunsky

(1,737 posts)
134. I'm an AA and I agree
Sat Feb 2, 2019, 08:46 AM
Feb 2019

I've read the back and forth and paid attention to both sides of the argument. I have yet to see anyone who thinks that he should resign, give another instance of this man being racist. I've yet to see anyone point to a pattern of racism. I truly wish he had come clean during his campaign and used it as a teachable moment. However, he fought against racist symbols during his campaign.

I believe he was misguided in his younger days, but I haven't heard of anything in present time to make me believe he's a racist now. Donald Trump has been and still is a proven racist. Mitch McConnell is a racist etc. The zero tolerance policy in politics does not seem to extend to the Republicans. All these Democratic presidential contenders need to be careful of the precedents that they set. What will they do when the "zero tolerance" standard they set comes knocking at their door? And it will. Who will be left standing?

We all have a past, and sometimes some of us do things that we are so ashamed of, we wish we could just bury. If we all should focus solely on our negative past experiences to lead us to elevation and promotion in life, most of us would go nowhere. Learning from the negative aspects of our past and rising above them is called growth. This is where the focus should be. That growth was evident in his fight to remove confederate monuments.

I'm watching to see how he handles this revelation. He should to use this moment to educate others and take us through his growth process (how he moved from the kkk hood and blackface yearbook to fighting against symbols of racism). An apology, then move on is not enough imo.

mn9driver

(4,412 posts)
136. Robert Byrd was a good Senator. And a good democrat.
Sat Feb 2, 2019, 09:01 AM
Feb 2019

Early in his life, before his senate career, he belonged to the KKK. He was a changed man as a senator and served the people as well or better than almost any senator ever has.

In our current cannibal environment he would have been hounded by his fellow Democrats for something from his distant past and eventually resigned. What is going on right now in the Democratic Party is a guaranteed way to lose.

Etherealoc1

(256 posts)
139. Huh
Sat Feb 2, 2019, 10:49 AM
Feb 2019

Racism doesn't have an expiry date. These images have not been accepteable in the past, in the present nor will it be acceptable in the future. Northam MUST understand that this is bigger than him and he will have to pay the ultimate price by resigning.



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