= new reply since forum marked as read
for costume parties in the early 80's. Growing up in Suffolk Co, LI... i'm sorry to say it was too frequently seen on Halloween. I'm appalled, but i can also see how it was when he was young and during a different time. It's not like he was actually IN THE KKK. I don't like to be intolerant and unforgiving, so i'm gonna let him slide this time...
you lived in a "nicer" neighborhood? First time i saw a kkk costume i remember asking my dad what the hood meant... i can't quite recall what he said but i remember him being angry about it. I seem to recall it was more popular in the late 70's early 80's.
One guy from down the block used that costume multiple times. He ended up joining the Marines.
if an R had done this 40 years ago, the things he had done since then were probably just as egregious only less obvious. Look at Northams record since that picture was taken... has he supported racist legislation? Has he made statements of any kind that refute this picture of him as a young man? Are there any other indications he is unfit for office? His record should stand for itself. I abhor zero tolerance policies. This "controversy" is a distraction, and that was the intention...
anyone that has not lived a socially and culturally active, exposed life while making many mistakes and misjudgments and learned from that life and made corrections in their nature and personality is not worthy of public service.
I further contend (although I often falter) that it's not my job to openly judge others unless I've been duly appointed to do so.....
I also have to try to ask myself if I'm ready to accept responsibility for the potential effects of my open judgments. For example, young people are committing suicide every day due to bullying on social media and people charged with crimes - but not convicted - have their lives ruined due to public condemnation prior to trial.
We collectively can do better.......
