Selective Moral Outrage, Part II: Why only be outraged at Lott’s remarks?

National Review Online ^ | 12/11/02 | Mark R. Levin

[Ragtime Cowgirl]

Hmmm...an article from Human Events states that Thurmond fought against and successfully got rid of the poll tax as Governor:

Because of his "Dixiecrat" race for President in 1948 and his steadfast opposition to civil rights legislation that included speaking for 24 hours and 18 minutes on the Senate floor (the record for filibusters) in opposition to the 1957 Civil Rights Act, it has been easy for the national media to characterize Thurmond as a racist. In truth, just like more liberal Southern senators such as J. William Fulbright (D.-Ark) and John Sparkman (D.-Ala), Thurmond did defend the segregationist practices of Southern states against what he deemed "a new kind of police state centered in Washington." But he was not a hater of the Bilbo stripe and, while governor from 1946-50, successfully sought the abolition of the poll tax and more funds for black, albeit segregated, schools. Link.

He also fought at Normandy (Bronze Star, Purple Heart...15 other medals), was a judge, governor, state and fed. Senator...the only U.S. Senator in American history to win a write-in vote - and helped elect S. Carolina's very first Republican Senator - Phil Gramm - many years later.

Those S. Carolinians who loved Strom Thurmond, sent him to the statehouse and Washington, were mostly Democrats. Strom spoke at the Dem. convention in 1948. Trent's early Mississippi political upbringing was typical of the south - Democratic and racist. Let's talk party and race and American history....the real story. The "Radical Republicans" were murdered along with the freed slaves they helped defend in the pre-Civil War south. The Republican Party was formed to help fight slavery and prevent its expansion westward.

Or let's talk perspective and priorities of a nation. The press ignores the serious work Sen. Thurmond did to strengthen our national defenses in the 80s, or his mentoring of young leaders, his humility, his servant heart. If Strom, like Sen. Byrd, had remained a Democrat, there would be an annual "Thurmond week" on the History Channel and every American child would learn about this American hero...apology long since accepted.

[Rummyfan]

Right on. Thank you very much.

[Outraged]

bump

[k2blader]

Bump for later reference.

[CyberCowboy777]

Bump

[CyberCowboy777]

If you look at real History and not revised history you will see many who fought against the federal government on the segregation issue were not necessarily racist.

They were fighting not to keep the black man down but to insure a limited Federal Government and to maintain States Rights.

That intention was not wrong (States Rights), it may have been poor timing and may not applied to segregation (I think the Constitution in plain in this regard and the States have no right to limit the rights of certain races), but you cannot say all of those fighting were racist.

[FreeTheHostages]

Hello. Um, everyone knows that. That's not what anyone is talking about. No one in this thread is suggesting that Sen. Lott is a racist. That's a given here.

[guitfiddlist]

I say to all the 'Rat critics of Lott: Define a standard to judge him by. But just remember the synchronistic coincidence in this context, that "standard" also means "petard".

Because we're going to hoist you mothers up on that standard as soon as you finish doing to Lott what we've been trying to do since Impeachment. Now don't be bashful, have at it.

[Caliban]

You are very welcome! Hey, and if I don't say it enough to fellow FReepers...have a great Holiday Season and I wish you the BEST - SAFE and HEALTHY New Year!

[aristeides]

Levin on Hannity right now.

[CyberCowboy777]

Then what was troubling in his statement?

I got it the first time I heard it, I knew he was not racist. You said "But what Sen. Lott *did* say is very troubling", so I assume you thought it was a racist statement. If not, then what was troubling?

I am sorry but I think this whole thing is about various agendas and no matter how much I want a new majority leader I will not say that praising a man who defended States Rights is "Troubling".

[FreeTheHostages]

What was troubling was, as I've said repeatedly, his point about how we wouldn't be having all these problems we've been having.

That's troubling. Not his praise of Sen. Thurmond per se. But that comment. It does trouble me.

[CyberCowboy777]

Okay, I guess I do not understand.

In my mind he is right. We would have allot less problems had we ever elected a pro states rights president.

[Hugin]

Great pic!

Of course the RATS dismiss Byrds as being ancient history, but they also ignored it when KKK Byrd started talking about "white niggers" on national TV only a year and a half ago. No moral outrage or demands that he resign from the race hustlers then, just "regret" over his "unfortunate choice of words".

[wcbtinman]

It's time to quit patronizing these socialists, and begin to use ridicule on them. Conservatives have nothing to apologize for, especially to these clowns.

Whenever some of my socialist neighbors start in with the same kind of crap, I literally laugh at them. It demonstrates how non-relevant they are.

It also makes them frustrated and mad as hell. A pox on all of them.

[Rummyfan]

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you too!

[StarFan]

Ask yourself....what has Trent Lott accomplished... As either majority or minority leader? I can't think of a thing.

Well, one MAJOR accomplishment, to the sheer delight of the dems, was to disallow witnesses during the sham Senate Impeachment Trial thereby tying the hands of the Impeachment Managers.

[AGreatPer]

"and he's blowing this interview with Sean....big time!!!"

If Lott would ever shut up and listen for once, maybe he would have a clue.

He is blowing it again right now on Fox.

Your comment on what has he accomplished is interisting. I never thought about it until now..................Quick Answer: Nothing.

[AGreatPer]

"tying the hands of the Impeachment Managers"

I forgot about that. Yes, that was an accomplishment. George Gekas told me, over coffee at a 7/11 that Lott was accompanied by Rick Santorum (R-PA), entered the room and said "It is Over, Clinton gets off".

Gekas told me, "That Bastard (Clinton) is gonna skate.".