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grantcart

(53,061 posts)
Mon Feb 4, 2019, 05:25 PM Feb 2019

What they are doing to Ralph Northam is so terribly terribly unfair.

Being held responsible for something that was probably not intentional 35 years ago, so unfair.

He will probably have to resign his office and return to private medical practice. I understand that the medical school he went to is among the country's leading invitro/fertility schools which produced the first "test tube" baby in the US. Their doctors are in high demand in a very lucrative market.

Northam will probably suffer through re-establishing a private practice and only earn $ 300k this year. It will probably take him two years to get back at the $ 500k level.

Very unfair.

I have always hated unfairness. I remember 1973 I read about a police officer in my hometown in Spokane who came upon a black 14 year old burglary suspect who was exiting through a window on the side of the house and chased him for about a block and then discharged his weapon in the fleeing youth's back killing him before his body hit the sidewalk.

I went down to the next city council meeting and in the open comments section read the newspaper article to the city council and asked if the city had a "use of force" policy and that if it was within the standard procedures for police to discharge a weapon when there was no lethal threat.

Some discussion occurred. I pressed the issue stating that I didn't think it was fair that a 14 year old should lose his life over a stupid act. More discussion. It was difficult to defend and the final comment was "even if it was outside the standard procedures sometimes unfortunate things happen, life isn't always fair".

I agreed that life wasn't fair but asked if the city council would feel the same lack of interest in following up the issue at hand if it was a white 14 year old boy that was shot to death 4 blocks from their home.

My final comment was that "acquiescence to the bitter unfairness that life can bring shouldn't be affected by the color of a child's skin or the neighborhood he is in."

About 10 years before that I was with my brother at a pool hall when some shoving elevated into a brief fight and within 6 minutes three police cars arrived followed by a detective. The atmosphere in our little group certainly changed when the police discovered that we had the same last name as their dentist who treated police officers with a deep discount. The call to my dad assured him that his sons were not the initiators and we had a funny exchange while the others were taken in the cars so that their parents could pick them up at the station. When you are 10 years old a root beer float bought by a police detective who is telling you how your father saved the front teeth of his son and then wouldn't take a penny for it is just about the most delicious thing you could ever have.

Fifty years later I marvel how little reaction occurs to the unfairness that people of color face every day. Hundreds of thousands of DACA children who never broke a law, hundreds of thousands of law abiding TPS holders all of whom have done nothing but are threatened with life crushing "unfairness". Daily recitations of African Americans who have to defend going to a picnic, entering a building or babysitting for a friend. It is like the unremitting pounding of the surf. After 5 decades you just can't believe that we still have to go through this shit.

Ralph Northam is suffering a little embarrassment, a little discomfort and after he resigns he will return to a very substantial income and be embraced by the white community in Virginia who remembering their own youthful indiscretions think "there for the grace of God, goes me".

My advice to Northam is to resign today and join Drs Without Borders or the UNHCR and work in refugee camps. He will learn what real unfairness is. He will make more of a difference than he would as Governor. He will also regain pride in his contribution to the alleviation of suffering.

And the real irony is that should he take the advice in the paragraph above in 10 years he could write a well received award winning book which might be featured in a full length movie because Ralph Northam was on a track for success when he entered medical school. I always wonder what that 14 year old boy might have grown into if we operated in a universe where the unfairness of life wasn't intentionally structured so that one part of society is cushioned against the slightest unfairness and one part of society is expected to face a daily battle against unfairness.

79 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
What they are doing to Ralph Northam is so terribly terribly unfair. (Original Post) grantcart Feb 2019 OP
This message was self-deleted by its author redstatebluegirl Feb 2019 #1
so, obviously you posted your reply without actually reading the OP? grantcart Feb 2019 #2
I cannot believe this asshole is dragging this out. He's twisting the knife. He needs to GO! manor321 Feb 2019 #3
That is the plan...take the governorship...right wing hit job. Demsrule86 Feb 2019 #8
Why are we not holding Trump accountable ? mgardener Feb 2019 #15
Because he could shoot someone on 5th Avenue UpInArms Feb 2019 #38
Thank you for homegirl Feb 2019 #62
I believe in redemption. Demsrule86 Feb 2019 #64
They cant take the governorship. The Lt Gov is also a Democrat. oldsoftie Feb 2019 #17
They've already put out a sexual misconduct KPN Feb 2019 #25
Assuming the Lt Gov is not guilty of anything, what difference does it make who showed the picture? oldsoftie Feb 2019 #34
It doesn't. But then liberal publications aren't typically spending their time KPN Feb 2019 #37
Well, that base is certainly getting smaller and smaller. oldsoftie Feb 2019 #41
Okay. So you are optimistic. Got it. Everything's KPN Feb 2019 #45
I was agreeing with you. oldsoftie Feb 2019 #50
Not really. Your original point was the KPN Feb 2019 #57
So you don't think a liberal publication would post that picture today if it was Gov Kemp of Ga? oldsoftie Feb 2019 #65
I don't think the Dem Party is actively engaging KPN Feb 2019 #71
Yes, indeed -- almost as if on cue . . . markpkessinger Feb 2019 #42
You mean the Lt governor that the same people who attacked the governor Demsrule86 Feb 2019 #61
3rd in line is also a Democrat. oldsoftie Feb 2019 #66
Who is also under attack now...and the next choice is GOP so no one resigns. If this works no Demsrule86 Feb 2019 #72
Well, he came out with HIS blackface news on his own. If thats what VA has to offer, so be it. oldsoftie Feb 2019 #74
A 40 year old incident of Blackface is not a reason for the governor no the attorney general Demsrule86 Feb 2019 #75
But we've seen 40 yr old issues used against others many times. Time to draw the line? oldsoftie Feb 2019 #76
They looked for dirt, found it...and are now trying to steal the governorship... Demsrule86 Feb 2019 #77
So is the argument..... doompatrol39 Feb 2019 #53
The argument is that whatever happened 35 years ago, it is not worth allowing the GOP to steal the Demsrule86 Feb 2019 #63
Excellent advise saidsimplesimon Feb 2019 #4
he shoulda confessed ... like george wallace, who was reelected gov after doing so. nt msongs Feb 2019 #5
Great piece, grantcart. For those that can't read, this is basically sarcasm on top of documentation erronis Feb 2019 #6
K&R Kurt V. Feb 2019 #7
Excellent post. Thank you. yardwork Feb 2019 #9
Lt. gov. alleged sexual assault Cbarwitz Feb 2019 #10
Apple meet pineapple grantcart Feb 2019 #16
Still sounds like republican rat fucking to me. dhol82 Feb 2019 #18
so Breitbart got him to admit that he was in the picture grantcart Feb 2019 #21
Oh, please dhol82 Feb 2019 #22
The AG is a Democrat and is next in line after Lt. Gov Fairfax. Marcuse Feb 2019 #40
He did apologize and it didn't help Cbarwitz Feb 2019 #33
Missing the point Cbarwitz Feb 2019 #31
Beautiful, Grant. K&R EffieBlack Feb 2019 #11
Post well done. mahannah Feb 2019 #12
As an old White guy, I try to put myself in others shoes. safeinOhio Feb 2019 #13
K&R ismnotwasm Feb 2019 #14
I support this wiggs Feb 2019 #19
Excellent! McKim Feb 2019 #36
We're seeing a Republican double tap tirebiter Feb 2019 #20
Yup. dhol82 Feb 2019 #23
The only Democrat that is in disarray is Northam, and that is being generous. grantcart Feb 2019 #24
So he is human and made a mistake and he was embarrassed and f'd up I actually find that Demsrule86 Feb 2019 #78
His ability to articulate a clear and reasoned understanding of issues is a job requirement grantcart Feb 2019 #79
Oh bullshit leftynyc Feb 2019 #54
Good essay mcar Feb 2019 #26
Fine post grantcart. panader0 Feb 2019 #27
I rarely read long posts... Ferrets are Cool Feb 2019 #28
Thank you for your kind remarks. grantcart Feb 2019 #47
Agreed Comatose Sphagetti Feb 2019 #29
You may want to reread the entire OP grantcart Feb 2019 #48
Kick and Amen. lamp_shade Feb 2019 #30
K&R grant! Excellent piece Docreed2003 Feb 2019 #32
Excellent post rufus dog Feb 2019 #35
THANK YOU. Ahole needs to vacate, yesterday. Maru Kitteh Feb 2019 #39
What state do you live in? Who's your governor? Honeycombe8 Feb 2019 #43
Has Obama spoken up about Northam? shanti Feb 2019 #44
DACA Smackdown2019 Feb 2019 #46
DACA children are as responsible for their irregular immigration status grantcart Feb 2019 #49
It really isn't necessary to be fair to politicians Loki Liesmith Feb 2019 #51
Which really was the point of the OP. The title was ironic. grantcart Feb 2019 #58
Worth reiterating Loki Liesmith Feb 2019 #69
gotcha grantcart Feb 2019 #70
Great advice nightwing1240 Feb 2019 #52
I agree with this DirtEdonE Feb 2019 #55
NONE of my concern is about HIM. Only whether GOP are worming themselves into control. lostnfound Feb 2019 #56
K&R.. disillusioned73 Feb 2019 #59
Wearing a Klan outfit has always been unacceptable benjita Feb 2019 #60
I wish he would just resign and get out of the news. Joe941 Feb 2019 #67
If they would only put half the effort into getting the real racist in chief out of office . . . . . pdsimdars Feb 2019 #68
K&R Scurrilous Feb 2019 #73

Response to grantcart (Original post)

grantcart

(53,061 posts)
2. so, obviously you posted your reply without actually reading the OP?
Mon Feb 4, 2019, 05:29 PM
Feb 2019

Hint: the title is an ironic observation.

mgardener

(1,817 posts)
15. Why are we not holding Trump accountable ?
Mon Feb 4, 2019, 07:25 PM
Feb 2019

Grabbing women? Employing illegal immigrants in his business ? The lying, cheating and stealing he has done and continues to do
Why are we allowing Republicans to get away with everything?
Why are satisfied with a double standard?

Why are we not holding Mitch M who is standing in front of a Confederate flag instead of the US flag?
Why is it not OK to kneel in front of the flag but OK to stand in front of a flag of a group of people that were traitors to the US?

Can people make mistakes? Can they not learn and grow from their mistakes?

Just thoughts. I am not sure a lifetime of horrible acts (Trump)equals what Northam has done.
If he apologised and said he was sorry, would that have been enough???
Are Democrats only going to allow the perfect to serve?

UpInArms

(51,284 posts)
38. Because he could shoot someone on 5th Avenue
Mon Feb 4, 2019, 10:18 PM
Feb 2019

...

A friend went to a baptist church yesterday ... the know nothing below the sewer intelligence preacher said

“tRump I was an angel sent by god”

... now I need to go ... will someone hold my hair?

KPN

(15,646 posts)
25. They've already put out a sexual misconduct
Mon Feb 4, 2019, 08:01 PM
Feb 2019

allegation against the Lt Gov (Fairfax?). This is what they do when voter suppression fails them. They are going after the Governorship by swift boating the Gov and then the Lt Gov in rapid progression. I’m not defending Northam. The allegations against the Lt Gov are questionable - but they are out, placed there by the very same RW rag.

We need to muster some means to counter this insidious RW GOP strategy, or at a minimum be deliberate about how we respond as a whole as opposed to just knee jerk reacting based solely on principles in the absence of legitimate proven facts. We can’t let our own outrage get used against us. Deliberate as opposed to emote.

oldsoftie

(12,555 posts)
34. Assuming the Lt Gov is not guilty of anything, what difference does it make who showed the picture?
Mon Feb 4, 2019, 09:35 PM
Feb 2019

I cant believe it wasn't found during the election! Its been out there for 35 yrs! If a liberal publication had that picture on Gilllespie, wouldn't they have published it too? of course. because politics is a dirty game and always has been. And always WILL be.

KPN

(15,646 posts)
37. It doesn't. But then liberal publications aren't typically spending their time
Mon Feb 4, 2019, 10:16 PM
Feb 2019

scouting archives for swiftboating material on GOP candidates/officials or marketing their services to spread swiftboat material. The point was more about it’s a distinct part of their overall strategy to control the country in the face of a declining base.

KPN

(15,646 posts)
57. Not really. Your original point was the
Tue Feb 5, 2019, 11:11 AM
Feb 2019

Northam/Fairfax thing is just politics, that a liberal publication would have done the same thing. I disagreed with that.

oldsoftie

(12,555 posts)
65. So you don't think a liberal publication would post that picture today if it was Gov Kemp of Ga?
Tue Feb 5, 2019, 05:05 PM
Feb 2019

They would be all OVER it. I would expect it.
And I agreed that their base is getting smaller and smaller. Its actually already small; they just fooled a lot of folks.

KPN

(15,646 posts)
71. I don't think the Dem Party is actively engaging
Tue Feb 5, 2019, 06:42 PM
Feb 2019

nor the liberal media providing their service in seek and destroy “swift boat ” activities like the GOP right wing outlets. It’s a deliberate part of their overall strategy in the face of a loosening grip on their white male dominant and corporatist control of government and socio-economic structure/policy. We admittedly research GOP candidates as a practice as part of electoral campaigns, but for the purpose of that contest, not to deliberately undermine democracy.

You statement strikes me as both-side risk, a notion I outright reject as fallacious.

markpkessinger

(8,401 posts)
42. Yes, indeed -- almost as if on cue . . .
Mon Feb 4, 2019, 10:40 PM
Feb 2019

. . . I cannot believe so many Democrats are so blind to what is really going on here.

Demsrule86

(68,586 posts)
61. You mean the Lt governor that the same people who attacked the governor
Tue Feb 5, 2019, 02:38 PM
Feb 2019

have published allegations of sexual assault against...that Lt Governor? hmmm...doesn't reassure me...Fairfax is next.

Demsrule86

(68,586 posts)
72. Who is also under attack now...and the next choice is GOP so no one resigns. If this works no
Thu Feb 7, 2019, 11:35 AM
Feb 2019

Democratic governor will be safe...or any elected official. it began with Franken and worked.

oldsoftie

(12,555 posts)
74. Well, he came out with HIS blackface news on his own. If thats what VA has to offer, so be it.
Thu Feb 7, 2019, 11:44 PM
Feb 2019

Or if we are to look the other way because of party, then that makes us hypocrites.
Franken should not have resigned. Even the girl in his picture said so. But also totally different circumstances.
Now, I'm all for drawing a line where you shouldn't lose your career/position/etc, simply because you did a couple stupid things years ago. (As long as it doesnt involve other people anyway, like assault). But right now, today, we are running people out on a rail for ONE stupid move or comment.
So if thats the way we want it, then these guys in VA have to go. Personally, I hope the Gov DOESNT resign. It was a stupid mistake and MOVE ON. if he had a history of shit like this, I might think differently.

Demsrule86

(68,586 posts)
75. A 40 year old incident of Blackface is not a reason for the governor no the attorney general
Fri Feb 8, 2019, 12:53 PM
Feb 2019

to resign period. This is ratfucking by the GOP. NO ONE RESIGNS.

oldsoftie

(12,555 posts)
76. But we've seen 40 yr old issues used against others many times. Time to draw the line?
Fri Feb 8, 2019, 01:43 PM
Feb 2019

I ALWAYS thought this shit was ridiculous. Whether it happened to a Democrat or a Republican.
But you say ratfucking by the GOP, its not like this shit is made up. Its real and happened. But I'm all for pointing out the stupidity of acts like this and leaving it at that.
I hope he doesn't resign either.

Demsrule86

(68,586 posts)
77. They looked for dirt, found it...and are now trying to steal the governorship...
Fri Feb 8, 2019, 03:00 PM
Feb 2019

So I agree with you. If this is all they could find on Herring and Northam, they have led a charmed life.

 

doompatrol39

(428 posts)
53. So is the argument.....
Tue Feb 5, 2019, 08:03 AM
Feb 2019

...that it wasn't his yearbook picture and he didn't select it and he didn't know about it, and his nickname WASN'T Coonman, and that nickname wasn't in 2 separate yearbooks, and he didn't admit to blackface on camera? That all of this information isn't fake?

Or is the argument that we shouldn't care?

I'm still really unclear on this.

Demsrule86

(68,586 posts)
63. The argument is that whatever happened 35 years ago, it is not worth allowing the GOP to steal the
Tue Feb 5, 2019, 03:41 PM
Feb 2019

governorship. I would prefer Northam and Fairfax who is now under attack as well to any Republican slimeball. This is an attempt to take the governorship in what will be a census year. Northam expanded Medicaid and passed a pro-choice bill as well ...name a fucking republican who won't undo that. Give Northam time address this issue...perhaps redemption is an option.

erronis

(15,302 posts)
6. Great piece, grantcart. For those that can't read, this is basically sarcasm on top of documentation
Mon Feb 4, 2019, 06:59 PM
Feb 2019

I think privilege (white, class, male, whatever) is bred into us while we are still forming - 2-10 years, and it is very difficult to change.

In other societies it manifests itself also - birth class, tribe, last name, which side of the tracks/river, etc.

Cbarwitz

(27 posts)
10. Lt. gov. alleged sexual assault
Mon Feb 4, 2019, 07:11 PM
Feb 2019

GOP operatives have proven so effective in getting democrats to force the governor to resign, they just accused Lt. gov. Fairfax of sexual assault.

Are we going to rush to judgment on that too?

Then all those hard fought battles to win VA. are for naught, and Trump wins VA. using the democratic party’s “high standards” as a wedge against their own and vehicle for defeat.

How brilliant is that? /sarcasm

grantcart

(53,061 posts)
16. Apple meet pineapple
Mon Feb 4, 2019, 07:31 PM
Feb 2019

both have apples in their names but that's about all

1) One has a picture. The other has nothing

2) The guy in the picture said he was in the picture, apologized for it. Then concluded he wasn't in THAT picture but had done blackface

3) The Lt. Gov stated clearly that a) he didn't do anything like that b) he was taking legal steps to sue for defamation and force the accuser to be held accountable in a court of law.

Now if the Governor had stated that he wasn't in the picture and that he was going to sue for defamation then we could compare.

dhol82

(9,353 posts)
18. Still sounds like republican rat fucking to me.
Mon Feb 4, 2019, 07:37 PM
Feb 2019

I believe both reports were generated by Breitbart.
Makes me wonder.

grantcart

(53,061 posts)
21. so Breitbart got him to admit that he was in the picture
Mon Feb 4, 2019, 07:57 PM
Feb 2019

apologize for it

change his mind he was in the picture

explain that he did blackface when he did a Jackson impersonation

and favoured us with an explanation on how difficult shoe polish is to get off your face?


His spectacularly terrible job in reacting to the photo is not mutually exclusive to it being a Breitbart report, both can be true and both can be disgusting.


All he had to say was "Looking at that picture makes me wonder how we survive all the stupid things we do when we are young. I cannot express how grateful I am that leaders like Dr. King liberated me to understand how, sometimes without even intending we mock and dehumanize others. That was not my intention but it is what it does and I apologize to all African Americans for that.

I apologize to all of the citizens of the state of Virginia for the embarrassment that picture brings. I am grateful that looking back on that picture today that I cannot recognize the mind set that would have created it, tolerated it and proudly put it in a year book. As we celebrate Black History Month we should celebrate the fact that among the relics of the past that are no longer accepted mocking African Americans by using minstrel blackface is as unacceptable as using the N word."

dhol82

(9,353 posts)
22. Oh, please
Mon Feb 4, 2019, 08:01 PM
Feb 2019

The picture was released after a major problem with an abortion conference.
Now we have the lieutenant governor implicated in a sex scandal.
The republican legislature can manipulate who ends up in power.
Tell me this is all just boys being bad.

Cbarwitz

(27 posts)
33. He did apologize and it didn't help
Mon Feb 4, 2019, 09:12 PM
Feb 2019

I don’t think there’s any apology he could make that would help.

He apologized in his initial statement. The apology went nowhere. Should he have mentioned Dr. King? Then he’d be accused of exploiting Dr. King. Democratic public opinion had made up its mind because of the picture.



Cbarwitz

(27 posts)
31. Missing the point
Mon Feb 4, 2019, 08:48 PM
Feb 2019

The comparisons are alike, but the larger point is avoiding rushing to judgment because its unfair, and incited by GOP operatives solely to gain power for those who would govern in racist and sexist manners anyway.

If I changed one slight fact you would conclude the Lt. Gov. should resign.

Examples:

- A photo of the Lt. Gov. with the accuser in some Al Franken like pose; or,

- A second accuser coming forward from 15 years ago;or,

- An apology that doesn’t meet some threshold for sincerity.




safeinOhio

(32,688 posts)
13. As an old White guy, I try to put myself in others shoes.
Mon Feb 4, 2019, 07:19 PM
Feb 2019

I understand that times have changed and people have changed. That being said, if I try to put myself in the shoes of an older person of color, I have less concern about the Governor and more concern about those that have been kicked around for generations. If he suffers, that is but one soul, I don't think that adds up to the many that are insulted again and again. He will survive.

wiggs

(7,814 posts)
19. I support this
Mon Feb 4, 2019, 07:38 PM
Feb 2019

His one way out of this is to accept the judgement and make amends, whether or not he resigns. He will resign of course, but either way I'd like to see him use whatever standing he has to make a difference. If...if he now is who he says he is.

My advice to Northam is to resign today and join Drs Without Borders or the UNHCR and work in refugee camps. He will learn what real unfairness is. He will make more of a difference than he would as Governor. He will also regain pride in his contribution to the alleviation of suffering.


He should have made a speech containing some of what you wrote in the OP. Would have made a difference with me. But in his two pressers, saw little that would convince us that he's aware of the depth of the issues and willing to do something meaningful about it. There may be significant political angles to this, but the bigger, more important issues are personal, social, cultural.

McKim

(2,412 posts)
36. Excellent!
Mon Feb 4, 2019, 09:56 PM
Feb 2019

Great comment. Clearly this man needs some moral schooling. When you are 25 in medical school you are an adult!!!!! He has been used to keep the news cycle off the issues that Democrats will place on their presidential platform. This is a distraction that hurts Democrats.
It does smell like the Al Franken scandal.

grantcart

(53,061 posts)
24. The only Democrat that is in disarray is Northam, and that is being generous.
Mon Feb 4, 2019, 08:01 PM
Feb 2019


The picture could have been put in a context that people could have accepted but Northam chose to disassemble, discombobulate, disinform, dissolve and disintegrate

Demsrule86

(68,586 posts)
78. So he is human and made a mistake and he was embarrassed and f'd up I actually find that
Fri Feb 8, 2019, 03:02 PM
Feb 2019

kind of good that he is not a smooth practice politician...give him a chance.

grantcart

(53,061 posts)
79. His ability to articulate a clear and reasoned understanding of issues is a job requirement
Fri Feb 8, 2019, 04:56 PM
Feb 2019

Unable to do so is like keeping a secretary that cannot type.

He is well credentialed in a field where there is a huge need.

Approximately 20 million will sleep tonight in make shift shelters and his medical skills would be of great value there.

Being a Governor of a state is not an entry level job.
 

leftynyc

(26,060 posts)
54. Oh bullshit
Tue Feb 5, 2019, 09:06 AM
Feb 2019

I don't see the party in disarray AT ALL. This is the governor's problem, nobody else's as there is NOBODY who is defending him. Stop with the drama.

panader0

(25,816 posts)
27. Fine post grantcart.
Mon Feb 4, 2019, 08:25 PM
Feb 2019

Recommended.
I liked your advice to Northam. He has been reported as saying he doesn't
want to be remembered as a racist. Then resign and do a job that proves it.

Ferrets are Cool

(21,107 posts)
28. I rarely read long posts...
Mon Feb 4, 2019, 08:25 PM
Feb 2019

it's a flaw of my "give it to me in tiny bits" mind, I suppose.
I, however, read every last word of this post...twice. What a wonderfully worded piece that was so cogent to the world in which we live today. Thank you so much for sharing this jewel with us.

Comatose Sphagetti

(836 posts)
29. Agreed
Mon Feb 4, 2019, 08:33 PM
Feb 2019

Infinite punishment for finite transgressions is bullshit.

Who the exact hell am I to be judge, jury and executioner of another? The right is rubbing their collective hands over our infighting.

grantcart

(53,061 posts)
48. You may want to reread the entire OP
Tue Feb 5, 2019, 02:15 AM
Feb 2019

You are reacting the title of the OP which either was bitter ironic commentary or witty sardonic repose depending on your point of view.
 

rufus dog

(8,419 posts)
35. Excellent post
Mon Feb 4, 2019, 09:51 PM
Feb 2019

Strange stuff going on with this one. Some are digging in, although very limited in Dem leadearship, have only seen Jim Moran back him. IMO, this due to the horrible shit repukes have been pulling. I am just a bit shy of Northam's age, was in college at the same time, lived is a racist State. His story is a joke, he either did it because he was racist and thought it was funny, or did it to gain cred with those he was trying to impress. Disqualifying either way.

Honeycombe8

(37,648 posts)
43. What state do you live in? Who's your governor?
Tue Feb 5, 2019, 12:58 AM
Feb 2019

Maybe there's something we can dig up on him to join forces to oust him.

Who's your governor? (It doesn't matter who you voted for or that he was elected by your state. Or that you forgive him or whatever. what matters is that WE want him not to be a governor of your state.)

Smackdown2019

(1,188 posts)
46. DACA
Tue Feb 5, 2019, 01:53 AM
Feb 2019

My opinion is if a child was educated in our us schools and graduated; then he shall be institutionalized as a national citizen. Their parents, not a chance.

grantcart

(53,061 posts)
49. DACA children are as responsible for their irregular immigration status
Tue Feb 5, 2019, 02:18 AM
Feb 2019

As the child who is sitting in the back seat while their father drives while drinking.
 

DirtEdonE

(1,220 posts)
55. I agree with this
Tue Feb 5, 2019, 09:48 AM
Feb 2019

But while we're at it, when is everyone going to make amends for their sins while they're so busy casting stones? I mean, pubicans have their filthy operatives continually ratfcking Democrats before, during and now even after elections, effectively changing the electoral landscape sans voters or in some cases even sans due process.

We keep forcing our people out of office, and rightfully so, but where is the equal application of ethical and/or legal standards? THEIR side NEVER leaves office. trump is in the WHITE HOUSE, kavanaugh is on the SUPREME COURT. BOTH accused of FAR WORSE than Northam or any of the other Democrats forced by their own party from office after being obviously ratfcked by pubican operatives.

They cheat always because it's the only way they can win. We keep playing fair and losing. How about we throw our bums out when they agree to throw their bums out? Stalemate until then.

lostnfound

(16,180 posts)
56. NONE of my concern is about HIM. Only whether GOP are worming themselves into control.
Tue Feb 5, 2019, 10:21 AM
Feb 2019

I don’t know Virginia politics. The fact that he voted for George W TWICE is enough. If Justin Fairfax is a strong up and coming democrat, and is capable of improving the strength of Democratic Party in Virginia, awesome. Maybe it will energize the vote in Virginia and throughout southeast. If that’s the case, kick Northam to the curb without a second thought.

I’m always suspicious of SUDDEN takedowns of Democrats, ESPECIALLY accompanied by massive pressure from a media drumbeat that is at least TEN times more potent at knocking down democrats. (Eliot Spitzer. Gary Hart. John Edwards. Al Franken. Anthony Weiner.. ) If this big “revealing” of a 35 year old photo is a strategy play by GOP that succeeds in somehow STRENGTHENING the GOP, then just SLOW down and find out the facts before the pitchforks come out. Because the forces of good (like stopping voter suppression and racist governorships) need to be smarter than the forces of evil.

While we focus on the thoroughness of our principles, the GOP is always doing strategy.

We need CLEAN ELECTIONS more than we need AIR. Stacy Abrams should be governor of Georgia and Andrew Gillum should be governor of Florida. What a powerhouse we could have, energizing African Americans AND progressives, if we had not one but THREE AA governors in the South.

benjita

(4 posts)
60. Wearing a Klan outfit has always been unacceptable
Tue Feb 5, 2019, 12:41 PM
Feb 2019

Let's be clear, donning or finding a Klan outfit amusing or appropriate, even 35 years ago, or performing in black-face has always been unacceptable.

 

pdsimdars

(6,007 posts)
68. If they would only put half the effort into getting the real racist in chief out of office . . . . .
Tue Feb 5, 2019, 05:16 PM
Feb 2019

This is the sentence that tells it all

"Governor Northam has a long history of being on the progressive and non-racist side of every issue."



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