Different perspectives but similar conclusions:
I’m from Mississippi and until now, a Republican. Trent Lott’s patently racists remarks horrify me on many levels. I wholeheartedly agree with you, he must step down as Senate Majority Leader. And I am enraged that Lott spoke as if all Mississippians agree with his vile remarks.
Then, today, the staggering practical damage becomes clear. Until now, the Republican party, nationally and in Mississippi, seemed finally to be breaking free of its stolid, exclusive image — thanks largely to President George W. Bush. And it’s now time down here to recruit candidates for state legislative elections next year. I have been encouraging several black friends to run as Republicans in a number of key races. Now I hardly know what to say to these people.
Unless the GOP quickly disavows Lott in no uncertain terms, it will take decades to undo the damage with black voters, who were until now receptive to Republican ideas. The loss of these good people because of Lott’s indefensible statement sickens me. I cannot continue to consider myself a Republican so long as Trent Lott is a party leader.
And this one from a black Democrat, who also sees problems within his own party:
My roommate turned me onto your site some time back and I enjoy it immensely, but I disagree with you a bit on the Trent Lott fiasco. While I agree that bringing up Robert Byrd is not a sufficient response (Lott should resign immediately, before the inevitable pressure from the press and the Democrats make it look like caving-in rather than acting on principle.), neither is it beside the point. The Democrats and members of the press, including you to a certain extent, have used this mess to make sweeping statements about the Republican party. In that context, isn’t it reasonable to point out the Democrats’ similar behavior?
I’m a lifelong Democrat, and Black, but this seems like a golden opportunity to spotlight my party’s hypocrisy. They talk a good game when they’re trying to get out the Black vote, but between elections they act no better than the opposition, and in some cases even worse. I cannot stand the man, but George Bush got about 5% of the Black vote and his cabinet looks like Showtime at the Apollo.
I’m beginning to wonder if my loyalty is misplaced.
And then there’s this email from one half of an inter-racial marriage:
I’m adrift. I’m the white half of an interracial couple, and my politics might be described as leaning-libertarian. I was pleased that Bush beat Gore, and equally pleased with the results of the latest midterms. But I’m not a Republican, and I did not cast my vote for Bush.
While I don’t suspect racism, latent or otherwise, in the heart of the President, there’s a reason why I couldn’t cast my vote for him: his appearance at Bob Jones University. In that single moment of sad acquiescence to the bigot wing of the party, George W. Bush lost my vote. And Trent Lott’s recent comments represent yet another, even more jarring “Bob Jones Moment” for me.
Simply put, if Trent Lott is allowed once again to assume the mantle of majority leader, without dissent from the President or anyone in the President’s party, how can I ever vote Republican again? How can I look my black wife in the face after doing so? How can I live with my own conscience?
This could be a moment of truth for the Republican Party. It certainly is for me.
Me too. We’re waiting for you to speak out, Mr President. This is your moment of truth as well.
The Dish 