Sen. Trent Lott recently made some remarks supporting Strom Thurmond’s 1948 presidency platform saying had the rest of the country followed Mississippi’s lead in support of Thurmond, the country would not have had so many problems over the years.
Perhaps he meant to say the so-called problems blacks caused by the overturning of segregation could have been avoided. Or by problems he meant the policies and actions taken by then president Harry Truman to forge ahead in the civil rights movement.
These must be the problems because Thurmond was an avid segregationist and believed that “All the laws of Washington and all the bayonets of the Army cannot force the Negro into our homes, our schools, and our churches.”
As expected, Lott tried to clarify the comment. His statements, however, are indefensible. His message was clear enough. There is no need for clarification.
Lott supported Thurmond. Therefore, Lott supported Thurmond’s concepts. Lott was only seven years old when Thurmond ran for president. This means he has studied and accepted the policies and history of Jim Crow. He supports the racial separation that was prevalent in destroying the nation.
The United States has come so far in its struggle towards equality. Yet, ignorant people continue to hinder progress.
Lott has served the country for a long time and is now chairman of the Rules and Administration Committee.
That committee is supposed to resolve disputes on Senate rules and procedures.
Therefore, a man who holds racist ideologies and views is not fit to lead the country in this way.
Americans should look closely at what Lott is doing. He must not be allowed to dismiss policies based on his biases.
Dominique Drake for The Famuan.