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maxrandb

(15,310 posts)
Sun Feb 3, 2019, 09:49 AM Feb 2019

For those calling for Northems head, do you know Cory Stewart?

Stewart was the Retrumplican Northem beat in the last election. He's a fucking straight up unapologetic racist.

He associated closely with and refused to denounce the guy who organized the Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville that resulted in a young woman being murdered and tiki marchers chanting blood and soil.

He ran a campaign mostly centered around; "we will defend our Confederate statues to the death"! Oh and taxcuts for the rich. Thankfully, Northem beat him like a drum.

I want to point out that Stewart was and is doing that NOT as a drunk stupid 20 year old college student, but as a 50+ year old Retrumplican candidate for Governor of Virginia in 2018

There is no excuse for Northems acts as a 20 year old college student... except for the fact that he has dedicated the better part of 30+ years in service and in fighting for a more perfect union in our country.

Those of us in Virginia know he's about as racist as Fred Rogers.

Thankfully it will be the people of Virginia to decide whether he should be forgiven. It's the people of Virginia who will decide if a stupid act 35 years ago will nullify the decision millions of Virginians made just a little over a year ago. It will not be some blog site that claims to support Democrats.

There are some that say he must go or the Retrumplicans will use this to distort and smear the Democratic party. May I remind you that this is a party and political phylosophy that turned an innocent risotto recipe into a pedophilia ring run out of a DC pizzeria.

There are others who say he must go because Democrats are not like Retrumplicans.

We have already proven that. We nominated a fantastic candidate for president who came from nothing and worked her ass off to get where she was. A compassionate and caring woman, mother and devoted grandmother.

They fucking nominated Donnie fucking Trump.

Being "better" than them didn't seem to matter in that case, did it?

I don't know if Northem should or will survive. I just know that at 62 years of age, I'm damned fucking glad that my entire life isn't defined by what I did in college.

137 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
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For those calling for Northems head, do you know Cory Stewart? (Original Post) maxrandb Feb 2019 OP
Steward ran for senate not governor dsc Feb 2019 #1
You're right, he ran for senator maxrandb Feb 2019 #10
and there goes the whole premise of your post shanny Feb 2019 #103
I am a little confused as how old he was at th time. olegramps Feb 2019 #35
Some clarity -- He was a 25 year old Med student -- NOT college aged whathehell Feb 2019 #57
We know that's the yearbook it's in ... one from 1984 mr_lebowski Feb 2019 #79
Please tell me.. whathehell Feb 2019 #89
We really need to move away from pretending like... cbdo2007 Feb 2019 #2
"A Klan hood has always been a Klan hood: It's meant to terrify and intimidate..." DemocratSinceBirth Feb 2019 #4
Well said. Tipperary Feb 2019 #27
Evidently, the publisher didn't share you morals. olegramps Feb 2019 #38
How many of us True Blue American Feb 2019 #66
Yep, why work to destroy us when they know we will destroy ourselves... cbdo2007 Feb 2019 #120
I agree. True Blue American Feb 2019 #122
How many of us are governors? Drunken Irishman Feb 2019 #135
Doesn't matter True Blue American Feb 2019 #136
Yes it does. Drunken Irishman Feb 2019 #137
Again it's not what he did 50 years ago is what he didn't admit to 5 months ago uponit7771 Feb 2019 #106
Having everyone "admit" what they did 50 years ago though is the problem. cbdo2007 Feb 2019 #119
Most of us have different versions of your past. True Blue American Feb 2019 #123
You can simply give a summation of the past and admit to doing really stupid stuff but then uponit7771 Feb 2019 #129
The bottom line is Northam is hurting the party. DemocratSinceBirth Feb 2019 #3
I believe the party is hurting itself by the outrageous rush to judgment. democratisphere Feb 2019 #11
If a guy who voted for George Walker Bush twice is our best we need to do a lot better. DemocratSinceBirth Feb 2019 #13
This leaves no room for change or growth. phylny Feb 2019 #65
It is no longer about Northam. Every prominent Democrat DemocratSinceBirth Feb 2019 #67
That vote adds some to the persuasion that he should leave treestar Feb 2019 #92
"Was he a Repub that recently?" DemocratSinceBirth Feb 2019 #96
P we did do a lot better relative to the Republican that was running uponit7771 Feb 2019 #107
My friend, he won because he had a D after his name DemocratSinceBirth Feb 2019 #108
It is not a "rush to judgement" to condemn a white man who dressed in blackface Tarc Feb 2019 #18
Not a Civil Discussion Roy Rolling Feb 2019 #21
This message was self-deleted by its author DemocratSinceBirth Feb 2019 #22
This is EXACTLY the place it belongs. Dr Hobbitstein Feb 2019 #56
No, whether or not you like the idea, white privilege is quite real. PatrickforO Feb 2019 #77
This was in the news 4 days ago. wcast Feb 2019 #128
What the heck? Boomer Feb 2019 #100
What is not civil is how we are being treated by the party whopis01 Feb 2019 #118
There is absolutely no proof that Northam was in blackface democratisphere Feb 2019 #23
He admitted it. Tipperary Feb 2019 #28
Shoe polish on facial cheeks is not blackface. I sure wouldn't want democratisphere Feb 2019 #31
Shoe polish on the whole face is, which is what is pictured. nt Dr Hobbitstein Feb 2019 #58
The statement made by Northam is completely unrelated to the democratisphere Feb 2019 #59
He originally stated it was him. Then he backtracked. Dr Hobbitstein Feb 2019 #63
He admitted he was in the blackface/klan pic. Tipperary Feb 2019 #104
Not in the most recent press conference on Saturday, February 2. democratisphere Feb 2019 #110
Lol. And you believe this. Tipperary Feb 2019 #112
Prove that he is in the picture. So far, no one can. democratisphere Feb 2019 #113
Please keep up DemocratSinceBirth Feb 2019 #32
That statement was made on 2/1/19. Northam's statement democratisphere Feb 2019 #37
Was he lying on Friday or was he lying on Saturday? DemocratSinceBirth Feb 2019 #39
I think that you are losing. olegramps Feb 2019 #40
Unfortunately we are all losing when presumed innocent people democratisphere Feb 2019 #44
"Mob mentality"? "Rush to judgement"?...Huh? whathehell Feb 2019 #68
There is no proof that Northam is the person in either costume democratisphere Feb 2019 #124
..It's nothing like the Al Franken case whathehell Feb 2019 #134
Keep digging. olegramps Feb 2019 #121
Far too many Democrats are way ahead of me. democratisphere Feb 2019 #125
Now I can agree with that. Yes they signed on to the condemnation of racism long ago. olegramps Feb 2019 #130
So did I, along with Northam. democratisphere Feb 2019 #131
Like lying to the citizens on a hourly basis. olegramps Feb 2019 #133
It is in his yearbook; he owns it. Tarc Feb 2019 #45
His yearbook? He said he never obtained the year book. democratisphere Feb 2019 #49
He's hurting us with a vital demographic. DemocratSinceBirth Feb 2019 #64
If it is confirmed that Northam is innocent, Democrats will democratisphere Feb 2019 #72
What part of he said it was him in the photo don't you understand? DemocratSinceBirth Feb 2019 #73
The majority of Virginia voters elected Northam, a Democrat, democratisphere Feb 2019 #76
It's not true because he said it was him in the photo (REDUX) DemocratSinceBirth Feb 2019 #82
2/2/19 was the latest claim that it was not Northam in the photo. democratisphere Feb 2019 #94
Falsus in uno, falsus in omnibus. (REPRISE) DemocratSinceBirth Feb 2019 #95
Deflect, dodge, hide Tarc Feb 2019 #116
Who's a drunken redumbliCON alleged rapist? democratisphere Feb 2019 #117
Great point. True Blue American Feb 2019 #70
Thanks for your rational, reasonable support! democratisphere Feb 2019 #74
THANK YOU. Rainbow Droid Feb 2019 #115
In this post, you get Northam's name and his opponent wrong... SidDithers Feb 2019 #5
25 year old Medical school grad not 20 Blues Heron Feb 2019 #6
LOL DemocratSinceBirth Feb 2019 #8
Stewart was defeated in the Republican gubernatorial primary by Gillespie Recursion Feb 2019 #7
He defeated Ed Gillespie, which is bad enough to know what VA escaped. Honeycombe8 Feb 2019 #9
Whataboutism sellitman Feb 2019 #12
+100 cyclonefence Feb 2019 #16
Yet, some keep trying to get.... LovingA2andMI Feb 2019 #42
BANG. My immediate reaction when I saw thread title. bullwinkle428 Feb 2019 #48
The people calling for Northam's resignation live in Vogon_Glory Feb 2019 #14
"The people calling for Northam's resignation live in View profile Such rarified circles that they'v DemocratSinceBirth Feb 2019 #17
Fairfax is not a Republican reactionary. Iggo Feb 2019 #20
Because racial insensitivity is akin to walking under a ladder... Dr Hobbitstein Feb 2019 #61
Kampala Harris? Yo_Mama_Been_Loggin Feb 2019 #85
Cory Stewart lost in the primary; even the pukes didn't want him. shanny Feb 2019 #102
I am learning about Tom Perriello, whom Northam defeated in the primary. blogslut Feb 2019 #15
Recall that Perriello lost his Congressional seat in the "Tea Party bloodbath" year of 2010, bullwinkle428 Feb 2019 #52
I remember seeing him giving one of the best defenses of Guy Whitey Corngood Feb 2019 #54
Redistricting also helped with his loss. phylny Feb 2019 #69
Wow! I'm kind of in love with Tom Perriello now nt renate Feb 2019 #111
Agree it is up to VA as they know the effects on the legislature treestar Feb 2019 #19
He was 25, not 20. nt Tipperary Feb 2019 #24
Just a note: LakeArenal Feb 2019 #25
Good one. SammyWinstonJack Feb 2019 #36
Prince Harry... LovingA2andMI Feb 2019 #43
Calling things stupid is not any argument. LakeArenal Feb 2019 #60
Let's Make This Simple LovingA2andMI Feb 2019 #71
I don't need your simplicity. I understand your argument. LakeArenal Feb 2019 #78
I'm not sure at this point if Northam is a racist..... LovingA2andMI Feb 2019 #99
+1000! mcar Feb 2019 #105
If he wasn't a royal but an MP, especially a Labour MP , he likely would have had to resign. DemocratSinceBirth Feb 2019 #46
That's just speculation on your part. LakeArenal Feb 2019 #62
To an ordinary man it might look like speculation. DemocratSinceBirth Feb 2019 #81
Yes I'm so ordinary. You are so extraordinary LakeArenal Feb 2019 #83
I don't see the nexus between Prince Harry and Ralph Northam which exonerates either of them. DemocratSinceBirth Feb 2019 #87
and if Harry was Governor of VA now I would call for him to resign too TeamPooka Feb 2019 #86
Even if you think he's not a Nazi? Or do you think Prince Harry is a Nazi? LakeArenal Feb 2019 #93
No but Prince Harry would have told everybody about he's Nazi pictures uponit7771 Feb 2019 #109
"what I did in college". He was 25 years old and it was 1984. You aren't paying attention. manor321 Feb 2019 #26
Hopelessly Confused zentrum Feb 2019 #29
I'm a Virginian, and I agree with his post. Nitram Feb 2019 #30
He's hurting the party and ... DemocratSinceBirth Feb 2019 #34
I live in Virginia MarcoZandrini Feb 2019 #33
And.... LovingA2andMI Feb 2019 #41
Well stated JohnnyRingo Feb 2019 #47
It's called integrity Mabel Feb 2019 #50
I haven't read alot of these threads relating to this but TheFarseer Feb 2019 #51
If I were a person of color Mabel Feb 2019 #75
My post from last night underpants Feb 2019 #53
Sigh..He wasn't "in college", he was a 25 year old medical student whathehell Feb 2019 #55
1984 is the year the photo was put in a yearbook ... mr_lebowski Feb 2019 #80
Oh, give me a break! whathehell Feb 2019 #88
You don't know this yearbooks tradition ... maybe they reserve one spot for an older pic mr_lebowski Feb 2019 #90
Lol..Yeah.."maybe, maybe" whathehell Feb 2019 #97
You can't spell his name correctly and you got his opponent wrong. I'll pass on your rah-rah TeamPooka Feb 2019 #84
You should consider self-deleting or some serious editing Polybius Feb 2019 #91
The odd thing is he holds himself out a Virginian. DemocratSinceBirth Feb 2019 #98
Not holding myself out to be a Virginian maxrandb Feb 2019 #114
Weird thing about Corey Stewart riverwalker Feb 2019 #101
Good grief... I need to take a break from this forum. Basement Beat Feb 2019 #126
Your Counsel Is Wise But Will Be Ignored Vogon_Glory Feb 2019 #127
He has lost the confidence of the people and their leaders and consequently must go. DemocratSinceBirth Feb 2019 #132

dsc

(52,155 posts)
1. Steward ran for senate not governor
Sun Feb 3, 2019, 09:52 AM
Feb 2019

but in point of fact this makes Northam a bigger fraud not less of one. He literally won his race because his opponent was rightly thought to be a racist.

maxrandb

(15,310 posts)
10. You're right, he ran for senator
Sun Feb 3, 2019, 10:16 AM
Feb 2019

After losing the governor primary to gellespie.

It's hard to keep your racist Virginia Retrumplicans straight.

olegramps

(8,200 posts)
35. I am a little confused as how old he was at th time.
Sun Feb 3, 2019, 11:27 AM
Feb 2019

I thought that they reported that this was a medical school yearbook. Maybe it is a pre-med book when he was in college. Help.

 

mr_lebowski

(33,643 posts)
79. We know that's the yearbook it's in ... one from 1984
Sun Feb 3, 2019, 01:03 PM
Feb 2019

Doesn't mean anyone knows when it was taken, we don't know if Northam chose it to included himself, and in fact we don't know if it's him in either costume (at least, not last I heard, I've not checked quite caught up on news this am).

cbdo2007

(9,213 posts)
2. We really need to move away from pretending like...
Sun Feb 3, 2019, 09:53 AM
Feb 2019

Something that happened 30 years ago defines someone's entire life. Both as a party and as a society.

DemocratSinceBirth

(99,710 posts)
4. "A Klan hood has always been a Klan hood: It's meant to terrify and intimidate..."
Sun Feb 3, 2019, 09:57 AM
Feb 2019

I grew up and went to college in the Deep South, with parents who did the same. In my 25 years in the region, I saw one person in blackface, and no Klan hoods ever. I encountered the man in blackface at a Halloween party in the mid-2000s. He had painted himself brown to dress up as the rapper Lil Wayne. Any memory I had of my own costume is lost to history, but I’ll never forget his. I also remember the handful of times I’ve ever heard a white person say the N-word out loud in front of me. White people say or wear those things because they want to scare or shock. It works. You remember.

My dad, raised in small-town Georgia in the 1950s and ’60s, often scoffs at the kind of hand-waving Northam is doing in an attempt to keep his job. Even half a century ago, even in the rural South, his conservative parents made clear to him how he was expected to treat people, and what kind of language they wouldn’t allow. Everyone knew right from wrong, and blatant acts of racism have always been blatantly racist. This was true when my dad was a kid, and it was certainly true among grad students in the mid-1980s.

A Klan hood has always been a Klan hood: It’s meant to terrify and intimidate, to make legible the violence intended by the person wearing it. You’re supposed to remember a Klan hood. Northam, I would expect, remembers too.

https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2019/02/ralph-northams-yearbook-page-speaks-itself/581941/

True Blue American

(17,982 posts)
66. How many of us
Sun Feb 3, 2019, 12:47 PM
Feb 2019

Last edited Mon Feb 4, 2019, 11:06 AM - Edit history (1)

Are the person we were 35 years ago? I know I am far from being the same. This constant hysteria over a picture that long ago when the man has a great record.

Now, we find out a far right wing rag was alerted to this.

Funny, Republicans did not punish Kavanaugh. I think we need to restore a little common sense. Look how Franken was railroaded, one of our best Senators.

cbdo2007

(9,213 posts)
120. Yep, why work to destroy us when they know we will destroy ourselves...
Mon Feb 4, 2019, 10:41 AM
Feb 2019

...yet even those here who pretend to be holier than thou all have secrets in their own past that I'm sure would shame us all.

Usually the people who are the most judgemental about people are that way because they did much worse and it helps them to feel better to belittle others for their own past.

True Blue American

(17,982 posts)
122. I agree.
Mon Feb 4, 2019, 11:15 AM
Feb 2019

Not one of us is free from mistakes in our past. Not one has not regretted, moved on.

What is really getting to me is those who listen breathlessly to the pundits who are more hypocrical than we are.

They took Joy off when it came out about all the things she wrote about gays, gradually put her back on when it died down,yet she is front and center of the hysteria.

Look at Scarborough. He had Trump on every day by phone long after the other stations refused. Their dear friend, Donald until he threatened to expose their affair and Mika’s face lift. Boy, they changed over night.

We already lost Franken because of right wing lies! When do we quit? The enemy within is the most dangerous.

True Blue American

(17,982 posts)
136. Doesn't matter
Wed Feb 6, 2019, 06:21 AM
Feb 2019

We could have been. Nono of us are lily white in our past. Why pretend we are?

Nothams fellow students are defending him,saying that is not him in the picture. We are rushing to judgement, the same way Democrats went after Franken.

I am tired of being swift boated!

 

Drunken Irishman

(34,857 posts)
137. Yes it does.
Wed Feb 6, 2019, 12:54 PM
Feb 2019

I expect more out of our elected officials than an average person.

And, frankly, I expect more out of liberals who are so quick to defend/dismiss racism in the party just for the sake of keeping the party in leadership position. Imagine being a black member of the Democratic Party and white liberals shrugging at past racist action of its elected officials because, gosh, who among us didn't make a mistake 30 years ago?!?

cbdo2007

(9,213 posts)
119. Having everyone "admit" what they did 50 years ago though is the problem.
Mon Feb 4, 2019, 10:35 AM
Feb 2019

I admit a very troubled past with stuff that would be seen by people here at DU as completely abhorrent. Yet, I'm a completely different person now and learned from those mistakes and try to do what's best now, in everything that I do...yet imagine if I ran for office, what do you think is going to be on the front page of every newspaper...all the shit from 50 years ago, they'll bury all the other stuff on page A17.

uponit7771

(90,323 posts)
129. You can simply give a summation of the past and admit to doing really stupid stuff but then
Mon Feb 4, 2019, 01:19 PM
Feb 2019

... show that you've changed.

That's way better than not admitting it upfront to party and election team, having pictures come out like Northams and then not letting it be a full throated apology.

I agree, I'm all for repentant hearts cause reThug hatred of liberal democracies need all the fight they can get.

But there's a way to keep oneself out of the soup of the past as a visible public servant like Northam

DemocratSinceBirth

(99,710 posts)
3. The bottom line is Northam is hurting the party.
Sun Feb 3, 2019, 09:55 AM
Feb 2019

To many Republicans racism is of no moment. In other breaking news water is still wet,

democratisphere

(17,235 posts)
11. I believe the party is hurting itself by the outrageous rush to judgment.
Sun Feb 3, 2019, 10:21 AM
Feb 2019

We have lost our very best over this kind of knee jerk cleansing behavior.

phylny

(8,375 posts)
65. This leaves no room for change or growth.
Sun Feb 3, 2019, 12:44 PM
Feb 2019

My husband, a good and decent man, grew up in a Republican area with Republican parents. He was a "fiscally conservative" Republican. He voted for "W" twice. With time, with education, and with eyes wide open, he has voted for every Democratic candidate since and including Obama. Including Hillary Clinton, Ralph Northam. and Tim Kaine. Granted, my husband's not running for office, but I'd say he's now doing "a lot better."

I'm weary of this crap. I'm sorry for my neighbors and fellow Virginians, Americans, people who are of color. I'm so sorry for the hurt and continual, never-ending crap you put up with. I will say, though, that I'm also not smart enough to say what Northam or the party should do. I'm a Virginian who could never have voted for Gillespie or Stewart. I did vote for Tom Perriello in the primary, but when Northam won, I voted for him. He's an imperfect person - and aren't we all?

DemocratSinceBirth

(99,710 posts)
67. It is no longer about Northam. Every prominent Democrat
Sun Feb 3, 2019, 12:47 PM
Feb 2019

It is no longer about Northam. Every prominent Democratic including every prominent Virginia Democrat has called on him to resign. Every day hew stays is the bad day for The Democratic party.

treestar

(82,383 posts)
92. That vote adds some to the persuasion that he should leave
Sun Feb 3, 2019, 01:24 PM
Feb 2019

Was he a Repub that recently?

And VA is not a state where you could say that is the best Democrat you could get, as you might with WV.

DemocratSinceBirth

(99,710 posts)
96. "Was he a Repub that recently?"
Sun Feb 3, 2019, 01:38 PM
Feb 2019
Prior to entering politics, Northam voted for Republican George W. Bush in the 2000 and 2004 presidential elections, a fact that opponents raised in later Democratic primaries.[21][22] Northam says that he was apolitical at the time and regretted those votes,[22] saying: "Politically, there was no question, I was underinformed."[13]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ralph_Northam

DemocratSinceBirth

(99,710 posts)
108. My friend, he won because he had a D after his name
Sun Feb 3, 2019, 03:21 PM
Feb 2019

And 87% of African Americans voted for him while 57% of whites voted for Ed Gillespie. He had the all important (D) after his name in VA and tarnished the brand.

Tarc

(10,476 posts)
18. It is not a "rush to judgement" to condemn a white man who dressed in blackface
Sun Feb 3, 2019, 10:35 AM
Feb 2019

Your white privilege is showing.

Response to Roy Rolling (Reply #21)

 

Dr Hobbitstein

(6,568 posts)
56. This is EXACTLY the place it belongs.
Sun Feb 3, 2019, 12:33 PM
Feb 2019

Pointing out privlege is civil. Telling someone to “take it somewhere else” is not.

PatrickforO

(14,566 posts)
77. No, whether or not you like the idea, white privilege is quite real.
Sun Feb 3, 2019, 01:03 PM
Feb 2019

As a 60-year-old white guy who was raised in white suburbia because his parents fled the city so he wouldn't be bussed, I can tell you that white privilege is something you and I have enjoyed, and used, without even knowing it.

See, even way-back-when, if I'd have seen some white guy in black face, or wearing kkk regalia at a party, I would have been offended. Or, I guess my sense of propriety would have been offended. Racism where I grew up was considered tasteless and lower class if expressed in the open. But it was very strong and very common behind closed doors.

Let me give you an example of white privilege in action. I live in suburbia still, and a couple of years ago had a very serious injury that caused me to be disabled. Well, during the recovery time, I simply forgot to renew the license plates for my 2015 model SUV crossover.

It just completely slipped my mind. So, surprise, nine months later - nine months - after my license plates had expired, I was pulled over in this very same affluent suburb. The cop was white, and I've already mentioned I am. Anyway, at first I was in denial - oh, no, I couldn't have forgotten that, I said. Please, let me look through every single document in the glove box. I must have done it!

So the cop waited nicely while I did that. Then, I apologized. Said, well I can't find it, so I must have forgotten. He nodded and said he'd have to write me a ticket, and it would cost me $X and I would have to get my plates renewed before I took the car on the road again.

Now - here's the white privilege. When he handed me the ticket, I said, can I just drive home? I live less than a mile from here. He stayed silent a moment, just a few seconds and looked at me. Then, he came to a decision. Yes, he said, you must have just forgotten, because this is a new car. It would be in my power to have the car towed, but I'm going to let you drive it home. The ticket will cost enough.

Now, I've never been black. I don't know what it is like to be black. But I cannot but have some nagging doubt that the cop might well have made a different choice had I been black. I'll never really know, though, but I have seen many videos of cops absolutely grinding on black people for lesser offences.

So, that's white privilege. Yeah, I enjoyed it. In that case, I was glad to have it because between the ticket and the renewal, it cost me nearly one large. If the cop had impounded the car, I would not have been able to walk that distance home because I can't walk very well at all. I'd have had to call for a ride, and then it would have cost several hundred more to get the car out of the pound. That cop did me a favor by letting me drive home.

But...and hear this, please...even as sheltered as my life has been - I didn't even ever talk to someone black until college, I STILL knew clear back in my twenties that the kkk robes and hood are symbols of terror.

Back to that hypothetical party I mention above. White privilege allows me to look at some nimrod stupid enough to wear that as a costume and then the next day it's just a funny memory - did you SEE that jerk? Geez...

A black person at that same party might have awakened that night with a nightmare and shivers, because his/her family member may have been terrorized by these goons in the not-so-distant past. A black person might carry that memory for weeks, months or even years and shudder every time it came into consciousness.

No white guy smart enough to get into med school should have been dumb enough to put on the hood and robes, or black face.

whopis01

(3,498 posts)
118. What is not civil is how we are being treated by the party
Mon Feb 4, 2019, 08:32 AM
Feb 2019

A man who had graduated college, was in his last year of medical school and months away from being an officer in the Army was in that picture.

We are being told by many that someone wearing klan robes or dressing in blackface is no big deal if it happens 35 years ago.

I have been told recently (on this board) that what I am saying is offensive to white people and I need to quit saying it.

And the party is assuming we will vote for the next white candidate with a questionable past that they put in front of us. The worst part is we will do so. It isn’t like I think a Republican would be better.

So we will keep voting for a party that treats us like second class citizens.

This is the epitome of white privilege.

The racism of many here at DU has become abundantly clear recently. (That is not directed at you)

democratisphere

(17,235 posts)
23. There is absolutely no proof that Northam was in blackface
Sun Feb 3, 2019, 10:45 AM
Feb 2019

or dressed in KKK garb. This has nothing to do with white privilege; it has everything to do with a rush to judgment to annihilate a man with no proof. Nice try.

democratisphere

(17,235 posts)
31. Shoe polish on facial cheeks is not blackface. I sure wouldn't want
Sun Feb 3, 2019, 11:18 AM
Feb 2019

those attempting to rush to judgment to be sitting on a jury; guilty with no proof doesn't cut it.

democratisphere

(17,235 posts)
59. The statement made by Northam is completely unrelated to the
Sun Feb 3, 2019, 12:38 PM
Feb 2019

photo in the year book which Northam has stated is not him.

democratisphere

(17,235 posts)
110. Not in the most recent press conference on Saturday, February 2.
Sun Feb 3, 2019, 03:30 PM
Feb 2019

Northam clearly stated he was not in the racist picture shown in the year book.

democratisphere

(17,235 posts)
113. Prove that he is in the picture. So far, no one can.
Sun Feb 3, 2019, 04:02 PM
Feb 2019

Always thought you were innocent till proven guilty. Not so anymore?!

DemocratSinceBirth

(99,710 posts)
32. Please keep up
Sun Feb 3, 2019, 11:19 AM
Feb 2019

"Earlier today, a website published a photograph of me from my 1984 medical school yearbook in a costume that is clearly racist and offensive," Northam said. "I am deeply sorry for the decision I made to appear as I did in this photo and for the hurt that decision caused then and now.

https://www.cnn.com/2019/02/01/politics/northam-blackface-photo/index.html

democratisphere

(17,235 posts)
37. That statement was made on 2/1/19. Northam's statement
Sun Feb 3, 2019, 11:29 AM
Feb 2019

on 2/2/19 clarified his previous statement and included a denial that the racist photo was of him. Who the hell remembers who, what, when, where and why from 35 years ago. Already keeping up and not condemning the innocent.

DemocratSinceBirth

(99,710 posts)
39. Was he lying on Friday or was he lying on Saturday?
Sun Feb 3, 2019, 11:30 AM
Feb 2019

Falsus in uno, falsus in omnibus is a Latin phrase meaning "false in one thing, false in everything." At common law, it is the legal principle that a witness who testifies falsely about one matter is not credible to testify about any matter.

democratisphere

(17,235 posts)
44. Unfortunately we are all losing when presumed innocent people
Sun Feb 3, 2019, 11:41 AM
Feb 2019

are condemned without solid proof. Mob mentality opinion is not proof.

whathehell

(29,050 posts)
68. "Mob mentality"? "Rush to judgement"?...Huh?
Sun Feb 3, 2019, 12:47 PM
Feb 2019

I don't know -- maybe it's an age or generational thing, but I'm amazed by the number of DUers here who do NOT seem to get the deeply negative significance of Blackface, not to mention the KKK. .

democratisphere

(17,235 posts)
124. There is no proof that Northam is the person in either costume
Mon Feb 4, 2019, 11:17 AM
Feb 2019

and until there is, this is another Al Franken moment. Democrats need to stop taking down their own without proof positive of some kind of heinous act.

whathehell

(29,050 posts)
134. ..It's nothing like the Al Franken case
Wed Feb 6, 2019, 02:32 AM
Feb 2019

and I believe I've already explained the difference, so I won't bother repeating myself.

democratisphere

(17,235 posts)
131. So did I, along with Northam.
Mon Feb 4, 2019, 04:27 PM
Feb 2019

Unfortunately some can't see past the noise and get to the important things that really matter.

olegramps

(8,200 posts)
133. Like lying to the citizens on a hourly basis.
Tue Feb 5, 2019, 10:12 AM
Feb 2019

I guess I should have put that sarcasm thingy on my post. I never thought that it would go over someone's head.

Tarc

(10,476 posts)
45. It is in his yearbook; he owns it.
Sun Feb 3, 2019, 11:42 AM
Feb 2019

Tell us; how does it feel to making literally the same arguments that the Kavanaugh supporters did?

And there is also this;

https://www.cnn.com/2019/02/01/politics/northam-blackface-photo/index.html

democratisphere

(17,235 posts)
49. His yearbook? He said he never obtained the year book.
Sun Feb 3, 2019, 11:57 AM
Feb 2019

The racist photo seems unrelated to the other pictures on what has been termed his year book page(s). Could the photo be unrelated to him? Was the photo somehow placed by mistake by the year book editor or publisher? More investigation and forensics are required with the photo. The rush to condemnation and punishment continues without definitive proof.

democratisphere

(17,235 posts)
72. If it is confirmed that Northam is innocent, Democrats will
Sun Feb 3, 2019, 12:51 PM
Feb 2019

not be hurt with any of ALL their vital demographics. There are many investigative journalists working on determining his innocence or guilt at this very moment.

DemocratSinceBirth

(99,710 posts)
73. What part of he said it was him in the photo don't you understand?
Sun Feb 3, 2019, 12:53 PM
Feb 2019

Oh, he said it wasn't him the next day.

He voted for Bush in 2004 and was presumably a Republican up until 2007 when he ran for public office as a Democrat. It's as likely he's a GOP plant to embarrass the Dems as it is he's factually innocent.

democratisphere

(17,235 posts)
76. The majority of Virginia voters elected Northam, a Democrat,
Sun Feb 3, 2019, 01:02 PM
Feb 2019

in 2017. Ed Gillespie, a redumbliCON, lost to Northam. Northam said it is not him in the racist photo. Prove that what he claims is not true.

DemocratSinceBirth

(99,710 posts)
82. It's not true because he said it was him in the photo (REDUX)
Sun Feb 3, 2019, 01:09 PM
Feb 2019
"Earlier today, a website published a photograph of me from my 1984 medical school yearbook in a costume that is clearly racist and offensive," Northam said. "I am deeply sorry for the decision I made to appear as I did in this photo and for the hurt that decision caused then and now.

https://www.cnn.com/2019/02/01/politics/northam-blackface-photo/index.html


democratisphere

(17,235 posts)
94. 2/2/19 was the latest claim that it was not Northam in the photo.
Sun Feb 3, 2019, 01:27 PM
Feb 2019

I'll go with that until someone has legitimate proof that it is different.

DemocratSinceBirth

(99,710 posts)
95. Falsus in uno, falsus in omnibus. (REPRISE)
Sun Feb 3, 2019, 01:34 PM
Feb 2019
Falsus in uno, falsus in omnibus is a Latin phrase meaning "false in one thing, false in everything." At common law, it is the legal principle that a witness who testifies falsely about one matter is not credible to testify about any matter.

democratisphere

(17,235 posts)
117. Who's a drunken redumbliCON alleged rapist?
Mon Feb 4, 2019, 04:01 AM
Feb 2019

Everything appears to be straight forward except for your off topic, unrelated response.

Blues Heron

(5,931 posts)
6. 25 year old Medical school grad not 20
Sun Feb 3, 2019, 10:00 AM
Feb 2019

Nice try with the "appeal to youth" defense.

"But yer honor, he wuz just a sucklin babe!!" "Plus he wuz drunk I say!!'

He's toast.

Recursion

(56,582 posts)
7. Stewart was defeated in the Republican gubernatorial primary by Gillespie
Sun Feb 3, 2019, 10:02 AM
Feb 2019

It's thought, disturbingly, that the GOP had the photo ready to drop if Stewart were the nominee, to defuse criticism of him, but decided not to use it with Gillespie as their candidate because it might cause more white voters to defect to Northam.

In the end, Stewart got more votes for Senate than Gillespie did for Governor.

Honeycombe8

(37,648 posts)
9. He defeated Ed Gillespie, which is bad enough to know what VA escaped.
Sun Feb 3, 2019, 10:13 AM
Feb 2019

But the hay wagon is full. The bandwagon is full of wannabes and hangers-on. He's toast. Like Gillibrand is toast. Sometimes the one who is toast is the last one to recognize it.

Northam now says that that is not him in the picture. He darkened his face for a Michael Jackson dance contest, instead. That is a big goofup, if it really is not him, because that's not what he said at first.

It's horrible to blacken the face. The 1980s is pretty late an era to be doing that. I don't remember anyone doing that here in Louisiana.
There's no indication he's a racist, just that he did something stupid as a 25 year old. I view this as a matter for Virginia. He is a legally elected governor of a state. Not a SCT justice. Not a Senator. A Governor.

But now that the hay wagon is full, he has no chance. When a politician has that in his past, he really needs to get that behind him at the beginning. Otherwise, this can happen.

LovingA2andMI

(7,006 posts)
42. Yet, some keep trying to get....
Sun Feb 3, 2019, 11:36 AM
Feb 2019

The Tired Broken Down Dog to Hunt. One has to wonder why at this point? Ummmm.....

Vogon_Glory

(9,113 posts)
14. The people calling for Northam's resignation live in
Sun Feb 3, 2019, 10:29 AM
Feb 2019

Last edited Sun Feb 3, 2019, 07:55 PM - Edit history (1)

Such rarified circles that they’ve never heard of Cory Stewart, But they’d cheerfully hands Virginia’s government over to Republican reactionaries to prove some arcane and obtuse political point that they alone understand.


Living in a state with three horrible right-Wing reactionaries as Governor, Lieutenant-Governor, and Attorney General, I can’t help but question the quality of either their thought processes or their connection to reality.

I’m old enough to to remember decades of right-Wing bleating about the late Senator Robert Byrd’s onetime membership in the KKK, nearly HALF A CENTURY AFTER BYRD QUIT!!!

I’d have thought that more Democrats would have learned from the experience.


Losing Al Franken wasn’t enough. Maybe the purists can get Elizabeth Warren to resign because she once walked under a ladder or Kamala Harris to quit because she occasionally steps on a crack in the sidewalk.



DemocratSinceBirth

(99,710 posts)
17. "The people calling for Northam's resignation live in View profile Such rarified circles that they'v
Sun Feb 3, 2019, 10:35 AM
Feb 2019
"The people calling for Northam's resignation live in Such rarified circles that they’ve never heard of Cory Stewart."

Like:

The VA Black Senate Caucus
Speaker Pelosi
Former Vice President Joe Biden
Cory Booker
Kamala Harris
Elizabeth Warren
Kirsten Gillibrand
Julian Castro
Mark Warner
Tim Kaine
Hillary Clinton
Former Governor Doug Wilder
Former GovernorTerry McAullife
NARAL
Planned Parenthood
Ted Lieu
DNC Chairmaz Tom Perez

who have called for Northam's resignation.


Northam is killing us.
 

Dr Hobbitstein

(6,568 posts)
61. Because racial insensitivity is akin to walking under a ladder...
Sun Feb 3, 2019, 12:38 PM
Feb 2019

You’re on a roll today. A disgusting fucking roll.

 

shanny

(6,709 posts)
102. Cory Stewart lost in the primary; even the pukes didn't want him.
Sun Feb 3, 2019, 02:20 PM
Feb 2019

Why is he relevant? oh, wait....he isn't.

bullwinkle428

(20,629 posts)
52. Recall that Perriello lost his Congressional seat in the "Tea Party bloodbath" year of 2010,
Sun Feb 3, 2019, 12:00 PM
Feb 2019

because Perriello had the guts to defend the just-passed ACA to the hilt, and his Repuke opponent beat him over the head with it on the way to victory.

Guy Whitey Corngood

(26,500 posts)
54. I remember seeing him giving one of the best defenses of
Sun Feb 3, 2019, 12:29 PM
Feb 2019

the ACÁ when some of his colleagues were "distancing" themselves from Obama.

phylny

(8,375 posts)
69. Redistricting also helped with his loss.
Sun Feb 3, 2019, 12:49 PM
Feb 2019

I voted for him twice, but second time we were redistricted and lost Martinsville, gained a whole lot of farmland.

He's a good man. I'd vote for him for anything.

treestar

(82,383 posts)
19. Agree it is up to VA as they know the effects on the legislature
Sun Feb 3, 2019, 10:38 AM
Feb 2019

It is what Northam would do now that should matter most. But from now on, check the yearbooks during the primaries!

LakeArenal

(28,809 posts)
25. Just a note:
Sun Feb 3, 2019, 10:54 AM
Feb 2019

In college, about the same age, Prince Harry dressed up as a Nazi.
Does anyone believe Prince Harry is a Nazi?

LovingA2andMI

(7,006 posts)
43. Prince Harry...
Sun Feb 3, 2019, 11:39 AM
Feb 2019

Is in Britain in a Family that has been appointed as a monarchy WITHOUT RULE MAKING POWER since the 1600ths. Ralph is an American Governor with Power of Law over an entire Commonwealth of Virginia.

....When The What-About-Ism is down right stupid is as stupid does....

No comparison. Try again.

LakeArenal

(28,809 posts)
60. Calling things stupid is not any argument.
Sun Feb 3, 2019, 12:38 PM
Feb 2019

I’m not the only one with the OPINION.

So calling it stupid is dismissive and rude.
Not an argument to destroy a man occupation and life.

LovingA2andMI

(7,006 posts)
71. Let's Make This Simple
Sun Feb 3, 2019, 12:50 PM
Feb 2019

Prince Harry - Not American, British, Not In Power Even In Britain In Any Sort of Authority of Anything Outside of a Air Branch of the British Air Force.

Ralph Northam - Current GOVERNOR of the Commonwealth of Virginia, In A Position of Power To Sign and Veto Laws For The Entire Commonwealth of Virginia - Including Those Who Are Highly Offended To His Chosen Use Of Blackface, a KKK Uniform and the Name "Coonman" on a Medical School Yearbook Page when he was 25 Years Old in the year 1984 --- not 1884. HE KNEW WHAT WAS UP!

These are the Facts. All Vain Attempts What-About-Ism is Stupid Spin. Period. Ralph needs to GTFO and other Elected Officials in his OWN STATE has called for him to do just that.

LakeArenal

(28,809 posts)
78. I don't need your simplicity. I understand your argument.
Sun Feb 3, 2019, 01:03 PM
Feb 2019

I’m not sure you even know or care about anyone else’s opinion.

We are talking about what is supposedly in Northam’s heart and what he believes. Not his occupation. That you want as a punishment.

If at some point, there is what I feel is real evidence of his racism at any point in is work history or in his private life. I would definitely consider his removal. A point that should be up to his constituents, not me.

I don’t care what Prince Harry’s position or occupation is. I care what he carries in his heart since that terrible costume.

There is our point of disagreement. I’m not sure at this point if Northam is a racist.

LovingA2andMI

(7,006 posts)
99. I'm not sure at this point if Northam is a racist.....
Sun Feb 3, 2019, 01:47 PM
Feb 2019

We disagree on the basic point, right there. And with that, this discussion is a complete waste of our time.

DemocratSinceBirth

(99,710 posts)
81. To an ordinary man it might look like speculation.
Sun Feb 3, 2019, 01:07 PM
Feb 2019

To an extraordinary man it looks like a reasonable inference.

LakeArenal

(28,809 posts)
83. Yes I'm so ordinary. You are so extraordinary
Sun Feb 3, 2019, 01:10 PM
Feb 2019

I’m done with your magnificence.

Too blinding for my simple, ordinary perspective.

DemocratSinceBirth

(99,710 posts)
87. I don't see the nexus between Prince Harry and Ralph Northam which exonerates either of them.
Sun Feb 3, 2019, 01:14 PM
Feb 2019

Because one person got a pass for aberrant behavior another person should get a pass for aberrant behavior as well?

Kant said before when contemplating whether an act is right or wrong you should ask yourself if you want to make that act into a universal law. Would it be appropriate for everybody to dress up in blackface, NAZI uniforms, and Klan outfits?

LakeArenal

(28,809 posts)
93. Even if you think he's not a Nazi? Or do you think Prince Harry is a Nazi?
Sun Feb 3, 2019, 01:24 PM
Feb 2019

However, I accept your opinion as your opinion.

 

manor321

(3,344 posts)
26. "what I did in college". He was 25 years old and it was 1984. You aren't paying attention.
Sun Feb 3, 2019, 10:56 AM
Feb 2019

Also, Northam voted for George Bush when Northam was 40 and 44 years old. We don't need him.

zentrum

(9,865 posts)
29. Hopelessly Confused
Sun Feb 3, 2019, 11:09 AM
Feb 2019

As I read it in the NYT's, it's the Lieutenant Governor who would replace Northem. A Democrat named Justin Fairfax.

What the heck is the right story? Why are we talking about Cory Stewart at this point?

Nitram

(22,776 posts)
30. I'm a Virginian, and I agree with his post.
Sun Feb 3, 2019, 11:17 AM
Feb 2019

Northam did not lynch anybody, and her did not drug and rape a high school student. What he did was wrong, and he was apologized. I did some petty stupid stuff in my youth, some off which I still regret. I've tried to make up for it since.

DemocratSinceBirth

(99,710 posts)
34. He's hurting the party and ...
Sun Feb 3, 2019, 11:22 AM
Feb 2019

He's hurting the party and causing pain among a constituency that has given us our margin of victory in every presidential election since Lyndon Johnson. It is no longer about him. It's about the wellbeing of the party. He can heal as a private citizen.

MarcoZandrini

(39 posts)
33. I live in Virginia
Sun Feb 3, 2019, 11:21 AM
Feb 2019

Racism is always wrong. We all accept this statement. What Gov Northam did 35 years ago was wrong. But we’ve all done stupid, unacceptable things while we were in our 20s. I’m no exception. That said, I think we need to examine what Gov Northam did since then. Do his actions reflect racism? No. Has he treated everyone equally? According to all the statements made by people who know Northam he has never acted as a racist.

We all have what could be considered “racist” thoughts. Our brains are wired to be suspicious of those who aren’t like us. But what separates those of us who “aren’t racists” from racists is how we act towards others. Gov Northam has, according to all reports, never acted in a racist manner.

JohnnyRingo

(18,622 posts)
47. Well stated
Sun Feb 3, 2019, 11:50 AM
Feb 2019

You make some very good points.

Personally, I'm not entirely devoted to one side of the matter or the other. He can resign or he can stay. I'll leave it to be decided locally.

Mabel

(79 posts)
50. It's called integrity
Sun Feb 3, 2019, 11:57 AM
Feb 2019

It's not easy living up to good values, in my personal life I've been beaten up plenty of times because I wouldn't sacrifice my integrity. Yes the Repuks play dirty and it would certainly be easier to stoop to their level, but that won't ultimately win the battle. We can't sweep Northem's photo, no matter when it was taken, under the rug. To do so is wrong and will damage the Democratic party's reputation among many supporters.... including myself.

TheFarseer

(9,319 posts)
51. I haven't read alot of these threads relating to this but
Sun Feb 3, 2019, 11:58 AM
Feb 2019

Serious question for those who want him to resign: does he have to resign only because he is representing a constituency? If he was a teacher would he have to resign? What if he was a policeman? Would it be appropriate if he was a doctor? Is he Ok to do people's taxes or can he literally not have any job? I'm seriously not sure where people are at on this.

Mabel

(79 posts)
75. If I were a person of color
Sun Feb 3, 2019, 12:58 PM
Feb 2019

I would have trouble seeing Northam as a good representative for my interests. I'm not a POC, however as a woman I look at Northam actions and think, if it's so easy to denigrate POC then it's not a stretch of the imagination to assume he could denigrate women. I don't wish the man any ill and certainly want him to make a living, but he's not good leadership material.

 

mr_lebowski

(33,643 posts)
80. 1984 is the year the photo was put in a yearbook ...
Sun Feb 3, 2019, 01:07 PM
Feb 2019

Which means, by definition, he was no OLDER than 25 when the photo was taken.

The pic could've been from 1974 for all we know. You can't tell how old either person is ... I'm mean they're not CHILDREN, but ...

whathehell

(29,050 posts)
88. Oh, give me a break!
Sun Feb 3, 2019, 01:16 PM
Feb 2019

School yearbooks contain pictures of that particular school's time -- not baby or high school shots

 

mr_lebowski

(33,643 posts)
90. You don't know this yearbooks tradition ... maybe they reserve one spot for an older pic
Sun Feb 3, 2019, 01:22 PM
Feb 2019

Maybe they ask the students to include one funny or embarrassing picture from high school. Hell maybe they invite others to send in such pictures of the students, like siblings and parents.

I'm just saying, everybody going "ZOMG HE'S 25 AND THE PIC IS 1984!" like it's a hard-cold, stone FACT ... are actually just guessing. An educated guess? Yes. FACT? Not necessarily.

whathehell

(29,050 posts)
97. Lol..Yeah.."maybe, maybe"
Sun Feb 3, 2019, 01:39 PM
Feb 2019

Do you really think Northam himself wouldn't raise that point if it were pertinent?... Please. You're grasping at straws.

TeamPooka

(24,216 posts)
84. You can't spell his name correctly and you got his opponent wrong. I'll pass on your rah-rah
Sun Feb 3, 2019, 01:13 PM
Feb 2019

rally around the racist call to arms.
Northam should resign.

Polybius

(15,364 posts)
91. You should consider self-deleting or some serious editing
Sun Feb 3, 2019, 01:22 PM
Feb 2019

He was not a 20 year old college student, he was a 25 year old med student. He also never ran against Cory Stewart, he ran against Ed Gillespie.

maxrandb

(15,310 posts)
114. Not holding myself out to be a Virginian
Sun Feb 3, 2019, 05:52 PM
Feb 2019

I AM a Virginian. From the 757. Retired a few years back after 30 years in the Navy...all but 5 of those spent rotating between sea and shore duty at NAS Oceana, Naval Station Norfolk and NAB Little Creek.

Still live and work in VA and just worked my ass off helping ensure Elaine Luria beat Scott Taylor.

Sorry that I made a mistake about who Cory Stewart ran against. It's pretty hard since he's run for everything lately.

But I am not wrong about who and what he is.

riverwalker

(8,694 posts)
101. Weird thing about Corey Stewart
Sun Feb 3, 2019, 02:18 PM
Feb 2019

Pretending to be a “confederate”. He was born and raised in Duluth Minnesota, went to St. Olaf College, married a Swede. All his baloney of protecting his “confederate heritage” is a lie, and a facade for his racism.

Basement Beat

(659 posts)
126. Good grief... I need to take a break from this forum.
Mon Feb 4, 2019, 11:25 AM
Feb 2019

Its clear folks here could care less about the base of the Democratic party.

Vogon_Glory

(9,113 posts)
127. Your Counsel Is Wise But Will Be Ignored
Mon Feb 4, 2019, 12:05 PM
Feb 2019

Too many people here want to dance to the Breitbart double-shuffle. They really ought to know better after what happened to Al Franken.

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