Gay people are second class citizens. We shouldn't have to pay taxes - federal either!
I think laws would change if we actually really fought paying taxes in court as unequal, second class citizens. If we have to pay taxes then our families and children deserve the SAME RIGHTS and protections under our Constitution. Until we start playing hardball, they will continue treat us like crap and try to punish us.
ObamaLover
· 1 year ago
Byrd was in the KKK; he is anything but classy. Opposing the Iraq war etc. can never wipe the blood from his hands. He is permanently on my shit list and can never be taken off.
NYCRaf
· 1 year ago
"I know now I was wrong. Intolerance had no place in America. I apologized a thousand times . . . and I don't mind apologizing over and over again. I can't erase what happened." -Sen Byrd to the Washington Post, June 19, 2005.
"It's impossible for anyone to try to whitewash the KKK and its overall symbolism. But at the same time,we honor those people who publicly admit the error of their ways." -Ken Hechler, fmr. Rep-WV(D) to the Washington Post, June 19, 2005.
ObamaLover
· 1 year ago
Sorry that doesn't do it for me. I believe in second chances up to a certain point. There is a line and Byrd crossed that line. KKK is in the same class as Nazis in my book. (Repukes get pretty darn close to crossing that line)
bob915
· 1 year ago
He also was one of the first senior lawmakers to publicly endorse Obama, and in the same speech he again both apologized for his admitted ignorance and begged Obama's forgiveness. [President Elect] Obama accepted said apology. If my leader is that gracious, so will I follow his Christian example
IamSmartypants
· 1 year ago
A very statesmanlike move by Byrd. The gentleman from West Virginia is managing his transition out of the political limelight with tremendous grace. Add this to this his strong endorsement earlier this year and you only say, "Well done, sir. Well done.".
Indigo
· 1 year ago
Ever the Southern gentleman, warts and all.
littleponygirl
· 1 year ago
I love my ol' Byrd - he's the ONLY reason I've been against term limits - he might be the only Senator that has actually read the Constitution. He has so much class and grace; we were lucky to have him there, fighting for all of us and being the voice of calm and reason during these awful, ugly years.
TampaZeke
· 1 year ago
Never say an old dog can't learn new tricks.
Byrd was one of the most vile and vocal racists in the country earlier in his career. It may have taken some time but he is living proof that no one is hopeless. With time, education and experience even the most racist/homophobic/misogynistic bigot can see the light and change his/her ways
naschkatzehussein
· 1 year ago
It's all about redemption, whether you are a Christian or not. It's a great task of the human animal.
seohio
· 1 year ago
I live in SE Ohio near WV. Robert Byrd "graduated" with me from Marshall University. It was found that he had enough credits for a BS, but had never gotten one. So, instead of MU giving Byrd an "honorary" doctorate, he received his BS in 1993! Senator Byrd is a very beloved politician in WV, and is an honorable man. I remember when he had an accident that was his fault in DC, the police weren't going to cite him because Congress was in session. Senator Byrd DEMANDED that the police cite him for causing the accident.
And yes, ObamaLover, he was in the KKK, but he has repudiated those beliefs and has lived a life of distinction, honoring equality for all. That's what America is all about--restarting and learning new beliefs.
God Bless Byrd.
bob915
· 1 year ago
agreed, agreed
193army
· 1 year ago
Thank you Senator Byrd, for the young it's hard to understand the meaning of learning from ones mistake and able to grow for the better.
naschkatzehussein
· 1 year ago
I applaud Senator Byrd for his decision, and I hope it sends a signal for other committee chairmen in the House as well as the Senate to maybe step down and make room for a new generation.
freshpaint
· 1 year ago
Thank God Byrd was there all this time -- there are some grids that are good to have locked, but at 91, it must be a relief for him to know he can hand it over to the angels.
anarchy
· 1 year ago
I give Senator Byrd full credit for putting his country first - one of the few members of Congress who willingly does so.
his former membership in the Klan is indeed a black mark of disgrace in his life and career but we must give credit as well for Byrd to repudiate his past beliefs and seek our forgiveness.
that shows real character: the ability to admit that one was just plain WRONG.
nobody despises the KKK and all they stand for more than yours truly, but I also would walk across the street to shake the hand of the Senator from West Virginia, for being man enough to apologize and/or beg forgiveness for the error of his former ways of thinking. that was then and this is now. "NOW" IS FAR MORE IMPORTANT THAN "THEN"
times do indeed change and it's rare to find any man who will change along with the times. Robert Byrd is such a man and he deserves credit for this.
All Comments
thank you Sir!
http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/11/...
Byrd quoting the Byrds? Yes, I know it's from the bible, but most of the people of my generation heard it first in the form of lyrics.
Classy.
http://www.thedailybeast.com/blogs-and-stories/...
NOW WE ARE TALKING!
Gay people are second class citizens. We shouldn't have to pay taxes - federal either!
I think laws would change if we actually really fought paying taxes in court as unequal, second class citizens. If we have to pay taxes then our families and children deserve the SAME RIGHTS and protections under our Constitution. Until we start playing hardball, they will continue treat us like crap and try to punish us.
"It's impossible for anyone to try to whitewash the KKK and its overall symbolism. But at the same time,we honor those people who publicly admit the error of their ways." -Ken Hechler, fmr. Rep-WV(D) to the Washington Post, June 19, 2005.
Byrd was one of the most vile and vocal racists in the country earlier in his career. It may have taken some time but he is living proof that no one is hopeless. With time, education and experience even the most racist/homophobic/misogynistic bigot can see the light and change his/her ways
And yes, ObamaLover, he was in the KKK, but he has repudiated those beliefs and has lived a life of distinction, honoring equality for all. That's what America is all about--restarting and learning new beliefs.
God Bless Byrd.
first - one of the few members of Congress who
willingly does so.
his former membership in the Klan is indeed
a black mark of disgrace in his life and career
but we must give credit as well for Byrd to
repudiate his past beliefs and seek our
forgiveness.
that shows real character: the ability to admit
that one was just plain WRONG.
nobody despises the KKK and all they stand
for more than yours truly, but I also would walk
across the street to shake the hand of the
Senator from West Virginia, for being man
enough to apologize and/or beg forgiveness
for the error of his former ways of thinking.
that was then and this is now.
"NOW" IS FAR MORE IMPORTANT THAN
"THEN"
times do indeed change and it's rare to find
any man who will change along with the times.
Robert Byrd is such a man and he deserves
credit for this.