We’ll start with the hate mail, which outnumbered the positive mail by about 2 to 1, I’d guess. Hell, even the drug war stuff I write usually triggers a 50-50 response. Never thought I’d be called part of the “liberal media” so many times in so short a period of time. The few negative messages that bothered to make a point centered around one or more of hte following fallacious/ridiculous arguments:

1) Why didn’t I mention Sen. Byrd’s “white nigger” comments, or Jesse Jackson or Al Sharpton’s untoward public utterances?

Well, I did mention Byrd. But this wasn’t a column on politician prejudice. It was on Trent Lott. And Jackson and Sharpton aren’t elected officials.

2) How can I call for Lott’s removal but not Bill Clinton’s/Hillary Clinton’s/Teddy Kennedy’s/Insert other leftist politician here?

Again, the column was about Lott. I did support the effort to remove Bill Clinton from office.

3) Lott was elected by the people of Mississippi. They should decide, not you, the liberal media.

Well, I’m not calling for Lott to be removed from the senate. Just from the majority leader’s office. And as someone who tends to vote Republican, I think it’s perfectly appropriate for me to let the GOP know that I don’t approve of its leadership.

Here we go:

You are an even bigger bigot than Trent Lott. You sir, are a loser. (Unsigned)

Youd want Trent Lott voted out for speaking a truth? Wheres the facts that integration has been a good thing?…the DOJ crime statistics dont point it out. The constant animostiy towards whites from blacks dont pointit out. The fact that at the end of the day people who HAVE to associate with blacks go home to their white families friends and communities, blacks do the same thing, dont point it out. Having to make concessions to the black community every time they think of another new scheme to squeeze more money out of the govt or tax payers doesnt point it out. The lowering of standards in public schools so blacks can pass a test a white kid can pass without lowered standards doesnt point it out. Massive 3rd world immigration which was forced on us along side integration which is destroying the culture and complexion of the US doesnt point it out. Why is Trent the bad guy for stating the obvious? WHy are black leaders who say things against whites not vilified? Why is it ok for blacks to have exclusive groups such as the NAACP and student unions…other minorities too, yet when whites do it it is a racist act? I think youre another suck-poop kissing your bosses ass and demonizing someone who is stating facts. (Ryan)

Maybe you should check your facts before spewing your hate filled opinions on a popular website. You sir, are the bigot. Just because someone is associated with Southern Heritage organizations does not mean they are automatically racist. By stereotyping people in these organizations, you prove yourself to be a hypocrite. Southern Heritage organizations were established to preserve the proud history of the Southern people. While everyone else in the US is encouraged to celebrate their heritage, Southern people are condemned for it. While people such as yourself attack us, we continue to recognize and celebrate our proud heritage. Forgive us if we don’t see things your way.

Deo Vindice,
Aaron Godsey

That is a bunch of hogwash. You democrats believe it is your right to pick the leaders of the Democrats and the Republicans - and Republicans let you do it.

Right in the middle of standing staunchly behind a president who had lied under oath, sexually harassed women, and blatantly lied to the American people about all of it, you forced two House Speakers out. Now, when Trent Lott simply uses the wrong words to try to make a 100 year old man feel good at his birthday party, you hypocrites are at it again.

Jesse “I would be in prison if I was white” Jackson self-righteously pulls his scandal stained robes up and declares Lott unfit to be “the Man” in the Senate. And you chime right in. How can you people look at yourselves in the mirror. You have no sense of right and wrong, only a sense for political opportunity. Like rattlesnakes dressed up as harmless pets you shoot your venom into your victims and then look around as if to say, “Who did that awful thing?”

But, the most disgusting thing of all is the fact that the Republicans are so gutless and weak that they cave in to your hypocrisy without even making a fight of it. Hypocrites and pansies - it makes me sick.

Randal Hatfield

You think Lott should go, but Byrd on the other hand was a card carrying member of the KKK and said nigger more than once, and we keep him?

Why the double standard???? The man mis-spoke!!! But when Republicans mess up we want to hang them from the highest tree, but democrats are exempt from the same rules. Regardless if Trent Lott is a racists or not, he is being treated unfairly while Byrd never got a tenth of this kind of heat for his comments.

Its disgracefully that Washington is so full of hypocrites.

M.E. Payne
Virginia

It’s funny how you go on and on about Trent Lott without ever mentioning Robert Bird, the senior DEMOCRAT in the senate who was an ACTIVE member of the KKK and last year made a remark about knowing “White Niggers”.

I never heard Trent Lott even mention that he supported segregationalist policies in his speech for Strom Thurmond even though we all believe he has those tendancies, yet the democrats are all over him, especially the racist blacks in our country like Jesse Jackson, Al Sharpton, Maxine Waters, etc.

You are a fucking joke pal. Typical LIBERAL bias.

ESAD

It is quite obvious, in this country, your are called a biggot when you make stupid statements and are conservative. I liberal jackass like senator BIRD gets nothing.

I am fed up with the attitude that we whites must run around kissing the asses of the Black Biggots and Black Raceists. They can all go to hell. (Unsigned)

You could not have missed the mark more than if you lived on the moon. Lott must and will survive and be the only, only, only, Republican that defeated BORKING. This will be hugh in the future. Those of us that don’t invite every Black we see on the street to dinner, will have the freedom to choose a Black we like and approve of, to our house. We won’t be pandering or excluding. They won’t be able to call us racists. Halleluya!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (Unsigned)

You are pompous and full of it. While Trent Lott may not be the best leader, this “hoop la” is ridiculous! How anyone such as you can make such of a big deal out this is beyond me.

Clinton lied and cheated, but that was alright. He didn’t even apologize or ask for forgiveness. Jessie Jackson can talk his racism and you say nothing about it. But someone who has apologized and asked for forgiveness get this trash. You are the bigot!

Vivian McMenemy

Hello,

My question is, aren’t journalist supposed to be subjected? Are you writing an article or a commentary? There is no doubt where your political allegiance is.

Bob

I refuse to even read your article after the first sentence. This type of biased and racist reporting is disgusting. Maybe those so quick to judge someone based on supposition already has those very ideals they criticize inside their souls … perhaps?

Kay
Louisiana

None of you people in the Liberal media have yet stated anything that Trent Lott has done that is even comparable to things done and said by lying liberal Democraps, ie; Robert Byrd, Bill Clinton, Jesse Jackson, and many, many oothers. Lets tell the truth about them all, not just Republicans.

L Penrod

Only a bigot would consider “exactly” what T. Lott said to be a racist remark. I AM black and find NO problem w/what was stated at a BD party for a 100yr old man who has been in the Senate longer than any other person in US history.

Any intelligent thinking American does NOT put words in someone elses mouth, unless of course there is an agenda.

Why do folks not assume he was discussing Stroms views on the economy right after WWII? Or is views on health care….or any other subject in the news at the time?

For a turd like you to say you have no doubts that Trent is a bigot proves your bigotry. I personally think that J.Jackson is a bigot along w/some other “big name” so called “Civil Rights advocates”.

So to you and your ilk……………
Fuck off and DIE

T. Williams
Largo Fla

Mr. Blako,

I am not defending Mr. Lott but I will defend his right to say anything he choses. If fact I did so as a member of the armed forces of the United States for 22 years. I will also defend your right to voice your opinion.

But, no one notified me that God died and left you in charge. Why should I or anyone else for that matter oust a sitting senator because he said something at a birthday party? A recent president did several things I did not agree with and the system was energized to legally get rid of him. When it did not work he was still our president - and yes, I would have died defending his office, if not the man!

This is such a load of crap. Trent Lott is elected by the people of his district. If you don’t like his views, tell them they have no right to elect a man you don’t like. As to the opinion of the African American community, they have been so brainwashed by the Democrats that it makes little difference who the Republicans run or what they say, the blacks vote democratic. Why should Republicans care about the opinion of African Americans? (In fact, for that very reason, they don’t)

There is a significant portion of the population in this country that wants people like Trent Lott in power because he can do what they are afraid to ask for. In this country of “freedom of expression”, it is suicide to speak freely. We are all critized for our feeling about African Americans, Spanish Americans, Asian Americans, Muslims, “Arabs”, etc. Somehow, it has become Anti-American to have any negative feelings about anyone.

Here is a shock. While we may keep our mouths shut, we have yet to stop thinking for ourselves. That’s why Trent Lott is still in congress. Equality? When the time comes that I can walk down the street in a black neighborhood without fear, I will love my fellowman.

Jim

Dear Mr. Balko,

I must say I was very shocked and disappointed to read your column of the 18th about Senator Trent Lott. For a moment I thought I had gone to a NY Times website. I do agree that Senator Lott has damaged himself tremendously politically and given the liberal Democrats a powerful tool. I also agree with your scenario of how Senate politics could play out if Senate Lott were to remain as Majority Leader. the language of your column and the accusations you made against the Senator came across both as strident and insulting. I do not know the Senator personally so I cannot comment on whether or not he is a “racist”. I would say that it would be very hard for a true “racist” to be elected and relected Senator from the state of Mississippi in this day and age. As to your linking of the Council of Conservative Citizens with the Southern heritage movement that is a stretch at best. There are large numbers of Southerners involved in preserving our history and heritage who have no connection to the “Council”. In fact I would venture that a majority of them are not even aware that the “Council” exists. Sir, there is nothing “shady” about Southern heritage organizations. They are out in the open and were one of the first voices raised up against the “political correctness” movement that is engulfing our nation. Long before Fox News ever existed these groups were there pointing out the lunacy in trying to erase parts of our history that people find “offensive”. As to the term Neo-Confederate, that is one of those terms that I expect to hear tossed about in the Times or on the other networks any time someone in the media decides a little fear or disinformation needs to be disseminated. The connection made in most peoples minds upon hearing the term Neo-Confederate should be obvious as I am sure you are aware. If you would do a little research into the Southern heritage movement you would find that it does not in any way condone the sins of our ! past and in fact seeks to bring them to light. The history of the South has been distorted for years so that we may serve as some kind of moral salve for the rest of the nation, helping it to feel better about its own sins. Racism and conservatism are not ideologically linked except in the minds of liberals, so why should Southerners, the most ideologically conservative population of the U.S., continue to be linked to racist beliefs. We have proved beyond any shadow of a doubt to everyone, except the most dedicated liberal navel gazers, that we have grown beyond racism and yet maintained a dedication to state’s rights and federalism. We have carried the conservative banner for years, when it was not popular to do so. We have maintained a respect for honor, tradition, and patriotism when the rest of the nation said they were worn-out ideas for a by-gone era. To be insulted by those who are so blinded by their own liberal mindset is one thing, to be insulted by someone who proclaims themself to be to be beyond that is quite another. Frankly, I expected better from both Fox News and yourself.

Deo vindice,

Wade Barnett

Instructor of Economics and Government
LCHS
Lawrenceburg, TN
Former Cmdr. Sons of Confederate Veterans Camp #214

This is the most asinine article I have read in a long time. What Trent Lott said was not racist…if that were the case, every person who attended that birthday party for the former DEMOCRATIC Senator should be labeled as a racist as well. I mean seriously, it should be guilty by association. None of those people can throw the racist stone at Lott because they were at the same party praising and supporting the same man.

I have my own disagreements with Mr. Lott because I feel that he lets the Socialist/Communist/Bleeding-Heart-Crazys get away with murder in the Senate. In this particular case, he did nothing wrong. All this media coverage just shows the people how much the media’s grubby hands are actually in the Democratic Party’s pocket. This is absolutely ridiculous and you should be ashamed of yourself. (Unsigned)

NOTE TO THE EDITOR

In an effort to show the media is not simply the voice of the democratic party and liberals, please spend as many days addressing these (as top headlines) items of interest.

I am neither a Democrat or Republican, but your views - while trying to incite discussion - truly show how low the liberals in this country will go. The Truth is our there, and some of us are finding it. Most intelligent people have taken the comments of Sen.Lott as they were intended. I cannot believe that your news coverage is created out of ignorance, so I must accept that the on sided coverage is due to something else.

1) The liberals, as usual, use amnesia as a political tool. Where is the hoopla over Senator Robert KKK Byrd? This guy was actually a senior member of the KKK!! And he’s made his racism evident as recently as in 1998, where he called some people, “white niggers,” obviously putting down whites while using his hatred for blacks as a stepping stone.
2) Al Gore’s father was a stringent segregationist, however AL has never denounced him. Is Al a racist?

3) Clinton’s mentor/god William Fullbright was also a segregationist, yet Clinton had the audacity to give him a Presidential Honor Medal!!! Where were all the liberals when he was the president - AND NOW?

4) The people denouncing Lott actually ARE racists. For example, the “Reverand” Jesse Jackson calling NYC “Hymietown.” And we all know the racial demagoguery of Al Shady Sharpton.

5) Hillary Clinton’s strong ties with the Black Panthers. Why hasn’t this been discussed? Is it OK to hate whites, but not OK to hate blacks? Please.

6) Civil Rights Act of 1964, was propelled by the Republicans remember. Democrats like Al Gore’s father and Fullbright wrote at length to oppose its passing and explained why segregation was needed.

7) Thurmon’s stance on segregation has obviously changed. He has long since stated he regretted being a segregationist when he was a Democrat back over 5 decades ago. Luckily, he saw the light and switched parties.

Watching all of you - And Deciding for Myelf.

Mark

Yes, Trent Lott should resign, but other than that you’re a complete moron

“Lace me with words of destruction and I’ll explode, but supply me with the will to survive and watch the world grow” –Tupac Amaru Shakur

Jasmine Thompson

Good Afternoon,

Has Trent Lott lost power? Yes. However, more important than that is the tactic that got employed here. Do you remember Newt Gingrich? It is the same thing all over again. The Democrats lost the Senate and Lott is the casualty. Being a person of principle, I’d rather see the Republican party tough it out and preove everyone wrong. Most of the so-called bigotry oriented information dredged up is over 20 years old. Do not people change? Further, this was a good opportunity for people to take him out of context for all of the wrong reasons (something I do not think Martin Luther King would have liked too much himself). The Democrats have not yet understood exactly why they lost the elections. Until it dawns on them that We the People vote for candidates that concentrate on what they stand for (rather than their percieved shortcomings of their opponents), they will continue to dwindle.

Is Lott a bigot? I honestly do not know. But this I do know, he’s an honerable man which is far more than can be attrributed by many up on capital hill.

You may agitate all you like; but remember many of us do have brains and can see straight through the smoke and mirrors!

Richard Helm
Florida

You are NOT from Mississippi and you do NOT know Trent Lott, I AM, and I do. You have NEVER been more wrong about anyone in your life. To call Trent Lott a bigot is a disgrace. Trent Lott has done more for african americans in Mississippi than you will ever know. The people who voted for Trent Lott—Black or white, know this to be true.

You need to check your facts before you go off spouting negative and wrong accusations against such an outstanding man!!! Shame on you for being SO wrong.

Lisa Comer

This is the most biased letter written yet concerning this issue. The Democratic party was the party that advocated Segregation in the 1950’s and 1960’s, and they are yelling the loudest–Bull Conner, police commissioner of B’ham., AL ,was a democrate, Gov. George Wallace standing in the school house door at the University of Alabama, of course was a democrate. The democrates are not the party you portray them to be, they are just catering to the black and minority vote.

No one wants to go backward to the days of segregation, it was humiliating and oppressive for all Americans not just the black people, that is mostly understood in the South, this was just a way to get the Leader of the Republication Party on the ropes by the Democrates because they have failed so miserably to lead this country in a moral and just way. Most of their values are in the wrong direction, Pro Choice–Abortion is what it is and it is the murder of innocent babies. This is what the Democratic party advocates, can that compare with this issue. Oppression that has been recognized and laws passed to correct, is where we are with regards to segregation but we are still killing babies even after Rowe denounced what she did as the worst decision of her life.

Go think about all those babies, over 4,000 a day in the United States alone, murdered and sanctioned by the laws passed mostly by the democrates and the ACLU lobbyist.

Sylba Pruitt

I think one thing you forgot to say is that another reason that you would like to see Trent Lott out is because you are a liberal and you would see him accidentally running over neighbor’s cat as enough reason to oust him from the Senate.

Now let me say that I don’t agree with Lott’s remarks, but I think they were taken out of context somewhat, and that doesn’t make him a black hearted raciest. (I guess being a white male adds no credibility to that statement however.)

The one thing I am very sick of, being from the south in New Orleans area, the notion that anything having to do with Southern Heritage is racist in nature (not saying some are not, famous in the news is Duke). But you know there was more to the Civil War than slavery and there is more to being proud of your Southern Heritage than being a racist. I don’t see myself as Civil War Historian, or even having a lot of interest in it, but I would find it very hard to believe that the main reason the men fought and died fighting for the South is because they wanted to keep the black man down.

And on the point of anyone in the black community ever accepting an apology from Lott, it would never happen, nor would I expect it to ever happen because they despise him to begin with because he is a Republican. All these things you mentioned Lott will not be able to do are true, but only because liberal media will never let it die, no matter what he does or doesn’t do.

Just as a side note (maybe this all was just a side note), not being a reader of yours back then, I would guess you were asking to give forgiveness and for everyone to just let the issue go away so that the country can move on when the whole Clinton scandal was going on. This is something I believe to be much worse offense toward the country than the Lott issue, but that is just the view of white conservative male….. One thing I will give you, at least the Democrats for the most part held together behind Clinton. Whether or not the Republicans do will decide the fate of Lott, and I hope they do the same

I will finish by apologizing for the disjointedness of the email (and probably the grammatical inaccuracies of it) but it typed up very quickly in the little bit of time I had for my ranting

Sincerely,

Troy Jeanfreau
New Orleans

Break your pen. Or break your mouth. You don’t know what a gentleman is.I am sick of the words that comes out of your sadistic mouth.

Charles McConnell

IDIOT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

F. Steve Troy

The world is full of people, who think they are self-rightness! You are in that class. Think, God your judgement doesn’t matter. Only God knows the Soul of Men.

James A. Angle

Dear Mr. Balko,

I won’t even dignify this tripe with a response.

Britt Hall
Beaumont, Texas

PS: And I’m not a racist or a bigot. I think the news media, spurred on by a
bunch of idiots we call civil rights leaders, have taken a few light-hearted
comments about a frail old man’s history and turned them into controversy
because there’s nothing more of substance for them to do during the holiday
season.

You should also include Ted Kennedy and Robert Bryd to step down. There is only one set of standards in this country. The Republicans are supposed to follow the rules and the Democrats can do anything they want, like booze it up, lie, cheat on their wives and that’s OK. You people support this way of life.

Robert Field

Your attacks against Trent Lott are disgusting. More than anything, they show YOUR bigotry. The northern media has long been very bigoted against white southerners. And that bigotry has been so pervasive that people like you know it’s safe to take cheap shots against them. For one thing, Lott’s remarks didn’t even mention segregation. For another thing, racism and segregation has always existed in the north as well as the south. Name ONE northern city where the majority of white citizens did not oppose desegregation of their neighborhoods and schools. And during the Civil War, while northern armies were invading the south to force them to free their slaves, mobs of whites in New York City were rioting, beating, and lynching any blacks they could lay hands on. Your completely hypocritical attitude is typical of all the idiots in the media. Even the so-called conservative media ganged up on Lott. Well, your gutlessness has allowed the Democrats to hurt the whole Republican Party. George W. Bush cut his own throat when he threw Trent Lott to the wolves. The white southerners have been the BACKBONE of the Republican Party for decades. Without them, the Republicans would be nothing. The hell with your anti-white bigotry, the hell with the Republican Party, the hell with Fox News, and the hell with you.

Steve MacDermut

Just a few of the better ones, here. I’ll post the positive responses and a few other interesting messages later.

This entry was posted on Thursday, December 19th, 2002 at 9:02 am by Radley Balko and is filed under Uncategorized. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.