Thursday, Dec. 19, 2002

By Staff
What Republicans should be doing
To the editor:
I sincerely wish that the media-generated controversy surrounding our own Sen. Trent Lott had never happened. He has served our state and nation well over a long period of time; and, as a lifelong Republican, I have worked and voted for him throughout his career.
It is so unfair that political conservatives can make a mistake, apologize for it, and yet not be forgiven by the media, when, on the other hand, a political liberal makes a major mistake in his life, then lies about it to try to cover it up, then the media not only forgives, but expects the public to forgive as well.
Hopefully, no other harm will come from this incident, such as damaging the chances of Judge Charles Pickering being confirmed to a federal appeals court seat. He is one of Mississippi's finest citizens and would serve our nation well with his high ability and honorable character.
The broader questions for Republicans are where do we go from here, and what political judgments will we make in the future?
As a longtime member and supporter of Mission Mississippi, a Christian organization dedicated to racial reconciliation through changed hearts, I believe our joint future as Mississippians will only be as bright as our commitment is strong to treating others as we would like to be treated. As long as any of the people in our state are not achieving to their fullest potential, then all of us, as a state, will never be all that we can become.
This does not mean supporting unequal treatment proposals, such as affirmative action quotas, which are counterproductive. But it does mean increasing opportunities for everyone and judging people on their ability, work ethic and overall character.
As a Republican candidate for lieutenant governor in 2003, this is what I think the majority of Mississippians also believe  not only because it is morally right, but because it makes sense in developing the brightest possible economic future for all Mississippians.
Randy H. Russell
Ridgeland
GOP's big tent'
To the editor:
I am a native of Meridian and have been following the controversy involving Sen. Trent Lott. Surely Mr. Lott has done a lot for the state of Mississippi, but as long as he continues to espouse the core values of separatism and segregation he will never be a true man of God.
Mr. Lott is not alone in the South, or even in his own party or opposing parties. How can any of these people profess to be of the people and for the people if they do not love or at least respect all people, regardless of race, religion or creed.
The Republican "big tent" concept is nothing more than KKK sheet without the cutouts. The Democratic rainbow is so awash in flux, the hue of the colors in the pot of gold is fast losing its luster.
Tony Williams
San Diego, Calif.
Trent Lott a fine Christian man
To the editor:
I have listened with interest to the different comments made concerning Sen. Trent Lott and have felt confusion and concern about what I see happening. Sen. Lott made an off-the-wall comment which has been misconstrued and for which he has apologized numerous times.
As a citizen of this state, I would like to remind the people of facts I have known about Sen. Lott through the years, the greatest being his deep concern for the people of this state. As our problems were brought to his attention, one by one, he did something to help us. Working on a one-to-one basis does not get a lot of support or votes, but it certainly shows his concern for the people. He does not ask the color of your skin, your religious beliefs or sex nor has he ever met us personally, but he has spent countless hours working on each single case, one by one, helping the people of this state.
Sen. Trent Lott is a very fine Christian man and has been outstanding as a Christian leader of this state and this country. It is time for us to voice our support of him. Maybe the other leaders of this country should take a lesson from Trent Lott on how to feel compassion for the people and ways to help the people of this country.
Through the centuries as God's people move forward, Satan attacks them from behind to try to stop them or drag them down. Please don't let this happen to Trent Lott. Our country needs more leaders who are Christian men, compassionate and unafraid to stand for what they believe. He has apologized enough for something that was not intended the way it was taken by a few.
Thank you for hearing this one small voice today.
Sandra Price
via e-mail