Why Lott must stay

By Staff
Dec. 15, 2002
We Southerners bear a heavy load when the question turns to race. Here in the most integrated ground in America, our leaders sometimes seem to be held to a different standard than are leaders elsewhere.
Unfair? Of course. Yet we accept it because we accept the South's position of influence on American politics and culture. And we expect the South to provide the leadership that moves America ahead under the banner of fairness and equality of opportunity.
There is no question that U.S. Sen. Trent Lott's comments at U.S. Sen. Strom Thurmond's 100th birthday party were insensitive and inappropriate. President Bush was correct when he said Lott's comments do not reflect the spirit of America.
Inner soul
Lott has now apologized three times, most recently to the people of Mississippi in an exceptionally revealing nationally televised press conference on Friday in Pascagoula. Lott gave a glimpse of his inner soul, saying his words at Thurmond's birthday party were unacceptable. He apologized for reopening old wounds and pledged to work to heal them. He referred to segregation as a stain on the nation.
We accept his apology. We encourage all Mississippians, indeed, Americans, to do the same. At the same time, we encourage special interest groups whose livelihoods depend on shrill partisanship and the perpetuation of racial divisiveness to also examine their own souls in a process of healing.
In his 30 years in Congress, Lott has compiled a tremendous record of delivering for the people of Mississippi regardless of race, gender or nationality.
Today, when Asian auto manufacturing companies look to expand, they frequently look to Mississippi at least partly because Trent Lott holds a position of influence in the U.S. Senate.
When he works constituent cases, he never asks the race of the person who has a problem with the federal bureaucracy.
When he works to secure a Navy shipbuilding contract for the largest private employer in the state most people still call it Ingalls Shipbuilding  Lott is helping to secure jobs not just for white people but also for black pipefitters and electricians and metal workers. They are blue collar workers in a blue collar community who earn a paycheck today because Trent Lott has been their congressman and senator.
When he works to secure federal research and development money for Jackson State University for projects that will support Nissan's $1.5 billion investment in Canton Lott is also helping young African Americans get a good education, the key to a better life. Students at Jackson State University will have access to good jobs and unprecedented opportunity because Trent Lott is their senator.
In the scope of our own human frailties, we as Americans must accept our own weaknesses, just as from time to time we must accept the mistakes of our leaders. It was important for Lott to acknowledge his mistake, apologize and seek forgiveness. And now he, like the rest of us, must plow ahead through the political fog to build a better nation.
Resign? No way
Lott is a distinguished public servant whose voice must not simply fade away. A racist he most decidedly is not. The issues with which he and his congressional colleagues must deal the fight against terrorism, restoring economic strength, the role of the federal government and, now, racial reconciliation  remain of paramount importance.
Resign his position as Senate Majority Leader? No way.
If a perfect human being exists on this earth, we have yet to encounter him. If the perfect politician or journalist or minister or businessman or educator exists, now is the time to show themselves. Let's use this opportunity and take Lott at his invitation to resolve that we will work together to conquer the scourge of racial prejudice in this country, once and for all.