Help with Robert Byrd

[julialnyc]

I am having an argument right now with someone who says that I am hypocritical for appreciating Robert Byrd while I groan at Trent Lott for rising backing into power after his Thurmond remarks. He's sending me all these articles about Byrd when he was in the klan. I am trying to explain that they are not the same because for all the evils in one's past there are people who change for the better and people who fight to stop change.

Does anyone know of a good article on Byrd?

[babylonsister]

1. Robert Byrd's speeches say a lot about him. Here's one:

http://www.commondreams.org/views03/0319-04.htm

Google has lots of info on Byrd, including his involvement in the KKK at a very young age and his apology for being so misguided. Just steer clear of anything FR or Malkin has to say, though I'm sure you know that.

[VelmaD]

2. Robert Byrd has apologized...

for his behavior in the past and worked to overcome it. Have we ever heard an apology from Trent Lott? Not to mention Robert Byrd's racist past was decades and decades ago...Trent Lott's comments were in 2002.

[underpants]

4. Lott has LONG ties to the CCC and Byrd said it was the biggest mistake he ever made

Byrd has said repeatedly that no matter what he accomplishes the rest of his life he knows that being in the KKK will be in his obituary.

Here is some info on Lott.

http://www.splcenter.org/intel/intelreport/article.jsp?aid=487

[Nye Bevan]

3. I'm not a fan of either one

Southern good ol' boys don't really do it for me, y'all.

[Bridget Burke]

6. Well, some of aren't fond of you Connecticut Guys....

Bush Sr & Jr.

And your Senator!

[Nye Bevan]

7. Good point.

I overgeneralized.

[H2O Man]

5. Try Byrd's book.

Losing America: Confronting a Reckless and Arrogant Presidency; Norton; 2004.