Forum Top Ten List: Robert Byrd

[Franzl]

2. A cross to burn, of course. (Come on!)

I find that extremely insulting.

Same thing to Fezzy's comment.

[Franzl]

I know about Byrd's past....and I understand that it makes people uncomfortable, and yes...I recognize that it's part of a top 10 thread, but I always tend to defend Byrd, especially against people that still consider him to be some racist KKK guy (even now)....I'm not sure if your statements were simply good fun, or if you actually meant it.

I believe Byrd has said and done more than enough to show where his true political and moral loyalties lie.

[Franzl]

All good fun, of course. I have a great deal of respect for Byrd (and am considering making him president at some point in my TL) though I do think he should retire.

Objectively, you're right, Byrd should retire.

But I'd hate to see him go....

[Franzl]

I know about Byrd's past....and I understand that it makes people uncomfortable, and yes...I recognize that it's part of a top 10 thread, but I always tend to defend Byrd, especially against people that still consider him to be some racist KKK guy (even now)....I'm not sure if your statements were simply good fun, or if you actually meant it.

I believe Byrd has said and done more than enough to show where his true political and moral loyalties lie.

Still, 14 hours and 13 minutes, the only non-Southern Democrat in '64 (according to wikipedia) to be part of that side of the civil rights bill.  It certainly took him a while.  This isn't like an isolated incident, say Chappaquiddick for Ted, to get all "insulted"
 over

Yes, of course.

But let me ask you this: do you still consider him to be racist?