Mr. Lott Goes To Compton

Mr. Lott Goes To Compton
by Nathan Poole, Columnist

December 19, 2002

Contributor Nathan Poole The following is an excerpt from a non-existent speech given by Senator Trent Lott at a non-existent town meeting in Compton, California.

"First of all, let me thank those of you who have invited me to speak here today so that I may apologize for my repugnant, disgusting, and morally bankrupt comments I made at Senator Strom Thurmond's 100th birthday party. I begin by apologizing for the seventh and eighth times for making such insensitive remarks. I apologize for the ninth time for any hurt I might have caused.

"When I said that America would not have as many of the problems that it has today if Strom Thurmond (whom it has been pointed out to me was a segregationist) was elected president in 1948, some of you-in fact, all of you-took my remarks to mean that I believe that America would really have less problems had Senator Thurmond been elected president. That's not what I meant at all. I simply meant that in theory, if segregation was still in effect, and Blacks and Whites were still kept separate from one another, then America would be a more enjoyable place for everybody-both White and Black-to live. That's all I meant by that.

"Some of you (O.K., all of you) also took my comments to mean that I, Senator Trent Lott, believe that segregation is a good thing. Let just say one thing for all of you to hear. I believe that Segregation is wrong, and do not support it now, and I have never supported it in the past. However, if somebody comes up with a different name for keeping Blacks and Whites separate from each other, then I would definitely explore the option of supporting that.

"I am not a racist. To be a racist, you have to believe that you are superior to another person, and, as a man of extreme faith, I do not believe that I am superior to anybody. I just believe that Blacks commit most of the crime in this country, and that Whites should avoid Blacks at all costs.

"Once again, allow me to apologize for the tenth time for my insensitive remarks. I am sorry (eleven), and it will never happen again. Thank you, and good night." ***

A native of San Antonio, Texas and a veteran of the United States Air Force, Nathan Poole is employed by the United States Postal Service. He lives in Irwindale, California with his wife and family.

Photo of the author courtesy of staff files