Questions about Prejudice that Demand an Answer

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Questions about Prejudice that Demand an Answer
by Robert Yoho, Columnist and Senior Editor

December 20, 2002

"Eye on Conservatism"

Can you name one person who has suffered any real and legitimate harm from Sen. Trent Lott’s statement?
Can you name one thing that Lott has done legislatively that will roll back the gains that black Americans have already made?
If Trent Lott’s words and beliefs are truly the issue, then what is the purpose in researching the backgrounds of those Republicans who might succeed him?
If Lott steps down, will the liberals quit accusing all Republicans—from Ronald Reagan to William F. Buckley—of being racists?
What apology could Lott issue—or exactly what words must he utter—to convince people that he is truly sincere?
Will you only be convinced of Lott’s sincerity if he suddenly begins to push legislation through the Senate that is favored by the NAACP and opposed by his own party?
Will a change of behavior and policies truly indicate Lott’s change of heart or are they merely the attempts of a politician to hold onto his power?
Would you decide Lott wasn’t sincere if he ever just one time in the future opposes a policy favored by the civil rights leadership?
Can you name one living American citizen who was ever enslaved by any other living American citizen?
Can who name one living American citizen who has ever owned another living American citizen as a slave?
If no living American citizen has ever been enslaved, then to whom do we pay reparations?
Is Sen. Robert Byrd’s use of the word "nigger" less offensive than the benign comments by Sen. Lott?
Why should the statements of Sen. Byrd be largely ignored while the statements of Lott are vehemently attacked?
How many crosses did Sen. Lott burn?
How many crosses did Sen. Byrd set on fire?
If Sen. Lott should step down from his leadership post, then what should be done about Sen. Byrd?
Is it okay to be a sheet wearing member of the Ku Klux Klan if you later join the Democratic Party?
How do you know that Byrd has truly changed his ways if he is still reciting the common words and phrases of a practicing Klansman?
Are racially bigoted statements only acceptable if a liberal Democrat utters them?
Are apologies only regarded as trustworthy when a liberal Democrat makes them?
How are people who accuse all Republicans of being racists any different from those who form false stereotypes and generalizations about any other specific group of people?
Who is worse: the former star athlete who brutally killed two people or a formerly unknown police detective who loved his wife and kids and uttered the word "nigger" in the attempt to sell a screenplay?
Who would you rather have defending your wife and children: Mark Fuhrman or O.J. Simpson?
(Ladies only) Who would you prefer to have for an ex-husband: O.J. Simpson or Mark Fuhrman?
Can you name the only country in history that went to war over the issue of slavery?
Can any one person perfectly articulate the thoughts and beliefs of an entire race of people?
Can any one person accurately reflect the beliefs and policies of one political party?
What politician in Washington completely reflects your views on every issue?
What pastor, priest, or rabbi speaks for every single person of faith?
Who speaks for you on race, religion, and politics?
If the Republican Party is full of racists, then why do Clarence Thomas, Thomas Sowell, J.C. Watts, Alan Keyes, Colin Powell, Condoleeza Rice, and others support so many of their policies?
Did your mother lie to you when she said: "Sticks and stones will break your bones, but names will never hurt you?" ***

Photo of Robert Yoho courtesy of staff files