Trent, it's time for you to step down

Trent, when you praised Strom Thurmond's 1948 segregationist presidential campaign earlier this month, you made, you now claim, a "poor choice of words." The problem, Trent, is that your record shows that you have supported state-sponsored racism for your entire adult life.

There are some who want to believe that only liberals and partisan Democrats are upset by your warm embrace of segregation. Let the record be clear that this is one conservative, Republican American of African descent who is totally disgusted with your words and your half-century long record of support of segregation. This is not about Democrat vs. Republican, liberal vs. conservative. This is about whether we demand that our elected leaders uphold their oath to defend the Constitution.

Trent, when you were an undergraduate in 1962, you defeated efforts to integrate your University of Mississippi fraternity. Trent, as a congressman, you repeatedly voted against civil-rights legislation in the 1970s. In 1980, you praised Strom Thurmond's pro-segregation presidential campaign. Was that a poor choice of words 22 years ago Trent? Or did those words reflect your heart and soul?

Trent, how am I to believe that you mis-spoke after learning that you tried to get Jefferson Davis' citizenship restored. Trent, how can I trust you after learning that you filed a legal brief in support of Bob Jones University that said racial discrimination was not always immoral. Trent, your gun is not smoking … it's on fire.

Trent, for a half century, your words and actions have been clear and unmistakable. You have always been opposed to equal rights for Americans of color. Your words and actions show that the only time you "believe" in racial equality is when it is politically expedient to do so. But time and time again, when you speak from your heart, you show your true colors.

Trent, isn't it indeed ironic that your repulsive statements honoring segregation surfaced at the same time that the U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments as to whether cross burning should be illegal. You may want us to forget how ugly, how horrible, how murderous state-sponsored racism was in America. I will never forget.

You may want us to forget the aggressive, murderous efforts that segregationists used to prevent Americans of color from having all of the rights and responsibilities of American citizens. I will never forget.

Sen. Lott, you have asked me to accept your apology. As a Christian, I accept your apology, but as an American, I cannot forgive you for violating your oath to uphold the Constitution. As a leader of the Republican Party, you have repeatedly spoken about the importance of people taking personal responsibility for their actions. Well, Trent, it is time that you walked your talk.

You didn't make a poor choice of words, Trent. Those were words that you have lived by all of you life. It is time to end the lie and step down. If the people of Mississippi want you as their senator, that is their right. But you are totally unqualified to be the "majority leader" of the United States Senate.

Trent, it is time for you to step down.