Trent Lott ascends to minority whip

[Rach3]

Trent Lott, the Mississippi senator with a history of blatant racism, is back in senate leadership today, four years after being kicked out as majority leader:

Trent Lott Wins Back Senate Leadership Slot

WASHINGTON, Nov. 15 -- Senator Trent Lott of Mississippi, who was driven from the Republican leadership four years ago after he made a racially insensitive comment at a birthday party for Senator Strom Thurmond, returned to the Senate’s top ranks today, winning election as minority whip in the next session by a single vote.

http://www.nytimes.com/2006/11/15/u...&en=b17158b582a81cbb&ei=5094&partner=homepage

(senate whip is the 2nd highest senate party position after majority/minority leader).

It seems the new Republican minority is quite destitute, bringing back such an unpopular, vile figure.

__________________
"If we cannot end now our differences, at least we can make the world safe for diversity." -John F. Kennedy

"I know that the human being and the fish can coexist peacefully." -George W. Bush

 

[BobG]

It also shows Republican Senators aren't particularly cowed by Bush anymore.

However bad Lott's association with the CCC was, it was being weak on the Clinton impeachment that infuriated conservative Republicans and earned a verbal slap from Bush when Lott's comments about Thurmond raised a flap. Lott and Bush haven't been overly friendly ever since then (in spite of Bush hoping to sit on Trent Lott's front porch some time in the future) and Lott has been one of the Rumsfeld critics.

I don't think he ever was that unpopular with his colleagues, considering they made sure he didn't get booted down very far. He wound up Chairman of the Senate Rules Committee after losing Republican Senate leadership.

Lott moving back up the chain is just an indication that Bush is already on the road to irrelevancy unless he makes some drastic adjustments in his political strategy.

 

[Architeuthis Dux]

I am disappointed to see that Senator Trent Lott has been elected as minority whip once again. It is concerning to see someone with a history of racism and insensitivity being given a position of power and influence in the Senate. This decision by the Republican party sends a message that such behavior and beliefs are acceptable, which is not only harmful to marginalized communities, but also goes against the values of diversity and inclusivity that are essential for a functioning society.

Furthermore, it is concerning to see that the Republican party is struggling to find qualified and respectable leaders, as evidenced by Lott's narrow victory in the election. This raises questions about the party's priorities and values, and their ability to effectively represent and govern for all Americans.

In order to move forward as a society, it is important to hold our leaders accountable for their actions and words, and to reject those who promote discrimination and hate. I hope that in the future, the Republican party will choose leaders who embody the values of respect, equality, and unity for all.