This is why we need the politics of inclusion, not exclusion.

[calteacherguy]

Then there is Obama's encounter with West Virginia senator Robert Byrd, who blocked civil rights legislation early in his career but is now among the more progressive and admired old bulls in the Senate. Soon after Obama's arrival in the Senate, he called on Byrd in his office. The two talked about Senate rules, the Constitution, and the history of the Senate that Byrd wrote. It's "remarkable" the senator had time to write, Obama commented, followed by this exchange:

"Oh, I have been very fortunate," said, nodding to himself. "Much to be thankful for. There's not much I wouldn't do over." Suddenly he paused and looked squarely into my eyes. "I only have one regret, you know. The foolishness of youth..."
We sat there for a moment, considering the gap of years and experience between us.
"We all have regrets, Senator," I said finally. "We just ask in the end, God's grace shines upon us."
He studied my face for a moment, then nodded with the slightest of smiles."

http://www.elle.com/featurefullstory/9959/barack-obama-page8.html

Early Tuesday afternoon, Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., sent an appeal over the Internet urging people to contribute to the re-election campaign of Sen. Robert C. Byrd, D-W.Va.

In less than 24 hours, more than 15,000 contributors gave $634,000 to Byrd’s campaign, according to the National Journal’s daily Internet publication “Hotline.” The average donation was about $42.25.

In Obama’s appeal, sent out by the MoveOn Political Action Committee, he wrote, “In 2006, Senator Byrd will be the target of Republicans because he stands up for what he believes. Will you join me in supporting Senator Byrd’s campaign for re-election, before a critical deadline this Thursday?”

Obama told The Charleston Gazette on Wednesday, “Sen. Byrd has spent his career in the Senate standing up for the Constitution and putting principle over politics. The people of West Virginia are lucky to have such a distinguished and powerful advocate fighting for them who consistently delivers results.”

Rep. Alan Mollohan, D-W.Va., said Wednesday, “I have no doubt that George Bush and Karl Rove will try to defeat him because they do not like Sen. Byrd. But I think they misjudge the character of West Virginians.

http://www.commondreams.org/headlines05/0331-11.htm

Someday, homophobes will see the light, too. But we have to reach out. I firmly believe that to the depths of my soul.

[ruggerson]

1. Ok. I'm putting in a call to Fred Phelps right now. You've convinced me.

n/t

[IndianaJones]

3. please...post an inspirational story about seeing the light. nt.

[ruggerson]

5. Hold on, I'm talking to Fred and we're both weeping with joy

n/t

[IndianaJones]

9. a tear jerker. nt.

[ruggerson]

12. You're mocking my Kumbaya moment with Fred

n/t

[IndianaJones]

13. I congratulate you on your larger tent. nt.

[ruggerson]

14. We're talking codpiece, the tent's so big

n/t

[IndianaJones]

15. alas, my tent is small. Perhaps I should follow your lead and contact the local KKK. nt.

[ruggerson]

16. I think they sell tent enlargers. Look in the back of a Hustler.

n/t

[NMMNG]

8. Now *that's* bridging the gap

:rofl:

[IndianaJones]

2. Byrd is a homophobe as well as a racist. When will he see the light? nt.

[calteacherguy]

4. Is he? Who are you to know his soul? nt

[IndianaJones]

7. he uses the n-word. is that no longer considered racist? nt.

[calteacherguy]

11. Let he who is without sin cast the first stone...and I'd like a link for that.

I believe in forgiveness.

[IndianaJones]

17. I don't feel like searching. nt.

[dsc]

18. Here

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Byrd

On March 4, 2001, Byrd said race relations:

"Are much, much better than they've ever been in my lifetime.... I think we talk about race too much. I think those problems are largely behind us ... I just think we talk so much about it that we help to create somewhat of an illusion. I think we try to have good will. My old mom told me, 'Robert, you can't go to heaven if you hate anybody.' We practice that. There are white niggers. I've seen a lot of white niggers in my time. I'm going to use that word. We just need to work together to make our country a better country, and I'd just as soon quit talking about it so much."<33>

[ruggerson]

24. Was he on or off his meds that day?

n/t

[Basileus Basileon]

6. I think it's a beautiful story.

I also disagree with the McClurkin invitation. That had nothing to do with reconciliation, and was not a progressive action.

[Sparkly]

10. Sounds like it must have been a powerful moment.

For both of them.

Thanks for posting this.

[cuke]

19. How is Sen Byrd considered progressive?

Exactly which definition of progressive includes the word bigot, racist and homophobe?

[IndianaJones]

21. right on Iraq and a Constitution in your pocket. nt

[cuke]

22. Incredible response

You can't imagine how many questions of mine you just answered :-)

[NCarolinawoman]

20. Nice. Thanks. n/t

[gateley]

23. What a wonderful story! And what a wonderful gesture on Obama's part to

solicit contributions for Byrd. He's a big person - not sure I could be so forgiving. Impressive.