Rev. William J. Barber II, co-chair of the Poor People's Campaign weighs in on Gov. Northam in WAPO:

[ehrnst]

How Ralph Northam and others can repent of America's original sin

The Rev. William J. Barber II is president of Repairers of the Breach and co-chair of the Poor People’s Campaign: A National Call for Moral Revival.

Following news that Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam’s social life in the mid-1980s included parties where white people dressed in blackface, a stream of offensive photos from fraternity parties in the late 1970s and early 19 80s has emerged, implicating not only a few bad apples but also white elites across social and ideological lines. To African Americans who have survived the status quo of American racism, this is hardly a surprise. But it does raise again in our common life the question of what it means to repent of America’s racist past and pursue a more perfect union....

But as angry as I can become at those who mock black people and culture to justify their own sense of superiority, I also know that mockery, fear and hatred of black people are the result of a racial caste system, not its causes. White supremacy did not emerge in the United States because of some innate human understanding that black people are inferior to white people. It was an economic choice that Americans of European descent then created an ideology to explain. “I was taught the popular folktale of racism,” American University scholar Ibram Kendi writes, “that ignorant and hateful people had produced racist ideas, and that these racist people had instituted racist policies. But when I learned the motives behind the production of many of America’s most influentially racist ideas, it became obvious that this folk tale, though sensible, was not based on a firm footing in historical evidence....

If Northam, or any politician who has worn blackface, used the n-word or voted for the agenda of white supremacy, wants to repent, the first question they must ask is “How are the people who have been harmed by my actions asking to change the policies and practices of our society?” In political life, this means committing to expand voting rights, stand with immigrant neighbors, and provide health care and living wages for all people. In Virginia, it means stopping the environmental racism of the pipeline and natural gas compressor station Dominion Energy intends to build in Union Hill, a neighborhood founded by emancipated slaves and other free African Americans.

Scapegoating politicians who are caught in the act of interpersonal racism will not address the fundamental issue of systemic racism. We have to talk about policy. But we also have to talk about trust and power. If white people in political leadership are truly repentant, they will listen to black and other marginalized people in our society. They will confess that they have sinned and demonstrate their willingness to listen and learn by following and supporting the leadership of others. To confess past mistakes while continuing to insist that you are still best suited to lead because of your experience is itself a subtle form of white supremacy....

In his 20s and 30s, Democrat Robert C. Byrd of West Virginia was a recruiter for the Ku Klux Klan, serving as the exalted cyclops of his local chapter. He continued to support the Klan into the 1940s, but Byrd later said joining the Klan was his greatest mistake. He demonstrated what repentance can look like by working with colleagues in Congress to extend the Voting Rights Act in 2006 and backing Barack Obama as his party’s candidate for president in 2008. “Senator Byrd and I stood together on many issues,” wrote Rep. John Lewis (D-Ga.), who nearly died fighting for voting rights in Selma, Ala. In our present moral crisis, we must remember that real repentance is possible — and it looks like working together to build the multiethnic democracy we’ve never yet been.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/how-ralph-northam-and-others-can-repent-of-americas-original-sin/2019/02/07/9aef18ec-2b0f-11e9-b011-d8500644dc98_story.html?utm_term=.6e0d61efe7f2
13

[PatSeg]

1. K&R

[femmedem]

2. That's the most eloquent and thoughtful writing I've yet seen on Northam.

Thank you for posting it.

[Hermit-The-Prog]

7. Barber to Lee

You might also enjoy this earlier thread of Rev. Dr. Barber to Gov. Lee of TN:

https://threadreaderapp.com/thread/1087730795631071233.html

[femmedem]

21. Powerful! Thank you so much; I had missed that thread.

I need to educate myself about Rev. Dr. Barber.

[spooky3]

24. He is a frequent guest on Joy Reid's shows.

Always enjoy hearing what he has to say.

[calimary]

31. He has tremendous gravitas. He speaks with such authenticity,

and dignity. He is a towering figure and the conscience of a country.

[volstork]

62. I am ashamed

that that piece of right wing shit is the governor here in TN. We deserve so much better than him.

[Dennis Donovan]

3. Kick and rec. Rev Barber is a very wise man.

[DFW]

9. He is also very respectful and almost humble, despite his imposing physical presence.

The first time I met him was in September, 2015, and I asked him if he had been contacted about speaking at the Democratic Convention the next year, expecting that he had. He surprised me by saying no, he hadn't. I asked him if it would be alright if I talked to my contacts at the DNC to have him speak. He said he would be honored. I thought, wow, HE would be honored? How about the rest of us?

Anyway, a few emails and phone calls later, contact was made. He did indeed speak at the convention, and owed the place, as usual.

[iluvtennis]

30. Wow, love this personal account of meeting Dr Barber.

[DFW]

36. I was one of the VERY few "nobodies" there that evening.

A friend of mine edits a political weekly that has been around since the end of the civil war (the country's oldest continuously published political weekly). They were celebrating the 150th anniversary of its founding, and she sent me a pro-forma invitation, and it was, by coincidence, a day when I actually WAS going to be in Washington (her publication is now based in New York, but the celebration was held in Washington). She was surprised when I accepted, and happy, since we usually don't get to see each other very often.

When I got there, I started with gulp, and then gulp, and then GULP! You should have seen who was there! I knew some of them from before, but there were plenty, including Barber, that I had never met before. To mention a few, Raúl Grijalva, Elizabeth Warren, Cecile Richards, Jerry Nadler, Steve Cohen, E.J. Dionne, John Nichols, Eleanor Clift, Dennis Kucinich, and, of course, William Barber. I shamelessly exploited the fact that Grijalva and Barber are a little slow on their feet to chat with them for a while, as I hadn't met either of them before.

You can see why I qualified as a token "nobody." I was perfectly content to be a nobody hanging with THIS crowd!
[URL=.html][IMG][/IMG][/URL]

[URL=.html][IMG][/IMG][/URL]

[Blue_true]

34. I saw his speech. It was grand.

Except for the people who expressedly showed up to tear it down and boo towering figures, that whole convention was about the best of America.

[DFW]

37. There are very few that can spellbind an audience like William Barber.

Time goes on "pause" when he speaks.

[octoberlib]

45. I'm from North Carolina where Dr Barber instituted Moral Mondays.

He was spectacular at the Dem convention. So inspiring! Thanks for making that possible.

[appal_jack]

61. Absolutely!

Hello from a brother Cackalacker!



-app

[octoberlib]

65. Hello!

I hope we can regain control of our legislature and show Tillis the door in 2020.

[OnDoutside]

58. Well done to you ! That was the first time I had heard of him, and I was riveted by what he had to

say, and the sincerity of how he said it. Thanks again.

[DFW]

69. I had known about him for a while before that. However...

I had no idea he was going to be there at the reception.

For that matter, I had no idea ANY of those people were going to be there. My editor friend (her name is Katrina) is one of those people who literally knows EVERYBODY, so when I heard she was going to hold her 150th anniversary celebration in Washington, I should have known there would be some familiar faces there, but she didn't say a word to me. D.C. is a town where people's plans can change on an instant's notice, so maybe even Katrina didn't know for sure who would really show up. For that matter, I'm sure she hadn't counted on me showing up. She knows where I live. I know she is friends with Elizabeth Warren, and Warren only showed up briefly, maybe for 20 minutes, and then disappeared again. Her appearance there was probably only as a favor to Katrina. She spoke briefly and then hurried off to something else she was due at.

No one spoke long, but Barber was mesmerizing, as he always is, and since I had the chance to talk to him, I said, hey why not? I brought up the Democratic Convention, and voilà, next thing you know, he's a scheduled speaker. That's how lots of things come about in D.C.--people talking to each other. I'm sure it's why Republican Senators don't often talk to Democratic Senators any more--McTurtle is probably terrified they might learn something (you know, facts, and dangerous stuff like that).

About ten years ago, I tried to arrange either lunch or dinner with two friends who were rather well-known, but had never really met. It took me 18 months, but I finally found a date when all three of us would be in Washington. One of them was 90 at the time (she passed away several years ago), and she didn't travel much any more (not everybody can be Dr. Ruth). Anyway, there were the two of them--recognized by anybody in Washington--, my brother and me. The people in the restaurant were probably wondering who the two nobodies at the table were (my brother and me), but we're used to that. At Katrina's reception, my brother and I were definitely two nobodies among a LOT of somebodies. It was quite a heady occasion!

[OnDoutside]

70. Well you did a great service in asking him, and mesmerizing is the word. He has great presence.

Actually on a side note, do you know Donna Brazile ? I recently saw the Finding your roots episode about her family line, on youtube and Louis Henry corrected her on a family story about her descendant's slave owner. They had said that it was a Colonel Welch, but Louis had found that he was Colonel Walsh. That name is very popular in Cork, Waterford and other counties along the South East to the South West. While Walsh would be called Walsh nowadays, in my mother's time and before, Walsh would be most frequently be spoken as Welch or Welsh ! So I think Walsh himself could have spoken his name himself as Welch/Welsh, and that is why Donna's ancestors would have passed on his name as Welch/Welsh instead of Walsh, so I believe her story was correct. If you know anyone who knows her, could you pass it on ?

Walsh/Welch/Welsh comes from the same meaning of Foreigner/Britton/Welshman

[DFW]

71. No, she is one whose path and mine have never crossed.

From what I understand, she is more of a media talking head these days, although I'm she she has some of kind of revenue-producing job in the DC private sector besides just the $250 they get per talk show appearance. I rarely run into those types if I don't know them from somewhere else already. I'm sure some of the people I know know her as well, but I never asked. She has briefly served as DNC chair, so it would stand to reason that Howard knows her, but we haven't specifically discussed it.

[G_j]

4. K&R!

[lark]

5. Love him, and so appreciate his intelligent and sensitive take on this issue.

Wish I could articulate my thoughts that well, amazingly right on and very inspiring.

[Blue_true]

35. He clearly believes that people can become better people.

And when they do, that they deserve forgiveness.

[lark]

40. I did not get that a rapist should be forgiven, not in the slightest.

I am sorry, I do believe Fairfax needs a hearing and a chance to prove his innocence. If he's raped these women, he has to go. How can we accuse drumpf of rape and hate him for it but let this guy slide? As a near victim of rape and a rape counselor, there is no way in hell I'll forgive Fairfax if he raped those women. Some crimes like rape and murder can not be forgiven. I'm so hoping this is just a smear campaign, but let the facts surface. through a thorough investigation.

Yes, some bad choices can be recovered from, like Liz Warren's misstatements about her heritage. Rape is unforgiveable, it's violence against women. I don't see how you could ever forgive that. SMH

[Blue_true]

42. Where did I say that a person that gets proven as a rapist should be forgiven?

There are some sins that carry a permanent stain, if proven to have happened. I believe the women on the Fairfax situation based upon my past dealings with men that were harassers, they tend to be serial until stopped.

[lark]

48. I apologize that I misunderstood your post.

I agree with the assessment you just gave.

[Blue_true]

63. No problem.

I agreed with your level of outrage though.

[Hermit-The-Prog]

6. hold his feet to the fire, Rev. Barber

Keep Northam in the spotlight and make him demonstrate that he repents.

[DFW]

38. Barber has that sspecial gift.

He can not only accomplish that, but make Northam feel good about it at the same time, as if he had just gotten over the flu. It something intangible about the man, but if you've ever seen a video clip of him speaking, you'll know what I'm talking about.

[MrGrieves]

8. k&r

[kentuck]

10. And Robert Byrd was instrumental in getting the MLK Jr statue funded and in place....

I have read.

I think redemption is possible.

[pandr32]

11. This needs to make the greatest page

Thank you for posting it and I hope everyone reads it.

[Hulk]

12. I appreciate NPR's "Brooks and Shields" from yesterday, 2/8/19

Mark Shields said it best. Northam has led a political life of pushing forward the agenda Rev. William J. Barber II stated in his writing. He has been working for health care for Virginians, advancing voting rights in Virginia, and although he did a stupid, racist stunt back in the 80's, I think he has more than proved his faith in doing what is right for people of color and ALL Virginians.

Hate to use the term "witch hunt", since there actually is evidence of racist behavior in his past....distant past. I think it's time we withdraw from the circular firing squad and move forward. He has apologized, albeit an awkward and clumbsy event; but he has proved he is there for people of color and to help erase the stain of the treasonous confederacy in Virginia.

Let it Be!

[bronxiteforever]

13. Kick and recommend.

Rev Barber is such a compassionate and eloquent voice.

[safeinOhio]

14. I love it when someone

with much better language skills than I, put my thoughts into words. Rev. Barber is one the reasons I support the NAACP.

[FakeNoose]

15. Rev. William Barber gets it

We Democrats (well most of us) realize that there's a difference between wearing blackface to a college Halloween party, and wearing a white KKK hood to cross-burning. Wearing Halloween costumes, even stupidly offensive ones, is a thing that dumb kids do. I can attest to that, having worn a Nazi officer costume once in my teens. Nobody at the party I attended ever suggested that I was really a Nazi! Just as I'm sure Ralph Northam's friends understood that the silly costume he wore was never intended to make a political statement of any kind.

I'm not dismissing racism - not for one minute.

When Eddie Murphy wore "whiteface" makeup on Saturday Night Live did anyone accuse him of being a racist? I don't remember hearing any such thing. It was a brilliant joke and most people got it. Those who didn't, well ... maybe they were the racists.

[OneBro]

23. Did your Jewish friends find your Nazi costume entertaining?

Remember this party?

Fun times were clearly had by all. Party on, dude! Party . . . on.

[FakeNoose]

28. I'm not dismissing racism, not for one minute

Gov. Northam deserves a chance to earn forgiveness, just as Rev. Barber says.
If he really is a racist, then we don't have to forgive him, do we?

[Lefta Dissenter]

64. WTH is that? (n/t)

[ooky]

16. I love Rev. Barber

He's the best.

[Thekaspervote]

17. Very wise..Northam has offered a sincere apology .. let's watch his actions...see if they match

[Blue_true]

39. He already has a record of actions that have been positive for Black people and a better society

overall. He has shown real and meaningful atonement.

[DeminPennswoods]

18. Love Rev Barber

His moral authority is fairly unmatched in America today.

[Ms. Toad]

19. A much more eloquent and authoritative version of the suggestions I've made here.

(and gotten blasted for.)

I hope this is the path Virginians (and beyond) choose.

[ehrnst]

52. You're welcome.(nt)

[SunSeeker]

20. Barber has laid out Northam and Herring's road to repentance (and how they can stay in office).

I hope they listen.

[dhill926]

22. wow....powerful.....

[dlk]

25. In His Eloquent Way, Pastor Barber Gives Us a Way Forward Embodying True Christian Principles

His comments address the deeper and more intractable issues surrounding racism in America. As much as we rightfully crave quick solutions for longstanding and painful issues, they are rarely resolved in that manner. If this blackface scandal causes Governor Northam to more fully and deeply commit to addressing all manners of racism in his agenda, it would be a meaningful step on the road to "building the multiethnic democracy we've never seen" and bring us toward the profound change American so deeply needs.

[True Blue American]

26. Thank you Rev. Barber!

[dem4decades]

27. I've been waiting for his response.

[Qutzupalotl]

29. That's a better way forward than undoing an election.

Northam seems to have done some things Barber mentioned, protecting voting rights and healthcare — although his recent press conferences have been dismal embarrassments. Northam did a very stupid and insensitive thing in med school. Seeing evidence of it today reopens old wounds and seems to set back any progress we’ve made. But in office he has governed well, at least before this scandal broke.

Last week I called for Northam to resign, thinking Fairfax ascending would heal the divide. Now that I see the goons are gunning for our top three leaders so they can install the Republican Speaker as Governor, I am hoping at least one of them can ride it out. Big League Politics must never choose our leaders, and Republicans would do well to abandon their strategy of using dirt to overturn elections they don’t like. Seriously, fuck them. Let Northam bear the brunt. Maybe he can handle it.

[ecstatic]

41. I think a lot of people were counting on Fairfax taking the reins

and that added to the calls for Northam's immediate resignation. Initially, I didn't know how Virginia's order of succession worked so I was alarmed by the calls for resignation that ignored Northam's current character. But, like you, I relaxed when I learned Fairfax would replace Northam.

Now people are in the awkward position of having to smear the reputations of 2 black women who have come forward to complain--not about a costume from 35 years ago, but rape that occured within the past 18 years. I'm not going to play that game, I read Dr Tyson's statement and it rings true to me. Yes, there's a small chance that Dr Tyson is batshit insane or being blackmailed by AMI, a rethug, or a Russian agent. Let's investigate and find out.

In the meantime, I do NOT support turning the Virginia governorship to the rethugs over a costume worn 35 years ago by a man who, from all recent accounts, is not currently racist and has already put a stop to several racist policies.

[Honeycombe8]

32. A wise man. Forgive, if repentant, and work w/the man on the issues the Rev. writes about.

If this is what Virginians want. I take the position that it's up to Virginia. He is their elected official.

[Blue_true]

33. Reverend Barber II has such a wonderful take on life and the potential of all people.

That is what the true force of morality looks like.

[EndGOPPropaganda]

43. So good! Systemic racism- we must stop it.

[octoberlib]

44. I adore this man.

[peggysue2]

46. The weight of Rev Barber's words is based . . .

on the deep respect he's earned through his tireless activism and eloquent speeches over the years. This statement will go a long way in defusing the anger and hopefully aide the citizens of Virginia to reach a workable solution to the current mess and the ongoing racial problems swirling throughout the country.

He's definitely the tonic we need in the Age of Trumpism.

[Power 2 the People]

47. Wonderful words.

[niyad]

49. You've Got To Be Carefully Taught - South Pacific (1958)

[tonedevil]

50. I don't see how this applies to...

Governor Northam. He started out pretty good considering this should have been publicly discussed before he was elected. His apology wasn't weasely and he seemed sincere. Then the next day he comes out and Moonwalks his apology back with a rousing chorus of Shaggy's It Wasn't Me. At this point he isn't asking for forgiveness he is denying having done anything wrong.

[ehrnst]

51. You can contact Reverend Barber

and ask him that question here:

https://www.breachrepairers.org/contact-us

[tonedevil]

53. I could send him a message...

on Facebook or post a comment under the article in the Washington Post. What I did do is post on Democratic Underground in a thread discussing the Washington Post article by Rev. Barber. Although I probably won't do it rest assured your suggestion is appreciated

[ehrnst]

54. He is the only one who can answer your question.

He won't see a post on DU.

Do you want an answer to your question?

Or not?

[tonedevil]

57. I'm satisfied...

with what I've done and as much answer as I have, taunting isn't going to motivate me seek further.

[ehrnst]

66. No taunting. Just commenting on your goal with that post.

And you've confirmed it.

[tonedevil]

67. If you think so. /nt

[ehrnst]

68. Yes, I do.(nt)

[Duppers]

56. He got some damn rotten advice.

That recant rang hollow. Very hollow.

He has a ton of amends to make and from the reports of what he has said today, it seems that he is going to take huge steps in that direction.

[Duppers]

55. Eloquently said.

If anyone thinks any rethug would be better in the Gov chair, would help minority causes, they need their heads examined. Northam is going to try his best to make amends.



And this is what we'd get if we kicked all 3 Dems out...

[OnDoutside]

59. I hope Rev Barber's advice helps to turn the tide.

[Meowmee]

60. Kr

Great speech and advice