# Virginia gov. yearbook page has Klan and blackface pictures **URL:** \ **Category:** Politics & Elections\ **Created:** [February 1, 2019, 10:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/virginia-gov-yearbook-page-has-klan-and-blackface-pictures/828809 "2019-02-01T22:05:41Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 18
**Author:** ![Inbred\_Mm\_domesticus](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/aca169/32.png) [@Inbred\_Mm\_domesticus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Inbred_Mm_domesticus)\ **Post date:** [February 5, 2019, 12:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/virginia-gov-yearbook-page-has-klan-and-blackface-pictures/828809/341 "2019-02-05T12:26:15Z")
Pushing out Northam when the next two in line for his seat are Democrats isn’t really much of a test of one’s moral high ground. ---
**Author:** ![iiandyiiii](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/iiandyiiii/32/7924_2.png) [@iiandyiiii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/iiandyiiii)\ **Post date:** [February 5, 2019, 12:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/virginia-gov-yearbook-page-has-klan-and-blackface-pictures/828809/342 "2019-02-05T12:39:21Z")
> [@Inbred\_Mm\_domesticus](#): > > Pushing out Northam when the next two in line for his seat are Democrats isn’t really much of a test of one’s moral high ground. And yet, in the last few years, the Democrats keep passing these moral “tests”, while the Republicans keep failing. It used to be that both parties were equally eager to sweep accusations of racism or misogyny out of sight. But now, the parties have changed – the Democrats actually hold their own accountable, while the Republicans harden support and even celebrate their own when they are accused of racist or misogynystic actions or words. ---
**Author:** ![Inbred\_Mm\_domesticus](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/aca169/32.png) [@Inbred\_Mm\_domesticus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Inbred_Mm_domesticus)\ **Post date:** [February 5, 2019, 1:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/virginia-gov-yearbook-page-has-klan-and-blackface-pictures/828809/343 "2019-02-05T13:10:25Z")
I see Democrats, having been accused, attempt to own up to their behavior. Then they are pushed out of office. They are replaced by a Democrat. I see elections overturned without any process followed other than what a mob of Democratic partisans asks for. I doubt there’s any real analysis that can connect this “morality” to Democratic victories or better legislation. This morality won’t do anything to address the actual problems of growing up in America and not learning how to respectfully treat others. I guess I am not a Democrat, I’ve never been very excited by religious hypocrites. Maybe this means I’ll stop getting called all the fucking time asking for donations. ---
**Author:** ![Inigo\_Montoya](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/inigo_montoya/32/124_2.png) [@Inigo\_Montoya](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Inigo_Montoya)\ **Post date:** [February 5, 2019, 1:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/virginia-gov-yearbook-page-has-klan-and-blackface-pictures/828809/344 "2019-02-05T13:18:36Z")
> [@Riemann](#): > > Well, if you view “joining the mob” instead as an indication of consistent Dem policy, then the high ground isn’t cheap if it means Dems are consistently held to a higher standard. True enough, it would be a glorious thing if the wisdom was, “Them Democrats may have their heads in the clouds sometimes, but at least they’re honest, good people.” But knowing people, I think the best that will ever be said is, “Wow, they never get caught anymore!” Because all punishment really deters is getting caught, and only those with the cunning and intense disregard for history will take the necessary measures to clean up their past before jumping into the limelight. Whitewashed. Better, says I, to say, “Yeah, I done that. Seemed like a good idea at the time but then I got some life and grew up. That ain’t me now–take a look.” Which, to be fair, Northam almost did, and then backtracked. :smack: The guy IS verbally clumsy–that’s definitely problematic for a governor. ---
**Author:** ![iiandyiiii](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/iiandyiiii/32/7924_2.png) [@iiandyiiii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/iiandyiiii)\ **Post date:** [February 5, 2019, 1:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/virginia-gov-yearbook-page-has-klan-and-blackface-pictures/828809/345 "2019-02-05T13:27:30Z")
> [@Inbred\_Mm\_domesticus](#): > > This morality won’t do anything to address the actual problems of growing up in America and not learning how to respectfully treat others. One part of the way to change this in the country is to show that there actually are real and significant consequences for this sort of bad behavior, whether it’s related to racism, misogyny, or something else. ---
**Author:** ![RTFirefly](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/c77e96/32.png) [@RTFirefly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RTFirefly)\ **Post date:** [February 5, 2019, 2:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/virginia-gov-yearbook-page-has-klan-and-blackface-pictures/828809/346 "2019-02-05T14:34:13Z")
> [@Inbred\_Mm\_domesticus](#): > > I see Democrats, having been accused, attempt to own up to their behavior. Then they are pushed out of office. They are replaced by a Democrat. > > I see elections overturned without any process followed other than what a mob of Democratic partisans asks for. So what you’re saying, then, is that Democrats are acting quite unfairly towards Democrats. Not sure why you’re concerned about that. And if your concern is for the voters that the Dems might be pre-empting, well, [we got polls](https://morningconsult.com/2019/02/04/virginia-voters-quickly-sour-on-northam-amid-blackface-scandal/). In January, Northam’s fav-unfav among Virginia voters was 48-26; now it’s 29-48. From +22 to -19 - that’s one hell of a swing. So it seems like the voters are ready to see him gone. ---
**Author:** ![Inbred\_Mm\_domesticus](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/aca169/32.png) [@Inbred\_Mm\_domesticus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Inbred_Mm_domesticus)\ **Post date:** [February 5, 2019, 2:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/virginia-gov-yearbook-page-has-klan-and-blackface-pictures/828809/347 "2019-02-05T14:53:11Z")
The consequence Northam would face is he won’t be elected to any position after his governorship and his political career has ended as of 2021. He’s not going to become senator like Kaine. He’ll fade into nothingness and be denied the opportunity to do what he identifies with, which is to serve the electorate. His resignation isn’t going to teach young men and women to think respectfully of African-Americans, Caucasians, Asians, or homosexuals or people with various handicaps. A 25-year-old grown up sheltered from this sort of disrespect isn’t worried about losing their job 35 years later, they’re worried if their buddies think they’re funny. Poll results aren’t more important than the rule of law and respecting the outcomes of fair elections. It’s not just about one group turning one of its own. ---
**Author:** ![Riemann](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/riemann/32/3133_2.png) [@Riemann](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Riemann)\ **Post date:** [February 5, 2019, 3:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/virginia-gov-yearbook-page-has-klan-and-blackface-pictures/828809/348 "2019-02-05T15:07:49Z")
> [@Inbred\_Mm\_domesticus](#): > > The consequence Northam would face is he won’t be elected to any position after his governorship and his political career has ended as of 2021. He’s not going to become senator like Kaine. He’ll fade into nothingness and be denied the opportunity to do what he identifies with, which is to serve the electorate. Again, the overriding imperative here is not that we must bend of backwards to be “fair” to Northam. It is to be fair to the people of Virginia, and what they need and expect - beyond any reasonable doubt - from a governor. > [@Inbred\_Mm\_domesticus](#): > > His resignation isn’t going to teach young men and women to think respectfully of African-Americans, Caucasians, Asians, or homosexuals or people with various handicaps. Asserted without any evidence whatsoever, and contrary to common sense. The _obvious_ message here is that making a fancy dress “joke” out of our horrific past is (at best) grossly offensive and disrespectful and carries serious consequences. ---
**Author:** ![Riemann](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/riemann/32/3133_2.png) [@Riemann](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Riemann)\ **Post date:** [February 5, 2019, 3:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/virginia-gov-yearbook-page-has-klan-and-blackface-pictures/828809/349 "2019-02-05T15:16:25Z")
> [@Inbred\_Mm\_domesticus](#): > > Poll results aren’t more important than the rule of law and respecting the outcomes of fair elections. This might apply if people were advocating assassination, but otherwise it’s utter nonsense. Who has claimed that recent discoveries invalidate the result of the election? Are people who express an opinion that he is unfit for office violating any law? ---
**Author:** ![k9bfriender](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/k9bfriender/32/3283_2.png) [@k9bfriender](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/k9bfriender)\ **Post date:** [February 5, 2019, 5:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/virginia-gov-yearbook-page-has-klan-and-blackface-pictures/828809/350 "2019-02-05T17:44:21Z")
> [@Inbred\_Mm\_domesticus](#): > > His resignation isn’t going to teach young men and women to think respectfully of African-Americans, Caucasians, Asians, or homosexuals or people with various handicaps. A 25-year-old grown up sheltered from this sort of disrespect isn’t worried about losing their job 35 years later, they’re worried if their buddies think they’re funny. Giving him a pass absolutely sends a message to young men and women that they have no need of thinking respectfully of African-Americans, Caucasians, Asians, or homosexuals or people with various handicaps. Sure, dress up with blackface and a Klan robe, put it in your yearbook, not a problem, you can still be governor. ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [February 5, 2019, 6:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/virginia-gov-yearbook-page-has-klan-and-blackface-pictures/828809/351 "2019-02-05T18:13:09Z")
> [@RTFirefly](#): > > So what you’re saying, then, is that Democrats are acting quite unfairly towards Democrats. Not sure why you’re concerned about that. > > And if your concern is for the voters that the Dems might be pre-empting, well, [we got polls](https://morningconsult.com/2019/02/04/virginia-voters-quickly-sour-on-northam-amid-blackface-scandal/). > > In January, Northam’s fav-unfav among Virginia voters was 48-26; now it’s 29-48. From +22 to -19 - that’s one hell of a swing. So it seems like the voters are ready to see him gone. Why dont we wait until all the fact are in, first. He has now denied even being in those pictures. If he isnt in them, why call for his lynching? ---
**Author:** ![CarnalK](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/carnalk/32/486_2.png) [@CarnalK](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CarnalK)\ **Post date:** [February 5, 2019, 6:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/virginia-gov-yearbook-page-has-klan-and-blackface-pictures/828809/352 "2019-02-05T18:20:37Z")
Why say lynching? We’re talking about a guy posing in a Black face/KKK picture and you still think it’s appropriate to substitute “lynching” for “calls to step down from office”? ---
**Author:** ![k9bfriender](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/k9bfriender/32/3283_2.png) [@k9bfriender](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/k9bfriender)\ **Post date:** [February 5, 2019, 6:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/virginia-gov-yearbook-page-has-klan-and-blackface-pictures/828809/353 "2019-02-05T18:27:59Z")
> [@DrDeth](#): > > Why dont we wait until all the fact are in, first. He has now denied even being in those pictures. If he isnt in them, why call for his lynching? If his first statement was "I never did that, I have no idea how that got into my yearbook, and Yearbook? We had yearbooks in medical college? This is the first I heard of that, I’ve never even seen, much less opened my “college yearbook.” And then we contact the editor or whoever put it together, and they say, “Yeah, we just thought it would be funny to put that picture in there, because it is so opposite of the guy that we know, we thought it would be funny. We expected him to get angry about it, but apparently, he never saw it.” Then we’d all have a laugh about it, and put it behind us. But instead, he said, “Yaeh, that was me, I dressed up in blackface” “Oh wait, that’s _not_ me, that’s not the time i dressed up in blackface.” Yeah, loses credibility fast. ETA: and , once again, not calling for a lynching. Calling him to step down from a position of responsibility and leadership where he acts as an example and role model. that’s not lynching. Get that word out of your vocabulary of hyperbole, if you want to be taken seriously in this. ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [February 5, 2019, 6:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/virginia-gov-yearbook-page-has-klan-and-blackface-pictures/828809/354 "2019-02-05T18:33:20Z")
> [@k9bfriender](#): > > If his first statement was "I never did that, I have no idea how that got into my yearbook, and Yearbook? We had yearbooks in medical college? This is the first I heard of that, I’ve never even seen, much less opened my “college yearbook.” > > And then we contact the editor or whoever put it together, and they say, “Yeah, we just thought it would be funny to put that picture in there, because it is so opposite of the guy that we know, we thought it would be funny. We expected him to get angry about it, but apparently, he never saw it.” > > Then we’d all have a laugh about it, and put it behind us. > But instead, he said, “Yaeh, that was me, I dressed up in blackface” “Oh wait, that’s _not_ me, that’s not the time i dressed up in blackface.” > > Yeah, loses credibility fast. He didnt say that if you listen or check his actual words. He admitted it was wrong to show up like that in a quick and impromptu blurb. ---
**Author:** ![Acsenray](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/acsenray/32/4519_2.png) [@Acsenray](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Acsenray)\ **Post date:** [February 5, 2019, 6:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/virginia-gov-yearbook-page-has-klan-and-blackface-pictures/828809/355 "2019-02-05T18:45:38Z")
> [@DrDeth](#): > > Why dont we wait until all the fact are in, first. He has now denied even being in those pictures. If he isnt in them, why call for his lynching? Having to resign from an elected office is not comparable to lynching in any way. You have a fundamental right not to be subject to extrajudicial punishment or murder. That’s not what’s happening here. ---
**Author:** ![Ashtura](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ashtura/32/2963_2.png) [@Ashtura](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ashtura)\ **Post date:** [February 5, 2019, 6:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/virginia-gov-yearbook-page-has-klan-and-blackface-pictures/828809/356 "2019-02-05T18:50:55Z")
So, I must ask, sans a profuse apology, is the entire cast and crew of 2008’s _Tropic Thunder_ disqualified for political office, or just Robert Downy Junior? They used blackface not just for laughs, but for profit. And 2008 is far beyond the “they didn’t know any better back then” excuse. In fact, I’m sure that was in there to _specifically_ to be edgy. ---
**Author:** ![Riemann](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/riemann/32/3133_2.png) [@Riemann](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Riemann)\ **Post date:** [February 5, 2019, 6:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/virginia-gov-yearbook-page-has-klan-and-blackface-pictures/828809/357 "2019-02-05T18:51:12Z")
> [@DrDeth](#): > > He didnt say that if you listen or check his actual words. He admitted it was wrong to show up like that in a quick and impromptu blurb. I think you are confusing his second video statement with his initial written statement. This is how his initial statement was reported (identically) in numerous news sources: > [@](#): > > Earlier today, a website published **a photograph of me** from my 1984 medical school yearbook in a costume that is clearly racist and offensive. > > I am deeply sorry for the decision I made **to appear as I did in this photo** and for the hurt that decision caused then and now. In any event, are you suggesting that we shouldn’t take an initial statement at face value because it was a “quick and impromptu blurb”? That’s utterly ridiculous. If you were accused of something devastating and potentially career-ending, are you suggesting that you might make a careless admission of something that never happened without proper consideration? It’s not only the original events that he needs to explain. He needs to explain his bizarre contradictory statements in the 48 hours following the initial disclosure. The longer he goes without providing some plausible exculpatory account, the more likely it seems that no such explanation exists. ---
**Author:** ![k9bfriender](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/k9bfriender/32/3283_2.png) [@k9bfriender](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/k9bfriender)\ **Post date:** [February 5, 2019, 6:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/virginia-gov-yearbook-page-has-klan-and-blackface-pictures/828809/358 "2019-02-05T18:51:37Z")
> [@DrDeth](#): > > He didnt say that if you listen or check his actual words. He admitted it was wrong to show up like that in a quick and impromptu blurb. I am aware that that was not what he said, that’s why I said “If he said”. ---
**Author:** ![Saint\_Cad](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/saint_cad/32/18907_2.png) [@Saint\_Cad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saint_Cad)\ **Post date:** [February 5, 2019, 7:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/virginia-gov-yearbook-page-has-klan-and-blackface-pictures/828809/359 "2019-02-05T19:05:20Z")
> [@Chronos](#): > > Passing a recall statute that doesn’t grandfather in the current officeholder sets a really bad precedent. True but at least it can ensure there is a solution the next time it happens. > [@Riemann](#): > > There is a statute, I posted details here: > > [https://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showpost.php?p=21466294&postcount=132](https://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showpost.php?p=21466294&postcount=132) That really isn’t a recall election though, is it. ---
**Author:** ![Riemann](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/riemann/32/3133_2.png) [@Riemann](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Riemann)\ **Post date:** [February 5, 2019, 7:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/virginia-gov-yearbook-page-has-klan-and-blackface-pictures/828809/360 "2019-02-05T19:15:23Z")
> [@Saint\_Cad](#): > > That really isn’t a recall election though, is it. Ah, okay. There’s a procedure for recall, but it’s not a recall election. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/virginia-gov-yearbook-page-has-klan-and-blackface-pictures/828809.md?page=17) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/virginia-gov-yearbook-page-has-klan-and-blackface-pictures/828809.md?page=19)