If someone does really racist stuff, not doing really racist stuff afterward does not absolve them

[Empowerer]

Not do really racist stuff is the bare minimum of how decent people are supposed to conduct themselves. That's what they're SUPPOSED to do, even if they didn't do really racist stuff before. No one should get extra credit for it.

When people do really racist stuff, it's not sufficient for them to stop doing it. Especially if they expect to deserve the public trust necessary to hold public office. Saying they didn't do any more racist stuff since they did the racist stuff and they, for example, voted for civil rights legislation - WHICH ANY DECENT DEMOCRAT WOULD DO - does not get the off the hook.

[Mabel]

1. I belive in redemption and mercy...

I also believe that not everyone is born to be a leader. Maybe Ralph Northam has redeemed himself, but there are simply better people out there to lead.

[Empowerer]

2. That's exactly how I feel

People keep talking about giving him a chance to atone for his behavior. One way he can atone for it is to leave office, make way for the state to have a black governor and work on this issue.

[Mabel]

4. Yes, if he truly sees the light he will do what's best for everyone

which as you stated is to step down.

[DemocratSinceBirth]

3. +1

All kinds of prejudices are harboring in people, even inwardly and outwardly good people, that they don't even realize they are the hosts. That being said, the governor's mansion is not the appropriate venue to work through those issues.

[virgogal]

5. Hmmm,what about Senator Byrd???????

[Empowerer]

6. You mean the guy who was first elected to the Senate 60 years ago

and died nine years ago?

If so, what does he have to do with whether the Governor of Virginia should resign after admitting he engaged in racist behavior as a grown man in the 1980s?

[virgogal]

14. I was responding to the OP

which apparently you didn't read.

[EffieBlack]

7. OK. My turn. What about EARL BUTTS?!

Now, you go.

(this is FUN!)

[Empowerer]

10. LOL!

[USALiberal]

8. So, "people never change" is your motto! I got it. nt

[Empowerer]

9. Not sure how you got that from my OP since that:s not even close to what I said

[Rustyeye77]

11. Even from 34 years ago ?

Great

[Empowerer]

13. Yes

People have to do more than just not be racist after being that racist in order to be considered redeemed. Northam himself recognizes that - he himself said he has much work to do to heal the damage he caused so he clearly thinks that he hasn't done enough.

But since you seem to think the number of years that have elapsed since those pictures matters, just how many years do you think the statute of limitations for this behavior should be? 5? 10? 15? 20?