Gov. Ralph Northam

February 7, 2019

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And now for today’s commentary –

We all live with a new reality today. Nothing is secret, and if you are in government or in a high-level executive position, someone will be out to bring you down. Virginia Governor Ralph Northam has been exposed in a black face racist photograph in a 1984 medical school year book. There you see a black face guy right beside a Ku Klux Klan person. Shocked to see the picture in the news, Governor Northam said he had never seen the year book picture, but he agreed that it could be his picture. The next day he said he didn’t think it was his picture. He did admit that year he had blackened his face to do a Michael Jackson dance.

No question, the picture is racially offensive. However, at this point we have not heard anyone saying that the Governor is racist. In years past we were more inclined to give a person the benefit of the doubt if they have changed their ways. When I served as Sec of Ag Senator Robert Byrd represented West Virginia, and he had the full support of the Democratic party. This was in spite of the fact that he had been a KKK officer. Also, somehow President Clinton survived politically after his affair with an intern in the White House.

Governor Northam is under intense pressure to resign, especially from his own party. But will he?

Keep in mind that picture was taken 35 years ago. At this point, reports suggest that the Governor is not racist. He is a good guy. Now I live in Virginia, Northam’s state. I didn’t vote for him. I voted for his Republican opponent. However, I think redemption and forgiveness is God’s way. He should not resign. There are too many individuals that just want to destroy someone that might be a political liability. Just this last year Justice Brett Kavanaugh’s appointment to the Supreme Court was almost derailed because of his high school yearbook.

You may want to check your high school yearbook. Someone might want to get some dirt on you. I checked mine. I think I am O.K.

The big event this week was President Trumps State of the Union address. I think he did a very good job. But can the 2 parties compromise and get something done. Won’t be easy.

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Until next week, this John Block reporting from Washington