The President Pro Tempore of the Senate

[Mohawk5]

Just doing some light reading on the line of succession to the POTUS.

I was very surprised to see that the ex KKK member Sen. Robert Byrd (D) WV, is 3rd in line to the POTUS.

I just find it so striking that a man that was so closely aligned to the KKK, a group that was best known for engaging in vitriolic rhetoric and committing violent acts against blacks could be this close to the POTUS.

If I am the only one that shares these sentiments I apologize for bringing up this topic.

[croupier101]

Just doing some light reading on the line of succession to the POTUS.

I was very surprised to see that the ex KKK member Sen. Robert Byrd (D) WV, is 3rd in line to the POTUS.

I just find it so striking that a man that was so closely aligned to the KKK, a group that was best known for engaging in vitriolic rhetoric and committing violent acts against blacks could be this close to the POTUS.

If I am the only one that shares these sentiments I apologize for bringing up this topic.

I actually agree, can't stand Byrd. But he's not as bad as the only other 2 we've had since 1990.

Strom Thurmond and Ted Stevens. 2 segregationists and an ex KKK member. Byrd will be the last of an era to leave office. I can't wait. Helms, Thurmond, Stevens, and Byrd over stayed their time in the Senate in my opinion.

[Mohawk5]

I actually agree, can't stand Byrd. But he's not as bad as the only other 2 we've had since 1990.

Strom Thurmond and Ted Stevens. 2 segregationists and an ex KKK member. Byrd will be the last of an era to leave office. I can't wait. Helms, Thurmond, Stevens, and Byrd over stayed their time in the Senate in my opinion.


I just don't understand how in this day and age the third in line to the POTUS, behind our first Black President, was a member of the KKK. I am so glad we agree on this croup. I will have to do a bit of reading about Helms, Thurmond and Stevens. You would think the minute constituents found out whom these men really were the votes would stop. I would figure in 2009 voters would be all over this man.

[pattyk]

Obama is an ex member of the KKK???? huh?

[croupier101]

I just don't understand how in this day and age the third in line to the POTUS, our first Black President is an ex member of the KKK. I am so glad we agree on this croup. I will have to do a bit of reading about Helms, Thurmond and Stevens. You would think the minute constituents found out whom these men really were the votes would stop. I would figure in 2009 voters would be all over this man.

I couldn't believe people let Strom Thurmond or Ted Stevens do the job either. I stopped being shocked. I'll be glad when Byrd is no longer in the Senate as well.

[Mohawk5]

Obama is an ex member of the KKK???? huh?


Who said that?

[Mohawk5]

I couldn't believe people let Strom Thurmond or Ted Stevens do the job either. I stopped being shocked. I'll be glad when Byrd is no longer in the Senate as well.


I concur, the fact he got this close is just too scary.

croup what years did those other racists hold office?

[Mojotiger]

I concur, the fact he got this close is just too scary.

croup what years did those other racists hold office?

Strom Thurmond? 1872-2003

[croupier101]

strom thurmond? 1872-2003

:)) :))

[nortman]

Just doing some light reading on the line of succession to the POTUS.

I was very surprised to see that the ex KKK member Sen. Robert Byrd (D) WV, is 3rd in line to the POTUS.

I just find it so striking that a man that was so closely aligned to the KKK, a group that was best known for engaging in vitriolic rhetoric and committing violent acts against blacks could be this close to the POTUS.

If I am the only one that shares these sentiments I apologize for bringing up this topic."It's like writing history with lightning" - Woodrow Wilson (D) about the movie "Birth of a Nation".


http://rsparlourtricks.blogspot.com/2006/01/writing-history-with-lightning.html

There is nothing new in a Democrat politician's appreciation of the KKK. The left would have everyone believe that David Duke is the only politician who ever hid under the white hood.

[Mohawk5]

Strom Thurmond? 1872-2003


Now that's a long life!!! What was he made of!?

[nortman]

Who said that?
Reread your earlier post. I think you misspoke.......er....mistyped.

[nortman]

I just don't understand how in this day and age the third in line to the POTUS, our first Black President is an ex member of the KKK. I am so glad we agree on this croup. I will have to do a bit of reading about Helms, Thurmond and Stevens. You would think the minute constituents found out whom these men really were the votes would stop. I would figure in 2009 voters would be all over this man.

Here

[avergbear]

Why is Robert C. Byrd, a former Ku Klux Klansman, now in his 90’s and openly senile, in Constitutional line to become President of The United States?

Because he is a Democrat!

[Mojotiger]

Now that's a long life!!! What was he made of!?

Glue mostly.

(Met him a few times. I swear he had no clue where he was for the last 10-15 years of his life.)

[jimjames418]

Just doing some light reading on the line of succession to the POTUS.

I was very surprised to see that the ex KKK member Sen. Robert Byrd (D) WV, is 3rd in line to the POTUS.
Not to worry. Hillary is next after him, and we all know what happens to people who get in her way. :eek:

[Mohawk5]

Reread your earlier post. I think you misspoke.......er....mistyped.

I see what you're saying I should have reworded that.

What I was trying to say that I cannot believe the third in line to the POTUS behind our First African American President was a member of the KKK.

Sorry.

[Mohawk5]

Here


You are correct I worded that incorrectly.

[Safiel]

I actually agree, can't stand Byrd. But he's not as bad as the only other 2 we've had since 1990.

Strom Thurmond and Ted Stevens. 2 segregationists and an ex KKK member. Byrd will be the last of an era to leave office. I can't wait. Helms, Thurmond, Stevens, and Byrd over stayed their time in the Senate in my opinion.

Add Kennedy to that list a well.

West Virginia is an extremely backwards, racist state. If you go to the little mining towns, you will quickly discover blatant "in your face" racism. So it is little surprise Byrd gets back in time and again.

Yes, there are portions of West Virginia that are more progressive, but the bulk of the state is not.

Twenty five Senators have more than twenty years seniority. Nine have more than thirty.

On the other hand, sixty one members originally took office on January 3rd, 1997 or later and thus are only at the beginning of their third term or less.

Trouble is, by Senate seniority rules, the cabal of old dinosaurs can lord it over the rest of them.

[avergbear]

Add Kennedy to that list a well.

West Virginia is an extremely backwards, racist state. If you go to the little mining towns, you will quickly discover blatant "in your face" racism. So it is little surprise Byrd gets back in time and again.

Yes, there are portions of West Virginia that are more progressive, but the bulk of the state is not.

Twenty five Senators have more than twenty years seniority. Nine have more than thirty.

On the other hand, sixty one members originally took office on January 3rd, 1997 or later and thus are only at the beginning of their third term or less.

Trouble is, by Senate seniority rules, the cabal of old dinosaurs can lord it over the rest of them.

Nonsense! You have been watching too many Hollywood movies from the 1920’s.

[Safiel]

I would seriously consider removing the President Pro Tempore of the Senate from the succession.

First of all, the only requirements for this post is that you have been around long enough to obtain top seniority in the majority party of the Senate. Which usually means you are older than dirt. There are no particular qualifications for this post.

Actually I would also take the Speaker out of the succession and go straight to the Cabinet officers after the VP.

[croupier101]

Actually I would also take the Speaker out of the succession and go straight to the Cabinet officers after the VP.

I don't like this at all, I don't believe ANYONE that was not ELECTED to an office should ever be in the line of succession.

All cabinet positions should be eliminated from the line in my opinion.

[Safiel]

Nonsense! You have been watching too many Hollywood movies from the 1920’s.

Actually, I have been through West Virginia many times and encountered this racism first hand. It is quite authentic.

[Dr. Funkenstein]

Nonsense! You have been watching too many Hollywood movies from the 1920’s.

Interestingly...they've continued to re-elect Byrd despite going red for the last three presidential elections...

:think:

[Safiel]

I don't like this at all, I don't believe ANYONE that was not ELECTED to an office should ever be in the line of succession.

All cabinet positions should be eliminated from the line in my opinion.

The idea though, is that the Presidency needs to be filled quickly and with somebody of known competence. Cabinet officers are vetted thoroughly prior to taking office and are presumed to be competent.

Strom Thurmond, on the other hand, was borderline INCOMPETENT in his final months in office. And yet he stood in the line of succession, by virtue of nothing more than longevity.

I will go with the cabinet officers.

Changing the Constitution to allow Congress to elect a President via Joint Resolution to fill a vacancy might be a good idea, with temporary succession from the Cabinet.

[croupier101]

Nonsense! You have been watching too many Hollywood movies from the 1920’s.

Obviously since the state keeps electing Byrd, they aren't far off from being stuck in the 20s.

[croupier101]

The idea though, is that the Presidency needs to be filled quickly and with somebody of known competence. Cabinet officers are vetted thoroughly prior to taking office and are presumed to be competent.

Strom Thurmond, on the other hand, was borderline INCOMPETENT in his final months in office. And yet he stood in the line of succession, by virtue of nothing more than longevity.

I will go with the cabinet officers.

Changing the Constitution to allow Congress to elect a President via Joint Resolution to fill a vacancy might be a good idea, with temporary succession from the Cabinet.

We are going to be stuck disagreeing. The idea the country could have a President that was unelected to his position bothers me and defeats the idea of for the people by the people.

[avergbear]

Interestingly...they've continued to re-elect Byrd despite going red for the last three presidential elections...

:think:

But not because they are backwoods hicks tending their moonshine stills and yearning for the good old days of slavery.

They continue to elect Byrd because he brings home the bacon in the form of federal earmarks.

[shaveking]

We are going to be stuck disagreeing. The idea the country could have a President that was unelected to his position bothers me and defeats the idea of for the people by the people.Well, the idea is that the people put their faith in the President to pick good people for those positions.

[Dr. Funkenstein]

The idea though, is that the Presidency needs to be filled quickly and with somebody of known competence. Cabinet officers are vetted thoroughly prior to taking office and are presumed to be competent.

Strom Thurmond, on the other hand, was borderline INCOMPETENT in his final months in office. And yet he stood in the line of succession, by virtue of nothing more than longevity.

I will go with the cabinet officers.

Changing the Constitution to allow Congress to elect a President via Joint Resolution to fill a vacancy might be a good idea, with temporary succession from the Cabinet.

I disagree...

Even if Cabinet members are thoroughly vetted, they're put in place by one person and approved by somewhere between 50-100 Senators.

Senators, theoretically, are approved by at least 130,000 people (assuming half the people in the least populous state vote, and someone wins by the slimmest possible margin).

I might be willing to switch it from the President Pro Tempore to the Senate Majority Leader, but not to a Cabinet member.

[avergbear]

Obviously since the state keeps electing Byrd, they aren't far off from being stuck in the 20s.

See post #28.

[Dr. Funkenstein]

But not because they are backwoods hicks tending their moonshine stills and yearning for the good old days of slavery.

They continue to elect Byrd because he brings home the bacon in the form of federal earmarks.

That's one theory...

[avergbear]

That's one theory...

More than a theory, my friend. A fact.

[croupier101]

Well, the idea is that the people put their faith in the President to pick good people for those positions.

That is for cabinet positions, a President should be someone elected to office by the people.

[MrCapitalism]

Now that's a long life!!! What was he made of!?


****, vinegar and illustrated versions of Uncle Tom's Cabin that he thought were "the funny papers"

[nortman]

More than a theory, my friend. A fact.
Since just about everything in that state is named after him.

[shaveking]

That is for cabinet positions, a President should be someone elected to office by the people.The thing is that the cabinet is elected by extension of the President's beliefs. It's more likely that someone chosen by the person that the majority of the country voted for will be more in line with the original President's beliefs than a person voted in by hicksville county.

[Dr. Funkenstein]

More than a theory, my friend. A fact.

Have you been polling West Virginians in pursuit of this "fact", or are you making an "educated" guess?

[croupier101]

The thing is that the cabinet is elected by extension of the President's beliefs. It's more likely that someone chosen by the person that the majority of the country voted for will be more in line with the original President's beliefs than a person voted in by hicksville county.

I understand your point, I really do. But I can't get over the fact that someone that was not on a ballot chosen to office by the voting citizens could be President. It just doesn't sit right with me.

[MrCapitalism]

I would seriously consider removing the President Pro Tempore of the Senate from the succession.

First of all, the only requirements for this post is that you have been around long enough to obtain top seniority in the majority party of the Senate. Which usually means you are older than dirt. There are no particular qualifications for this post.


I would agree with you there. It is a position based solely on longevity (at least by custom) and bearing no basis in reality. That being said, I'd like to think that in the horrendous case that we lost the Pres, VP and Speaker all at the same time, the Pres Pro tempore would have the good sense to take a pass on the job. Hell, Strom Thurmond spent literally years in that position without casting votes or even being aware of his surroundings.

A better idea would have the Senate Majority leader take the office. Not that Harry Reid is any great shakes, but at least he is probably able to go the bathroom without assistance.

[brody]

I thought I would point out that for a long time after the Civil War that the membership of the Klan was made up mainly of whites who were landowners (the aristocracy). They wanted the south to remain as much like it was before the war as possible so that they could retain their power. They used poll taxes and other more vile methods to prevent blacks from voting because they knew that blacks would have the majority and vote for the opposing party.

The opposing party was the Republicans (a faction of which was known as "radical" Republicans who wanted to punish the south for the war).

The party opressing blacks in their attemps to maintain power in the public offices were known as "conservative" Democrats.

This situation didn't change very much until the Civil Rights movement of the 1960's.

[shaveking]

I thought I would point out that for a long time after the Civil War that the membership of the Klan was made up mainly of whites who were landowners (the aristocracy). They wanted the south to remain as much like it was before the war as possible so that they could retain their power. They used poll taxes and other more vile methods to prevent blacks from voting because they knew that blacks would have the majority and vote for the opposing party.

The opposing party was the Republicans (a faction of which was known as "radical" Republicans who wanted to punish the south for the war).

The party opressing blacks in their attemps to maintain power in the public offices were known as "conservative" Democrats.

This situation didn't change very much until the Civil Rights movement of the 1960's.Yes, Byrd stuck with the Democrat party when it moved from social conservatism to social liberalism.

[avergbear]

Have you been polling West Virginians in pursuit of this "fact", or are you making an "educated" guess?

I was born and lived most of my life there.

[Mohawk5]

Thanks for everyone's input.

My thought's are still stuck on the fact that such a known racist has been in office so long he has some right to the Presidency baring some huge disaster.

[avergbear]

Thanks for everyone's input.

My thought's are still stuck on the fact that such a known racist has been in office so long he has some right to the Presidency baring some huge disaster.

Given his age, he would sleep most of the time.

Perhaps that would be a good thing.

[MR. MISTER]

Thanks for everyone's input.

My thought's are still stuck on the fact that such a known racist has been in office so long he has some right to the Presidency baring some huge disaster.
I wonder if the NAACP was aware of his being a racist when they gave him a 100% rating a few years ago. :think:

[dittoheadAZ]

Just doing some light reading on the line of succession to the POTUS.

I was very surprised to see that the ex KKK member Sen. Robert Byrd (D) WV, is 3rd in line to the POTUS.

I just find it so striking that a man that was so closely aligned to the KKK, a group that was best known for engaging in vitriolic rhetoric and committing violent acts against blacks could be this close to the POTUS.

If I am the only one that shares these sentiments I apologize for bringing up this topic.

Well, the Democratics ARE the party of racism.

Many of them voted FOR :liar:bama because he said he was black, and giving "more points" based on race is equally as racist as giving "fewer points".

Sheets Byrd just happens to be the other side of the racism in the Democratic party. But it's all the same coin.

[Mohawk5]

Given his age, he would sleep most of the time.

Perhaps that would be a good thing.


:)

[Mohawk5]

I wonder if the NAACP was aware of his being a racist when they gave him a 100% rating a few years ago. :think:


Wait!

The NAACP gave Sen. Byrd (D) WV a 100% approval rating? Can you please provide a link to this?

[MR. MISTER]

Wait!

The NAACP gave Sen. Byrd (D) WV a 100% approval rating? Can you please provide a link to this?
See page 16 -

http://www.naacp.org/programs/bureau-dc/report_card/108th_Congressional_Report_Card.pdf

[Mohawk5]

See page 16 -

http://www.naacp.org/programs/bureau-dc/report_card/108th_Congressional_Report_Card.pdf


Actually if I read the intro correctly that 100% is just indicating that Sen. Byrd voted 100% of the time for Civil Rights legislation.

I don't think it was based on who he is as a man.

[MR. MISTER]

Actually if I read the intro correctly that 100% is just indicating that Sen. Byrd voted 100% of the time for Civil Rights legislation.

I don't think it was based on who he is as a man.
What a racist he must be to have voted 100% for every piece of legislation the NAACP supported that year.

Do you think maybe he's changed since he was a member of the Klan for (I think it was) 1 year over 60 YEARS AGO?

Has Pope Benedict changed since he was a member of the Hitler Youth?

[Mohawk5]

What a racist he must be to have voted 100% for every piece of legislation the NAACP supported that year.

Do you think maybe he's changed since he was a member of the Klan for (I think it was) 1 year over 60 YEARS AGO?

Has Pope Benedict changed since he was a member of the Hitler Youth?


I would call it pandering for his sins of the past!! I could care less what the pope does or did he does not make laws in my nation!