The Trentonian (Trenton, NJ)

Virginia Democrats might want to just clean house

- L.A. Parker

Seated about 2,000 miles from Trenton and reading internet news, STEM Civics Charter School founder Leigh Byron laughed while my eyes delivered incredulit­y.

We had found news simultaneo­usly about another Caucasian man delivering a confession about black face.

MSNBC reported “Virginia’s Democratic attorney general — second in line to be governor — admitted on Wednesday he once wore blackface at a college party in 1980.”

What? First, seated Gov. Ralph Northam and now AG Mark Herring? Any other white dudes need to confess their blackfaced past. Sounds like an epidemic which could reach pandemic numbers if white men continue their Jimmy Swaggart-like confession­s.

“In 1980, when I was a 19-year-old undergradu­ate in college, some friends suggested we attend a party dressed like rappers we listened to at the time, like Kurtis Blow, and perform a song,” AG Mark Herring said in a statement.

“It sounds ridiculous even now writing it. But because of our ignorance and glib attitudes — and because we did not have an appreciati­on for the experience­s and perspectiv­es of others — we dressed up and put on wigs and brown makeup.”

Herring called it “a onetime occurrence” and said, “I accept full responsibi­lity for my conduct.” He said “the shame of that moment has haunted me for decades.”

Thank goodness Herring’s black-faced moment occurred one time only, that it’s no habit or vice. Or, imagine social repercussi­ons if the National Enquirer discovered Northam or Herring extended black play into bedroom trusts and not only on their faces.

Virginia Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax wore black face during two alleged sexual assaults. If Northam had resigned Fairfax would have replaced him.

Herring stands ready to stand in as governor should both Northam and Fairfax fall. The revelation places in jeopardy upward mobility.

All three “black” men should tender resignatio­ns and face the consequenc­es of their actions.

In this Democratic leadership calamity, Northam, who insists he won’t step down, should appoint a new Lt. Governor before he can get impeached. Hopefully it’s a woman.

Women don’t do black face.

 ?? STEVE HELBER - ASSOCIATED PRESS ?? Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam, left, accompanie­d by his wife, Pam, speaks during a news conference in the Governor’s Mansion in Richmond, Va., on Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019.
STEVE HELBER - ASSOCIATED PRESS Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam, left, accompanie­d by his wife, Pam, speaks during a news conference in the Governor’s Mansion in Richmond, Va., on Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019.
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