If you have turned on the TV, opened any social media account, or have stepped outside within the last year or so, you have probably heard something regarding the 2016 United States Presidential election. There are toss-ups, drama, and scandals on both sides of the aisle, which makes for a particularly interesting election season. As we come nearer to the election, the defamation of candidates is almost constant, especially through the resurfacing of past wrongs. This article is no exception.
A Youtube video, which can be viewed at the top of this article, released by the U.S. Department of State in 2010, has recently surfaced, in which Hillary Clinton comments on the passing of her friend, colleague, and mentor Robert C. Byrd. Clinton commended Byrd’s character and political expertise, describing Byrd as a “true American original” and the “heart and soul of the Senate.” Clinton further detailed that Byrd’s influence makes for better public servants and better citizens. These seem like kind words for Clinton to share, however, they provoke a very important question, who exactly is Robert C. Byrd?
Biography.com provides helpful insight on the history of Robert C. Byrd of West Virginia. Byrd had joined the Ku Klux Klan in 1942 because he sought out a sense of belonging, and perceived members of the KKK to be “upstanding citizens.” Byrd’s involvement in politics is not separate from his involvement in the KKK. The grand dragon of his klavern is known to have pushed Byrd into the political arena. Byrd rose through the ranks in politics and eventually won a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives, and later, the U.S. Senate. During this time, Byrd voted against The Civil Rights Act of 1964. Even though he was only active as a Klansman until 1943, it is evident that the ideals of the organization had remained with him for quite a time after.
Even though Byrd was very open about his membership in the KKK, and continued to have a long and successful career, he had a questionable past. Considering his history, why, then, would Clinton seek Byrd’s advice and counsel during her time in the Senate and as Secretary of State? The KKK is becoming overwhelmingly prevalent in politics, more so than it ever should be. With Donald Trump being supported by and having family connections to the KKK according to Anonymous, it is imperative that voters are informed and wary of the people making themselves prominent in politics. The nation should be more in tune to the friends and alliances of the candidates they support, in order to make the best possible choice this November.
