The No Good Very Bad Week of Gov. Ralph Northam

[Big War Bird]

Newly minted Democrat Virginia governor has found himself in not one but two controversies this week, neither of which in my opinion are entirely his fault, but are really the fault of his morally bankrupt party.

Controversy number one was sparked by his naive defense of a bill that appears to legalize infanticide. The Death Cult Democratic controlled Virginia Assembly paranoid that the Supreme Court might strike down Roe V Wade was considering a bill to make it the law of Virginia that there exist no restrictions at all on abortions in state, allowing abortion up to the very moment of full term birth for any reason, and also remove any obligation of a doctor to perform life saving work on a child that happens to survive an abortion and escape the womb. Needless to say (is it though?) this is a decidedly unpopular position, with just 13% of the US public supporting unrestricted abortion like this.

Northam, a pediatrician, naively made things worse by attempting to defend the bill by appealing to medical necessity, (a restriction the bill so vaguely defined as to be meaningless) and accidentally invoked in the minds of the other 87% a kicking, screaming, breathing baby neglected until its death.

Controversy Number two involves Northam medical school 1984 yearbook, in which a spread dedicated to him shows a picture of two men, one in black face and the other in KKK outfit, at what I assume to be costume party. The yearbook also ascribes to him the nickname "Coonman" with "Coon" being a derogatory term for black folks. In a press conference today Northam said neither of the men are him, and he had never seen his yearbook as he never bought it and had no hand in creating his entry. Northam did volunteer to once appearing with a darkened face for a dance competition in which he did Michael Jackson's famed Moonwalk. Nevertheless Northam is apologizing for the photo.


The calls for his head are coming from all quarters. Virtually every democrat one can name are telling him publicly to resign, and republicans already enraged by his defense of the infanticide bill and feeling the schadenfreude, are joining in as well. Northam smeared his gubernatorial Republican rival with accusations of racism for daring to suggest the international crime gang MS-13 was bad.


Northam should not resign.

One, it is not Northam's fault that his party denies any rights to babies up to an including natural birth. Obama, Hilary and many other democrats have all been vocal in their assertion that an unborn child is worth less than a pimple on a supermodel. His party is even busy removing revoking the criminality of assaulting a pregnant women.

Providing that Northam is not lying about being one of the men photo, Ralph Northam has done nothing wrong. No one is accusing Northam of being a former klansman, (which for a democrat wouldn't be all that unusual anyway.) His party is in the grip of a moral panic with regard to political correctness. Custom parties are a place to transgress social norms. They are by definition not serious. He didn't hurt anyone by putting shoe polish on his own face.

Please change my mind.

[Prodromos]

A Democrat dehumanizes innocent human beings and likes the KKK? What else is new?

[phylosopher stoned]

I agree with you that he shouldn't not resign, it would set another precedent for politicians resigning over spurious "sensitive" happenings of youthful indiscretions. This will be used down the line to forever blackball any young person today that has pictures and/or video of themselves wearing the dreaded MAGA hat. The MAGA hat of today will be the KKK hood of tomorrow. While I'm tempted to wish him gone because i find his ideology and his demeanor to be detestable, I hope he tells the establishment to go bleep themselves.

[Aexodus]

Freshman dresses up as Michael Jackson

why is this news.

Hope he keeps his job.

[NorseThing]

Bill Bennet thinks he will resign before the Super Bowl is decided. I disagree, but there is a great deal of piling on by Virginai Democrats to make this really only a matter of time.

most of the article

Already, calls for Northam’s resignation have come from these fellow Democrats: Former Vice President Joe Biden; presidential candidates Sens. Cory Booker of New Jersey, Kirsten Gillibrand of New York, Kamala Harris of California and Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts; former Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Julian Castro, another presidential hopeful; former and possibly future presidential candidate Democratic socialist Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont; former Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe; and U.S. Reps. Abigail Spanberger, Elaine Luria, and A. Donald McEachin, all of Virginia. The chair of the Virginia Democratic Party, Susan Swecker, issued a statement Saturday saying of Northam: “We stand with Democrats across Virginia and the country calling on him to immediately resign.” Why wouldn’t Democrats want to be rid of this one more useless offending white male? He can be dispensed with easily. The Democratic Party quickly separated from the extreme case of former Hollywood mogul and big-time Democratic donor Harvey Weinstein, and the less extreme but still serious cases Sen. Al Franken of Minnesota and TV journalists Charlie Rose and Matt Lauer – all accused of sexual misconduct. The Dems have several specific reasons for abandoning Northam as well. First, as we heard right from the beginning, if Northam resigns Virginia will be getting an "extremely attractive" African-American, Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax, to succeed him as the next governor. For a party that counts by race and believes in preferred races, this is a big plus. Second, the Ku Klux Klan and blackface picture itself is indeed a gross and offensive one. On the demerits of it alone it can easily be argued Northam should not survive politically. But the real reason Northam will be tossed immediately is abortion. Northam – a former pediatric neurologist – was in the news in recent days describing the approved procedure for what is, in effect, a fourth trimester abortion, an ‘abortion “after birth” that effectively amounts to the murder of a child. When asked about Northam’s comments, many Democrats feigned ignorance. But by getting Northam off the stage, the Dems will be under less pressure now to speak to Northam’s description and approval of this horror. This for the Democrats is the most urgent and compelling reason to be rid of him. As bad as the picture is, his position on abortion is worse and more damaging to the Democrats.

Certainly, this position of Northam’s is what many Democrats believe on abortion. They agree with Northam, but they do not want to publicly defend him.
As we have seen over the last couple days, leading Democrats say they “know nothing” about Northam’s abortion comments. Defending this position publicly is not what they want to do. If Northam is gone they will have less pressure to do so. So he will be gone before we get results of the Super Bowl.

https://www.foxnews.com/opinion/bill...abandoning-him

read more at the link since I snipped to avoid the advertising.

I think Bennet is spot on that the Democrats would want the young black Lt. Governor for a variety of reasons, but the real key is for the abortion bill to die before it goes on the governor's desk awaiting a signature. That then becomes a lose - lose proposition.

[conon394]

Freshman dresses up as Michael Jackson

White man in America now is a picture either dressed as a clansmen or in black face from the late 80s. Sorry Aexodus either choice in my university at about the same time would have seen you tossed out at best or had your tukus handed to you on a plate. There is nothing funny about the KKK and its role in US history. Nor is there any defense that it was youthful indiscretion. Oh man that's cocaine wow I though is was nasal moisturizer my girl friend is all vegan and homeopathic and said it would relax my breathing - that's indiscretion. Dressing in or standing next to somebody in a clan outfit is simply beyond the pale.

[swabian]

delete pls, sry

[Big War Bird]

White man in America now is a picture either dressed as a clansmen or in black face from the late 80s. Sorry Aexodus either choice in my university at about the same time would have seen you tossed out at best or had your tukus handed to you on a plate. There is nothing funny about the KKK and its role in US history. Nor is there any defense that it was youthful indiscretion. Oh man that's cocaine wow I though is was nasal moisturizer my girl friend is all vegan and homeopathic and said it would relax my breathing - that's indiscretion. Dressing in or standing next to somebody in a clan outfit is simply beyond the pale.

Its this kind of opinion that is making getting along a lot more difficult in America. We need to be able to laugh about things, even terrible things.

[Vanoi]

Its this kind of opinion that is making getting along a lot more difficult in America. We need to be able to laugh about things, even terrible things.

People just need to stop doing stupid and getting their picture taken while doing it.

[Aexodus]

There is nothing funny about the KKK and its role in US history. Nor is there any defense that it was youthful indiscretion.

There is nothing funny about the Nazi Party and its role in German history.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=zERViynKzZM
https://edition.cnn.com/2018/03/22/o...zza/index.html

Humour’s subjective. Young people especially students are idiots.

[The spartan]

What is this new "Democrats support infanticide" line? You clearly don't actually believe it, and if it is true, violence is inevitable. I mean, I guess the only counter-option is to assume Republicans literally want, what, slavery? What is the moral equivalent of a literal baby killer?

[nhytgbvfeco2]

What is this new "Democrats support infanticide" line? You clearly don't actually believe it, and if it is true, violence is inevitable. I mean, I guess the only counter-option is to assume Republicans literally want, what, slavery? What is the moral equivalent of a literal baby killer?

Explain how killing a baby 15 minutes before it is supposed to be born is not infanticide.

[The spartan]

Explain how killing a baby 15 minutes before it is supposed to be born is not infanticide.

Sure, if you can explain how that is an actual thing Democrats want and not a mischaracterization of a bill that would not allow for that.

[Aexodus]

What is this new "Democrats support infanticide" line? You clearly don't actually believe it, and if it is true, violence is inevitable. I mean, I guess the only counter-option is to assume Republicans literally want, what, slavery? What is the moral equivalent of a literal baby killer?

Sure, if you can explain how that is an actual thing Democrats want and not a mischaracterization of a bill that would not allow for that.

Virginia could soon be joining New York in repealing restrictions on abortion, including terminations up until the moment of birth, under the provisions of a bill backed by Governor Ralph Northam and a substantial number of Democratic lawmakers.

The Repeal Act, introduced as HB2491 by Delegate Kathy Tran (D-Springfield), would repeal restrictions on third trimester abortions, allow abortion doctors to self-certify the necessity of late term procedures, eliminate informed consent requirements, repeal abortion clinic health and safety standards, permit late term abortions to be performed in outpatient clinics, remove ultrasound requirements, and eliminate Virginia's 24 hour waiting period.

Tran's Repeal Act received its first subcommittee hearing on Monday, in which the legislation's sponsor confirmed that the bill would apply to controversial late term procedures, similar to the legislation signed by New York Governor Andrew Cuomo.

Under questioning from a House subcommittee, Tran said third trimester abortions would face substantially fewer restrictions.

This is the most extreme far right hyper-conservative slippery slope argument proven correct.

Under this bill, a physician with no training or experience in mental health, could certify on his own without the currently required 3 doctors, that a woman has mental health risks that deem a 100% viable baby of an abortion. That’s 1 physician, with no mental health training nor experience, can make a judgement call to end a life, based on predicted mental health risks. ing are you kidding me. What the

Governor Northam supports the bill.

He also says babies should be resuscitated... if the parents want it that is...

https://amp.cnn.com/cnn/2019/01/31/p...ion/index.html

[The spartan]

I addressed this identical post in the Morality of Abortion thread in the ethos, so that conversation should probably continue over there. Really my general point was that the anti-abortion people need to chill the heck out, none of these bill issues have even entered law yet. And the literal interpretation of Democrats wanting to kill babies needs to be acknowledged for the nonsense it is. My late mother was a Democrat and immensely loved children; moderates and those on the Left have too much experience with Democrats to actually believe they want dead infants. It is like, next level nonsense.

[Alastor]

I never understood the American frenzy surrounding blackface. I understand the need to spread the word in places that don't particularly share American sensitivities about (the black)race even less. Unfortunately even here for some reason it has turned into a terrible, terrible thing and has made a big deal out of rather innocuous traditions. I also love how revisionist America can be, continuously judging the past using the lens of the present. Well except for Washington I guess, he is cool.

[nhytgbvfeco2]

Sure, if you can explain how that is an actual thing Democrats want and not a mischaracterization of a bill that would not allow for that.

A'ight. The bill replaces the previous rule of late term abortions only being available when the mother's life is at risk, which is certainly a reasonable reason to undergo an abortion, with the extremely ambiguous "if the mothers health is at risk". What does that mean? is a sprained ankle enough of a risk? a headache? the language is left purposefully ambiguous. As Kathy Tran admits, this includes mental health, something that a doctor or nurse is in no position to be able to diagnose. This leaves the door open for massive amounts of abuse, for example a woman who decides to have an abortion on the day of birth can make up some kind of mental disorder and get an abortion because there's clearly not enough time to make a proper diagnosis even if a doctor wanted to refer her to one. Now it's your turn, how is infanticide okay?

Really my general point was that the anti-abortion people need to chill the heck out, none of these bill issues have even entered law yet.

Anti-wall people need to chill the heck out, the funding hasn't even been agreed upon yet.
Pro-abortion people need to chill the heck out, Roe vs Wade hasn't even been overturned yet.
Environmentalists need to chill the heck out, the ice caps haven't even all melted yet.
I could go on, but can you see how your "general point" isn't a point whatsoever?

And the literal interpretation of Democrats wanting to kill babies needs to be acknowledged for the nonsense it is. My late mother was a Democrat and immensely loved children; moderates and those on the Left have too much experience with Democrats to actually believe they want dead infants. It is like, next level nonsense.

For a bunch that don't want to kill babies, they sure seem to go out of their way to make killing babies easier.
I'm very glad to hear that your mother loved children, this is very relevant to this discussion.

[Aexodus]

Mental health = unwanted pregnancy.

In the UK 98% of abortions are because of mental health, in addition this is why 60% of teenage pregancies are aborted on ground C (mental health).

In reqlity it is pretty easy to obtain an abortion, doctors don’t seriously try to ascertain a risk to mental health. There is de facto abortion on demand, even if it isn’t de jure.

[Mithradates]

There is nothing funny about the Nazi Party and its role in German history.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=zERViynKzZM
https://edition.cnn.com/2018/03/22/o...zza/index.html

Humour’s subjective. Young people especially students are idiots.

Once a nazi, always a nazi!

what the that woman is the agent of Satan. Truly sickening, THIS should be the news.

[The spartan]

A'ight. The bill replaces the previous rule of late term abortions only being available when the mother's life is at risk, which is certainly a reasonable reason to undergo an abortion, with the extremely ambiguous "if the mothers health is at risk". What does that mean? is a sprained ankle enough of a risk? a headache? the language is left purposefully ambiguous. As Kathy Tran admits, this includes mental health, something that a doctor or nurse is in no position to be able to diagnose. This leaves the door open for massive amounts of abuse, for example a woman who decides to have an abortion on the day of birth can make up some kind of mental disorder and get an abortion because there's clearly not enough time to make a proper diagnosis even if a doctor wanted to refer her to one.

Are you talking about the New York bill, or the Virginia one? Those are two different bills (and don't forget, absolutely anybody can write a bill). The only argument I have heard against the New York bill is that "it allows doctors to lie about the reason for abortion and grant one late term anyway", which seems like a dumb argument as they could do the exact same thing right now without the bill. The Virginia bill was just proposed by Kathy Tran, and obviously has no chance whatsoever of passing a Republican held house and senate, nor have I seen evidence of congressional support for it even by her constituency. Now, I don't know if you know this, but crazy bills get proposed to state legislatures all the time. I remember when North Carolina proposed having an official State religion, and it had a lot more support than Kathy Tran's proposal. The reason is that state legislatures can act rather schizoid and so these bills can kinda just be brought to the floor to talk about, but they almost never have a chance of actually passing and, even if they do, they will almost certainly be challenged on the National level by the Feds.

Now it's your turn, how is infanticide okay?

It's not, how do you think lying about your political opponents is okay?

Anti-wall people need to chill the heck out, the funding hasn't even been agreed upon yet.
Pro-abortion people need to chill the heck out, Roe vs Wade hasn't even been overturned yet.
Environmentalists need to chill the heck out, the ice caps haven't even all melted yet.
I could go on, but can you see how your "general point" isn't a point whatsoever?

Thanks for all the unrelated "whatabouts", some of which don't actually include real people (there aren't "pro-abortionists", buddy). If you think Kathy Tran throwing a random bill no one likes on the Virginia state floor is like a National government shut down, or the complexities around climate change, well, I guess it just shows how dishonest you are?

For a bunch that don't want to kill babies, they sure seem to go out of their way to make killing babies easier.

Which I assume you also define as an abortion within the first trimester? It always weirds me out; you do know that the large majority of Europeans (now including Ireland since their relatively recent vote on it) don't consider abortion in the allotted time to be baby killing. Do they all support killing babies, in your mind? Does most of the West just in favor of killing babies? Or perhaps they don't see it that way, huh?

I'm very glad to hear that your mother loved children, this is very relevant to this discussion.

It was an anecdote to demonstrate people who have familiarity with actual Democrats know they don't want to kill babies. Do you know many Democrats who talk about how much better it would be if more babies were dead, or something?

Mental health = unwanted pregnancy.

That certainly doesn't seem true. You can't think of any particular mental health issue developing (or presenting) that wouldn't qualify as "unwanted pregnancy"?

In the UK 98% of abortions are because of mental health, in addition this is why 60% of teenage pregancies are aborted on ground C (mental health).

Uhuh, how many of these were late term?

In reqlity it is pretty easy to obtain an abortion, doctors don’t seriously try to ascertain a risk to mental health. There is de facto abortion on demand, even if it isn’t de jure.

I guess we should put a hold on all activity in the medical sector then; can't trust doctors to prescribe medications, or diagnoses for that matter.

You know what I would like to see from you? How about some flippin' numbers on late term abortions.