Byrd on Race Issues in W.Va.: "Those days are gone. Gone!"
Byrd on Race Issues in W.Va.: "Those days are gone. Gone!" Save Email Print
Posted: 4:56 PM Oct 24, 2008
 Last Updated: 8:11 PM Oct 24, 2008
 Reporter: Scott Saxton; Kallie Cart
Email Address: scott.saxton@wsaz.com; kallie.cart@wsaz.com
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CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) - After speaking at a political rally headlined by Democratic Vice-Presidential candidate Joe Biden, United States Senator Robert Byrd attended an open house for congressional candidate Anne Barth. Barth is a former aide who worked decades in the senator's office before running for Congress.

WSAZ had the rare opportunity to speak with Senator Byrd Friday afternoon and took the time to ask him about several topics.

"Who's she?" smiled Byrd when asked about Sarah Palin, the Republican Vice-Presidential candidate. He offered no other comment on the candidate.

Byrd has been a critic of Republican Presidential candidate John McCain's plan to eliminate earmarks from the federal budget. Byrd has used the monetary requests frequently to fund numerous projects in West Virginia.

“I’m for earmarks because they help West Virginia,” Byrd said. "He’d have to adjust to me.”

WSAZ also spoke with Senator Byrd about racism. In the past week, at least three media organizations across the country focused on the race issue in West Virginia.

The Baltimore Sun spoke with voters in Mingo County who identified themselves as Democrats. They wouldn't allow their names to be printed, but the article reports they said the following about Obama.

"He's going to take my gun and then give my money to his own people."

"I'm not voting for that n--, and I ain't no racist when I say that either."

The New York Daily News wrote an article about the race in West Virginia Friday and included this clip:

Mary Gonzalez, an 87-year-old Democrat and former schoolmate of Sen. Robert Byrd (D-W.Va.), said she fears Obama "is going to pull" a race war as President.

"We don't stand a chance with the black people," she said.

Byrd, who has previously apologized for his one-time membership years ago in the Ku Klux Klan, said racism will not be an issue with voters in West Virginia.

"It’s not good. Those days are gone. Gone!” Byrd said to a cheering group of people in the headquarters for Anne Barth, a candidate for Congress in the 2nd Congressional District.

We also asked Senator Byrd about his support for Barth, an aide in his office for years prior to her run for Congress.

"Why Anne Barth for Congress? She’s pretty, isn’t she?” Byrd asked our reporter. "She’s the best. She is the best. She worked for me for at least twenty years and she knows the people of West Virginia and she will be for the people of West Virginia. She knows what the people of West Virginia need and I will be behind her every step of the way. She will be a great person to represent the people of West Virginia.”
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Posted by: JACKIE BOGGS on Oct 28, 2008 at 07:32 PM
hONEST RACIST I CAN'T STAND BLACK PEOPLE, THEY WANT TO TAKE OVER THIS COUNTRY THAT WAS BUILT BY THE WHITEMAN, IF THE BLACKS VOTE THERE RACE THIS DEMOCRAT WILL VOE HIS(HONEST VOTER) WISH MORE WOULD COME OUT OF THE CLOSET AND YES IM FORM MINGO COUNTY
Posted by: Anonymous on Oct 28, 2008 at 03:58 PM
yep,he was in the kkk,but he is NOT aracisit lol
Posted by: Hey Susan on Oct 28, 2008 at 11:32 AM
Hey Brenda, did your Mamma & Daddy also teach you that it is ok to turn your head when others are committing murder on the unborn? That's exactly what Obama and the Democrats protect, the right to "CHOOSE". That means the right to "KILL"!...so go on and stick your head in the sand, keep conviencing yourself it's a woman's "right to kill" and you'll sleep just fine tonight. Ignorance is bliss.
Posted by: k on Oct 28, 2008 at 09:49 AM
Brenda, My point was exactly that. Men did create racism!!!! Obama seems to be pushing the issue even if he isn't saying anything. The black community has finally got a representative and they should be happy. I am happy for them, however, the negatives about his black supremacy ties and other ties are only empowering them in reverse racism. I don't think that it is all of them. That would be totally unfair. Racism isn't just for white people, Rev. Wright is a perfect example. His congregation can believe him or not, but that man seems to be racist than most people I know. People will pick up on this. I don't want to have to pay for something I didn't do. My family wasn't even in the US when slavery was an issue and I wasn't born during the Civil Rights movements either. I feel everyone has the same chance in life. As I said before I am not voting for him for his race, but because I believe everyone has a chance in life and at life...including unborn children. Adoption!!
Posted by: JAMES MCKINNEY on Oct 28, 2008 at 01:56 AM
YOUR CRAZY OLD COOT THE KKK IS THICK AS HE...L IN CLAY ,CALHOUN, AND WEBSTER COUNTIES. TRUST ME MY UNCLES IN THE KLAN. OBAMA SHOULD NOT WASTE A DIME IN THIS RACIST STATE. OH FORGOT LOGAN AND MINGO ECT.
Posted by: george on Oct 27, 2008 at 08:34 PM
Tell us all about it sheets.
Posted by: Brenda on Oct 27, 2008 at 08:28 PM
This is for K..know wonder their is so much rasicm around in the state of Wv it's because of people like you...GOD CREATED US ALL and Blacks and Whites alike are still the same the only difference is God gave us different colored Skin so that doesn't make Whites better than Blacks or Blacks better than Whites were all creations of God. God never intented for whites and blacks to be against each others race of color.. MEN did that many years ago thats why we have rasicm. i was brought up to know that whites and black are different only by the color of our skin and thats all.and i think Obama is the better man for the job because i can't trust mcain he's too much of a BUSHMAN and i refuse to give my god given right to vote too him. people need to sit down and just think about these two men befroe they cast their vote bush has almost destroyed our country so please don't let mcain finish us off.
Posted by: Mr. Magoo on Oct 27, 2008 at 05:27 PM
Why can't people just be honest and except things for the way they are? Genealogy plays a big part of what we are. I haven't seen Byrd do anything so great compaired to the rest of the country. If he's the hot shot a lot of people says he is, then why is WV last in about everything next to Arkansas? Claifornia and other states has big roads and bridges running every direction side by side, they just don't have his name on them! I know I'm not to smart or I wouldn't still be in WV. My ancestors must have been mostly from Norway because I just like to fish and drink beer.
Posted by: Hey Susan on Oct 27, 2008 at 05:22 PM
Hey Susan, they knew better...people back then weren't stupid, no more than our founding Fathers were stupid for allowing slavery. It was just accepted, that's all. Just like we accept your stupidity while not making jokes about you, that would be insensitive of us and we are too civilized now to be insensitive! And as far as Byrd knowing the Constitution, if I had a copy of it in my shirt pocket for the last Century, I'd probably be able to recite it word for word too.
Posted by: Scurred on Oct 27, 2008 at 03:47 PM
k, I think you mean Socialist, not Communist. You know, socialism, like free public education, medicare, medicaid and all those dreadful things. Next thing you know we might get free universal healthcare. I am very scared.
Posted by: Amy on Oct 27, 2008 at 01:05 PM
To ASHANTAY: Last I checked, BHO's mommy was WHITE, so he's just as much white as he is black? What is it w/ you people thinking that if I don't like someone it's because "he's black" which is really an incorrect statement in itself! I voted for McCain/Palin and I am proud of my vote. It's not so much that I like McCain so well, it's that I dislike BHO's stance on social issues. I'm sorry, but anyone who believes it's ok to kill a baby, who didn't die during an abortion, will NEVER get my vote. Lets see if THIS gets posted!
Posted by: Susan on Oct 27, 2008 at 12:55 PM
How dare any of you that live in WV. to not stand up for Senator Byrd!!Yes, he was in the KKK, but that was when people did not know better. If you think he was the only one, go back into history! This man has done so many great things for our state, and all you can say is he is old? He may have a hard time saying want he wants to say, But you better believe he knows the constitution forwards and backwards! We need people like him, and his clout for the state. Please don't show your ignorance!
Posted by: me thinks on Oct 27, 2008 at 12:46 PM
I think palin is a fake of the worst kind!
Posted by: k on Oct 27, 2008 at 11:41 AM
Racism in this country still exists and yes it is deeply rooted in WV. But times have changed and most people respect people for who they are and what they have done over the color of someone's skin. I am a democrat, but I will not vote for Obama. This election has put race into the front because he just happens to be black. It is creating a huge race issue and creating more racism than what there may have been otherwise. My reasoning for not voting for him are on issues other than race. His abortion issues for one. Second, his dealings with unsavory characters black and white. I do however fear the backlash of black voters and nonvoters who support Obama whether he wins this election or not. I fear that this would give a few the idea that blacks are now superior than white people and will make a case on reverse racism. That idea does scare me a little. Also, I don't want to live in a communist country. Obama has ties to communists and holds some communist ideas himself.
Posted by: booger on Oct 27, 2008 at 09:34 AM
Don't care about the race issue. Really don't care what color these people are. I do agree with Byrd on the earmarks. That's more money going to WV. I'll take it anytime, Byrd's name on it or not. I'd rather have a Robert C Byrd bridge, road, or building than to not have one at all. Let Byrd steal from Washington and give it to WV. Fine by me.
Posted by: EC on Oct 26, 2008 at 07:25 PM
If Byrd thinks that race won't be a factor in WV, then Hershey doesn't make chocolate kisses anymore!
Posted by: A on Oct 26, 2008 at 06:55 PM
Little bit of a sad irony that the Baltimore Sun is doiong a race story on West Virginia, when the situation there with racial relations is not so good. Focus on your own issues before trying to portray our state in such a negative manner.
Posted by: Anonymous on Oct 26, 2008 at 06:08 PM
McCain.Palin's are a jok? What grade are you in mason co.?
Posted by: KYgal on Oct 26, 2008 at 01:29 PM
I lived in WV for over 50 years and I love WV. WV has it's faults but so does every state. Sen Byrd may be old and apparently in ill health but he has done a great deal for WV while in office. Who does WV have to replace him?? Yes, it is sad that in this day and age that racism is still an issue but it is. Instead of running Sen Byrd and WV down, why not ask yourself what you can do to improve things in WV. Better still, ask yourself what you ARE doing to make WV a better place to live and work.
Posted by: coal miner's wife on Oct 26, 2008 at 11:06 AM
Janette, i agree with you that MOST politicians will tell you what you want to hear just to get your vote. Its been that way for too long.
Posted by: mason co on Oct 26, 2008 at 09:46 AM
MCCAIN. PALIN'S ARE A JOK
Posted by: skeered on Oct 26, 2008 at 08:05 AM
senator byrd is skeery
Posted by: Anonymous on Oct 26, 2008 at 06:49 AM
WHAT THE HECK IS WRONG WITH SOME OF YOU PEOPLE??YOUR HUBANDS ,WIVES,SONS,AND DAUGHTERS ARE OVER SEAS FIGHTING FOR YOUR COUNTRY AND ALL YOU CAN WRITE ABOUT IS HOW OLD SEN.BYRD IS?,WHAT COLOR OBAMA IS?,WHO CARES?????THAT IS ALL I HEAR; PUTTING DOWN THE COUNTRY OUR FAMILIES ARE FIGHTING SO HARD FOR!!!STOP GRIPING ABOUT THINGS THAT YOU CANNOT CHANGE,AND WORK TOWARD THE THINGS YOU CAN CHANGE...GOD BLESS AND KEEP EACH ONE
Posted by: mama on Oct 26, 2008 at 01:27 AM
well racisim does still exist which is sad because this nation is full of individuals of every race and color and NO ONE is pure white! hate to break that bit of news to those who think they are!! byrd has done alot for WV; but im afraid his "past" does haunt him. but NONE of us are free of skeletons in our closets. but we are a FREE nation!!! and we "SHOULD" be uniting not hating but i seriously doubt that day will ever come because there are NO perfect people! and definitely NO perfect people running our country! whether it be republican or democrat!both sides share alot of fault for what has happenened to our country in the past 60-70 years! and i seriously doubt that will ever change either. but God Bless America and God help America!
Posted by: Annie on Oct 26, 2008 at 12:35 AM
Why do you people still vote for Him? Get over it!
Posted by: JLL on Oct 25, 2008 at 11:44 PM
Janette? "Hold onto your guns" what a ridiculous statement. My eight year old nephew has even come under the stupid assumption that if Obama is elected "we won't be able to hunt anymore because he is going to take away our guns" this statement came from his grandparent which I tried to correct. If you understand anything about our country it is that one person does not make a decision it is an elected group. Alot of people posting on this site really need to take a crash course in American History/Politics. It may just help you to make correct statements/decisions.
Posted by: J on Oct 25, 2008 at 11:04 PM
duh, no Byrd is senile, he really doesn't know who she is. The man is barely functioning. Watch his inane rambling on CSPAN sometime.
Posted by: duh on Oct 25, 2008 at 09:48 PM
sue, you're an idiot. Byrd was joking...sarcasm! McCain insulted women when he picked her thinking we'd vote for ANY woman!
Posted by: MamawS on Oct 25, 2008 at 08:30 PM
Byrd, fly home, you have done enough begging for $$ to put our state to shame. We do not want to be a WELFARE STATE, we want to be properous and have dignity. Again Byrd, it's time to fly. You may want to take a nap first!
Posted by: Stupid West Virginians on Oct 25, 2008 at 08:27 PM
It amazes me that some of the people commenting are downing the very man who has gotten more for WV than any republican could ever do. You people are ignorant. If it wasn't for Sen Byrd, WV would be nothing, or have nothing. Research your senator West Virginians, because when he is gone, you all will then realize how powerful and kind he has been to WV. When lord forbid something happens to senator Byrd, you will start to realize his importance when your state becomes last on the totem poll.
Posted by: Jeff on Oct 25, 2008 at 03:51 PM
My grandma-in-law said some of the same stuff about Obama. I feel sorry for her. Some of the elderly feel that the "blacks" are going to get revenge for slavery and mistreatment in the past when Obama gets in office. They are too old and set in their ways to explain to them otherwise. I hear things like this anytime I travel to the southern part of the state. I live in the north and sometimes cannot believe that these feelings and beliefs still exist. I know it isn't everyone in the south, but the dumbest people are usually the most vocal so they get the most attention.
Posted by: Anonymous on Oct 25, 2008 at 02:29 PM
if mccain was black i would still vote for him because i like what he stands for and palin she gives the woman of the house hope for tomorrow
Posted by: Janette on Oct 25, 2008 at 01:02 PM
coal miners wife, don't forget who's telling you all these things you want to hear. They are a bunch of life long liers in politics with their pockets full of your hard earned tax money. Now they want to lead you off the deep end. Don't forget things can get a lot worse and will! Obama, Manchin and Rockefeller are NOT democrats, just promising peace and prosperity where there is none nor will be! Hold on to God and your guns you'll need them! The world economy is crashing too like never before, not just here! Help WV and the state workers for now, Vote for Russ Weeks!
Posted by: MIKE on Oct 25, 2008 at 11:21 AM
WE DONT NEED BYRD WE DONT NEED OBAMA,I CAN NOT BELEIVE THE GOOD PEOPLE OF THIS COUNTRY COULD EVER VOTE OBAMA.EVERYBODY NEEDS TO WAKE UP. PEOPLE YOU KNOW IN YOUR HEART WHATS GOOD WHATS BAD.OBAMA IS BAD.ITS THE FUTURE YOUR VOTING FOR MAKE RATIONAL DECISION DONT VOTE OBAMA.
Posted by: coal miner's wife on Oct 25, 2008 at 10:53 AM
First of all, i want to know WHO they talked to in Mingo Co.? They need to put these people back on the bar stool they plucked them off of. Stop interviewing stupid people just to make a story? Go into the coal fields and interview hard working,tax paying citizens. These are the people who work side by side every day with people of all different races. They trust these people with their lives on a daily basis. When you're 5 miles underground, do you think it matters what color your co-workers skin is???.. For the most part,I think that we very open-minded about this election. I dont think it has ever been an issue of skin color. We are just hoping for some change like everybody else.
Posted by: Anonymous on Oct 25, 2008 at 10:36 AM
Kyle, you are very much allowed not to like Obama for his views and policies. What makes me sick is the numerous people that I have heard say Obama would be a perfect candidate if he was somebody else. Tell me an honest reason why you aren't voting for him and I will never think once about you being a racist, but I have heard numerous people with no other reason than who he is and that is why people are painted racist. Chris, I understand that many West Virginians rely on coal to support their families, but we don't really need anymore coal power plants if we want to leave a planet for our families in the future. We have enough coal power plants and steel mills to support our coal industry. We need to build more nuclear, wind, and other clean plants to preserve the environment for our future generations.
Posted by: Anonymous on Oct 25, 2008 at 10:31 AM
Who cares about Byrd! Who can stand to read these ignorant comments that give horrible representation of this area! OBAMA 08!
Posted by: What on Oct 25, 2008 at 10:18 AM
Who knew who Sara Palin was when McCain pick her for a running mate? The republican party didn't know her. Do you see the republicans supporting McCain/Palin ticket like , the Bush's,the Reagans, or Rep.s Senators or Rep. Congress . No because they want to forget this ticket also. Why should Byrd need to know who she is? A lot of West Virginas and Kentuckians are a lot a like, out touch with the real world. Well you want Byrd out? Why didn't you remove George Bush from office. Well all I see is REDNECKS, HATE, GUNS RACEIST. YOU NEED TO EDUCATE YOURSELF ON FACTS. Listen to what all Biden said about the coal. Go back to that enterview with WSAZ. Obama always said he was for coal.(clean). What has the Republican party did for coal in the last 8 years. WVA. and KY. when they both went for Bush the past 2 election? NOT ONE THING. REAL SMART PEOPLE IN WVA.and KY.
Posted by: ASHANTAY on Oct 25, 2008 at 10:18 AM
It's a sad and real fact, but the primary reason people won't vote for Obama is because he's black. Just admit it. Because his policies are to HELP the middle class and people like YOU. If you want to vote against your own interests just because he isn't a white person, then you don't get to complain ever again.
Posted by: To Kyle: on Oct 25, 2008 at 10:05 AM
I think you summed it up so well when you said, "Isnt it funny that your not allowed to not like Obama because of his views and policies? If you dislike him, then you are a racist." I'm afraid that's going to be the trend over the next four years. When someone disagrees with this admin's direction, they'll be branded racists, who probably have roots in WV.
Posted by: Anonymous on Oct 25, 2008 at 10:01 AM
ROBERT BYRD SHOULD GO HOME. OR TO A HOME.HE IS A DISGRACE FOR THE STATE OF WV. SURE HE HAS MANY OF INSTITUTIONS WITH HIS NAME ON THEM BUT WHERE DO YOU THINK THESE FUNDS CAME FROM.HE IS CAUSING A LOT OF DISTASTFUL REMARKS ABOUT WV.GO HOME A LET A NEW GENERATOIN TAKE OVER.
Posted by: Bob on Oct 25, 2008 at 09:29 AM
Obama=MORE taxes and More hand outs to those who CHOOSE not to work
Posted by: good grief on Oct 25, 2008 at 08:17 AM
I have submitted two comments and neither are posted... Last time... Byrd is a joke. He can barely complete a sentence. It takes him two minutes to say "who's she". Why is Byrd a rep of our state.
Posted by: Chris on Oct 25, 2008 at 07:42 AM
Nobody mentions Obama's racist comments like saying His white grandmother was "A typical white person" and in one of His speeches He said "A white mans greed runs a world in need". Or what of Biden's comments about coal killing us and swears that if He and Obama are elected there will be NO NEW COAL POWERPLANTS!" Why are these things never mentioned?
Posted by: Listening on Oct 25, 2008 at 07:08 AM
The wisdom of the ancient. When he was young and had his health the N word flowed so flippantly between his lips. He reminds me of George Wallace. Toward his end Gov. Wallace had two African American males who took care of him. Too bad these men did not repugicated their behaviors before ill health grasped them.
Posted by: Kyle on Oct 24, 2008 at 10:49 PM
Isnt it funny that your not allowed to not like Obama because of his views and policies? If you dislike him, then you are a racist.
Posted by: Byrd on Oct 24, 2008 at 10:39 PM
actually can move! Eh typical republicans trying to blame someone else for their failed policies. I am not voting for Anne Barth but hope Shelly Moore gets defeated. She took money from the school children across the nation to allow big oil to prosper with their tax credits - even when all fifty five counties in WV wrote her to stop it she voted for the legislation so smoke that Grand Ole Politicians
Posted by: Sue on Oct 24, 2008 at 09:48 PM
If Byrd doesn't know who Sarah Palin is then why is he still in the Senate?
Posted by: MamawSharon on Oct 24, 2008 at 09:44 PM
O Byrd singing the same old tune, give me money and I will do something for WV. Well, here in Southern WV, he has not done anything, that I can see. I guess he is catering to his big buds in Charleston and Morgantown or elsewhere in WV. I guess the good old southern folks in WV will just keep on voting for him and his false promises. He is useless and Ann Barth (Barf) is worse than he is. Now Shelley M is the girl to vote for. She is smart and is for all of WV, especially the coal miners. She will keep the coal mining industry active in our state. She will help develop new jobs with the clean coal initiative. Go McCain,Palin, Go Capito, go to bed all you demos that have not figured out yet that voting for demos does nothing for anyone but those elected. At least in this state. It has never changed anything, Mingo,Logan,Wayne,Lincoln,Mason: get real and quit this merry go round way of voting for demos, it will never help, never has, never will. Down with Manchin and Obama!
Posted by: SUE that remembers on Oct 24, 2008 at 09:32 PM
WSAZ- when you asked him about Sarah, He didn't really know who you were talking about! He just comes and goes, mostly gone. Do you remember about 10 years ago when he was on a live news interview one sunday morning. He said they lived on one side of the tracks and we lived on the other. Most of these n----s wouldn't work then and now we got some white n----s that won't work either. He used the N word on live tv. The news people snached him off and put some pr preson in his place. He was starting to revert back to his early years then. It's past time for the old Byrd to go! Term limits and drug testing would do wonders for WV now. Please don't cover up the truth, print both sides of story.
Posted by: Candace on Oct 24, 2008 at 08:56 PM
It is sad to thinks some people will not vote for Obama simply because of his race. I for one choose to not judge someone based on the color of their skin. I sure hope West Virginia's really vote because of what they have researched and found to be true of a candidate not because of race or lies.
Posted by: Rob on Oct 24, 2008 at 08:42 PM
I think it's time for Mr. Byrd to hang it up. I think it's time for Mr. Byrd to hang it up. He keeps repeating himself. He keeps repeating himself.
Posted by: Buckeye on Oct 24, 2008 at 08:30 PM
Rich Republicans on Wall Street sure aren't against taking hand-outs either. It looks like it's up to the people in the middle to fund both ends. Maybe that's why Obama wants to give US a break.
Posted by: Anonymous on Oct 24, 2008 at 08:20 PM
When Byrd was asking who are McCain and Palin, I really thought he didn't know. LOL. As far as these media outlets and the racial comments and branding WVians as racists, it is essentially their attempts at creating a story. If they go anywhere in the nation and ask the right people, you'll find someone who is still capable of using the "N" word. I was at dinner in Massachuetts a few weeks ago and heard a well educated guy from Tenn. use the word after a few drinks. I then heard others from California and Georgia laugh about it in the car on the way back to the hotel. I, the resident of racist West Virginia, was the only one who expressed their utter amazement and disgust. The good people of WV are the victims of this stereotyping, which is unconscionable.
Posted by: to don on Oct 24, 2008 at 08:05 PM
your right look at all the hand outs the state has taken that byrd has gained thru pork it time to stop it and let the state disappear all together then they can divide it up with the bordering states if they will take it. See how far byrd is out of touch thinking race is not an issue where has he been during this election i think we should declare ourselves solvent if obama is elected since we dont want him
Posted by: Ky on Oct 24, 2008 at 07:53 PM
LET THE GOOD TIME ROLL. Go OBAMA/BIDEN 2008. GIVE ALL THE MONEY TO NEEDED, SENIORS,DISABLE VETERANS,MIDDLE CLASS AND VETERANS. OH I FORGOT GIVE WELFARE A RAISE. DEMOCRATS GIVE AWAY MONEY TO PEOPLE THAT DON'T DESERVE IT? NO DEMOCRATS OUR NOT WAITING FOR HANDOUT. REMEMBER REAGANCHEESE WAS GIVEN OUT IN THE NINETEEN EIGHTIES THE FIRST IN LINE WAS THE REPUBLICANS. IF THERE ANYTHING FREE THEIR STANDING IN LINE FOR IT.
Posted by: Ray on Oct 24, 2008 at 07:51 PM
Robert Byrd-- - - what a waste, he's nothing but an ole time politician. Tell you what you want to hear and how great he is doing for you but the truth is WVa is behind in education, jobs for our youth, and much more. End this farce PLEASE!!!
Posted by: Lee on Oct 24, 2008 at 07:11 PM
race isn't an issue? what planet is he from? he's a crazy old coot!!
Posted by: omg on Oct 24, 2008 at 06:21 PM
The man can't even hear what she is asking. He can't respond with a sentence longer than three or four words. Why is he still in office?
Posted by: Nick on Oct 24, 2008 at 06:11 PM
Can you say: term limits?
Posted by: jk on Oct 24, 2008 at 06:10 PM
I just watched the whole raw video and OMG………..it’s time for him to retire. I have not lived in WV for over 20 years and I’m not sure of Senator Byrd’s achievements in the past 20 years. I do believe his golden days have officially turned into his olden days.
Posted by: Sad... on Oct 24, 2008 at 06:10 PM
Why would you go to MINGO county for comments on race?! PS-He needs to take your gun...it's too dangerous for ignorant trash like you to have one!
Posted by: Don on Oct 24, 2008 at 05:49 PM
Anne Barth worked for Robert Byrd for twenty years or more? I'll definitely be voting for Shelley. Go, Shelley! Keep voting for West Virginians and against democrats taking our money and giving it to people who don't deserve it!
Posted by: Anonymous on Oct 24, 2008 at 05:07 PM
Race isn't an issue, Democrats will take a handout from anyone.
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  • Posted By: Robert: Although I feel for the employees that lost their positions at Cabell Huntington Hospital, at least more nurses were hired. I recently had a relative in the cardiac unit at Kings Daughters, in Ashland, and I was told that the nursing staff had been cut back and that no overtime was being given. This seems to be a drastic cut in patient care for a facility that spends thousands advertising that they are in the top 5% of cardiac hospitals in the country. I would be willing to wager that the Cleveland Clinic has not cut hours of those giving patient care.
  • Posted By: Boyd: If the state's budget is doing so well, why don't we use some of this money to help towns and cities in the state who are in trouble with their budget, or will this just become another pay raise for politicians?
  • Posted By: Rob: Why does everyone have to be so into using the term "racist" and have that kind of attitude. I know what my heritage is and who my ancestors were but you want to know what I consider myself? I AM AN AMERICAN! I was born and raised in this country and that's how I feel it should be. Born here, raised here.....then by God you are an American. Not an African American, not an Asian American etc. etc. You are an AMERICAN!
  • Posted By: Chris: To Ex-Officer: I agree with you 100% about the pay of police dept and the drug testing. I was formerly involved with the BCPD and had multiple ride alongs with the BCSO. I am probably one of their biggest critics due to having watch some of the bad side of the department for a long time. I wish that I could tell everything that I have seen officers do,which would put most of them behind bars or they'll lose their sheild, But retalliation is bad in our area. To the cops that do their job and do it with the best intentions, I proud of you and don't mean any disrespect. To the ones who I personally watch being more currupt then the "badguys" here,your day will be coming.
  • Posted By: Pablo: Teachers aren't the only ones underpaid. Law enforcement officers are underpaid also. And I'd like to speak about them. For example, I'm sure any parent would sacrifice their live for thier children. And several may give thier live to save their spouse. A few individuals may even do it for a close friend. But, I only know of 3 types of beings who will sacrifice thier lives for complete strangers; indeed even for people who hate them. The first would be our men and women in our armed forces. The second would be our law enforcement officers. And of course, third would be our Savior, Jesus Christ. Others are killed in the line of their employment, but not in order to save a complete stranger. Everytime a cop puts on his/her uniform, they can be a target for anyone upset about something. Even though it doesn't involve the cop personally, that very cop will give his life to save yours when a problem arises. We need to give our cops not only a wage, but a living wage and a great big THANKS.
  • Posted By: Craig: If what I am hearing is correct that Kanawha County teachers accepted a pay raise in return for submitting to drug testing, and then sued successfully so they do not have to be subject to testing, then why shouldn't we the taxpayers demand they return the raise?
  • Posted By: teresa: racist lmao i am one cherokee,german,irish,german,and who knows what else TIRED of hearing of racist comments u are either GOOD OR BAD k no skin color needed just evil or NOT
  • Posted By: Ex-Officer: I agree with Robert 100% I worked in law enforcement and loved the job but try to rise a family on less than 10.00 an hour (out of that pay for your own duty gear and gun). I believe that all public safety workers should be drug tested but i also believe that they should be paid for the job that they do. Not many people understand what a public safty worker goes through. Would you put your life on the line for this kind of pay? Remember the saying that you get what you pay for. I see this in several new officers in my area. Don't get me wrong there are still very good officers in law enforcement. Something really needs to be done about the low pay for these jobs.
  • Posted By: Garland: What's the difference between teachers and other workers(coal mineers, bus drivers, state employees,etc.)? Teachers aren't any better are they?
  • Posted By: : This is not a comment, but I would like comments on it please. What do you think of Poca High School? Racist or not?
  • Posted By: Robert: We the people, through our own self centeredness and apathy, have allowed our teachers and police officials to be some of the most underpaid people in the United States. We are trusting our childrens education and our public safety to the very people that are some of the most underpaid profesions in the U.S.. If I could change this, I would. However, I do believe that these people should be randomly drug tested. I work in the construction industry and I have no problem being drug tested. I have nothing to hide. I also believe that any person who is intrusted with the safety of others should have nothing to hide. This includes plitical officials up to and including the president.
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