Famous Snakes

[Kevin]

Originally Posted by TrevorG

Uh oh, out comes the "L Word". Isn't saying "Liberal Left" redundant?

I agree that the original controversy that lead to that story was blown way out of proportion, but it also contradicts the defense you just used about Lott being "young and naive" at the time. Since he publicly stated that he believes the country would be better if Thurmond had won the presidency, he obviously still supports the segregationist platform he ran on. I mean, Strom Thurmond is the guy who filibustered the Civil Rights Act.

At any rate, this is the wrong place to have this discussion, and all it will do is generate strife amongst brothers at this point.

Saying nice things at a colleague's 100th birthday party is hardly the same as announcing that one is a racist.

Lott, like most in the South at the time supported a segregationist policy. It doesn't make it right, but that was just the way the world was at the time.

That said, as bad as it was then, I don't really think you can hold someone's beliefs from 40+ years ago against them. People are capable of substantial change.

As for the secrecy of Grand Chapter, there are guests present for a great part of it (as far as I recall). I believe it's just the ritual part that's off limits to non members. Someone correct me if I'm wrong.

Talking about our past is important to understanding our present.

[banditone]

Not to rain on any parades, but if you go to the south now (Miss, Bama, Tenn, etc) you're going to find that not a whole lot has changed in the attitudes of people down there. It's crazy, I know, but laws may have changed but small minded hatred still runs rampant.

[RazorSnake]

Originally Posted by banditone

Not to rain on any parades, but if you go to the south now (Miss, Bama, Tenn, etc) you're going to find that not a whole lot has changed in the attitudes of people down there. It's crazy, I know, but laws may have changed but small minded hatred still runs rampant.

Very true, even in Arkansas. Which is surprising, considering the U of A was the first southern university to admit a black student without litigation (Silas Hunt, 1948). However, diversity continues to be a major issue in the state.
Hopefully Sigma Nu can be a bastion of racial tolerance. At the U of A, our chancellor (Brother White) is a sigma nu and has placed diversity at the top of the university's priorities.