Gov. Northam, Rev. Barber, and Silver Linings

AROUND THE BLOCK

I learned today…

I learned today that there could be a silver lining coming out of the Ralph Northam debacle.

As Around the Block readers know, I haven’t been particularly easy on Virginia Democratic governor Ralph Northam, calling him "more clueless than he appears." But, despite the drumbeat for his resignation from both Democrats and Republicans, he’s still in office.

So, what’s the silver lining?

Well, it comes from the Reverend William J. Barber II, president of Repairers of the Breach, co-chair of the Poor People’s Campaign: A National Call for Moral Revival and former president of the NAACP's North Carolina chapter.

In a Washington Post Op-Ed and a subsequent appearance on MSNBC's Morning Joe, Dr. Barber related the Bible story of Zacchaeus, "a tax collector who participated in the systemic exploitation of people in Palestine. When he met Jesus, he repented of his wrongdoing by committing to pay back the people he had harmed. Whether we are talking about Northam or President Trump — Democrats or Republicans — restitution that addresses systemic harm must be the fruit of true repentance.”

Barber believes simply apologizing is not enough, writing, “Scapegoating politicians who are caught in the act of interpersonal racism will not address the fundamental issue of systemic racism,” they "have to talk about policy". He goes on to say, “To confess past mistakes while continuing to insist that you are still best suited to lead because of your experience is itself a subtle form of white supremacy.”

But heeding calls for Northam’s resignation will not help the situation, according to Barber. “At the same time, we cannot allow political enemies of Virginia’s governor to call for his resignation over a photo when they continue themselves to vote for the policies of white supremacy. If anyone wants to call for the governor’s resignation, they should also call for the resignation of anyone who has supported racist voter suppression or policies that have a disparate impact on communities of color.”

Now, just to be clear, Reverend, it's not just "political enemies" of Northam who are calling for his resignation. But putting aside that bit of partisan rhetoric, what, according to Barber, should Northam do? 

Don’t resign but give a major speech on what racism really is. And then follow up that speech by using his position and power as governor of Virginia to, among other things, commit to supporting policies that expand voting rights, that stand with immigrant neighbors, and that provide health care and living wages for all people. 

And there, if Northam heeds Barber's advice, is the silver lining. 

Barber's admonition to Northam: Don't resign, repent. And use that repentance to ask the question, “How are the people who have been harmed by my actions asking to change the policies and practices of our society?”

Amen!