Gov. Northam Needs to Resign
Virginia’s troubled legacy
with race envelops us with countless symbols and images. Richmond has ties to
the past but has the promise to point a way into the future. We have begun the
work of reshaping the Commonwealth, and with diligence and intelligence we can elect
forward-thinking representatives who will make the best decisions for all
Virginians.
Gov. Northam has many
strong points: He led the crusade to expand Medicaid, requesting more equitable
redistricting, advocating for more money for education, and influencing Amazon
to place a headquarters in Virginia. On Friday, Feb. 1, the very day the
horrifying racist photo was made public, Gov. Northam had just announced $8.9
million in affordable and special needs housing assistance. Gov. Northam has
worked with both sides of the aisle but was capable of toughness when needed.
It is unfortunate for a public figure to be tried in the court of public
opinion. But in this case his credibility is badly compromised. He must resign.
Democrats invested time,
treasure, trust, and hope working for Ralph Northam’s election. His first year
was encouraging with many advances for Virginians, although there were actions
which many questioned during that time. It is discouraging to be blindsided by
someone we worked for and trusted, and who showed such promise. Unfortunately a
good man who has worked for all disadvantaged people is now suspect in so many
eyes.
But Democrats place a high
value on fair play and justice and are justifiably outraged when we feel a
wrong has been committed, even if in the past. Moreover, this is a controversy
that was hiding in plain sight. In retrospect, Northam could have addressed
this at a more advantageous time, but the problem was complicated by his
confusing statements that worsened the situation.
We hope that Democratic
tendencies to expect more from our leaders does not lead to infighting or
unreasonable expectations. As President Obama has said, “We are the change we
seek.” We must embody the ideals we admire. Our opposition’s ability to overlook
lies, abuse, and hypocrisy and their ability to let ends justify the means,
must not become our path. Republican efforts to disenfranchise minorities
disallow any claims about fairness. Their support for a racist president denies
them the right to judge others.
Now we look to Justin
Fairfax and prepare to throw our support behind him. There are outdated
concepts and much inertia to overcome in state government and society. We
encourage Justin Fairfax as he works towards the best possible outcomes for all
Virginians with new ideas and energy.
