For Immediate Release
Friday, December 20, 2002
Statement by AFSCME President Gerald W. McEntee Regarding Sen. Trent Lott's Decision to Resign As Majority Leader
"Today's decision by Senator Lott to step down was the best decision for the United States Senate and for our nation. The statements made by Senator Lott were racist and divisive and hinder our efforts to move forward as a nation. There should be zero tolerance for racist ideologies — even when they are deemed an isolated 'slip of the tongue' by one of our country's highest ranking political leaders.
"Our nation has come too far since the days of segregation. Anyone who would suggest that our country would be better off segregated cannot adequately represent our diverse nation in the position of Majority Leader or United States Senator.
"The President himself called Senator Lott's comments 'offensive' and 'wrong.' Now the President and the Republican Party must correct the damage caused by Senator Lott, and work toward inclusive policies that build our nation instead of dividing it."
The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), AFL-CIO, is the nation's largest public service employees union representing more than 1.3 million members.
