I attended the graduation of my brother at Alcorn University in Vicksburg, MS. On my return, I passed through a town called Port Gibson. Port Gibson is one of Mississippi's third oldest settlements and could be viewed by some as a momentous battle ground during the American Civil War, and to others, a hosting point for slave bidding. History whispers that during slavery, Port Gibson would close midday every Thursday and the townsmen would head down to the port and watch or bid on slaves. It seems that 142 years after the abolition of slavery, Port Gibson still closes down every Thursday at midday... It is no secret that Mississippi has been labeled one of the most racist states in America, and with leaders like Trent Lott in Senate, how can old habits die hard? 

On November 26, 2007, Trent Lott announced he would resign from his Senate seat at the end of this year. Lott, a native of Mississippi was elected to congress in 1974. He was one of only two Republicans elected to congress from Mississippi since "Reconstruction". It seems that the old, "Solid South" (meaning Southern Whites) turned "red" and made a switch-over after the "Dems" acquiesced to the beat of the civil rights movement drum.   But now that he has resigned will Mississippi follow years of unconscious familiarities or will the Republican Party find a clown to fit his build?

Lott, whose politics were less popular to Blacks due to his public policy concerning "affirmative action", has been known to endorse white separatist organizations like the Council of Conservative Citizens (CCC).

In the 1992, Lott gave the key note address and was quoted as saying  " The people in this room stand for the right principles and the right philosophy... Let's take it in the right direction and our children will be the beneficiaries!" I guess what Lott was really saying is "Let’s maintain the purity of the white race and keep blacks out of our neighborhoods". At least, that is the goal of the CCC who is also known as the "White Citizens Council".

I’m sure many of you are wondering how the retirement of Trent Lott will affect the standing of the Republican Party.  Undoubtedly, the strong leadership will have an affect on the GOP. The vacant Senate seats on the right side of the aisle include Allard, Craig, Domenici, Hagel, and Warner. The resignation of Lott will definitely make it more difficult in the upcoming 08' election. The GOP may find itself caught up in the same under current as the DNC after losing control in the 1994 election.  

As for Lott's seat, there is someone waiting with the same policies to move in and make his self right at home. The great state of Mississippi, (one of the "Great Red States") has plenty of ambitious Republicans who are glad to fill it.

 By Le Criss Smith