Byrd's KKK History Shows Partisan Double Standard

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It can be argued that a new members of the senate or congress would spend years learning the 'rules' to be effective in their offices so that it make sense to keep such lifers as Senator Byrd in office.
This principle was demonstrated some years ago when thee was an exodus from government as many top officials left to the higher paying private sector, leaving many positions filled with inexperienced subordinates who were afraid to make decisions in their office.
Creating term limits however would help prevent the 'pay as you play' system of politics we have in place where self interest ranks supreme by limiting the time by which our elected official can fill their coffers at the expnse of our backs.
It is as the saying goes... if there was no money in politics, only honest people would run for office.

Marty Zima of IL 5:40PM June 30, 2010

Few in that era belonged to KKK. To gain high status Byrd was involved in some horrific activities. Was nature of KKK.
Forgive yes. Honor no.

Bill Hedges of MO 5:37PM June 30, 2010

I dont care whether someone is sorry or not for having been in the KKK, let alone as a high ranking member. Such a person should never hold federal office in this country...EVER. Let alone retain a senate seat for over 40 years when the majority of the country has presumably come to its senses about that sort of thing.

J707 of CA 5:04PM June 30, 2010

This one of the most irrelevant pieces ever written!!!

Mitchell of NC 4:23PM June 30, 2010

Our Republic did not intend to have people live their entire world in the Senate.

Jared Lorz of NV 3:28PM June 30, 2010

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Peter Roff

Peter Roff is a contributing editor at U.S. News & World Report. Formerly a senior political writer for United Press International, he’s now affiliated with several public policy organizations including Let Freedom Ring, and Frontiers of Freedom. His writing has appeared in National Review, Fox News’ opinion section, The Daily Caller, Politico and elsewhere. Follow him on Twitter @PeterRoff.