In life, often times we say the wrong things. We are usually judged by the words that we deliver, not the intention that is behind them. When Senator Harry Reid was quoted in the new book, Game Change, saying that the President is “light skinned” with “no negro dialect, unless he wanted to have one,” we are right to deem these words offensive. However, it is important that we do not judge the Senator solely by his words, but more importantly by the content of his character.
Over the years, the Senator has been a strong advocate and supporter of strengthening human and civil rights in our country and around the world. He is leading the effort to repeal Don’t Ask Don’t Tell, which will be a major accomplishment for the advancement of the rights for gay people. He was at the forefront of the first minimum wage increase in over a decade, which was passed in 2007. It has been his leadership in the Senate that has given us a chance to make significant reforms in health care that will save millions of lives. I know Senator Reid, and I know his choice of words were poor. However, like the President, I forgive him, for I know that in his heart he goes to work everyday to make the lives of all Americans better.
-Russell Simmons
