Tim Scott has a lot to celebrate. The U.S. Representative from South Carolina who was chosen to fill the empty seat of Senator Jim DeMint in 2013 just officially won his election to the seat, and he won it handily, with 61% of the vote.
His election makes him the first black American to serve in the U.S. Senate from the South since Reconstruction, in 1881. It’s a major accomplishment for a man who grew up in a poor, single-parent household.
But some, including many blacks, aren’t too happy about his election, as Twitchy reports. Yes, he’s a black man – but they bring up a racist smear to insinuate that he’s the wrong type of black man – an “Uncle Tom.”
Uncle Tom Tim Scott becomes first black senator elected in south since Reconstruction. This is nothing to celebratehttp://t.co/TrMntKWOPz
— Lomo's Adjutant (@kay_sesen) November 5, 2014
Nikki Haley wins in South Carolina.Tim Scott Uncle Tom ass is back. Lindsey Graham too. UGH. I hate the world.
— Bree. (@_haveaSEAT) November 5, 2014
And in some hate-filled rants, no black conservative was safe, including the only black man on the Supreme Court, Justice Clarence Thomas.
First Black Senator Elected By Popular Vote In The South – http://t.co/PFDBqkxLzg You are not the first Uncle Tom. Clarence Thomas wins! Lol
— natrallynawlins (@natrallynawlins) November 5, 2014
The conversation took a particularly ugly turn when one Twitter user proclaimed that the Senator disdains his heritage.
@siebertde @SenatorTimScott he is a Uncle Tom who hates that he is black
— Joel Palos (@Tarascan68) November 5, 2014
If these people took a moment to actually look at Senator Scott’s policies and positions, they might realize how much of a champion they could have in him. His major legislative accomplishments include advances in education and job training that all Americans can benefit from.
And though Senator Scott rarely mentions his race, it was an integral part of his victory speech last night, as he spoke directly to the African American community.
My skin color is talked about often. Tonight I want to talk about it for just a moment.
— Tim Scott (@votetimscott) November 5, 2014
In South Carolina, in America, it takes a generation to go from having a grandfather who is picking cotton, to a grandson in Congress.
— Tim Scott (@votetimscott) November 5, 2014
We are thankful for those trailblazers who came before us and said the status quo was not enough. I stand on the shoulders of giants.
— Tim Scott (@votetimscott) November 5, 2014
Our values and our issues are central. The most important things we have to offer are on the inside. This is the testament to progress made
— Tim Scott (@votetimscott) November 5, 2014
I want to speak to the future leaders of America. Don't let anyone define you but you. You have a responsibility to be yourself. Be proud.
— Tim Scott (@votetimscott) November 5, 2014
We have too many young people being trapped in poverty because other people are defining them with low expectations.
— Tim Scott (@votetimscott) November 5, 2014
God bless you.
— Tim Scott (@votetimscott) November 5, 2014
A BIG congratulations is in order for Tim Scott on his win and we have no doubt that he will do America proud.
Source: IJ Review