The United Mine Workers (UMW) of America has endorsed a former KKK member for reelection to the United States Senate. In a regrettable abandonment of their black workers, the UMW has once again sided with the party of slavery, the Democratic Party, and against the party of Lincoln, the Republican Party, by endorsing Senator Robert C. Byrd, Democrat of West Virginia, in his bid for reelection.

As a former union member myself, in behalf of the many union members who oppose the KKK and all those politicians that racist organization lifted to prominence, I sincerely apologize to the black members of the UMW and their families for this despicable endorsement by their union. I would hate to think that any black union members dues are being used to support a man who once was in an organization best known for lynching black men and burning crosses on the property owned by black families.

Author’s bio: Gutheinz is a former military intelligence officer and aviator and a retired NASA Office of Inspector General senior special agent. He is a criminal defense attorney licensed by 10 courts to include the United States Supreme Court; and a college instructor for both the University of Phoenix and Alvin Community College. He holds 6 degrees and 8 teaching credentials. He is the recipient of the NASA Exceptional Service Medal and the President's Council on Integrity and Efficiency Career Achievement Award. He is the past top graduate (Honor Graduate) from the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center's Criminal Investigators Basic Course. His prior writings include: In Search of the Goodwill Moon Rocks, Geotimes Magazine; There Will be a Day After Tomorrow, SpaceDaily.com and Hizb-ut-Tahrir is a Scary Group that Needed to be Outlawed, The Conservative Voice.