GOTV: Open letter

Local, Politics, Race, Virginia 1 Minute

Alice has raised an interesting issue that should be explored.

Open letter to Virginia’s black leaders

As Atrios put it, Democratic blogosphere has become a nontrivial part of the Democratic coalition. Our collective influence is significant and will only continue to grow. Our influence is most significant in the early stages of a debate. We now have the collective power to put an idea into debate, and to some extent, shape the public agenda.

Sadly, Democratic blogosphere is, how shall I put this, but a pale version of the Democratic coalition. We have, by my count, two black bloggers who are currently active. That is not enough, not nearly enough. You need to make your voices heard in Virginia blogosphere.

I am not just talking about black elected officials, although that would be nice. I am talking about black committee members, shop stewards, students, church leaders, lawyers, hospital workers, everyone and anyone.

I am writing this the day before the JJ dinner in the hopes that it will spark some discussion at the dinner.

I have to admit that I was a bit suprised at the lack of blacks at the JJ Dinner last year. I hope there will be more this year. After all, the BACVR said in 2005:

“The great political divide in America today is not red vs. blue, north vs. south, costal vs. interior or even rich vs. poor – it is now clearly black vs. white,” said Phil Reiff, a BACVR director.

From an op-ed piece on the survey:

Despite being the core of America’s liberal base, a major split exists between who the nation’s liberals are and who leads them politically. White politicians still control the
levers of power within the Democratic Party, and black faces are rare around the decision making tables of America’s liberal advocacy groups.

Black America is the core of where the left lives.

Published

18 thoughts on “GOTV: Open letter”

  1. “The nation’s remaining liberals are overwhelming African Americans.” The Black Commentator

    Too once again quote Dr. Phil:

    “how’s that working for ya?”

    and

    “If you keep doing things the way you have always done them, you’ll keep getting the same results.”

    and

    “you can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make them drink.”

    But if black liberals like being exploited, as it appears they do, keep doing what you’ve been doing.

  6. I have a guess, maybe most blacks are fed up with the US political system as are most whites. But since blacks perceive their interest as not being represented by anyone with clout they take no interest and do not have the passion for politics. Unfortunately, this perception is incorrect, but as I stated above, and was scolded as not being relevant, the real exploiters of blacks are the leadership of the party the majority of blacks apparently support, who support this false perception.

    http://www.gmu.edu/departments/economics/wew/articles/06/pandering.html

  7. James, you don’t know anything about black America and neither do I; the difference is I know I don’t know anything.

    One thing I have learned in poliitics is that if you make a direct appeal sometimes people will respond. Well, I have made a direct appeal to my black readers to consider blogging. I don’t know if there will be any response.

  8. Though I know the difference between a black person and a horse, this certainly isn’t an issue that I have much insight into either, but here’s a thought: Most really organized black groups seem to be organized through their churches. While most black people identify themselves as Democrats, could it be that since most groups appear organized in this way that some ideas regarding social conservatism may be permeating through that simply do not mesh with the positions of the party as a whole? I get really sick of the Republican Party being called the Christian Party, but most social conservative ideas are coming from people that like to hide behind the cloth. During the Marshall-Newman amendment debates, plenty of black religious leaders did not let scripture prevent them from recognizing discrimination and speaking against the bill, but what about other issues? What about issues like abortion? What about the fact that many Democrats (noting the shift from urban to rural) are lightening up on gun control or that affirmative action has become a less and less discussed issue? Are the issues of interest to black Democrats being addressed? More so, just because polls may show black people in support of an issue, does that mean that active church going blacks are? And if I’m right about most organizations going through the church, could this be a deterrent to non-churchgoers?

  9. Alice- why do you make the statement I don’t know anything about black America?

    Have you lived my life? DO you know me or my friends? Pretty big leap you are trying to make. And why attack me?

    Do black people come from a different planet? Are they a different species? Are you saying we don’t share human traits and emotions? Why don’t I know anything about black America? Have you seen my neighborhood? Mostly good black country people.

    I’ve lived in Mississippi, Memphis, St. Louis, Los Angeles,New Orleans, NY, Atlanta, CA,TX, AK, and here in VA to name a few places. All places with a lot of black history. I think I probably have a better handle on black America than most blacks.

    I think I have a good grip on their grievances, and know first hand what it’s like to be discriminated against. I am a non-custodial DAD after all. No-fault divorce, joint custody, in GA, only to come to VA to find out that the GA agreement had no legal standing in VA. And all things being equal sole custody awarded to the mother of a 1 and 3 y.o., even though she was the one violating the GA agreement. I think I have a good handle on discrimination and what it’s like for the government to deny your rights with your family. (Very much akin to slaves not having rights) I grew up as a child of divorce not knowing my father until I was 20 when he called me out of the blue for the first time since I was 2. I think I have a lot in common with Black America and their suffering and struggle.

    I have a lot of black friends and can identify with them on a number of things, except skin color. Although I do have a dark Mediterranean complexion, especially when I tan.

    I just don’t accept being exploited by the likes of Race Pimps and neither do my black friends, who work hard and have earned everything they have achieved.We share the belief no one owes us anything. We fight for justice and integrity.

    Prejudice and injustice is not exclusively black Americas domain.

Comments are closed.