Volume I No. 50
 01-21-03
 Are Blacks Forever Out-Of-Place as Republicans? 
 author: Vance Cureton
 © Copyright 2003

 Eighty-Five or Ninety percent. That's the percentage of votes that the
 Democratic Party routinely receives from African-Americans in most
 major elections in this country. Both in municipal and federal contests.
 It is not a healthy situation for either this nation's Black citizens or for
 the Two-Party System.

 Enter the so-called Black Republicans. A vanguard for a changing
 political dynamic? -- It hardly seems so.

 The numbers of African-Americans who routinely vote Republican is
 not likely to increase anytime soon. Condeleeza Rice and Colin Powell
 notwithstanding. And the Imperial President's recent hostile montage 
 against the University of Michigan's race-conscious admission policies
 only re-emphasizes the point. When given a chance to become a conciliator, 
 { during his brief speech to announce his administration's court filings 
 in the case } George Bush sided with the Far-Right conservatives - who 
 are against the schools admission policies -  in using hostile and inflamatory 
 language that only further heightens African-American's suspicions of
 the Republican Party as to all issues regarding race.

 The University of Michigan's admission policy is not a "quota system"
 as Bush chose to describe the policy. It is a race-conscious system. 
 Doesn't George really understand that? Of course he does. But placating 
 the Far-Right with fiery rhetoric is apparently more important to Dubya, 
 than adding a few new African-American voters come next election day.

 Thus is the conundrum that Black Republicans face. How to sell a party
 that is routinely viewed in some come communities as hostile and insensitive 
 to the political opinions of the nation's minority citizens.  -- And beyond 
 a doubt, this insensitivity does, in the end, matter.

 Yet, time and again the Republican Party - by its own actions - proclaims 
 to African-Americans and other racial minorites, that their collective 
 identity does not matter. Especially when that identity threatens the 
 social or economic status of white citizens.

 And this is what this political debate on racial preferences, quotas or  - 
 call it what you will - is all about. It is about establishing an effective
 method of sharing power, wealth, and influence, for the betterment of
 society. It is not about word games. Afterall, is a white-male dominated 
 political and economic power structure really a good thing? 

 But in a word, Republicans are more likely to simply advance the notion
 that the so-called "playing field" has already been leveled. When evidence 
 to the contrary is everywhere around us. In the segregated upper echelons 
 of corporate America. Even in the NFL coaching ranks where well-regarded 
 black assistant coaches are still routinely passed over for the No1. Top 
 Dog job of actually coaching the entire team -- in favor of white men. { and 
 of course, there are always perfectly valid reasons for hiring the same 
 white coaches, over and over, again. - WINK! }

 And how about the all-white good-old boys club, the United States Senate? 

 So, is this the level playing field conservatives are talking about?

 Unfortunately, J.C. Watts, the only Black Republican seated in Congress 
 in some 100-plus years, declined to run for re-election because of "personal
 reasons." And is now home again in Oklahoma. 

 Perhaps former Congressman Watts found out first hand that he wasn't
 nearly as welcome in the Republican ranks as he believed he would be. 
 Apparently Washington, D.C. was not a fun place for a Black Republican
 from the "Heartland of America."

 Thus, was Congressman Watts ever really any more than a token? A man 
 somehow clouded in his vision about the political party he belonged to. 
 A man paraded about by his fellows when it was convenient and useful 
 to have a well-spoken Black Republican, as an example of where the party 
 was actually heading. An example of what the party could become if only 
 given half-a-chance. 

 But was Watts instead a Black man to be manuevered around, and kept 
 away from real power and influence, because he could not be trusted.
 And was there ever a more rediculous sight than J.C. Watts appearing
 on television defending the indefensible Trent Lott. When the young 
 congressman was himself complaining behind closed doors about the 
 lack of respect that was being shown to him by his colleagues. About 
 all the little slights that over time became significant -- and ominous.

 The Republicans have an intractable problem even if they do not realize 
 it. Condeleeza Rice, Colin Powell, and other high-ranking blacks in and
 around the Bush administration should be commended for their hard work 
 and for their personal accomplishments. But their success does not mean 
 that the playing field is level. Rice and Powell in particular, are the exceptions. 
 The stand-out blacks whose qualifications are exceeded by no one. But 
 what about blacks who are merely excellent instead of exceptional? And 
 still can't get employment opportunities equal to their true worth?

 Affirmative action is the only solution, albeit an imperfect one. It is an 
 option that must always be be well-considered and never haphazardly 
 applied. But it must be used, if the goal is to create the diverse society 
 we all claim to desire.

 At least, for most democrats the word affirmative action is not anathema. 
 And affirmative action may well be the only hope for those somewhat 
 less-credentialed blacks, hispanics, and other minorities who still can't 
 get past the first interview. -- If they can get an interview at all. If more
 doors are open - by law - then these types of individuals will eventually 
 breach the barriers that diminish their lives and livelihood. 

 A simple enough concept it would seem.

 The Republican Party must aspire to become more attuned to the aspirations
 of average blacks and other discriminated against lower-class people. 
 Even if the leaders within the party, continue to suggest political solutions 
 these groups have long rejected. But the conversation must be honest 
 and two-way. This parading of over-qualified Super Blacks is irrelevant, 
 and in some respects, condescending. An open diverse society should 
 be for everyone. Not just for wealthy educated whites. Or weathly educated 
 blacks. 

 Alas, the processes that lead to a healthy diverse culture can't begin at 
 the End Game. But must apply to the earlier processes, as well. In education, 
 health care, and in for example, safe-well policed urban communities. {are 
 there any in this country? }  -- All subjects that have routinely been more 
 prominent in Democratic Party platforms than Republican.

 Perhaps that's part of the problem the Republicans have in the urban
 community. The inner cities. The other "Heartland of America."

 The Republican Party has earned itself a "reputation" as the destination
 of choice for the wealthy, priviledged, and tax-sheltered. For the well-off
 white-collar caucasian in the Lincoln Town Car who lives just outside of
 town in "Pleasantville."

 The reason Black Republicans can't sell their party to the mass of minorities 
 in America. Is because the Republican Party is just like the old half-hearted 
 hand shake. "Hold on there pardner, we're just being polite. But we don't 
 really want you here."
 

 ReadingPost.Com
 © Copyright 2003

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