Black Dem Voters, I Say Unleash The Hounds

This opinion piece sums up nicely how I think Black Democrats can hold the people they elect, accountable, and exactly how they don't. As a result, Democrats take the Black vote for granted and the CBC, themselves, are nothing but paper tigers at best.

When asked why the Black members of Congress don’t pressure the president she replied, “We don’t put pressure on the president because ya’ll love the president. You love the president. You’re very proud to have a black man — first time in the history of the United States of America. If we go after the president too hard, you’re going after us.”

I almost fell out of my chair.  While what she said is absolutely true, I was just shocked to actually hear a Black member of congress say it publicly.

...

But that’s me and just framing your mouth to say anything negative about “the first Black president” around the wrong people could result in exerting the kind of energy I really don’t have to waste in arguing with people—who while they love their “first Black president” haven’t voted since 2008, won’t vote again until November 2012, and couldn’t tell me who their councilmember, Assemblymember, or State Senator is to save their life—but will fight to the death over “the first Black president.”

And no—I am not a Republican, but at the same time, I’m not and haven’t been feeling the Democrats either–who have a tendency to be just as racist as their counterparts—they just hide it better.

...

Now keep in mind that members of the Congressional Black Caucus are themselves member of Congress, i.e. politicians, who like any other politician are concerned with staying in office.  Waters herself knows that as long as Black people continue in this love affair with “the first Black president,” while she might want to say something against the president’s policies, it might not be in her best interest if he wants to get re-elected.

I say unleash the hounds. If the CBC members had stones, they would go for broke and then dare someone to challenge them. But, as I've written, the CBC doesn't know how to play politics.

If Black voters as a whole want to keep on voting for Democrats, then fine. At least vote people in who not only say they will look out for the interests but actually back it up and fight the Democratic masters when necessary.

Comments

[MIB]

To the contrary, Rep. Waters' comments were a good example of a savvy, effective politician at work; she told the crowd what they wanted to hear. Her remarks should also stand as evidence A LOT Black of people couldn't care less about poverty, regardless of who it affects.

I remain a little puzzled, if not fully disappointed, by those in the Black commentariat who persist in judging Black voters as a political monolith. The attitude is completely divorced from the realities of Black culture and American politics.

Viable solutions are conspicuous by their absence from the mouths of these backseat drivers, who'll never lead anyone anywhere or undertake the hard work involved with organizing or sustaining a real movement.