So, here's the thing, the title is correct. I am Black and I am a Republican.
*GASP* He is soooooo brave.
What ever. Here's my experience on the matter.
I haven't faced the criticism for being a Republican. In fact, when Black Republicans, on-line, have said they get grief for saying they are Republican, I usually state that I find it hard to believe they are getting the flack they claim they are getting and I think there is ALWAYS more to it that isn't being said.
Why?
Because as an independent, I've said harsh things about Democrats and haven't received heat over it WHEN I PREFACE THE CRITICISM WITH FACTS THAT CAN'T BE DENIED. For example:
- No Black Democrat will deny that the Democratic party takes the Black vote for granted.
- Black Democrats may believe that funding of schools is important, but when I mention that all of the funding in the world doesn't help if the school is in disarray because disruptive kids are allowed to stay in the classroom, instead of being removed from the classroom and, possibly, given alternative education, I get agreement.
- Some Black Democrats may not like vouchers, but many more like charters, and even when they don't, if you point out more Black politicians and teachers put their children in private school when compared to the general population, and that Black parents of children in school, when given a chance, choose charters and/or vouchers, there is no disagreement that options should exist.
- No Black Democrats that I have talked with, say they want more taxes taken out of their checks. And when I give examples of wasted money that could be geared towards areas they want, there is agreement. It all boils down to accountability for the spending of money. Again, no disagreement when I state it that way.
If the history of Blacks and Republicans come up, I don't defend the Republican party because I think they have a problem of their own making and I say so. Not only that, but if when pressed by Republicans, I point out white and Black Republicans of note who echo what I've stated.
(My Google notebook on Blacks and the GOP).
At the height of his popularity, I called Bill Clinton a cracka in a suit on USENET and I caught hell. I said the same thing in a barbershop, after I stated how Bill Clinton wasn't as good for Blacks as people said, and pointed out EXACTLY how he mistreated Lani Guiner and Joycelin Elder, and I received no push back.
( I have at least a 10 year Internet history of "Democrat bashing" to back me up).
I'm going to state things how I see them. I'm going to state information as I know it to be. In the process, I'm going to give the respect that I want to receive. I do turn on the heat, however, when partisans continually push things that, IMO, is crap, and shows disrespect of me or Black people in general. But, that's another topic.
What I emphasized, I think and have said so, is the key. I try to give respect. From what I've seen, public Black conservatives, for the most part, do not show respect for Black people, unless the Black people are conservatives. That has been the basis for questioning when I hear or read about Black Republicans catching heat. I have to wonder what else has gone on that has not been said.
Lack of respect is:
- Saying Blacks are on a plantation.
- Saying Blacks are subject to group think, when being part of a party, regardless of race, is group think, and on the larger level, adhering to the rules of the society that you live in is group think.
- Saying Blacks don't think for themselves.
- Saying Martin Luther King, Jr. was a Republican without providing any hard proof.
The Republican hero is Ronald Reagan. Why not try being positive when talking with, not to, Black people?
My name is "DarkStar". This is my strongly held opinion, and I approve of this message.
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