October 21, 2004
Why All African Americans Should Register Independent
Honestly, this is the only way we can level the playing field and put an end to this nonsense. It’s the only way we’re going to get Republicans to campaign for our vote by other means than convincing us we’re idiots otherwise. It’s the only way we’re going to get Democrats to stop taking advantage of our vote and stop using racism as a tool to fear us into voting for the left.
I've said before that I like President Bush and have gotten hell for it from other blacks, but especially white liberals who assume that my skin color should clearly make me hate him. Sorry, my values aren't based in color but character. I respect Bush's faith and his simplicity. That doesn't mean I think he's done a good job as President and when it comes to issues specific to African Americans, he hasn't done nearly what he could have.
On the other hand, the Democrats have taken advantage of this tenuous relationship between blacks and Bush and used racism to push a fear vote. Kerry has never connected with the community so they've decided to get us to vote for him by scaring the heck out of us. Their belief that we are all obsessed with racism and define our needs by our skin color will backfire.
Several articles over the past couple of days have highlighted how this campaign year has effected the black vote. How misperception, stereotypes, negative campaigning and being taken for granted have shown the lack of respect both parties have for us.
Black America Web: Bush Camp does not include Blacks in their great 'We'
Black America Web: Flyer about black voters angers MO GOP
Chicago Tribune:A surprising black `bump' for Bush
Cleveland Plain Dealer: Black voters divided over economic, religious issues
Washington Times: Kerry tries to shore up black vote
President Bush Declines BET Invitation to Address African-American Voters
Yahoo! News: African American Leaders Praise President Bush's Positive Policies
USA TODAY:Kerry Slow To Energize Black Vote
It upsets me that, with a few exceptions, so much is based on race. It's an unavoidable circumstance that can't and shouldn't be ignored, but we have to move beyond it because until we do both parties will be able to use it to manipulate, pander and mislead us. The way racism is thrown around so casually makes it unclear what is and isn't real and this is why nothing ever changes.
I have a feeling that Bush's 2000 take of 10% of the black vote will be larger this time. Even if it stays the same, it will prove the numbers have increased because more blacks will vote this year than in 2000. If Bush wins again, hopefully the next four years will be better than the last. If Kerry wins, the message is the same. Either way, if we all register as Indepedents, the 2008 election could bring about more change for the better than any election since Lyndon Johnson.
Angela Winters
Posted by Politopics at October 21, 2004 11:51 AMI think that we need to remove any partying label on our registrations for elections. As an Independent, I am not allowing no one to tell me what my core issues and values are suppose to be.
Posted by: Henry Schlatman at October 21, 2004 01:26 PMYou know Henry, I like that idea. I think it could even result in some people actually trying to learn more about a particular candidate or issue also.
I would also like to get rid of group labeling, white vote, black vote, hispanic vote, gay vote, military vote and so on. These only keep us divided.
I know its just a dream but how about just an “American” vote, where people aren’t made to feel like they must be like the group they have been placed in.
Excellent post Ms. Winters. Very well thought out and presented in a non-partisan way. Thank you very much.
Posted by: kctim at October 21, 2004 02:11 PMkctim,
Thanks, I do try to come up with the right idea. Now, I just got to figure out how to get people like Bush and Kerry to listen.
It is an unfortunate circumstance that almost everything and everybody in America is defined by race, but here we are. But then again our society is one that has historically denied certain Americans their right because of their race. That practice, while dying is still part and partial of the fabric of American life; I don’t like but it the hand I was dealt and so I play it the best I can. Nothing would give me more joy then to get rid of the labels, but as long as race is used to define who and what we are as people, they will remain.
Registering as an en-masse as Independent’s will not change to color of our skins, thought it might force the two respective Party’s to actually work a little harder to reach us. One the other hand if we make our voice heard loud and clear this election cycle perhaps we can regain some of the power have lost over the intervening twenty years, because we couldn’t be bothered.
Welcome to the fray…
Edward martin,
You said;
“Registering as an en-masse as Independent’s will not change to color of our skins, thought it might force the two respective Party’s to actually work a little harder “
Why would you want to change the color of your skin ?
I am in a minority group, based on skin color, but it should’nt mean poop when it comes to views or politics.
Black, brown, red , yellow, or white sheep, are still sheep !
I may vote mostly republican, but it’ll never be based on skin color, nor will it be based on what someone else told me to do.
what i have to say may not be agreed with but i personally think that voting for the pres is important but if you think about it the people we really need to focus on are who we vote into the house and senate because these are the people who even attempt to run for pres. the pres cannot make a sound decision without the vote of the house and senate. he or she is basically a rep for then house and senate…so if we pay as much attention to who we allow rep for individual states we can better monitor who will be best to rep for the country as a whole….as far as this election is concerned you will never agree with everything one party will say but if you weigh what is more important then your decision should be just. these last four years have not been a breeze but have any of the other years been a breeze either…it just so happens that our current pres happens to be more openly money hungry…you have to choose what is more important to you as an individual because no one party will satisfy a whole nation.
Posted by: ashanti at October 21, 2004 05:39 PMashanti, there is only one way Americans can control Congress, elect a President from a different party that that which controls Congress. That is a simple and effective way.
To try to get the electorate to go anti-incumbent is an exercise in political heavy lifting that could go on for years and years.
Posted by: David R. Remer at October 21, 2004 07:58 PMExcellent post. If a political party can count on a certain demographic group like African Americans voting for them no matter what, then that party has no genuine motivation to represent their interests.
Even worse, why should the opposing party bother to reach out to them and offer concessions if their overtures will be ignored no matter what?
We see this happening to African-American voters all the time on any number of issues.
For instance, African-Americans overwhelmingly support school choice (vouchers), and are actually more socially conservative (on issues like abortion, gay marriage) than even the mainstream.
But Democrats have no reason to respond to their preferences as long as they’ll vote Democratic no matter what. Plenty of African Americans are catching on, which is why Bush is expected to get 50 to 75 percent more of their votes than he did in 2000.
Posted by: Martin at October 22, 2004 12:12 AMI think all American need to wake up, if you dont see already by standing behind our present president we have been left still waiting for things he’s promise. All he has shown now is that he will rise the taxes on the middle-lower class, he will temper with our furture’s Social Sercurity format to where we will not have Social Security. He will keep us paying high prices for medications and gas while the rich is getting richier. He will go around starting wars and having more of our dedicated children/family going out there. If you care about your furture you kids future vote and i think we should give kerry a try we all ready know what bush has done and what he will not do. Who will lead this country to the American of the great
Posted by: shayel grandberry at October 22, 2004 01:32 AMI agree that booting both the Dems and The Reps from the seats of power would forward the voice of the people.
Posted by: Greg at October 22, 2004 08:16 AMHey, politopics. Interesting post. I’m curious though, what issues are you concerned about that the Democratic Party doesn’t address?
Hope it’s not be for affirmative action and quotas continuation. But, rather merit and good jobs for all.
We have very large national non-partisan issues to deal like getting foreign gangs out of here, getting illegals off any benefits usage including no use of schools and giving benefits to 15 years citizens, and giving back construction jobs, etc. (below old union wages but above what illegals and green cards are paid for contracors rich profiteering)back to citizens first. Making all the church and special interest sponsors pay now for everyone they brought in here and dumped on taxpayers. Cutting off immigration,protecting borders and facilities, etc. We can’t afford taking care of the whole world who wants to come in here. National Guard service, forest service, guarding facilities on this soil here for four full years(m&f) before any college, or any citizenship, etc. as basic for all citizens in this wonderful country and for many reasons for spoiled college age.
We have to get all that sports equipment made in U.S. too. Remember that as you’re watching all your sports out there. Even your kids teams are buying foreign made. We have to get manufacturing back here. Good jobs are part of our national defense too.
We have to make sure our food and water supplies are kept clean with all food is labeled so we know where it’s from and can reject it, as in, beef that many of you don’t know is imported and unlabeled as such for one example.
Don’t you think it’s more than time we’re not expected to take 1930s style flue shots and vaccines…based from animals?!
Corporate medicine and dentristy prices vs. reasonable profits(as well as people taking care of matters as much as possible on own!)
These are national non-partisan interests.
Keep in mine, folks, the party is over. The yuppies and their offspring have blown it for the country!!! Ultra high real estate prices mean nothing for the country. Besides, everything buy from Home Depot, etc. is foreign made! The party is over! Best get ready to roll up your sleeves and do what is needed for this country!
Posted by: Alex at October 23, 2004 04:47 PMI would like to know how many of you that are on this blog and are minorities are involved with either party? I am Afircan American. I am also the Vice President for my college Democrats and Vice President for my state federation. I was a County delegate to my state convention and raised money to attend the DNC in Boston in July. I am a single parent a member of the army reserves, college student, unemployed, women etc. Almost every major issue in this election affects me or will affect me in the future.
So, instead of bitching about what the republican or democratic party isn’t doing for me I got involved.
Now on a more partisan note. I vote Democratic because I know what I am going to get with the republican party. For those who wish us to vote independent want us to do so knowing that there is no viability for a third party. The republicans wish to distract us by talking about “moral” issues. To me creating more impoverished citizens, cutting housing, underfunding education, misleading a country into war that is immoral. So the democratic party will get my support and my vote.
I enocurage all minoritites whether they lean left or right, to stop complaining about what parties are not doing get involved and start holding them accountable.
I enocurage all minoritites whether they lean left or right, to stop complaining about what parties are not doing get involved and start holding them accountable.
I’d like to extend that to non-minorities, also. Thanks, Robin.
Has it ever occurred to anyone else that alot of this ignoring and taking for granted stuff can be attributed to the “labels” that are used to divide us?
I mean, I have only met one african American and he was white and talked funny.
For the good of the nation, whats wrong with everyone being an American?
Ms. Winters, this is a great post. Thanks
Posted by: kctim at October 25, 2004 03:57 PMHas it ever occurred to anyone else that alot of this ignoring and taking for granted stuff can be attributed to the “labels” that are used to divide us?
C’mon, kctim! I see you throwing the “liberal” label around all over this site. Why don’t you take the first step at uniting the country and knock it off? :)
AP
You are correct. I do use liberal alot. It is a bad thing. But I also am not afraid to hold both sides accountable.
However, this is one issue that is ten times as important to me than disagreeing with liberals and neo-cons. Labeling a person because of their extreme political views is nowhere near the problem of labeling a group because of their race.
Alittle off topic, but I just wanted to pass along some quick info.
There is an interesting doc on religion and its influence of the right, playing on Sundance or IFC, that I think many on here would like.
Robin, I think for some bitching has to be the first step to taking action. Voting is quenticential, that I do agree on, but for some enlightenment does not come as expedient.
The bottom line for me is accountability. You start with electability, and then you make that candidate accountable for what it is that they say they are going to do, and you stay active in politics to make them continue to do what you want them to do. What ever happened to the idea of leaving no child behind? What is happening to the economy in this country? Our jobs?…I respect the faith of Bush, but I’m not satisfied with his work.
As an African American woman (who speaks only for herself), my alliances are with the candidate that align with my needs as a voter. I vote for me, not for a party simply because of historical ties.
Posted by: Tara at October 26, 2004 10:48 AM
