A Black Republican Chick

 
I’ve avoided writing about anything political in a while because all of this has just been so draining. This is probably a tough time for Republicans in general, but to be Black and Republican is a truly test of my resolve and convictions.

CNN had James T. Harris on a few days ago. He is the Black man who dared to stand and show support for McCain at a McCain rally. Sadly, he has been called an Uncle Tom and totally vilified by the Black community because he is bold enough to stand by his conservative principles. It’s that continuing expectation – all Black people must vote for Barack Obama. Should someone dare to support the McCain/Pallin ticket they are considered out of touch, a traitor, ignorant, trying to be White or a “suck up”. It’s just all so tiring I’m just about ready to cry.

A close friend (knowing that I am Republican and will not be voting for Obama) challenged me about the intelligence of Sarah Pallin the other day. It was disguised as a joke but the tone really bothered me.

My daughter nearly walked out of her Sunday school class last week because the leader brought up the election and everyone (except my daughter) jumped on the Obama bandwagon. She literally begged them to return to the lesson but they refused.

Many of my neighbors have McCain/Pallin signs in their front yards. I was thinking of putting one up too but my aunt will be here next week –visiting from California – and I just don’t want to deal with her response.

My sisters and I speak regularly but it is as if the presidential race is not even taking place. We dare not speak of it. How I wish that we could simply agree to disagree. Unfortunately, that’s not the case. It would definitely get ugly if we were to talk politics.

So with all of this in mind I’ve just not been in the mood to write about politics – especially considering the fact McCain is losing in the polls. A line in a song from the movie Hustle and Flow goes, “you know it’s hard out here for a pimp”. For some reason every time I think of this battle I sing to myself, “you know it’s hard our here for a Black Republican chick”. :-)

Calgon Take Me Away

This is the point in my life where the entrepreneur, mother, Christian and concerned American in me are all taking big chunks of my time and energy. This past month has been a whirlwind and November promises to be more of the same. I can hardly believe that it’s been a month since I’ve written anything. Where did the time go?

Well, on September 7th we bought a puppy -- a mini-schnauzer named Euro. On September 8th my son’s childhood friend moved in with us. On September 9th my first grandchild (Pharyn) was born. In mid-September I decided that I needed larger offices for my business and began the search. I found the perfect office a few days later and we are moving next week. My daughter’s 17th birthday is this October 26th and I am shopping for a used car as a gift. When I add the election and the financial crisis to the mix – Calgon take me away!


Today I was “inspired” to write when someone emailed the picture above to me. I think it absolutely hits the nail on the head. Obama is seen as some type of superhero coming to save the nation. The problem with that view of course, is that this is not a movie. Or, as Jay-Z puts it, “this ain’t a movie dawg”

Republican National Convention Notes

There’s really not much that I can add to all of the accolades that Sarah Palin has received for yesterday’s speech. It was informative, challenging and forthright. I loved her “I’m stompin’ with the big dogs” demeanor. Thus far, she is the highlight of the entire convention. I like her.

On the other hand, I could have done without Rudy Giuliani. His speech was so abrasive it grated on my nerves. He just sounded mean, vindictive and angry to me. Not the best way to woo voters. I had to change the channel on Rudy.

Lastly, I simply have to comment on the lack of diversity among the delegates. I read that minorities make up 13% of the delegation at the convention. I think that number may be more accurately reported simply as 13. And, it seemed as if the cameramen were trying really hard to pick out the Black folks in the audience but were hard-pressed to find any in attendance.

I was watching the convention yesterday with a Democrat. I was thinking what he immediately voiced, “it’s all White folks”. I’ll say about the Republicans’ efforts to reach out to Black people what I just said about Rudy Giuliani – “not the best way to woo (Black) voters”

It’s no wonder Black folks are wary of Republicans. It doesn’t appear that they have invited us in. I suppose for most Blacks it is a whole lot more comfortable to be with the Democrats. At least there they know that they won’t be alone. As the adage goes, “there is (perceived) safety in numbers.”

I know that Black folks play a big part in this as they’ve not even considered the Republican Party as a viable option. But it is still shameful. The Republican Party must address this issue in 2012!

In The News

Hurricane Gustav, Sarah Palin, Sarah Palin’s daughter Bristol and the Republican National Convention – wow, these last few days have been quite a whirlwind. There’s been room for little else in the news.

I was very excited about John McCain’s choice for a running mate. I had actually read about Sarah Palin a few months ago and was very impressed. I was reading about her and whispering “you go girl” to myself.

It is true that she lacks foreign policy experience but so did Ronald Reagan and Bill Clinton. Though they lacked foreign policy experience they ran for president and they each continue to be loved and lauded by their respective parties as great and effective presidents. Everyone keeps crying for change – Sarah Palin may help to facilitate that change.

A couple days after learning that Sarah Palin was chosen as McCain’s running mate, we learned that her 17 year old daughter, Bristol, is pregnant. My heart goes out to that family. The pregnancy alone would be a difficult situation for the average family to handle -- but for the Palin’s to have to deal with the pregnancy, presidential race and the media scrutiny simultaneously? My prayers are with them all.

Hurricane Gustav threatened to be, as Mayor Nagin put it, “the mother of all storms”. I am thankful that Gustav’s bark was worse than his bite. While there was significant damage in the area, it wasn’t nearly as bad as predicted. Thank you Lord.

During his sermon yesterday, my Pastor went off topic and asked, “Isn’t it funny that the only thing that could ruin the Republican Convention would be an act of God and then here comes Hurricane Gustav?” Celebratory clapping and laughter followed his rhetorical question. My daughter and I gave each other “the eye” and fidgeted uncomfortably hoping that he would quickly wrap up his political rant. I attend a very small Black church and as Black folks typically do, my Pastor assumed that everyone in the congregation was a Democrat. I was very offended and am actually still trying to decide if I should say anything to him about the incident.

Well, in spite of Gustav, the Republican National Convention goes on – albeit with an abbreviated schedule. What I really want to ask my Pastor is how he knows it wasn’t satan trying to ruin the convention!

William Philip "Phil" Gramm

My how my “Please Go Sit Down Somewhere And Close Your Mouth List” is growing. Today I’ve added Phil Gramm.

During the course of presidential campaigns we have come to expect the candidates and their supporters to do and say dumb things. And, we know that the media eagerly reports each and every misspoken word. Knowing that we live in a world addicted to gossip and/or news – whether concerning politicians, celebrities or athletes – you’d think that these same people would be discerning in choosing their words.

Now we have Phil Gramm with the microphone. On Wednesday he unapologetically called Americans who are having financial struggles “whiners”.

These are the stupid comments that give so many Americans the impression that the Republican Party is only for the elite. While Gramm may not be hurting financially or otherwise, money (or lack thereof) is a real and critical issue for many of us. Trivializing what people are feeling the way he did just widens the gulf between Republicans and Black folks.

Mr. Gramm, please take a seat in the corner next to Jesse Jackson.

I Agree With Obama On This One

There’s a group of people that I wish would just go sit down somewhere and close their mouths. I won’t name them all – but Jesse Jackson is at the top of the list.

Last Sunday Jesse Jackson was overheard on a live microphone saying that Barack Obama talks down to Black people. He also made a couple other stupid comments that I don’t care to repeat. Of course he has apologized to Obama but his comments were very telling – we were allowed yet another peek under the mask.

When Jackson was asked to explain his comments he said that "My appeal was for the moral content of his message to not only deal with the personal and moral responsibility of black males, but to deal with the collective moral responsibility of government and the public policy which would be a corrective action for the lack of good choices that often led to their irresponsibility.'' Jackson's response is truly a bunch of gibberish.

I’m with Obama on this one. In the speech that started all of this (given at a Black church) Obama said, ''There's a reason why our families are in disrepair," Obama said in a Father's Day speech at Apostolic Church of God on Chicago's South Side. "And some of it has to do with a tragic history, but we can't keep on using that as an excuse. Too many fathers are AWOL, missing from too many lives and too many homes. They've abandoned their responsibilities. They're acting like boys instead of men."

We have to stop placing the blame for all of our woes on everyone else and we have to stop looking to everyone else to help us. We have to look to ourselves for the answers. We’ve already waited far too long for solutions, answers, jobs, happiness, money and peace to come from White folks and/or the Government. Been there, done that, not happening. . .

So, Barack Obama, while you have a captive audience I hope you will continue to encourage personal responsibility.

As my grandmother used to say, “Stop him when he starts lying.”

Ugh!

The Republican Party seems to be preparing for some kind of showdown during the GOP Convention this year. John McCain's position on several key issues differs from traditional Republican Party views. Honestly, his position on several issues differs from mine as well.

I am so tired of choosing to whom to give my vote simply by deciding who is least offensive to me, my morals and values. While I sincerely question Obama's experience and qualifications to hold the most important position in the land -- McCain is nothing to jump and shout about either. I still don't understand how he won the nomination but he's the best we've got in the race -- for me.

Again, it just comes down to identifying the lesser of two evils. Man, I hate that!

The BET Awards

I watched the BET Awards with my daughter last night. It contained the predictable mix.

1. Sagging pants rap performances – I just wanted to reach into the television and pull those pants up. That urge was especially strong when Nelly performed. I actually like him (in general) but his pants just drove me crazy.
2. Comedy -- D.L. Hughley was the host and I have to say – he was not very funny but hosting an awards show has to be a difficult job.
3. Dancers – Chris Brown and Ciara were really good but there was a really awkward ending to their dance routine. I couldn’t figure it out and I sensed that they couldn’t either because they just walked off the stage without punctuation.
4. Arrogance – Kanye West. Need I say more?
5. Awards to music legends -- This year those awards went to Quincy Jones and Al Green – neither of whom seemed prepared with a speech. It was kind of sad listening to them ramble.
6. Gratuitous Political Pitches – "Vote for Obama" was repeated ad nauseam.

In spite of it all, for the most part the show was entertaining.

Of course a Black awards show would be incomplete without a Gospel performance. Marvin Sapp was the performer of the hour (actually the show was 3 hours). He sang his song “Never Would Have Made It”.

While I was watching the show, I was also working on my laptop. So, while Marvin Sapp was singing I had my head down and away from the television. All of a sudden I heard my daughter say, “Are you serious? For real? You’ve got to be kidding me. What? Subliminal messages now?”

I looked up and while Marvin Sapp was singing, a large photo of Barack and Michelle Obama was projected behind him. The words to his song are about only having “made it” because of Christ (I always assumed he was speaking of Christ anyway). So was the message that we never could have made it without Barack Obama? Or was the message that Barack Obama never could have made it without Christ? Or was the message that “we” have a chance to “make it” because of Barack Obama? Or was it simply vote for Obama?

What could have been a meaningful time of praise and worship to Christ was turned into a political message. I was confused and offended.

So now you may wonder how or why I found the show entertaining with everything else I’ve said about it. Hmmm, good question.

Obama-mania

Remember the story of the Pied Piper of Hamelin? The Pied Piper was hired to rid the rat infested town of its critters. When the townspeople reneged on paying the Pied Piper for his services he returned to the town, played his musical pipe and lured all of the children out of the town -- and they were never seen again.

Do you hear music?

Don’t Let the Smooth Taste Fool You

The Internet is all abuzz with excitement over the Barack Obama nomination. Black radio is calling this a victory for “us” and proof that we have finally “arrived”. I’ve received tons of celebratory emails from friends and family over the past couple days. I suppose I should be happy about this history making event. Hmmm,ok.

Forgive my negativism (and my stretch of an analogy) but I have the same feeling about this that I had when OJ Simpson was found not-guilty of murdering Nicole Brown and Ron Goldman. I’m not at all calling Obama a murderer but it’s that whole idea of retribution. Black folks believed Simpson was guilty but it was sweet revenge for all the wrongs that we as a people had suffered at the hands of White folks. He was guilty. We felt in our hearts that he was guilty -- but we were happy that he was found not-guilty. An eye for an eye. White folks owed us that one.

Now, so what if Obama is least qualified to be our next president? Does anyone even know who he is -- or do we even care? It’s the Black man’s turn. It’s about “justice” and finally being able to do what White folks have been doing forever. It's history. It's time. I get it – but I don’t get it.

Maybe everyone else knows something that’s been kept secret from me but I have not heard anything even remotely impressive about Obama’s experience or qualifications nor have I heard what “change” really means. He is indeed charismatic but when the rubber meets the road that means very little.

"Don’t let the smooth taste fool you". Come on people -- we’re talking about the most important job in the land.

The Right Change

Barack Obama has clinched the Democratic nomination. So now we know that either McCain or Obama will be the next President of the United States. But how do we decide? Everyone keeps talking about change but that could really mean little or a lot. It could mean anything -- or nothing at all. Change. That word is overused and way too ambiguous.

Although he didn't provide his definition, I liked what John McCain said about change yesterday. ". . . the direction of this country is going to change dramatically. But the choice is between the right change and the wrong change, between going forward and going backward," What is right change?

Voting for President is more than deciding on the best man for the job. It is deciding on the best man for doing the job of making the right change. I realize that is not a black and white, "no-brainer" (like I think I used to believe) but rather a very individual decision. Proper change for you may be completely improper for me.

So, as an individual, I will vote for the best man to do the job of:
1. handling the delicate situation of sensibly bringing our troops home.
2. turning our economy around.
3. appointing conservative judges to the Supreme Court.

These aren't my only issues but they are important ones. Although John McCain was not my choice among Republicans nominees, against Barack Obama – he gets my vote without much question.

Of course others will vote for the best man for the job of doing just the opposite of what I’ve listed because those are the issues most important to them. And that’s fine with me. That's the way democracy is supposed to work.

Because of this historic race in which for the first time, a Black man is the Democratic nominee, there will be those who vote strictly along color lines. Some will vote for Barack Obama simply because he is Black and others will vote for John McCain simply because he is not. We can't ignore that race will be the primary issue for many.

As we move toward November each of us should be honest with ourselves as we determine to whom our votes should go. Will we vote based on race, issues, tradition or something else? What does "right change" mean to you?

Agreeing to Disagree

What does it truly mean to agree to disagree? Whether Republicans vs. Democrats or Christians vs. Non-Christians or Pro-lifers vs. Pro-choicers or those for gay rights vs. those against – when it comes to talking about the issue, the issue itself is often overshadowed by an angry tone of voice and over-the-top emotion. Being passionate about a position is one thing but being angry about it is quite another.

The anger factor was illuminated for me as I was listening to the radio yesterday. When I got in the car, it was tuned to a station that was discussing the presidential race from a Democratic perspective. I listened for a while but got so fed up with them Republican-bashing and basically calling Black Republicans stupid, that I changed the station.

I tuned in to a Republican talk-radio station. They were discussing the Michigan/Florida delegate situation. As soon as I thought I’d found a station that would be kinder and gentler to my ears – they started bashing Democrats. And the anger and rudeness to callers just got to me. I plugged in my IPOD instead.

Now I know that when there is a contest of any kind, the candidates sometimes do what they have to do to win. That often leads to fighting dirty. I get that. So, to a degree, I can tolerate Repubicans and Democrats going after each other. After all, it is the White House that is at stake.

However, what I don’t get is the anger that is conveyed along with the message. As a Republican, there is nothing that an angry Democrat could ever say to me that would sway me. I won’t listen to their viewpoint. I won’t consider their position. I will tune the message out along with the anger. That is not because of a lack of a valid message but because of the delivery. I’m sure Democrats feel the same, they probably see Republicans as a bunch of self-righteous folks who don’t know how to agree to disagree.

It seems to me that if either side wants to be heard or even have a remote chance of swaying voters of the opposing party – they’d tone the anger down a bit. What’s up with that anyway? If we disagree, we disagree. Don’t get mad about it.

Political Diversity

The chart below shows the voting breakdown for the 2006 elections – by ethnicity.




TOTAL__________________Democrat__________Republican

White (79%)________________47%_______________51%

African-American (10%)_____89%_______________10%

Latino (8%)________________69%_______________30%

Asian (2%)_________________62%_______________37%

Other (2%)_________________55%_______________42%




Are Black folks truly as one-dimensional a race of people as these numbers imply? I will never accept that.

If it is true (and I believe it is) that we are lagging far behind other races regarding education, finances, business, exposure to the arts, travel, planning for the future, etc. -- at least part of the reason may be found in these numbers.

If it is true (and I know it is) that our communities are plagued with high crime rates and way too many of our men are in prison -- maybe we should think about the significance of these numbers.

We are marching through the political process in one big, robotic clump. We are thinking, doing, saying and responding to our issues as if with simply one voice.

Perhaps if we (Black folks) allow a little political diversity within our race we could collectively come up with some solutions.

Black Republicans

Here is an oxymoron for you -- I am a Black Republican. I read that only about 13% of Black voters are Republican so I suppose that makes me a double minority.

I am proud of my Black heritage and I am proud to be a conservative Republican. Why “Black America” fails to understand or accept that these two realities are capable of coexisting is something I do not understand.

Contrary to popular belief, all Black people do not fit comfortably into the Democratic Party. Some of us have opted for a different affiliation. This does not make us less Black.

Being a Republican does not mean that I do not care about “my people”. As far as race and the “plight of Black folks” are concerned, hmmm, well let me just say this – it’s time to stop waiting on that 40 acres and a mule. I just don’t think either party is going to do much for Black people. And quite frankly, I think that we have a whole lot that we need to do for ourselves before we start looking toward politicians for help. With that said, I’ve decided to remove racial issues from my political decision making process.

Without race as an issue, what are some of the things that really matter to me? Preservation of the principles on which this country was founded (yes, I am serious), protecting the traditional family, individual responsibility and less government are a few of my issues.

I believe that the Bible was divinely inspired and that every single word in it is true. The Democratic Party (as a whole) is making a mad (and frightening) dash away from all that is Biblical. The Republican Party is not perfect and I disagree with some their issues but I believe that most of the issues (and Biblical truths) that I hold dear are in better hands with Republicans.

I’m completely perplexed as to why so many Black folks have remained loyal to the Democratic Party. Historically we have always been conservative people. I would like to pose the challenge question – what have Democrats done for “us” lately?

Some consider my switch to the Republican Party the equivalent of treason. Some call me a rebel. Some say I should be required to turn in my “Black Card.” Some say it makes me a bourgeois b _ _ _ _ .

I will admit that it saddens me that instead of Black Democrats accepting Black Republicans they tend to characterize them as sell-outs or out of touch with the "community". Their negative feelings toward Black Republicans are so strong that I cannot even casually talk politics with members of my family or certain friends. They think I'm crazy.

For the record, I have not lost my mind. I made a conscious decision to register as a Republican. Other people probably have deeper, more interesting and profound reasons for their political affiliation. My reasons are a reflection of who I am and the way that I think.

I just love America!
 

Let's Vote

I was listening to the radio on my way to the office this morning. Today presidential primaries in both Indiana and North Carolina are being held. The radio show’s phone lines were busy with potential voters calling to complain about voting improprieties.

Apparently polling places have been moved, incorrect information was given to voters regarding requirements to vote, names were missing from lists, and so on. "They" are out to get “us” – again.

These calls led to conversations about the recommendation that people be required to show identification in order to vote. According to the radio program and the callers – there is a calculated, strategic conspiracy to prevent Blacks from voting.

For me, this is getting really old and tired. Racism absolutely exists, Black people still have a long way to go to achieve true equality and there are those who would be happy to ship us back to Africa – but must we truly be paranoid about everything? I just don’t believe that everything is racially motivated.

I am all for having to provide identification in order to vote. We have to provide identification to write a check, rent a video, board a plane, make a credit card purchase, and hundreds of other things. Why not show identification for something as significant as voting?

Who are all these people who do not have identification? Why don’t they have identification? And why are “we” OK with them not having identification? Forget about voting – how are they getting through life?

We are focusing on the wrong thing. Let’s not cry about the hardship that requiring identification will cause for people without ID. Instead, along with the campaign to get people registered to vote should be a campaign to assist people in obtaining government issued identification cards.

Why would we want to make it easier for people to remain ID-less? Why would we want to keep people in a position that prevents them from doing the things that average Americans can do – like write checks at the market?

Let’s make sure that all of “us” have what we need instead of making it easier for us to remain without. Without identification -- doors remain shut. With identification -- doors open. As far as I’m concerned – this is how we truly empower Black folks.