Black Voter Snub: Everyday People Take Center Stage

From the front page of the Washington Post to the editorial page of the New York Times, we have seen the awakening of the elite press to the historic significance of the impact of the Covenant Movement, let by Tavis Smiley.

The actions of everyday people to bring pressure to bear on the Republican Party to be accountable to American citizens of color is now center stage. We must not overlook the effects of the organizing and mobilizing of everyday people on often-disconnected politicians. We must continue to build on this motion and momentum of fellow citizens of color.

This organizing and mobilizing first took the form of The Covenant With Black America reaching number one on the New York Times bestseller list and The Covenant in Action reaching number seven on that list. Now we are witnessing the direct political impact of this emerging people's movement.

Comments

[RonRico]

This movement that was started by Dr. King has been re-energized. I hope it continues using his guiding principles. If it does, It will serve us all well and move us all to a higher level.

[Rand]

Dr. West:

You are one of those people whom, even when I disagree with your position (Which I most certainly do NOT do here!), I always appreciate the thought which goes into your statements. Keep up the good work: We NEED folks like you!

BTW, were a comedian I would KILL to have you in my audience: When you laugh, you LAUGH!

[opines]

Racism in the U.S. of A. is in the nature of a shell game. If blacks were to succeed in the Herculean task of substantially reducing the racism of the Republican Party they would find that the racist pea had moved under a different shell.

The primary reason for racism in America is that too many white man feel ill-equipped to compete with black men for white women.

If the Republicans ever became the champions of equality, the pea would move under the Democratic shell. It wouldn't be the first time.

[KerwinMcLaughlin]

Why are people of color being ignored? Who ignored you? The Republicans are interested in tax cuts, strong defense, good schools, safe streets, strong economy. Aren't these the interests of everyone.

Do African Americans have special interests? Are they a special interest group? Do they need to be catered to differently than the rest of the country?

Doesn't everyone wanted to be treated equal. Aren't we one nation under God (even for atheists) indivisable?

[globalcitizenlinda]

Truth-Squad CHALLENGE: Is there any truth to the claim that SOME POLLS being manipulated to make Hilary the obvious candidate? Can some one please research the claim that Mr. Mark Penn who is a key adviser to Mrs. Hilary Clinton’s campaign is also a partner in a major polling firm (Burson-Marsteller) that is giving the information to the public that Hilary holds this double-digit lead? If this claim is true, what is the implication for skewing the current polling data? How does the media MSM explain this potential conflict of interest or are they compliant or being manipulated when they quote these polls? Is the general public being played once again by the politicians and the media? ABC and MSNBC is it true that this firm is your source? I guess that this is a challenge for all us political junkies to determine if there is any truth in this speculation and how best it can be exposed to the rest of the nation

[circusfifthfloor]

Cornell. I have caught you on television for many years now, and you have never failed to be dead on target on all occasions. Or, maybe I just agree with you often enough to give you a pass. Whatever the reason, or cause, I enjoy hearing your THOUGHTS. Someoe asked me recently how I could possibly be a progressive thinking man in South Carolina. Being a 59 year old white man with my history and heritage, Itcomes as a shock to my contemporaries. I have a wonderful friend who is an 80 year old retired Presbyterian minister, who told me he was born and raised to be a bigot in Mississippi. He is truly a disciple of Christ. I told him I was raised in the BASEMENT of that house. My journey shamed me at times, but it made me better, and having Cornell West along the road has made it more peaceful. Peace and Grace, Cornell... CFF

[Centaur]

Dr. West you (as well as Tavis)are one of my heroes and I love to hear you ""rap"" about various issues that affect black folk. I did catch you on Tavis' show last nite and thoroughly enjoyed the session. As far as the 'repug" debate debacle, it just adds more "fuel to the fire" about their attitudes and how they portray blacks as well as other minorities as "invisible" americans. They have cast their lot with the "fringe" white americans and the few "mentally challenged" minorities that support them. These "repugs" care nothing about the plight of black folk. Have you heard of any of those "repugs(black or white) talking about the injustice of the "Jena 6"?
I bet,though, that they will parade the sorrowful "bootlickers" like Christy, Watkins,
e.t.c to trash Sharpton and Jackson for being "opportunists". They even might say that the "Jena 6" are portraying themselves as "victims" so that they can gain "sympathy" from the masses. By the way, good luck with BMWMB.

[stlrfan]

Dr. West, I admire your intellect and am always impressed with your insights. Don't waste your time trying to get into the Republicon tent, you'll only find a phony revival meeting.

[Independent voter]

All week long black people have been complaining oh Huffpo and other sites that none of the white republican candidates are planning on attending the black debate.

Well tonight the only black presidential candidate skipped the 'very white' debate in Iowa.

I LAUGHED MY ASS OFF !

[christonabike]

Hardly the same thing, as I'm sure know. The Republicans have skipped ALL minority debates.

[Dunnage]

Want to influence Republicans send money, not books.

[willgardner]

Brother West once again speaks truth to power. Thank you sir.

I agree with your post and disagree that African Americans shouldn't even bother with the Republican or Democratic parties.

In fact I think that is one of the best ideas I've heard for a long time. I can imagine Brother West influencing the Republican party along with his fellow African Americans and purge that evil party of the Neo-cons.

Even as a Democrat I've considered crossing over to the Republican side to bring back the level headed, honest (read REAL) Republicans such as Chuck Hagel and John Danforth.

Keep up the fight Dr. you are in my prayers.

[Beatitudes]

Cornel West, I love you! Everytime I find out you're on any show I'm there. You were the best on Bill Maher last week. I just wish there were more people around that could pinpoint an issue and discuss it with intelligence like you. To be young and take your classes! And I agree with you on this - Republicans must be made accountable to citizens of color....hell - all citizens. Having grown up in the deep south - New Orleans and being white - and worked in the Civil Rights Movement - I feel shame and pride all at the same time. Question; do you really read these responses? with admiration.

Lyn LeJeune
The Beatitudes Network - Rebuilding the Public Libraries of New Orleans at www.beatitudesinneworleans.blogspot.com

[escobar]

Dr. West is great.

[escobar]

The issue has more to do with the long term goal of privitization and consolidation of wealth than race.
Wealthy Blacks and Corporate shills are more than welcome in the GOP.
Race is the best wedge issue in the USA.

[aisling]

Cornell West is an eloquent and an authentic voice for not only people of color, but all of us who are well aware of the continued deep rooted racism that informs the everyday actions of too many so called powerful Americans. They are not inhabiting the same America,these power brokers, that I and many of my friends inhabit. I pray that Cornell West keeps talking,making music, reaching the souls, not just of us who believe he's got it right, but those who are wandering around in some wasteland of denial as well as outright bigotry and business as usual. I salute you and Tavis Smiley. Please come to NYC and give us a chance to gather with you to hear and spread your wise message. We have terrorism going on here right now,dressed up in the Emperor's clothes of Law and Order. HA! Sheila Nitze