So Just When Will Democrats Call Republicans Anti-Black?

Now would be appropriate. Read Bob Herbert's op-ed about Republicans having spent "the last 40 years insulting, disenfranchising and otherwise stomping on the interests of black Americans." Read about J.C. Watts, former Oklahoma Republican Representative, describing the insult to black-Americans by Republican presidential candidates refusing to show for a debate about minority issues. The same rebuff Herbert refers to as a "slap" to black voters nationally.

Last week they managed to prevent Washington D.C. residents from having representation in Congress. "Enough is enough" writes Herbert:

A majority in Congress favored the move, and the House had already approved it. But the Republican minority in the Senate -- with the enthusiastic support of President Bush -- rose up on Tuesday and said: "No way, baby."

At least 57 senators favored the bill, a solid majority. But the Republicans prevented a key motion on the measure from receiving the 60 votes necessary to move it forward in the Senate. The bill died.

As I just asked, and now clearly repeat, what is keeping the Democrats from shaping at least THIS debate, responding responsibly to at least this constituency, recognizing these affronts as prejudice, and making the Republicans prove, despite clear evidence to the contrary, it isn't so?

Comments

[SamThornton]

On signing the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Democratic President Lyndon Johnson famously remarked to an aide, "We have lost the South for a generation."

Turns out LBJ underestimated the duration of Southern rage and racism. The primary (if not the only) motivation Southerners had for deserting the Democratic Party for the Republican Party was the issue of race. In one of the most cynical about-faces in American politics, the Republicans very obligingly and nearly immediately embraced, encouraged and exploited their racism.

Slowly, the rest of America is coming to the realization that racism is not only an absolute evil but a stain on our national honor. As more and more people come to that realization, the Republicans' cynicism and hypocrisy becomes more and more unacceptable.

[OldKnute]

Well, one thing is sure, the Republican*ts are only in it for wealth and power. Fiscal Responsibility is LONG GONE.

Tax and spend Democrats?

Yes, they build schools and bridges and dams and levies, and libraries and roads and parks, and clean up toxic waste.

What do the Deficit and Spend Republicans do?

Kill our children make wars and profit from them and line the pockets of the rich.

We don"t need a RACE or CLASS war. Look at Russia, it took 10 years for theirs to settle down and they got Stalin for their troubles.

A HARD-LINER to bring this back in check.

It would be foolishness. BLOODY foolishness.

We need a RE-Evolution of thought!

A NEW WAY FORWARD, not just change for change sake.

A total reengagement with all that is GOOD about America.

We need to REBUILD, not tear down.

And I mean from the family UP! Even if that is a two Mommy family. We need to get back to BASICS, learn about America FAULTS and all and BUILD!

As far as Southerners, you let them keep their guns, support States Rights, WORK with the NRA for quality gun control, leave their churches alone, get City Hall of their backs, DRUGS out of towns and kids out of prisons and back in schools,,,,, and they will be with you till their hands go blistered and their knees are bloody.

You guys look down on these folks to your own peril.

Dirt under their fingernails, but they are loyal to the end.

Just my opinion.

All the best

Knute (Neo-LIB)

[Poboy]

Kathleen,

You point out the major problem I have with the Democrats. They take Black voters for granted without giving them much in return. It would be surprising if the Democrats called out the Republicans for EXACTLY what they are: WHITE SUPREMACISTS.

Here is another article in the Times to futher support your view.

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/09/24/opinion/24krugman.html?_r=1&n=Top/Opinion/Editorials%20and%20Op-Ed/Op-Ed/Columnists/Paul%20Krugman&oref=slogin

[Unsui]

So, when will...? Never. The Dem's have, so far, not taken advantage of any of the staggeringly obvious opportunities to capitalize on Republican policy and talking point gaffes. They rely on a bunch of old, non-creative and way way behind the curve strategists (Carville ring a bell?) who don't understand the "outside the Beltway" language any more than they understand the country's "mood". Jeez, I can't believe they pay so much for such useless assholes. By the way, I'm looking for a job...Candidates? Anybody?

[Scarabus]

The Democrats never set any agenda; they never frame any argument appropriately; they always adopt Republican talking points. Why would this issue be any different from the others?

Democrats who care are being continually defeated by the combination of a petulant frat boy bully in the White House, a Republican bloc that values obstruction more than the welfare of the American people, and a Democratic leadership that drags them down, like the chains burdening Marley's ghost in Dickens's Christmas Story.

[standforpeace]

A better question might be what specifically are the Democrats willing to do to advance the cause of racial equality in this country? For the past 3 decades, Blacks have been caught between the active hostility of the Republicans and the lack of commitment from the national Democratic party that sees Black voter loyalty as absolutely neccessary for victory on election day but regards Black constituents mostly as an inconvenience come the day after the election.
How about if the Democrats start by firmly denouncing the Republicans and then move on to tell us what they are going to do about poverty (kudos to John Edwards), rebuilding New Orleans and the right of return of Katrina survivors, felony disenfranchisement, and standing up for affirmative action. They could conclude with specifics on their plans to deal with racism in: education (for example the new report documenting the inequity in punishment of Black and White students), criminal justice, lending, housing and hiring.
Now that's a Democratic party that I could really get onboard with. But I guess the Democratic strategists know that like the overwhelming majority of other Blacks, I am desperate to end these long, long years of Republican control of the White House. They know that they can count my vote in the Dem column. The question is can I count on them?

[gallery]

That's rich.... fox news would have a field day with that one.

"Democrats start racial war in america"

And the 28% would gobble it up, and start burning crosses down south as a sign of support.
How about making an attempt to reach people of color by informing them that the GOP is working against them, rather that try to get republicans to own up to their prejudice and blatant self interests.

[OldKnute]

Humm?

Lemmie think?

Well I went to their meetings for years, a former Eisenhower/Goldwater/Regan Republican Businessman and I can tell you fist hand. They talk behind the Blacks that show up, racial slurs, tasteless jokes to fill the room as soon as the deluded Blacks leave their proximity and everyone heads for the Golf Course.

Funny,,, I thought Nixon was an aberration.

NOT SO!

Trust me, there ARE good American Republicans who dream of human equality and fair taxes, they are there. FEW THOUGH!

Even they, will snicker at whispered comments and smile in the face of voters of color they NEED and pat on the back, while quickly running off to wash their hands.

I have seen it, heard it all and the Dems are telling the TRUTH.

These same idiots, turn on the Fundamentalist Christians as soon as their backs are turned too, laughing at how weird they are and blinded by their faith, following like mindless buffoons.

I have BEEN there!

In later years, it was all I could do to keep from vomiting.

All the best

Knute (Neo-LIB) < ------ And loving it.

I no longer feel filthy!!!!!

[oldpotsmuggler]

Man, I was in prison with a wide variety of guys (a guy on a top bunk next to mine one time had killed two people just since he had been locked up), but it sounds like most of them were better company than what you were subjected to.

Keep up the good work!

[Nommo]

Let's give 'em a chance to find their way our of that paper bag, ok?

[Desiderata]

Lincoln wept.

[RealBlackGirl]

Amen Sista'!