[TonyB06]

I agree with what's been said; particulary with Professor's take on voting, but it goes beyond that..

We need to build alliances around our strengths, not just our race (because, contrary to popular belief, we DON'T all think alike). To the extent possible we need to build alliances around our religious (church) and professional endeavors (associations of Black XYZ) and personal interests (Black investment clubs, etc...). These translate into economic power, which creates a progress agenda that translates into political power.

I think these are regional at best, because we're affected by different geographical, and to a lesser degree cultural forces.

No disrespect intended, but that's why I think some national orgs, such as NAACP are less effective than they once were. Solutions have to begin where the problems manifest most acutely --- at the local level. National mandates don't work as well in this day and time. (If you have strong NAACP-type chapter where you are, great; but that's not the case here, so other organizations have to take the leadership role.)

Once our economic/social development house is in order, politicians and political parties (both D and R) will see us as the force we should be and not as they do today.

peace.