Presidential Politics '04: The "Black Vote" Does it Exist?

[Sistermadly]

Originally posted by Steeltrap
He also puts out something that many may find controversial: that we're moving more toward an individualized sense of being rather than a group identity, 40 years after the civil rights movement.

I haven't read the article yet (I will, I promise!) but I can say that I agree with the professor in this respect. I think that this movement is especially visible among the ranks of young, professional African Americans.

I think that the feeling of not wanting to be lumped in with the underclass, and a desire to distance oneself from the perspective that black=criminal has a lot to do with that. It's not the only reason, but class distinctions are a mitigating factor, to be sure.

[Steeltrap]

Originally posted by Sistermadly
I haven't read the article yet (I will, I promise!) but I can say that I agree with the professor in this respect. I think that this movement is especially visible among the ranks of young, professional African Americans.

I think that the feeling of not wanting to be lumped in with the underclass, and a desire to distance oneself from the perspective that black=criminal has a lot to do with that.

I knew you'd find your way to this topic. It's a good commentary by Professor Boud.

And I think you're spot-on about some of the distancing and individual thought development that we're seeing in terms of younger, professional AfAms who are generally under 45 years of age and know how to navigate the majority culture.

[abaici]

Originally posted by Sistermadly
I haven't read the article yet (I will, I promise!) but I can say that I agree with the professor in this respect. I think that this movement is especially visible among the ranks of young, professional African Americans.

I think that the feeling of not wanting to be lumped in with the underclass, and a desire to distance oneself from the perspective that black=criminal has a lot to do with that. It's not the only reason, but class distinctions are a mitigating factor, to be sure.

I was an interesting article. I agree that African Americans are not a monolithic group. We never were. However, during the 60s we put some of our differences aside for the good of the struggle. Now, the discrimination is not as blatant and people are allowed to do their thing. I also do not think that upwardly mobile blacks purposely try to separate themselves from people in the lower class. When you find yourself in the ranks of the middle and upper middle class, your experiences and concerns are just different.

Other comments:

Al Sharpton- It never occurred to me to support Al Sharpton. The primary reason is because I think the president should have previous government experience. So, the fact that he's Black means nothing to me.

Kevin Powell's Hip Hop Generation Range- I think he was a little off. I see 1964-1965. 56??, I don't know. If you were a teenager during the time that rap emerged, I guess you were added in that number. He also needs to realize that those living outside of the NY were introduced to rap a little later. Or rather, it was not as prevalent in other parts of the country.

[Taykimson]

Originally posted by Love_Spell_6

Does your religious preference play a part in the candidate you choose? I know that 2 hot topics this election will be homosexual marriage and abortion always is... Many Christians read the Bible to mean that God burned a whole city for immoral sexual behavior...and also that abortion is murder.

No it does not. I do not look to the president for spiritual guidance. I expect the president to focus on the economy, environment, safety of the US, etc.

It amazes me that republican candidates are able to get a large majority of the "christian vote" because of the republican platform. Do I truly think Bush cares about homosexual marriage? Not at all. He only cares about re-election. A good example of this, is the fact that Bush is OK with civil unions for homosexuals, but not marriage...seems hypocritical to me.

[abaici]

Originally posted by Taykimson
No it does not. I do not look to the president for spiritual guidance. I expect the president to focus on the economy, environment, safety of the US, etc.

It amazes me that republican candidates are able to get a large majority of the "christian vote" because of the republican platform. Do I truly think Bush cares about homosexual marriage? Not at all. He only cares about re-election. A good example of this, is the fact that Bush is OK with civil unions for homosexuals, but not marriage...seems hypocritical to me.

I agree. Furthermore, why would I look at two issues, gay marriage and abortion and decide to vote for that candidate because opposing those two issues mean that they are a Christian? There are other characteristics and issues that are just as important to me as a Christian. If you are a Christian, you demonstrate your love of God in a number of ways. You will not simply give lip service to Christian values and beliefs, you will live them.

[Love_Spell_6]

Originally posted by abaici
If you are a Christian, you demonstrate your love of God in a number of ways. You will not simply give lip service to Christian values and beliefs, you will live them.

You said a mouthful here...i just dont see how you can "live them" by supporting a candidate's platform that's opposite of what Christ teaches....but that's just me i guess...and someone said that the Repubs only want to get votes...well that is what its all about isn't it?? None of us really knows what's in any politician's heart...we only know their actions.... And someone mentioned not looking to a PResident for spiritual guidance..well I hope no one is doing that LOL...one should only look to God for that.

[Love_Spell_6]

Originally posted by Taykimson
Not at all. He only cares about re-election. A good example of this, is the fact that Bush is OK with civil unions for homosexuals, but not marriage...seems hypocritical to me.

Sorry but this is not a correct statement, Bush supports a constitutional amendment that would define marriage between a man and a woman (which only DEFINES it does not restrict anyone's rights) and he would leave the option of a civil union to the state..

Check http://www.cnn.com/2004/ALLPOLITICS/...bush.marriage/

OK end hijack...i dont want to make this thread about gay marriage or Christianity...

But back on the subject...I'm curious to see if 90% of blacks will vote Democrat this election....

[Honeykiss1974]

TTT

Since Bush/NAACP is a hot topic today

[sigtau305]

Originally posted by Honeykiss1974
TTT

Since Bush/NAACP is a hot topic today

I have read that Bush couldn't make it to the NAACP's National Convention because of his "Schedule Conflict". I just think he doesn't want to go because He feels that the Organization may not see eye to eye with Him on a few Issues.

[Gyrl7]

I wouldn't care if he showed up or not, he's still not getting my vote this year. Hmmmppphhh!

[Honeykiss1974]

Originally posted by sigtau305
I have read that Bush couldn't make it to the NAACP's National Convention because of his "Schedule Conflict". I just think he doesn't want to go because He feels that the Organization may not see eye to eye with Him on a few Issues.

That may be true. However, can we even really say that the NAACP even represents "the black vote" (or even the Urban League for that matter, since someone mentioned that he is scheduled to speak there later in the fall).

Because from what I am seeing on GC (and myself personally), if he did or didn't speak there, it would not be affecting their vote one way or another.

[Exquisite5]

Originally posted by Love_Spell_6
You said a mouthful here...i just dont see how you can "live them" by supporting a candidate's platform that's opposite of what Christ teaches....but that's just me i guess...

Now this is just the funniest thing to me! This kind of talk REALLY annoys me by Republicans- as if they are Saints...Ha! I think a bumper sticker I read said it best, "WHEN JESUS SAID LOVE YOUR ENEMIES, I THINK HE MEANT DON'T KILL THEM!"

I've read my bible and I know none of the words in red (words of Christ) say kill for oil...or kill for anything for that matter. And I'm sorry, please don't defile Joshua and the battle of Jericho by trying to equate it to today's, err "conflict."

Let me paste the ten commandments:

I. Thou shalt have no other gods before me.- Personally, I think both dems and 'pubs worship money. I also think the Bushes, in particular, worship Saudi Arabia, oil, oil money and generally anything that keeps them in the top 1% of wealth in the nation.

II. Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image. ---The following is from the Catholic Encyclopedia..read, then please refer back to my response to # 1...

"Idolatry etymologically denotes Divine worship given to an image, but its signification has been extended to all Divine worship given to anyone or anything but the true God. St. Thomas (Summa Theol., II-II, q. xciv) treats of it as a species of the genus superstition, which is a vice opposed to the virtue of religion and consists in giving Divine honour (cultus) to things that are not God, or to God Himself in a wrong way. "

III. Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain.-- A quote from your beloved president, "Bush said to James Robinson: 'I feel like God wants me to run for President. I can't explain it, but I sense my country is going to need me. Something is going to happen... I know it won't be easy on me or my family, but God wants me to do it.' " Yes, I am soooo sure that God wanted him to defile God's own teachings and commit millions of dollars that could be helping our nation's poor, to not turn the other cheek, but instead kill innocent people. If this (using God to justify killing) isn't worse (as far as using His Holy name in vain) than an "Oh my God!," I don't know what is.

IV. Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. --Bush might actually do this since he has taken more vacation time than any other president. So for that matter, he just about keeps every day holy if by holy you mean not working...

V. Honour thy father and thy mother. I will give Bush this one! He went to war beause "Saddam tried to kill his daddy." Oh wait, that conflicts with number 6...

VI. Thou shalt not kill. Do I even need to go there again? But I will, from cnn.com..."BAGHDAD, Iraq (CNN) -- In a grim milestone, the number of deaths in the American-led coalition in Iraq surpassed 1,000 this week.

The latest reported deaths include a U.S. soldier who died from wounds in fighting Thursday in Baghdad, an American soldier killed in a Samarra attack Wednesday and another who died in a nonbattle-related incident Thursday.

The deaths bring multinational fatalities -- both in combat and "nonhostile" situations -- to 1,002 since the start of the war in March 2003. U.S. military deaths now total 881."

That is JUST Allied deaths... If I can't blame the Commander in Chief for that, then whom? Clearly, Bush has problems with Commandment #6- oh and wait this also violates CHRIST'S OWN WORDS to love thy neighbor as thyself, unless, oh wait, maybe I really did bad in Sunday school and love=kill.


VII. Thou shalt not commit adultery. Far as I know, Bush has this one too, but I don't think any platform actually condones adultry. Clinton fell to this one, I know, but in all honestly, I'd rather my president fall to sins of the flesh than be responsible for hte death of 1000 young Americans.

VIII. Thou shalt not steal. I think the Florida debacle, the fact that he's president despite losing by 500K votes and that his brother blocked over 90,00 votes or over 3% in Florida is enough for us all to say, "HAIL TO THE THIEF!"

IX. Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour. We all know Saddam had nothing to do with 9/11, yet I swear Bush swore up and down he helped train Al Quaeda, etc.. Also, <<singing in my best little girl voice>> Where oh where have the WMD gone? Where oh where can they be?

X. Thou shalt not covet any thing that is thy neighbour's. I think its pretty clear Bush covet's the Middle East's oil...do you really think he'd be trying to "liberate" colored folk otherwise?


I could go on. In fact, I am so appalled at the Right's (how unfitting a name) constant banter that they are religious, I think I will.

Let's look at Christ's actual words. Christ was the most generous, giving and loving person to walk this earth. He readily demanded that people be generous and said that it was easier for a camel to fit through an eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter heaven because of a rich man's inability to be generous and place Christian love above wealth.

I don't think the GOP's welfare policy is too generous. It hardly qualifies as
genuinely helping the least of those among us. Now, I don't think the dems are that much better (well they are on the killing), but at least they aren't out there trying to hide behind the bible.

Jesus said, "Love thy neighbor as thyself." I don't know if any political platform does NOT go against that, but for dang sure the GOP's does!

[Honeykiss1974]

Kerry to NAACP: I won't divide U.S. 'by race or riches'

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

PHILADELPHIA — Democrat John Kerry accused President Bush on Thursday of dividing America by race and riches, taking advantage of a White House feud with the NAACP to declare himself a leader of “all of the people.”
With the president refusing to address the partisan civil rights group, the Democratic presidential candidate said Bush “may be too busy to talk to you, but I have news for you: he’s going to have plenty of time after Nov. 2,” which is Election Day.

Bush skipped the annual convention to protest the NAACP’s criticism of his policies, but will address another influential black organization, the Urban League, next week.

"The current leadership of the NAACP has clearly crossed the line in partisanship and civility, making it impossible to have a constructive dialogue,” White House spokesman Dan Bartlett said.
Read the rest of the srticle here

[Love_Spell_6]

Originally posted by Honeykiss1974
Kerry to NAACP: I won't divide U.S. 'by race or riches'

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

PHILADELPHIA — Democrat John Kerry accused President Bush on Thursday of dividing America by race and riches, taking advantage of a White House feud with the NAACP to declare himself a leader of “all of the people.”
With the president refusing to address the partisan civil rights group, the Democratic presidential candidate said Bush “may be too busy to talk to you, but I have news for you: he’s going to have plenty of time after Nov. 2,” which is Election Day.

Bush skipped the annual convention to protest the NAACP’s criticism of his policies, but will address another influential black organization, the Urban League, next week.

"The current leadership of the NAACP has clearly crossed the line in partisanship and civility, making it impossible to have a constructive dialogue,” White House spokesman Dan Bartlett said.
Read the rest of the srticle here

In true Kerry form..he's saying what needs to be said to get elected...he is really a good "politician."

[Exquisite5]

Aren't they all?

I kind of thought that was the point of the game...