Posted on 07/18/2004 5:12:08 PM PDT by zeebee
Sylvester Brown Jr.
President George W. Bush deserves credit for his candor, if for nothing else.
Black leaders and Democrats have been bashing Bush for refusing to attend the 95th annual NAACP convention in Philadelphia last week.
When asked why he skipped the convention, Bush didn't mince words.
"You've heard the rhetoric and the names they've called me," Bush said. "I would describe my relationship with the current leadership as basically nonexistent."
Now, that's a refreshing, nonpolitical response. Basically, the president said, "Hey, they don't like me. I don't like them. Why should I kiss up to an organization that opposes my party and my politics?"
That would be a legitimate question. Another question is why the NAACP leaders even expected Bush to attend their conference given the way they've treated him.
Last year, chairman Julian Bond said Republicans appeal "to the dark underside of American culture." In June, he said the conservatives' idea of equal rights is the "American flag and the Confederate swastika flying side by side." Bond and NAACP president Kweisi Mfume have repeatedly claimed that Bush practices "racial division."
Sensing relationship trouble, Democratic presidential challenger John Kerry jumped at the opportunity to woo conventioneers. With Sister Sledge's song "We Are Family" as a convenient backdrop, Kerry added fuel to simmering racial embers. Bush has divided the nation by "race and class," he preached. Under his leadership, Kerry promised, the door would always be open for dialogue with black leaders and Democrats would respect and respond to the needs and issues of black voters.
What needs? What issues? Kerry made minor promises based on his assessment of black needs. He committed to nothing substantial because NAACP leaders demanded nothing of substance.
Kerry's appearance was a familiar, kissy-faced, well-choreographed political routine. In the end, the NAACP promised to do what they planned all along: support Kerry's campaign.
My prediction if Kerry wins: Four years from now, the same black leaders throwing their support behind him now will whine that he and the Democratic Party are taking black voters for granted.
Just once, I'd like to see black leaders and organizations force presidential candidates to commit to something more than a chance to keep Republicans at bay. Before pledging the loyalty of black voters, I want to see the heads of these elitist organizations promote a plan that black people have developed.
Where is the outline for a domestic "Marshall Plan" that Al Sharpton and others claim would revitalize urban areas and businesses? Where's the plan to build better schools, address inadequate health care in black communities or tackle the disproportionate rates of unemployment and home ownership?
I'm no fan of George Bush. Lying about the war and allowing rich cronies to profit from its aftermath is reason enough to boot him back to private life. But I applaud Bush's decision not to play nice with established black leaders. He will gain or lose votes based on his efforts to attract black voters. That is more than I can say for Democrats.
(Excerpt) Read more at stltoday.com ...
Yeah - they don't need to endorse cause by their attacks on Bush they've already signaled their choice for President without having to surrender the illusion they're a non-partisan organization. In reality, they are a surrogate bought for and paid for, of the Democratic Party.
Be nice to Clevelanders, I was born there.
Rubbish.Halliburton the only firm that could handle the difficult contracts awarded them, with possible exception of a French firm.And Halliburton, staying the course, has had many employees murdered, and thus is deserving of respect.
Yes that is another question; but the author of the article would have to be stupid to not know the answer.
The answer is the the NAACP duo of bond and imfume DID NOT expect President Bush to attend. The simply extended the invitation so that when he refused it, they could pretend that the NAACP represents American "colored people" in general and that President Bush was snubbing African Americans in general by not attending the "colored people" convention.
I don't think the Johns or the Dims will get much of a "bump" out of this transparent ploy.
Of course not. They be Uncle Toms and Aunt Jemimas.
And I was born and raised there. East Cleveland. Windermere... Euclid @ Superior.
Nice to know there's another homeboy on FR! ;-)
$710.96... The price of freedom.
"W" is FAR LESS a "RACIST" than the "NAACP!!"
"W" was "Presented With" Individuals of Exceptional Ability--& He Chose Them to "Lead His Departments!!"
Their "Skin color" was IRRELEVANT!!
The "Dem's" have FAILED ALL of the Tests that the "Black-American 'CRATS" have "Required" of the "'Pubs"--The HYPOCRISY of the "Democrats" has been Dramatically Demonstrated.
We are Beyond "Truth,"--we are NOW "Into" the ESSENCE of "Reality!"
So How do we "Go Out;?" --When We are "Done With" our Present Lives, WHAT NEXT!!?? have PASSED!!.
Nobody wants you to be PC, so don't set up that strawman so that you can knock it down. You made broad comments about not reaching out to the "black community," I challenged you. You then compared your inane comments to George's (appropriate) snubbing of the NAACP, and now you don't see how you have equated the black community to the NAACP? If you didn't mean to equate the two, then I guess you are not in such "good company" after all.
Liberal Juan Williams is no Julian Bond. Take that as a high compliment, Juan.
I used to party hard in E Cleveland, a house on Belmar St. We used to have an annual boxing match on the front lawn, my bother (Baby Pins) against Ronny (The Executioner). Ronny was a black guy we hung out with and the drummer in the band. The whole neighborhood would be on their porches watching the 3 round boxing match. This was 1981-82 days. LOL
Well I won't - he did state that Bush lied and I will not praise him for the meager crumb he gave while furthering the lie that Bush lied.
So, you have no dog in this fight huh? There is an antidote, it's called the truth. Wake up and smell the eggs frying. You can't run away you can only hide and your statement is hiding.
Show us the hard evidence that President Bush lied, Mr Brown?. May, I call you a liar until you prove me different?
Bush/Cheney 2004
thanks rdb3.. but i knew that.
hey e. cleve.. used to party in parma. white sox but no boxing though, lol.
Bond and Queasy have yet to figure out that NAACP does not stand for National Association of Anti-Caucasian People!
IT's great to hear that Brian Williams had this to say. Thanks for the info--I don't watch tv much.
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