Posted on 11/17/2005 5:51:51 AM PST by blogblogginaway
For decades, Republicans have struggled to reach out to black Americans. But now in Orange County, the GOP has to reach no further than the NAACP.
As of this week, Derrick Wallace, head of Orange County's NAACP, has switched parties -- to become a Republican.
"I've thought about this for two years," Wallace said Tuesday afternoon, just a few hours after returning from the elections office. "This is not a decision I made yesterday."
It is, however, a decision that rang out like a shot among political circles.
Republican Party leader Lew Oliver described himself as "extraordinarily pleased," while Democratic leader Tim Shea said he was disappointed.
Wallace, a construction-company exec, was candid about the fact that his business life was a big part of his decision to change.
"It's purely a business decision. Ninety percent of those I do business with are Republicans," he said. "Opportunities that have come to my firm have been brought by Republicans."
To that, Shea responded: "I'm a little confused. Are we talking about the National Association for the Advancement of Construction Professionals -- or Colored People?"
Wallace elaborated that his "business" line of thought also referred to the NAACP. Behind many of the power desks in this town sit Republicans. And he said he wants his organization to be part of that structure. Just as importantly, he said, he didn't want people to immediately brand -- or dismiss -- NAACP concerns as synonymous with those of liberal Democrats. "I want this branch to be respected," he said.
Oliver said they already are, noting that all of the members of the GOP executive board joined the NAACP a few years back to show that they were serious about outreach. "We have taken pains to do our very best to reach out," he said.
(Excerpt) Read more at orlandosentinel.com ...
This is excellent news! I couldn't believe it when I first read it. And I'm an independent, not a Republican.
It's nice to see someone switch from blind obedience to thinking for himself.
Take that you bunch of leftist pukes! *SMACK*
I'm trying to imagine a world in which this isn't news.
It is just beautiful to watch the Democrat leadership destroy themselves.
Just sit back and watch as the good Lord vindicates all those who believe in truth while the liars, haters, and lovers of death destroy themselves because their thoughts bare them no fruit but instead grow only twisted and corrupt branches.
Barren and dead.
In Democrats' eyes, he's no longer black.
It amazes me how long it takes so many good and intelligent people to overcome their emotion and make choices based on reason. Good for him. He took the red pill.
I'm smiling, but i'm going to be verifying.
His stated reason that their is better
opportunity for blacks in the GOP is sound.
And the Dem response, just goes to show that
the unstated racism that blacks should be *blacks*
and not entrepenuers is right there, for all to read.
>;-)
Looks like there's an opening on Ted Kennedy's plantation.
What WONDERFUL news!
Hope he likes Oreos. He's likely to get pelted by 'em.
great graphic!
And he will have an asterisk by his name since he doesn't count in the eyes of Democrats. Only 3/5ths a person and all.
Sure does read like Democratic leader Tim Shea
just called this black american pillar of his
community..."uppity"!
Tim Shea needs to keep talking. He is doing Pubbies big favors every time he opens his mouth.
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