[Theyknow]

"African-Americans (why aren't they American Africans - are they Afrians first and foremost?) Anyway - mark this - they will always be a writeoff group for Repulicans. They have no idea what republicanism is. Chasing them is wasted effort. Look for smarter groups to expand the tent"


Your comments betray your outrageous bigotry. Why would any group vote for a party who considers them stupid? The term African-American was adopted to acknowledge heritage, in the same way that the term Italian-Americans is used. American is included for the obvious reason that they are Americans. To capture the African-American vote the first step will be to understand them, not to expect them to come to us. It is the pinnacle of arrogance to expect any group to accept Republicanism before we accept them and their unique issues.

[San Jacinto]

It is the pinnacle of arrogance to expect any group to accept Republicanism before we accept them and their unique issues.

Now that is somewhat interesting. I would think a party that stands for individual liberty, less governmental control, lower taxes, fostering free enterprise, and that sort of thing could surely stand on its principles and offer an open tent to all who share those principles.

You imply that (in order not to be arrogant) Republicans must first accept "the unique issues" of "African-Americans". I don't know what those "unique issues" are. We all live under the same government and breathe the same air, don't we? As felow citizens of America, are we not affected by the issues that traditionally embody Republicanism-- greater individual freedom and responsibility?

If you contend that Republicans must acept affirmative action programs, increased welfare, a committment to reparations, and other Jesse Jacksonisms, then why bother to have a Republican Party to begin with. Are these the "unique issues" you speak of?

If Republicans really wish to address issues which impact the Black community disproportionately, then let's argue for less government support of illegitimate births; let's crack down on crime; let's establish tough educational standards and restore discipline to the schools; let's make it clear that certain standards are expected of every American and race is no excuse for living like a slackard.

Republicans believe that every one who is able should be helping to pull the wagon. Democrats promise free rides for some while others are made to pull harder.

So, RIGHT NOW, Republicans OWN the issues which really are "unique" (to use your very imprecise descriptor) to Black Americans and the solutions which would most help, and Blacks vote 94% Democrat.

You are way off base to say Republicans are arrogant. We must stick to our principles and let the Blacks who want to be Americans join the cause. Those who continue to refer to themselves as "Africans in America" will never get on board, nor should we invite them-- they simply don't have the same destination in mind that we do.

[kcar]

I think the outragious bigotry is their own. As an Irish-American I sometimes where green, but mostly never remember the fact that I'm of Irish descent because after 150 years it's pretty irrelevant to me now. Negroes congeal as a political and social group, asking for reparations, welfarism entitlements, affirmative action. 150 years after slavery they chime on about racism-racism-racism. An intelligent black individual who discovers republicanism is put in the Oreo box.
I don't want to understand their unique culture because I think it's wasted effort chasing this group, that it's a writeoff for Republicans. Better to chase votes from Hispanics, Asians, others. It's a pragmatic judgment. If a group continously acts like they're in the pocket of the other party, accept the fact and ignore them. Cut the entitlements, the affirmative action, and the 3rd generation welfarism.