"Can Ferguson Swing the Election?"

[applegrove]

Can Ferguson Swing the Election?

by Joshua DuBois at the Daily Beast

http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2014/10/26/can-ferguson-swing-the-election.html

"SNIP.......................


The Dream Defenders are not alone. The Georgia Democratic Party sent mailers to black voters with iconic images from the streets of Ferguson asking citizens to vote "if you want to prevent another Ferguson" and noting that "[t]he choices may not always be perfect, but the cost of inaction is simply too great." A Democratic Party spokesperson didn't shy away from the Ferguson/Georgia comparison in an interview with the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, saying, "You have communities that can explode like that because you’ve taken the opportunity away from them."

African American clergy are getting in on the action as well. Prominent black denominations and faith leaders like Rev. Cynthia Hale, Dr. Barbara Williams-Skinner and others are calling the final two Sundays before the election "Freedom Sunday" and "Turnout Sunday" and asking congregants to go to the polls, often with a Ferguson-motivated appeal. In one example, Texas pastors—including Bishop T.D. Jakes and prominent national pastor Dr. Freddy Haynes—recorded videos for “Freedom Sunday Texas,” connecting the midterms with 1964's Freedom Summer and encouraging black midterm voting (the author has worked with these clergy and others on civic participation issues).

Not all African Americans leaders are encouraging black voter turnout, however, even in the shadow of Ferguson. Journalist and pundit Tavis Smiley said in a recent interview with ABC News that "if you're black or brown, other than helping to save the Democrats' hide," there are no good reasons to turn out to vote this November. Smiley claimed that Democratic appeals to black voters are more about election year politics than a genuine desire to change policies.

But the appeals continue, and there is some evidence that they’re catching on. The “Vest or Vote” video has been seen more than 40,000 times, and from social media to black radio to the barbershop, midterm elections are becoming a central topic of African American conversation. For black folks this November, the “Ferguson Election” may indeed motivate more to come to the polls; what’s yet to be determined is how this turnout will shape the broader political landscape.


........................SNIP"

[TreasonousBastard]

1. Low voter turnout has perpetuated the bullshit

down there. Don't just vote this time-- get involved and vote in your own leadership.

[arthritisR_US]

19. You are so damn right on! nt

[bmac19gg]

2. pretty condescending if you ask me

What exactly is the message here, "vote Democrat or the police will shoot you"? Are we supposed to believe that Black voters are so simple that they can be manipulated with this bit of fear mongering scare tactic political pandering? This is an embarrassment to the party.

[840high]

4. ...

[OLDMADAM]

5. This disgusting tactic is pretty condescending, indeed..

If this is what our leadership has deduced is what we are left with to win elections, I am ready for new leadership, or a new party.. As for being a Black woman, this would almost make me stay home, this type of manipulation, is bordering on the ugliness of raw racism..

I'm sorry, are we not better than this? Why would any law-abiding citizen, Black or otherwise, be motivated by this kind of contemptible maneuver.. I and my people are so much more than this, the pity is some don't think so.. I thought they were on the other side..

[applegrove]

7. Really? African Americans being

reminded to vote their political self interest is disgusting? Maybe to Republicans.

[OLDMADAM]

9. ''..reminded to vote their political self interest.."

Really, you think we should be reminded to vote our political self interest, because of fear of being SHOT.. You might get a hand full of thugs who, too often, interact with the Law enforcement to buy that hyperbole.. But some of us, more than YOU believe, vote for the good of our country.. Fear-mongering is for weak-minded, and there is plenty of that going around in right wing communities..

[applegrove]

10. Shootings in neighborhoods leads to

feelings of powerlessness. The antidote to lack of power is to use your vote. Nothing fearmongering about it.

[bmac19gg]

11. if that were the case

Then wouldn't you imagine that there would be a little more attention paid to all shootings and not just White vs Black? Ferguson is visible and its provocative but it is not an accurate barometer of what leads to unsafe neighborhoods and their powerless inhabitants. Plus its reckless considering the case is still open. What if it turns out Officer Wilson is innocent and the shooting justified?

You don't win votes by going around and saying "vote this way or you might die", its one step removed from putting on a white sheet and saying "vote this way or you will die". Its just wrong.

[applegrove]

12. We'll have to agree to disagree. You

think encouraging empowerment is wrong if it is based on some totemic grievance or fear. Ferguson is just the gist of african american powerlessness. And everyone can get behind the sentiment. And change needs to happen. And that is how people roll. And how they have always rolled. And greater participation in democracy as an end result is not a bad thing is it? Say it is not as bad a thing as a regular kid getting shot down in the street when he had his hands up is it? If you had to choose between civic engagement and a kid getting shot, you would choose civic engagement no? If civic participation and a new dialogue with the police saves one kid then it is worth it, n'est pas? Cause white people have been negotiating with the powers that be a relationship, based on hopes and dreams - grievances and fears, for 500 years.

[Cha]

15. I notice a big influx of posts attempting to depress the vote one way or another as of late..

coincidence that the MidTerms are around the corner?

I think not.

[applegrove]

16. I alerted on two posts last night. The

poster was seemingly as innocent as little Sally Who from Whoville but was bringing up GOP talking points all the way through. I was under the impression that Republican p.o.v. was a nono at the DU. The jury didn't agree with me either time. Yes. We have visitors.

[Cha]

17. The jury can be stacked at times with those who are with anyone who is anti-Obama.. and that would

the gop pov.

Thank you for your OP.. It's packed with good info.. I don't care who is whining about Black Folks Getting out the VOTE for Black Folks!



GOTV2014

[arthritisR_US]

23. Your vote is your voice, don't be silenced by

a-holes!

[bmac19gg]

18. no, i don't think encouraging empowerment is wrong

I think telling people they could die if they don't vote for you is wrong. But it was nice chatting with you about it and I respect the arguments you have made.

[leftynyc]

32. I sure hope

you were this vocal on whatever board you were inhabiting at the time when the cretins on the right were claiming if you voted for Democrats, you were voting for bin laden to waltz into the US and kill everyone. Can you point to where you whined when Max Cleland was morphed into bin laden in an ad?

[applegrove]

8. Unbelievable.

[Cha]

14. I for one am not asking you.. Your post is an embarrassment to reality. You're the one who's

reading this as condescending to Black Folk.. the Black Folk are on this.. expcept for poor bitter little Tavis Smiley.

Meanwhile back in reality.. and this is real..

"Low African American voter turnout helped create Ferguson’s mostly white government. Black leaders nationwide are using that fact to get their constituents to the polls."

"Vest or Vote".. I love it! This shite is real..

GOTV2014

[bmac19gg]

20. did i miss something?

What is the problem with the government in Ferguson? Did they do something wrong? Admittedly I have been out of the loop in the past weeks so educate me.

[Cha]

21. Yeah, you missed a lot.. educate yourself.

[bmac19gg]

24. trouble you for a lead?

Anywhere you can point me?

[arthritisR_US]

26. Ok, that city is predominantly black ruled by

a white electorate. They have unjust fines levied against the blacks to keep the whites coffers full. On top of that they think that killing unarmed black men constitutes law enforcement. I think they need more black representatives and more blacks saying

[bmac19gg]

31. ty for answering for Cha

I read up on that court fines scam they're running, that's some bs, but I couldn't find any factual relation to it and the race of the people in government. Lots of opinions though, naturally, but that's not enough to convince me. Also found out that this sort of scam is happening all over the country so that's just grrrreeaaat news for everybody.

[arthritisR_US]

33. Blacks are disproportionately stopped for the most

innane traffic stops. I think it was Rachel Maddow or Chris Hayes or both who spoke on the stats and it was alarming. The people stopped are more often than not of a subsistence income and cannot come up with the funds for given fines by their due date at which time they are then levied further penalties. A revolving door scam, IMO.

[bettyellen]

36. just another "egalitarian" perfect for the post racial society we WISH we had.

and woefully ignorant about the society we actually live in.

[bmac19gg]

37. of course im an egalitarian, aren't you?

And I'm not ignorant just because I don't believe we're surrounded at all times by racists.

[bettyellen]

38. I'm well informed enough about trends in law enforcement to know that racism is institutionalized

within the system. You might want to educate yourself to in order to have better discussions here.

And I have been around DU long enough to see exactly where this "it happens to white people too " thing is going.
Very very common among HS boys here, the eglatarian gambit, lol. You often see it when discussing sexism too. Precious!

[Recursion]

3. You could argue it could swing it either way (nt)

[Cha]

22. And? So glad these Black Folks are getting out the VOTE.

[Rex]

6. Seems like the GOP mouthpieces are freaking out over the increase in voter rolls.

They are such sad creatures.

[B Calm]

30. Even a few DU members with low

post counts are freaking out. . .

[Rex]

35. Yeah I saw that

You would think everyone here votes Democratic and would be elated that the GOP is in retreat. Guess it takes all kinds to fill the Big Tent.

[Cha]

13. Poor fooking bitter idiot,Tavis Smiley,discouraging the Vote.. that's a sure way to get Black Folks

Last edited Mon Oct 27, 2014, 04:35 AM - Edit history (1)

to the polls. The people I know are on to his sittin' in the corner sucking his bitter thumb 'tude.

Meanwhile back in reality.. and this is real..

"Low African American voter turnout helped create Ferguson’s mostly white government. Black leaders nationwide are using that fact to get their constituents to the polls."

"Vest or Vote".. I love it! This shite is real..

Mahalo applegrove! GOTV2014

EDIT: To Add Vid. Vest or VOTE!

[arthritisR_US]

28. I sure as fecking hope so! nt

[Cha]

25. Right after Michael Brown's murder in the Street there was a booth for Voting Registration

put up.. I am so glad to see this.



brietbart and other red wingers thought this was disgusting.. of course they did.. they want to suppress the vote.

[arthritisR_US]

27. Jessica Lee is a piece of detritus to think that

there is anything wrong with those people to set up where they did!

[Cha]

29. Exactly, artihritisR.. glad you can see that. Oh, "shocking" that people want

to live in the Reality that Voting has Consequences! They can be good or bad.. depends on who all gets out the VOTE.

[arthritisR_US]

34. Exactly, if anyone has a right to set a get out

the vote booth, in that location, it is the very people who are doing it. Their interests have not even registered, let alone been addressed, so that has to change. They need a voice so VOTE!