Blacks urged to form independent political movement

[carpe diem]

WASHINGTON (NNPA)— Growing disappointment with the Democratic Party, capped by a so-called Senate compromise last week that paved the way for the confirmation of at least three right-wing judges, has prompted some activists to consider leaving the Democratic Party and forming an independent political movement.

“Everybody knows that blacks are the most loyal folk to the Democratic Party. We have been loyal. And what do we get for our loyalty?” asked Mary Frances Berry, former chair of the U. S. Commission of Civil Rights. “African Americans should form an independent political movement—not a party, but a movement and say, ‘This is what our issues are and any candidate who supports these issues we will support. And if you don’t support them, we won’t support you.’”

Over the past 30 years, Democrats have received more than 80 percent of the black vote in every presidential election.

“When it comes to black people, African American people, Afro-American people—whatever we’re calling ourselves this year, Negro, colored—there is no party, except the white party,” said Thomas N. Todd a Chicago attorney and longtime civil rights activist.

_______________________________________________________________________________________

The entire article is linked below and well worth the read...

http://www.frostillustrated.com/news/2005/0608/Front_Page/001.html

[Jon_da_brockman]

1. We really need to reach out

and do what we can to get minority votes. not just the Black vote, but all minorities. Losing that demographic would be a terrible hit.

Oh, and “When it comes to black people, African American people, Afro-American people—whatever we’re calling ourselves this year, Negro, colored...,” made me laugh.

[Dhalgren]

2. The link didn't work.

But I am all for independent political movements. The Political Parties in this country no longer have any principles (apart from power at any cost).

[carpe diem]

3. i've fixed the link...

above and below...

http://www.frostillustrated.com/news/2005/0608/Front_Page/001.html

[AndyTiedye]

4. That Would Ensure Republican Rule for the Next Century

[carpe diem]

5. constant capitulation ...

...denial of election fraud and running from the base of your own party will accomplish the same thing...

[demgrrrll]

6. I read that Russell Simmons met with Mehlman because he felt he was

more willing to listen to him on poverty issues. Isn't that sad. I do not have a link I will look for one.

[election_2004]

7. LGBT people should do this too

We need to quit bending over and allowing the Dan Mongiardos and Charlie Stenholms of the world to fuck us over.

[Droopy]

8. I understand where they are coming from

and I would support such a movement. White skin and all.

[NuttyFluffers]

9. I would sooo join the "NAACP Party" or whatever they want to call it.

wherever the black caucus goes, i go. just say the word and i'm there.

[DaveinMD]

10. yeah

splintering off is great. That won't help elect even more right wing candidates. Not at all.

[Tomee450]

11. But right wing candidates are

being elected anyway and the reason is that we seem to have a party whose leaders don't want to fight. I have always voted democratic, but what are our votes getting us? The Dems just caved on the judges. For two elections they accepted the disenfranchisement of black voters, they knew that the first election was stolen yet for four years did nothing to ensure that would not happen again. For two election the presidential candidates just threw in the towel. If Democrats won't fight, what incentive is there for people to continue supporting them. The Republicans have been gaining ground since the Reagan administration yet the Dems have done little to counter them. Frankly it's discouraging. Look what's being done to Howard Dean. We even attack our own. The leadership of the party lets the Repubs walk all over them but when someone like Dean has the courage to speak up, he is criticized by them. When do you ever see a Republican doing that to another Republican? It just doesn't happen. Most of the leading democrats appear so cowed. That is not a pretty picture.

I'm beginning to believe that Ms. Berry has the right idea.