DEMS: Can You Bring Us (African-Americans) to the Table?

[qwlauren35]

As a middle-aged African-American voter, I find myself quite apathetic regarding the last few weeks as Kerry emerges to be the crowned Democratic nominee. I was not a Kerry supporter and I'm still not "feelin' him". I would not exactly call my vote up for grabs, but that's not all that I have to offer! This year's presidential election is DIFFERENT in that there is an entire cadre of African-Americans like myself who are starting to think about putting our money where our vote is. Many of us, like me, supported Dean both vocally and financially. Others have supported Edwards, Clark and Sharpton. I honestly believe that we have the dollars to make a difference. But so far, there's nothing compelling us to offer our money to the DNC. I have recently written to the African-American Leadership Council within the DNC in an effort to understand what my dollar will buy me. There is a slate of issues that I would like to see addressed. For example, I'd like to see initiatives that do the following:
- increase African-American political power
- address black-on-black crime issues
- address black health issues
- address redlining issues
- strengthen Affirmative Action, especially as directed toward the impoverished
- increase African-American judicial presence
- increase African-American medical presence
- strengthen "the black family"
- reduce black unemployment rates
- increase re-skilling and continuing education programs in black communities

I'm curious and thought I'd ask DU their thoughts on this.

What do you think that the DNC should offer to African-Americans to win their financial support in addition to their votes?

[pinto]

1. which three do you think would have the broadest impact among

African American communities? I ask with the understanding that those communities are more diverse than generally assumed, hence my focus on "broadest impact".Thanks.

[qwlauren35]

2. I haven't put them in order...

- increase African-American political power
- address black-on-black crime issues
- reduce black unemployment rates

[pinto]

8. imho, any Dem candidate should support your three initiatives, and show

some "real time" steps to implement them. That's the key, I think, and they should be asked just that.

Also your three would mutually support each other. Seems crime is linked to unemployment which is linked to political power, in a lot of ways.

Have you heard back from the AALC?

One reason I asked for three "picks" is that political groups can easily support a long list of proposals, all important, but then lose focus on specifics.

Thanks for the post. Got me to thinking.

[rucky]

3. The party should support the entire slate.

as it is... not dressed up & toned down as "economic" issues. Race, Class & Gender are still relevant, and we're afraid to take a stand on any of it.

[revcarol]

4. With Dennis, you're already there!!

pre-school through college public education

totally committed to affirmative action on many levels

health care for all, including home care and alternative medicine

people would have the power, not corporations

and much more.

Frankly I'm SICK at the Democratic Party taking black people for granted. They pander for votes at election time, then just slough off black people's concerns, problems, acciomplishments and input into government and the private sector.

with Dennis, black people would have more than a seat at the table. They would be part of the people-powered structure, and have input about problems AND their solutions. NO TOP-DOWN SOLUTIONS.

And JOBS, JOBS, JOBS. Black on black crime is ALWAYS worse when many lack jobs.

[qwlauren35]

9. I hear you, but...

much as I love everything Dennis Kucinich stands for, he seems to have less delegates than Al Sharpton, who is not someone I think very highly of. In other words, he is not likely to be setting the Democratic agenda based on the weight of his delegates. Unfortunately, for that matter, neither is Al Sharpton. So it seems that we (African-Americans) will have to approach the table directly if we want our interests to be attended to.

[redqueen]

12. I guess that answers your question, then.

:(

[Tinoire]

15. Well sister woman

He won't get to his place at the table without the weight of our support!

Kucinich is the only one who sincerely addresses those concerns and has a track record of doing so.

It won't do us any good to vote for any candidates supporting the occupation because you know who'll be headed over their to enforce the US aggression against the Iraqi people- young able-bodied AA males who would be better off in the US taking advantage of Kucinich's proposals and getting a sound education.

There's enough room at the table- we're just going to have to elbow our way up there. Stick with Kucinich- he's already got a place reserved for us.

What do you want? To be on the winning team for the primaries or the winning team for America? My goal is to get the most progressive candidate up there for the General Election- a candidate who when he stands next to Bush will be CLEARLY different so that the debates don't sound like they did last time where Gore and Bush spent more time agreeing than anything else and refused to broach any controversial subjects.

Change... change... there's plenty of room at the front of the bus on the Kucinich Express!

Welcome to DU! :toast:

[cheezus]

5. http://www.kucinich.us/afam/index.php

What other candidate has a website about it?
http://www.kucinich.us/afam/index.php


From Dennis Kucinich:

"As co-chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus with Rep. Barbara Lee, I have worked hand-in-hand for years with the Congressional Black Caucus battling for civil rights and social justice. Recently, I joined with the Black Caucus in efforts to abolish the racially-biased death penalty, to defend affirmative action and get more funding for AIDS. As a candidate for President, I offer a different vision for America, one which separates me from the other candidates. I am the only candidate who will take this country away from fear and war and tax giveaways, and use America's peace dividend for guaranteed health care for all, ending health care for profit. As President, I will cancel NAFTA and the WTO, restore our manufacturing jobs, save our family farms, create full employment programs. I will repeal the Patriot Act to regain for all Americans the sacred right of privacy in our homes, our libraries, our schools. I will reverse course on the racially-biased "Drug War" that has often been a war against minorities and the poor."


Congressman Kucinich grew up in the inner city of Cleveland, where his family was often the only caucasian family in the neighborhood. People of color have been his friends and allies his entire life. His platform reflects his concern with racial justice.

[EXE619K]

6. This is a tough one.....

If you want my honest opinion on these specific issues.....honestly, I don't think any one of our candidates will have a definate answer for you except for Al Sharpton.

As a matter of fact, I'm not even African-American so...regarding these very ethno-centric issues...I don't know what to tell ya.

But, I will state one thing though....I firmly believe that the Democratic party has ignored a lot of AA(or minority) issues for the past 20+ years.

Sure, the record is certainly better compared to the GOP, but I don't think they've done such a great job...like they claim to have done.

[xultar]

7. Nope they can't bring us to the table n/t

[qwlauren35]

10. Which are you saying?

Are you saying that Kerry can't bring you to the table?

That the DNC can't bring you to the table?

That there is NOTHING they could say or do that would make you sit up and take notice?

[nothingshocksmeanymore]

11. Check this out. It addresses each of your concerns

Working for African Americans

John Kerry has voted for every major piece of Civil Rights legislation to come before Congress since 1985, including the Civil Rights Act of 1991 and the Civil Rights Restoration Act of 1987. Kerry received a 100 percent rating from the National Association of the Advancement of Colored People for his work in support of civil rights during the 107th Congress.

REBUILDING AMERICA’S ECONOMY

Raise the Minimum Wage: Nearly one in six minimum wage workers are African American – or 1.7 million workers. Because inflation has been eating away at the minimum wage, its value is the lowest it has been since 1989. John Kerry helped lead the fight to pass the last minimum wage increase in 1997 and is a strong supporter of legislation to increase the minimum wage and index it to inflation to keep working families from falling farther behind.

Create Jobs: There are more than half a million more unemployed African Americans today than at the start of the Bush Administration. The unemployment rate among African Americans has climbed back into double-digits and is the highest it has been in nine years. John Kerry supports efforts that put America back to work and renew our cities through building infrastructure, school construction and modernization, tax credits and cleaning up polluted areas in our country.

Help Small Businesses Succeed: John Kerry would fuel growth in African American-owned businesses by expanding the Small Business Administration’s 8(a) program, which opens doors to federal contracting to many African American businesses, and make start-up and venture capital available to African American businesses. Kerry is the most senior Democrat and former chairman of the Small Business Committee and he led the fight to preserve Affirmative Action in federal Small Business assistance.

Protect Workers Right to Organize a Union: Unions provide workers a voice at the workplace and help them organize to wing better wages, benefits and respect from management. John Kerry has strongly supported the right to organize, helping many workers in his home state of Massachusetts organize unions, including Justice for Janitors in the Boston area in their efforts to organize and win health benefits. Kerry also supports card check and neutrality as the fairest way for workers to choose and organize unions.

Increase Homeownership: Homeownership rates among African Americans have not increased significantly during the Bush Administration and less than half of African American families own their own home today. John Kerry introduced the National Affordable Housing Trust Fund Act to spur the construction new, affordable rental units for low-income, working families. Its goal is to create 1.5 million affordable, mixed-income developments in areas with the greatest opportunities for low-income families over the next decade. And Kerry championed funding for YouthBuild, which helps at-risk youth obtain an education and take responsibility for their lives and their communities. Over the past decade, more than 20,000 YouthBuild students have built more than 7,000 housing units in their neighborhoods. Eighty-five percent of the students who complete the YouthBuild program either secure a job or go on to post-secondary education.


QUALITY PUBLIC EDUCATION

Keep the Promises of “Leave No Child Behind:” Too many schools in our communities are underfunded and in poor condition. John Kerry voted for the Leave No Child Behind education reform law because it promised to give states flexibility in using federal funds to address local needs and extra aid to help students from low-income families reach high standards. However, unless schools receive the resources they were promised and respect they deserve, the new law will fail and inequality will persist. Where the Bush Administration sought to cut funding for school reform and issued restrictive guidelines, Kerry will fund the new effort and ensure states have the flexibility to meet the goals of the law.

Early Education for All: High quality early childhood education programs get kids ready for school and in later years cut crime and increase job productivity by giving young children the opportunity to learn skills early on that put them on the path to success. John Kerry has supported increases in quality early childhood programs like Head Start and child care. His Early Learning Opportunities Act, which became law in 2000, helps families by expanding and coordinating early childhood development efforts. And he would expand outreach to increase enrollment among all groups.

Open the Doors of College: John Kerry believes that every child who is willing to aim high and work hard should have access to college. Kerry has worked to expand and protect federal student loan programs and federal scholarships and funding for Historically Black Colleges and Universities, which confer the majority of bachelor's degrees and advanced degrees awarded to black students in the physical sciences, mathematics, computer science, engineering, and education. Kerry supports increasing the maximum Pell Grant, and would back "super" Pell Grants, which provides additional assistance for eligible students who graduate in the top 10 percent of their high school class. His plan would increase access to college and make it easier to transition to four-year colleges and universities.

Close the Digital Divide: African American households are half as likely to have Internet access as others. And residents of central city and rural areas still lag behind residents of suburbs and other urban areas. John Kerry has been a leader in advocating federal policies to bring broadband technology to rural communities, including the E-rate program designed to help poorer school districts afford technology and Internet access.

AFFORDABLE HEALTH CARE

Affordable Health Care for All: One in five African Americans are uninsured and soaring insurance costs threaten to drive the number even higher. John Kerry has a plan to deal with the alarming increases in health care costs and the growing number of uninsured. His plan would allow Americans to buy into the same health care plan that the President and Members of Congress are in while providing help for those who cannot afford insurance.

Expand Access to Children’s Health Care: More than 1.5 million African American children lack any form of health insurance. John Kerry fought for the creation of the Children's Health Insurance Program in 1997, which marked the largest investment in children's health care in a generation. His health plan would make sure that 99 percent of all children are eligible and enrolled in health insurance. In addition, Kerry supports adequate funding and outreach for school lunch and other family nutrition programs.

Address Health Disparities: African Americans are 40 percent more likely to die from heart disease than whites. Infant mortality rates are twice as high for African Americans as for white Americans. African American men suffer from heart disease at nearly twice the rate of whites; and African Americans are more likely to die from breast cancer and prostate cancer. In part, these disparities are due to the fact that African Americans are less likely to be immunized, routinely tested for cancer and less likely to get regular check-ups. John Kerry will work to eliminate racial and ethnic disparities through increased research and outreach to increase screening and immunization in minority communities.

Preserve and Protect Medicare: 2.7 million African Americans rely on Medicare. John Kerry will protect and modernize Medicare, including adding a meaningful prescription drug benefit.

PROTECT AND EXPAND CIVIL RIGHTS

Ensure that Every Ballot Counts: The election system was scrutinized in the wake of the voting problems that surrounded the 2000 Presidential election. We realized that too often the system fails to ensure that every American who chooses to exercise his or her right to vote is able to go to the polls and cast a ballot that will be counted. John Kerry believes America needs comprehensive election reform, and was a strong supporter of the election reform law passed last year.

End Racial Profiling: John Kerry believes that the practice of racial profiling should be prohibited and that remedies should be established for its victims. It is more important than ever that the nation’s laws are enforced without resort to discrimination.

Prosecute Hate Crimes: John Kerry supports expanding our nation’s hate crime law. He supports efforts to provide equal justice for all victims of hate violence, regardless of their race, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, gender or disability.

Judicial Nominations That Will Uphold Our Rights: As lifetime appointees, judicial nominees will shape fundamental issues such as civil rights, religious freedom, privacy rights and freedom of speech for decades to come. Conservative judges bent on enforcing ideology rather than interpreting the law have recently undermined landmark achievements such as the Violence Against Women Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and the Age Discrimination in Employment Act. John Kerry believes that individuals appointed to all of our federal courts must be committed to interpreting the law and preserving constitutional and civil rights.

ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE

Provide Clean Air and Water: A disproportionate number of African American children live in areas where the air does not meet EPA standards. John Kerry is a leader in addressing the problem of acid rain and air pollution. His work led to the passage of tougher smog standards in the Clean Air Act of 1990. And he fought hard to block the efforts that would weaken the Clean Air Act and joined a bipartisan proposal to limit mercury, sulfur, nitrogen and carbon dioxide from power plants. Kerry also worked to guarantee cleaner and safer drinking water by strengthening the Safe Drinking Water Act, and fought efforts to weaken it. He will strengthen the environmental cop-on-the-beat, and prosecute environmental criminals. He will also actively pursue environmental justice for communities that have been the victims of years of corporate environmental assaults.


Press Releases

January 30, 2004 - Rep. Kendrick Meek Endorses John Kerry for President

January 30, 2004 - Statement from Congressman James Clyburn Responding to General Clark’s Comments

January 23, 2004 - Bush is Out of Touch With Americans

January 19, 2004 - Message From John Kerry Commemorating Martin Luther King's Birthday

January 16, 2004 - Statement from John Kerry on Bush’s Recess Appointment of Charles Pickering

January 16, 2004 - Kerry Receives Endorsement of Del. Donna M. Christensen of U.S. Virgin Islands

January 11, 2004 - Kerry Offers Plan to Celebrate, Strengthen and Enhance America’s Urban Centers

January 10, 2004 - National African American and Latino Leaders Organize to Help Kerry Win Democratic Nomination

December 31, 2003 - John Kerry Emphasizes the Possibilities for 2004

December 06, 2003 - Prominent African American Leaders in Virginia Form Committee to Support John Kerry for President

[qwlauren35]

13. Thank you but...

it's not enough.

In many cases, while the document points out that African-Americans suffer disportionately, Kerry does not offer amends that specifically address the disparity. For example, on the subject of black unemployment, Kerry offers to create jobs on a national scale. This doesn't address the disparity. African-Americans experience MORE joblessness than whites. If Kerry creates jobs uniformly, how does this benefit African-Americans, who are not uniformly affected?

Also, Kerry talks about increasing creation of housing units. One of the major reasons why blacks don't own homes is due to redlining, i.e. mortgage companies who REJECT African-American applicants due to racial bias. Creating more homes does not address redlining. In fact, it sounds like he's simply building more ghettoes.

Nothing you have written addresses the disportionate representation of African-Americans in political power. Has Kerry offered to place blacks in power under him? Does he have an integrated staff now?

And then there's black-on-black crime. Frankly, Kerry doesn't touch it as an issue. But it's very pressing and very problematic. As the Kucinich supporter stated, if Kerry doesn't do anything about African-American unemployment, it will be hard to decrease black-on-black crime.

And last, strengthening the black family. Here is something that the Republicans have started talking about and I've seen so many people laughing at... when in reality, we NEED stronger families. I'm not talking about a Marriage Amendment, but if anything, this is where the Democrats fall short. In endorsing the anything-goes-any-way-you-want-it feel-good liberal agenda, there is no message that discipline and perserverence will be rewarded in our society. Those are qualities that are necessary to hold a family together. I honestly believe that strong families produce better citizens. (I admit, I can't prove it.) So, I believe this is in America's best interest. So, does it make it on the Democratic platform? Or is it too soft and too parallel to the right-wing agenda to receive consideration?

In summary, just because I'm not "feelin'" Kerry doesn't mean I'm against him. However, when I look at his position statement, it isn't enough to move me to support him financially. There's not enough meat there. If he wants my dollars, he's going to have to offer a lot more.

[sandnsea]

14. Stronger communities

That's the method I think a Kerry Administration would take in creating "better" citizens. That's the goal of the service program for high school, senior citizens and the 2 years service/4 years college. Get people involved in each others lives again and give each person a stake in their own community. Personal value, self-esteem, skills, connections. Then the family values get passed on through the generations naturally. No government, social engineering necessary.

That's my take on it anyway.

[nothingshocksmeanymore]

16. Responding to the best of my ability

In many cases, while the document points out that African-Americans suffer disportionately, Kerry does not offer amends that specifically address the disparity.

Kerry can not offer plans that specifically address the disparities blacks suffer disproportionately from because it is illegal for the govt to direct benefits to the members of any single race. However, if you read closely, you'll see that Kerry supports programs (housing, education, jobs) that benefit groups (low-income, etc) where AA's are disproportionally represented due to discrimination.


Also, Kerry talks about increasing creation of housing units.

Not entirely true. Kerry talks about creating housing in low-income ]neighborhoods.


One of the major reasons why blacks don't own homes is due to redlining, i.e. mortgage companies who REJECT African-American applicants due to racial bias. Creating more homes does not address redlining. In fact, it sounds like he's simply building more ghettoes.
Redlining is now illegal. Unforunately, enforcement is poor due to a lack of funding for the civil rights offices in the various cabinet agencies. Kerry, and the Democratic Party as a whole has a record of increasing funding for these Civil Rights offices.

Nothing you have written addresses the disportionate representation of African-Americans in political power. Has Kerry offered to place blacks in power under him?

I believe so, but would have to search for specifics. I do believe his presidential campaign site addresses this

Does he have an integrated staff now?

Yes he does.

And last, strengthening the black family. Here is something that the Republicans have started talking about and I've seen so many people laughing at... when in reality, we NEED stronger families. I'm not talking about a Marriage Amendment, but if anything, this is where the Democrats fall short. In endorsing the anything-goes-any-way-you-want-it feel-good liberal agenda, there is no message that discipline and perserverence will be rewarded in our society. Those are qualities that are necessary to hold a family together. I honestly believe that strong families produce better citizens. (I admit, I can't prove it.) So, I believe this is in America's best interest. So, does it make it on the Democratic platform? Or is it too soft and too parallel to the right-wing agenda to receive consideration?

I believe his plans to make college available to more people and to strengthen labor issues in America does indirectly address this when one looks at the causes of ANY family being torn apart.

The majority of his domestic programs funnels money BACK to communities where that money can make a difference.

My big problem with the Republican lingo on this is that their idea of strengthening families is more of a religious program. I am not African American, I am white but I haven't noticed religion missing in black communities, and I DO live in a racially diverse community. What I have noticed is OPPORTUNITY and equal enforcement of protective laws missing.

Out of all the candidates, I really do think Kerry is the one that has carefully considered this and actually has the actions behind him to consider him trustworthy and reliable on the matter.

Again, the issue of black on black crime goes to the heart of WHY IT exists...community blight seems high on the list of causes.


Hope my response helps.

Thanks

[goclark]

17. Clark for my money!

Hope you took a look at Clark's website. Did you read the position paper for African Americans.

He is strongly in favor of Affirmative Action - that is certainly a jobs issue,not just educational settings.

Great post!

[oasis]

18. To say that Democrats endorse a "anything goes...liberal agenda" is to

perpetuate a right wing myth. Many Democrats have strong family ties despite existing on economic levels which are in great contrast to that of the average GOP household. Republicans have become vile and devisive liars in their attempt to make family values an issue. Unfunded programs and job downsizing has been their contribution to the American family. One can parrot what amounts to GOP lip service, but that doesn't make it gospel.

Democrats have a proven record of inclusion, job creation and promotion of social programs. I see no indication that they will reverse course.

[qwlauren35]

19. This isn't really about Kerry per se...

It's about the Democratic party in general. We like to paint the Republican party as racist in order to make the Democratic party more appealing to black voters. But I find myself looking at the Democratic party and feeling that my loyalty is not owed to them. I want to know what the party is willing to do to keep black voters loyal other than simply keep repeating the mantra that Republicans are racist.