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Given some of the comments of one of the newly-elected black Republican members of Congress, Allen West of Florida, I would love to be a fly on the wall at those closed strategy sessions.
West said he wants to join the CBC to steer the group from the "failing liberal social welfare policies that have caused the demise of the black community."
Ouch!
The other black Republican, Tim Scott of South Carolina, said he remains undecided. The CBC has always been open to black Republicans but there have only been two Republican members in four decades, which says a lot about how effectively Republicans address issues of importance to black Americans.
The last black Republican in Congress, J.C. Watts, declined to join.
Despite the nonsense being spewed by West, it's still a wise decision to open the caucus to all black members. Here's why:
The Caucus should not discriminate solely based on party. If these two Republicans are serious about having a real conversation about issues facing black America, then they should be admitted to the caucus.
"Should either of the two African-American Republicans recently elected to the House of Representatives request membership in the Congressional Black Caucus they will be welcomed," Rep. Barbara Lee, D-Calif., CBC chairwoman, said in a statement.
Secondly, different viewpoints can be helpful. Cord Jefferson of The Root reports that Scott is the more run-of-the-mill Republican who might be open to conversation.
But West, to be honest, seems like a lost cause -- a black man who has a low opinion of other blacks. He's a certified Tea Party Member who comes complete with their right-wing zeal.
"I'm not gonna ask for permission or whatever," West said. "I think I meet all of the criteria and it's so important that we break down this 'monolithic voice' that continues to talk about victimization and dependency in the black community."
This guy wants to abolish the IRS and the Department of Education. He said that "institutional racism is dead" and that President Obama should "be a man" and that he "can't stand [Obama]." He also admitted to firing a gun near the head of an Iraqi prisoner to get information out of him. That's simply not something to brag about.
Despite his ultra conservative viewpoints, West should still be admitted to the CBC. He has a lot to learn if he thinks that dependency and victimization are the reason the number of black men in prison in this country is so disproportionate to our population.
He also needs to be educated about how institutional racism may seem dead because it is so embedded into our society. That sort of racism is hidden and reveals itself in not so obvious ways, like the assumption that blacks are less intelligent than whites and are more likely to commit crimes.
I say the CBC should bring West in, sit him down, and give him a good education. He needs it.
Comments: (15)
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By: Tom Truth on 11/09/2010 5:07PM
"But West, to be honest, seems like a lost cause -- a black man who has a low opinion of other blacks. He's a certified Tea Party Member who comes complete with their crazy right-wing zeal. "
How do you come to the conclusion that he has a low opinion of other blacks? Just because he doesn't share your political opinions, you smear him.
Getting rid of the unconstituional IRS is the smartest thing ever. Replace income tax with national sales tax. Then, nobody can cheat their way out of it, and all the waste associated with preparing and collecting taxes is gone.
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By: Vickiss on 11/09/2010 5:09PM
How about admitting that we're in a global system of white supremacy?
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By: Tina on 11/09/2010 8:49PM
"lost cause", "low opinion of other black people" Where are you getting your information? Lt. Colonel West is advocating personal responsibility. Mr. Mays, being a promoter of the democratic party, is advocating victimhood and black inferiority. It is you that need a lesson. If someone like George Washington Carver can be born a slave and become a scientist, what excuse do we have today? Has being a slave to the Democratic party really helped black people?
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By: Brady on 11/09/2010 9:25PM
@Tina
Girl tell it like it is!
Mr. Mays, being a promoter of the democratic party, is advocating victimhood and black inferiority.
---I agree 100%, This white liberal notion that we need them to provide for us, because we can’t provide for ourselves. So we must always be the victim. Never mind the unproductive harmful decisions we make.
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By: tanisha on 11/10/2010 3:49PM
Such a perfect response, Tina. I agree with you 100%
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By: gerald on 11/09/2010 9:22PM
What has the Democrats for black people?Nothing are you people brainwashed to keep voting for them?All they want is your votes and nothing else but social programs.
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By: fredhardesty on 11/10/2010 12:19AM
The distaff side of the military has the same problem. The Defense Committee on Women In The Service (DACOWITS) is the biggest barrier to women serving in direct combat roles.
http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/force-factor-reviews-do-force-factor-supplements-work-2369634.html
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By: mswll4 on 11/10/2010 3:49AM
When the [DUMBRATS] DEMOCRATS let the 2 BLACK REPUBLICANS join their party, maybe the DUMBRATS will learn something: probably not.
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By: yonah hall on 11/10/2010 7:22AM
For several days Fox news ran a headline saying that the CBC was considering the membership of the two newly elected Republican congressmen.
I was of the opinion that there should be nothing to consider assuming that the CBC was open to all African-American congressmen who wanted to join.
I was a little dubious when I heard that Alan West said that he wanted to challenge the 'monolithic voice' of the Democratic dominated CBC.Unfortunately he reminds me of the Tom who hung around Black slaves in order to report on slave uprisings.
But we are a multi dimensional people and it's time we recognize everyone is not the same.We are quick to accept and praise our multi hued nation and this is the same thing.
I don't expect him to change his opinions because that is what he stands for,but he should be respected for what he has achieved and for his views,no matter that they are tea party opinions.
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By: rudy on 11/12/2010 10:28AM
I knew few black republicans, Believed me they are not side with NAACP because they think civil rights movement was OVER! also believed affirmation action and racial profiling needed to be ended...They don't understand black folks's suffering..Need to help them lift them up Thing will turn out someday..I dont know if black business leaders are sided with them ..That what make me wondering..
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