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When PAC money talks, poor Black politicians
must walk
As I analyzed the mainstream media (e.g, USA Today and the online
newspapers), Kristen Mack’s post run-off election article (“Borris
Miles’ victory re-flects a new generation of black elected
officials”), that appeared in the April 13, 2006 edition of the
Houston Chronicle caught my attention. It did so, because it’s
exactly what African-AmericanNews &Issues’ writers/reporters/co-lumnists
constantly allude to when we profess to report all news without fear
of favorite from an uncompromised Black perspective. It further
explains why doing so automatically makes us a uniquely different
kind of newspaper, that’s dedicated to truly making a difference in
the “lockstep,” politically correct, brain numbing society.
Naturally, many Black faces in high places
will jump to the conclusion that I was pro Al Edwards, who spent the
most advertising dollars with AAN&I. And since there’s no way I can
convince them otherwise, I won’t waste space explaining that what
I’m about to say has absolutely nothing to do with personalities, or
selfish agendas. Instead, I’m speaking as a long time community
leader and political activist who is tired of seeing my people being
pimped. Yes, I know I’m crazy, but I ain’t stupid. So, just try,
as best you can, to separate political business from personal b.s.
and read this with an open mind. First, however, let’s check your
Black History I. Q: How many times have you seen a Black politician
voted out of office simply because uninformed voters believed the
campaign hype, “It’s time for a change?”
Careful how you answer that, because I grew
up in my father’s (Curley Malonson) barber shop. And barber shops
in the ‘hood is a combination of Comedy Central and the most diverse
and intense political forums in Black America. But, I have yet to
witness any change, whatsoever, by “…a new generation of black
elected officials.” Yet, I’ll assume that you’re Black History
literate and realize when political rhetoric is, not only redundant,
but an insult to our intelligence. In fact, the rhetoric has become
so meaningless, until it’s the root cause of political apathy in
2006 Black America. Isn’t it a fact most disenfranchised Black
people have concluded (after hearing the same political-babble for
several decades), that their votes are meaningless?
I’m saying all of this only to say that
Miles missed an excellent opportunity to practice what he preached
about making a change. Instead, he sounded like every other, out of
touch politician that had preceded him, when he said, in an article
(“Edwards battles to keep his seat: Newcomer gets District 146
nod…”) that appeared in the April 12, 2006, “I'm committed to the
people of 146 and not the special interests. The people of the
district said they want their voices heard in Austin and now they
have it.” What’s wrong with that? Quite frankly, it’s disappointing
to hear “a new generation of Black politicians” use the same old,
tired rhetoric. Hell, if a politician who feels that “the people
have spoken,” and it’s “time for a change,” he or she should at
least be creative enough to come up with some new material.
How about: “As disappointing as it was that
only less than 10 percent of the registered voters cared enough
about their district to vote, I intend to change how they’ve been
represented in the past?” I would’ve loved to hear Miles say, “I
know that if the Democrats hadn’t targeted my opponent, and
participated in a strategy to remove him (by splitting the vote with
two candidates), I wouldn’t have been elected. But, I intend to
make those few voters who had confidence in me glad that they place
their bets on me.” On the other hand, he didn’t have to be that
specific, but I would like to believe that he, indeed, is sharp
enough to realize that Edwards was ambushed, the same as Rep. Ron
Wilson was. As I said before, this isn’t a rap on Miles per se.
Instead, as watchers on the wall, we expect our people to take our
warnings serious.
We told all concerned that the Democrats had
targeted Ed-wards when the media started making him look stupid for
the so-called “bootylicism bill.” I’m sure Miles, who is one of our
most loyal advertisers, also knew he was vulnerable. What I’m
saying is, we know PAC groups know our people better than we do.
Hell, they know we aren’t going to return to the polls for a
run-off, therefore they betted the House when Al Bennett entered the
race. And you know when money talks, targeted Black politicians
take a walk. Even Al knew his future was getting cloudy, because
Black folks "ain’t" going to the polls when it looks like rain.
Congratulations Miles, but if you don’t understand where I’m coming
from, I’ll be happy to break it down for you...at your convenience.
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