I thought it would never happen. This man has written something I can endorse. Being the partisans that we both are, it’s not easy.
In his latest column, “GOP’s Rainbow Coalition Is For Real,” Hutchinson writes:
Civil rights leaders and black Democrats mercilessly ridicule the Republicans for their plans to parade black gospel choirs, mariachi strollers and American Indian dance groups across the stage at the Republican National Convention in 2000. They call it a cheap publicity stunt to woo black and Latino voters. They’re wrong.This year the Republican National Committee boasts that minorities will make up a record nearly 20 percent of the delegates at their New York convention. Democrats still insist this is mere GOP flim-flam on diversity….
The Republicans newfound emphasis on diversity, however, is not a political con act. It was forced on them by changing political realities. Blacks, Latinos and Asians now make up nearly one-third of America’s population, and, with increased immigration and their higher birth rates, their population will continue to rise. The current estimate: By 2050, whites will no longer make up the majority of America’s population.
I don’t like the word “diversity” as used in the context of skin color. It leaves a bitter taste. Regardless of the original intent of its usage, it’s now associated with race in my mind, and I find the whole thing odious, no matter how well-intentioned. However…
I applaud the GOP for pursuing minorities (that was hard to say). Love it or hate it, I believe Republicans could attract blacks if they set the right “look.” We’re very visual creatures, and image counts.
I don’t want to shut out Hutchinson’s other views, so in an effort to be more objective or whatever the current fad is, here’s the link to his personal site. Read and judge for yourselves.
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What I find interesting about this whole issue and trying to get the African American vote for the Republicans is that originally African Americans did vote Republican! David Barton of Wallbuilders has some great material on that.
But I come from a different place where the word diversity is thrown around – I think homosexual, because that agenda is all about ‘diversity’. Drives me crazy!
Hi La Shawn,
What do you think is the right “look” (visuals/images) that Republicans should be setting to attract blacks?
Troy – Since “nearly 20 percent” of the Repubs delegates are minorities, the color will look good to other minorities considering joining the movement.
I hate to admit it, but a lack of black faces gives the impression that a particular group may not care about attracting “people of color.” I think I mean that tongue-in-cheek because I’m not too fond of this “going after diversity” junk.
Ohh, I hope I get to hear Herman Cain speak.
Atleast a liberal black person can admit that Republicans are doing it for real and not for show.
I love it that Republicans are accused of excluding black people, and then when they make a point of including them, they are accused of flim-flam on diversity.
That’s because the liberals have it set in their minds that all Republicans are Nazis, and therefore Republicans are incapable of loving Blacks. So whatever the latter does or says makes no difference, because they’re inherently racist. Don’t you see?
I see, Shayne, I see. I feel you. It’s an irrational belief, in my view. I’m now at the point where I no longer wish to convince liberals of anything. If I inadvertently persuade or convince them of something, so be it. I’m out of the selling business.
I’m beginning to see this blog as a way to reach those who’re just on the edge of making a change in their lives, from playing the victim to seizing the day as the victor! They just need an extra push, and I’m it. The hardcore cases are people who hate conservatives in general and black conservatives in particular, and I want no company with them. None whatsoever.
As far as I’m concerned, they can eat my dust.
The hardcore cases are people who hate conservatives in general and black conservatives in particular, and I want no company with them. None whatsoever.
And if they are your family?
Seriously.
Never mind that in 2000, George W. Bush asked a black man (Colin Powell) to be his vice presidential running mate. Or that he’s appointed more blacks to Cabinet positions than any prez in history. Or the all-time-high funding to historically black colleges, the all-time-high black homeownership rate, expansion of the Africa Growth and Opportunity Act to lower U.S. trade barriers for African goods, AIDS in Africa funds, Small Business Administration loans to black entrepreneurs are up 75%, faith-based initiative, school vouchers pilot launched, etc.
While I have my quibbles with President Bush (budget deficit, illegal immigration, too soft in Iraq, etc.) Sen. John Kerry simply can’t compete with the above record.
Meanwhile, blacks form the backbone of the Democratic Party and STILL allow Dems to get away with not even CONSIDERING a black vice presidential candidate. Shameful.
DS – Most of my immediate and extended family are politically apathetic, but I get your point. At some point it becomes too much of a burden trying to communicate with people who’d rather attack me than my arguments.
Molotov, good points.
You left out how the NY Dems treated McCall.
Now tell me why those achievements aren’t being made in the Black media?
“What do you think is the right “look” (visuals/images) that Republicans should be setting to attract blacks?”
Republicans should do absolutely nothing special to attract blacks to their party. They should explain to them, and everyone else, how everyone is better off under their system relative to a Democratic system. We’re never going to progress in this country until the people who currently vote special interests realize they are giving up the house to get a car.
Which do you suppose is more important for blacks and other minorities: economic progress or making something already illegal more illegal by enacting hate crime legislation?
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