Tavis Smiley had an interesting article on NPR yesterday on the GOP’s efforts to get black voters to cross party lines. Black folk vote overwhelmingly democratic. That being the case, Bush and the Republican Party have apparently made a concerted effort to engage the Black community. In his campaigning, Bush has been trying to offer African Americans an “alternative.” Of course, I don’t buy any of that crap, but it does bring up an interesting question. Why does any Black person in America vote republican? Are there any Black republicans in this forum? If so, let’s here from you.

I WOULDN'T CALL MYSELF A REPUBLICAN, MORE LIKE A CONSERVATIVE INDEPENDENT. MY PROBLEM WITH THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY IS THAT IT TAKES US FOR GRANTED. THEY'VE COME TO EXPECT OUR VOTE, OR AT THE LEAST THAT WE WON'T VOTE FOR ANY OTHER PARTY. THINGS LIKE SOCIAL SECURITY REFORM, THE FAIR TAX AMENDMENT, AND WELFARE REFORM ARE ALL ISSUES THAT SOME CONSERVATIVE PARTIES BELIEVE STRONGLY IN. THE DEMOCRATS PROMISE BLACK FOLKS A POT OF GOLD WHICH IS UN-REALISTIC. JOHN KERRY SAYING HE WANTED TO BE OUR "SECOND BLACK PRESIDENT" WAS AN INSULT, AND THE BLACK FOLKS HE SAID IT TO ATE IT UP LIKE DAY OLD CHITTERLINGS. IT WOULD BE NICE IF WE ACTUALLY HAD A FIRST BLACK PRESIDENT. BILL CLINTON LOOKED AWFULLY WHITE TO ME).


THAT'S MY "BIG" OPINION.

THE PROBLEM IS THERE R ONLY TWO PARTIES. EACH OF WHICH TAKE BRIBES FROM LARGE CORPS $ SPEC INTEREST GROUPS. I AM NO CLINTON FAN I FEEL HE WAS HARMFUL TO BLKS IN AMERICA AND IN AFRICA, HOWEVER COMPARE THE CLINTON YRS TO THE DUBYA BUSH YRS AND I THINK ULL C WHY BLKS VOTE DEM PRIMARILY. THE LESSOR OF TWO EVILS, ANY BLK REP IS A FOOL. I DNT CARE ABOUT PERSONAL CHOICES, AND CONSERVATIVSM THE REP PARTY IS A FRONT 4 THE KKK (AS R MANY DEMS) SO ANY BLK REP SHOULD B TAKEN OUT BACK AND SHOT...

PEACE WORLD

My theory is that the Republican party reaches out to some weaker-minded Black voters by playing into the homophobia that exists within our community, and they bought it hook, line, and sinker. I've talked to some Black Repubs and the gay-marriage issue is always the first one that comes up. I can't believe that they can't see past this feeble attempt to divide our community.

It would be foolish to think that all black people vote democratic, because not all black people think the same way, or vote based on the same things. A black businessman might vote republican because he's wealthy and he wants to stay wealthy. A black christian might vote republican because of the conservative views, and because of the opposition of gay marriages and abortions. Those are just surface reasons that i've seen as reasons black people vote. The republicans won mainly on the whole gay marriages and abortion issue, even though the claim still has to be brought through the supreme court, which I think was really stupid.

Martha Stewart=Billionaire & Democratic! There are a multitude of wealthy Democrats. One does not need to be Democratic to retain wealth. A fact which I challenge Republicans to dispute is that the economy struggles and the jobless rate increases when the "Elephants" to office. If you are a business person, how does it benefit you when a decreasing number of people are able to afford your product?

My theory is that the Republican party reaches out to some weaker-minded Black voters by playing into the homophobia that exists within our community, and they bought it hook, line, and sinker. I've talked to some Black Repubs and the gay-marriage issue is always the first one that comes up. I can't believe that they can't see past this feeble attempt to divide our community.

It doesn't take much to further divide a community, which is already divided! I would agree that Republicans did a masterful job of playing on the fears of the American people: Homophobia, Terrorism, failing Family Values, and unfortunately some Black Folk also were caught in these false pretenses.

Conservative & Liberal are just labels, and most people fall under neither 100% of the time. In truth I fall under neither. However for political purposes, Conservatism is not just strong Christian values, anti-abortion, anti- gay marriage, small government, tax breaks, etc. Conservatism also includes anti-affirmative action, anti-minority scholarships, strict prision sentencing, ending federal school lunch programs (or any other benefit program which is seen as a drain on federal resources), of course they include tax breaks for the wealthy also. When you place yourself under the title of Conservative, you take on everything that comes with it. Many of which is detrimental to the overwhelming majority of black americans.

When thinking on which party to support, don't just limit yourself to how this will affect myself & my family. Think how this will affect my brothers & sisters. My parents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. How will this affect my community? Not neccessarily the community I live in, but my race as a whole (of which one's future spouses & children might come from). There are an increasing number of Black folks that feel Democrats "take us for granted", and who don't agree with any thing Democrats do. For those who feel that way, that's fine. However what exactly do they agree with that the Republican party does? As I said above, can anyone explain to me why there is always a recession when Republicans take power? That alone is a reason to keep them out of office! The policies of the Republican party are not just racist, they are classist as well. Any one who is not in the $250,000 annual income bracket is voting against their economic interest by voting republican. Any who is not lacking melanin is voting out of their social interest by voting republican.

My biggest complaint about Black conservatives/republicans (whatever have you), is that these people had doors opened for them, in order for them to reach the level of success they have achieved. However, instead of them holding that door open for someone else of their race, they literally try to close it once they pass through. It is selfish, it is selling out. One can be successful without supporting policies which are detrimental to the majority of their people. Affluent African Americans are free to be as republican as they want to, but the overwhelming majority of African Americans can't afford, nor have the luxury to make that decision.

It's a misconception to say "republicans are for the wealthy". That just isn't true. Most of the wealthy live on the coasts, those states that most always vote Democrate!!

Democrate= BIG GOVERNMENT. Democrates think people are stupid and don't know how to take care of themselves. They want to socialize medicine, bad idea, just visit Canada or European countries where they wait months to get treatment unless it's life threatening.

Republicans= Smaller Government, less intrusive. Bush is trying to pass social security reform, giving people the option to invest their own money into stocks instead of letting the Gov. to it for us. When the politicians get their fingers into things they usually mess it up more.

Republicans= Smaller Government, less intrusive. Bush is trying to pass social security reform, giving people the option to invest their own money into stocks instead of letting the Gov. to it for us. When the politicians get their fingers into things they usually mess it up more.

You know what the smallest form of Government is Indya? A Dictatorship! However that is certainly not less intrusive. Also Bush's plan for social security reform is the worst I've ever heard. Maybe you want your retirement funds in something as unpredictable as the stock market, but I have no such desire!

Maybe you want your retirement funds in something as unpredictable as the stock market, but I have no such desire!

Ya, I'd much rather leave it in the hands of our government. They've done such a good job already by borrowing against it so that it's going to be gone before I'm able to retire. By the way it's the dems. controlled house and senate who keep dipping into social security, not the republicans.

Ya, I'd much rather leave it in the hands of our government. They've done such a good job already by borrowing against it so that it's going to be gone before I'm able to retire. By the way it's the dems. controlled house and senate who keep dipping into social security, not the republicans.

Okay Indya you voted for them, so you obviously trust them. However Bush is even getting resistance from Republicans on his "Social Security" plan. Can't help but notice you didn't tackle my small government comparison though........

Think of the Republican way of government like a bank or a financial institution. When you put your money into a bank the bank uses your money to fund big business and corporate America. They charge interest compounded annually if you or anyone borrows money but you only recieve maybe 1%-2% accrued interest for letting them use your money. Gee this sounds like the Social Security Reform Act that our great president is introducing. You know that plan where you give 12% of your income and they take 4% of that and invest it in the stock market. Then when you retire they take 3 percents of the 4% or 75% of the invested yield that is earned and you get whats left over. If that doesn't sound like loan sharking than you can slap right here. Do they honestly believe we're that stupid or do they just think they can do anything because they are in charge?

Think of the Democratic way of goverment like a nonprofit organization. You give lots of money to great causes but much of it goes to "adminstrative" fees. Seems like what you put in is far more than you get out of it. They always have the best interest of the people at heart but it'll cost extra. All issues and concerns of the people are viable as long as they are able to raise money which is in the form of taxes. The democrats are just not as skilled at hiding their taxation like the republicans. Democrats have not figured out how to charge more for gas, alcohol and cigarettes then turn around and invest money back into those industries to continue the vicious cycle. Nope Democrats just beg for money and then raise taxes.

Leadership is the voice of the people from the people not a voice over the people apart from the people.

Peace

Radical Faith

SOCIAL SEC IS BANKRUPT,..WHY U ASK???BECAUSE BASICALLY THEY STEAL YOUR MONEY AND GO PARTY WITH IT :toast: . I SAY WE DO AWAY WITH THE WHOLE SYSTEM. MABY CHaRGE A SMALL OPTIONAL TAX FOR THOSE WHO WISH TO ATTEND A FINANCE MANAGEMENT CLASS. LOL YEAH NOT IN THIS GREEDY WORLD.

PEACE

White Republicans and Democrats, to me, are two heads of the same monster.
I hesitate to use the term sell-out; in terms of Black Republicans, because I don't see them as selling out anything. I see them as selfish users; whose days are just about up. I personally don't see any great benefit, in either of the the two major political parties - as far as it goes with the African American electorate. I can see things in both that We could use to keep Our progress going..., but I find that I have a problem supporting say Republicans because their racist views override any good any of their positions may offer. I can also see through to their overriding plan to dismantle all progressive measures that have aided Us in Our struggles to catchup with majority America. I cannot say okay, because this piece of the pie works for me, they get my support - while the rest of my family suffers.

White America and infirmed Black Americans can have their Black Republican leaders like Jesse Lee Peterson, Ward Connerly, Armstrong Williams, Larry Elders, John McWhorter, Star Parker - to name a few (these are excons, welfare mammy's and pappy's, baby killers, rapists, and self-haters). They are not there but for the reasons of vexing and keeping Us off focus anyway, with their racist views and other such trivialities; if We didn't pay any attention to them, Whites would surely, stop their orgy with them. In addition to that, I ask you, what does this say about Us and White folks when these are the type of people they call "Black Leaders," and try to pawn off on Us? Maybe they need Ann Coulter (Nazi Poster Child) to help them out. Plus, these people come from the margins of society - a place that most of Us are unfamiliar.

Why should We focus on the scums of society, when most of Us are out there striving, looking for family reconnections? I recognize how the likes of Colin Powell and Condolezza Rice and even Oprah - have value for Us as a community; and I can feel a sense of reverence in their accomplishments, as an African American... at the same time, Colin has come away with visible signs of what he let himself become... Oprah, in my esteem has serious anti-black issues that only she can deal with, and Condi - I get shivers just looking at her, my family thinks that I am crazy but Sister, has something evil inside her- really look at her, look at her eyes, watch her mouth when she speaks, watch the way she walks.

It is for the reasons stated above that makes it impossible for me to vote for, or even consider Republicans - on the other hand some Black Democrats graze on the same plantations... they are muted out, and don't seem to know how to start talking... many of them, though are stuck in the CR movement (that was great/ righteous); and have no fresh ideas.

So, I think that We should become unaffiliated, as an Electorate with either group, and utilize this power that We have... and vote for the better plan... but all of this can become moot; if We used Our people power.

Tavis Smiley had an interesting article on NPR yesterday on the GOP’s efforts to get black voters to cross party lines. Black folk vote overwhelmingly democratic. That being the case, Bush and the Republican Party have apparently made a concerted effort to engage the Black community. In his campaigning, Bush has been trying to offer African Americans an “alternative.” Of course, I don’t buy any of that crap, but it does bring up an interesting question. Why does any Black person in America vote republican? Are there any Black republicans in this forum? If so, let’s here from you.

I don't vote Republican, but having grown up in a 'religious' environment, I can understand why some would. A lot of people are Republican because they think simply because that party makes a stand against gayness and abortion that they must be more representative of their 'godly' views than Democrats.

In fact, when I was a Christian, I was kind of in a dilemna. Vote Democrat and go against my Christian views, or vote Republican and go against my race.

I don't vote Republican, but having grown up in a 'religious' environment, I can understand why some would. A lot of people are Republican because they think simply because that party makes a stand against gayness and abortion that they must be more representative of their 'godly' views than Democrats.

In fact, when I was a Christian, I was kind of in a dilemna. Vote Democrat and go against my Christian views, or vote Republican and go against my race.

It's really a misconception to paint republicans as bible thumpers who are "simply" being led by the nose by their preachers. Yes, republicans are more conservative in there thinking, that's not the same as religious. Also republicans arn't a party for the rich they're becoming more of a party for the middle class. Look at the map from the elections, most of the Democrate won states are on the coast, where most wealthy people live.

I shudder to think the Democrates will get into power and pass their health care reform. Please anyone who has questions about this health care, visit Canada where they wait months for a test that people can get next day here in the states.

I'm not a dedicated Republican though. I was actually wanting to vote Dem. since I was unhappy with things Bush did. I couldn't however bring myself to vote for Kerry since I didn't trust what he was saying, he didn't come across as truthfull. I would have rather Howard Dean run.

Bush is trying to pass social security reform, giving people the option to invest their own money into stocks instead of letting the Gov. to it for us. When the politicians get their fingers into things they usually mess it up more.

My God! It's repugnant how the naive and religious christian conservatives can easily be brainwashed and manipulated in this country.

Bush isn't trying to pass Social Security "reform." If you believe that nonsense I have some luxurious beach front property in the Mojave desert to sell you.

Do your own research and discover which government program has been the most successful in this country and why. Moreover, why was Social Security facilitated in the first place.

You speak of a subject you obviously have little knowledge about - or perhaps you are just repeating the same crapola you heard from Bill O'riley.

Social Security is not an investment, but insurance. There's a considerable difference between an investment policy and an insurance program. Get back with me when you can fully comprehend the difference.

If you wish to invest your money, investing in an IRA, CD or Mutual Fund - free of any government involment - just keep your hands off of Social Security!

BTW, what are you still doing here? I thought you were flushed down the toilet a while back.

Alafia!

Bush isn't trying to pass Social Security "reform." If you believe that nonsense I have some luxurious beach front property in the Mojave desert to sell you.
Do your own research and discover which government program has been the most successful in this country and why. Moreover, why was Social Security facilitated in the first place.
You speak of a subject you obviously have little knowledge about - or perhaps you are just repeating the same crapola you heard from Bill O'riley.
Social Security is not an investment, but insurance. There's a considerable difference between an investment policy and an insurance program. Get back with me when you can fully comprehend the difference.
If you wish to invest your money, investing in an IRA, CD or Mutual Fund - free of any government involment - just keep your hands off of Social Security!

:censored: Ya, social security is SOOOOO successful that if it isn't fixed it will run out of money before 2029. This has been discussed by BOTH political parties, whoes the simple minded one now HUH?????

Hopefully this isn't to far above your head.

GUESS WHO WAS PRESIDENT DURING THIS TIME; GIVE UP CLINTON!!!!!!!!

That's right, it wasn't the Republicans who started looking at Social security reform. It is the republicans who are trying to do something about it before it goes bankrupt. I love when I"M RIGHT!!!!


1996 - The Social Security Trustees' Report stated that the Social Security system would start to run deficits in 2012, and the trust funds would be exhausted by 2029. All members of the Advisory Panel agreed that some or all of Social Security's funds should be invested in the private sector. To keep the unchanged system actuarially sound, payroll taxes would have to be increased 50%, to 18% of payroll, or benefits would have to be slashed by 30%.

1997 - All members of the presidentially-appointed Social Security Advisory Panel agreed that some or all of Social Security's funds should be invested in the private sector. To keep the unchanged system actuarially sound, payroll taxes would have to be increased 50%, to 18% of payroll, or benefits would have to be slashed by 30%."

Congress designed Social Security to operate as a pay-as-you-go system. That means no money is actually set aside by the government to pay benefits in the future. When workers pay taxes into the Social Security "trust fund," most of the money is immediately paid out as benefits to today's retirees. The leftovers go straight to the Treasury in exchange for federal IOUs and are used to finance the national budget.

But when Social Security begins running a deficit in 2014, there will be no more leftovers, and the government must begin paying back its IOUs to keep the system afloat. Because no money has actually been saved for this purpose, Congress will be forced to significantly increase public debt, cut spending or raise taxes.

Even worse, unless something is done, the entire Social Security system will use up its government IOUs and go bankrupt by 2037. (Bankrupt = It will not have enough money to pay retirees' promised benefits.)