Do Black Republicans and Black Democrats Understand Each Other?
Do Black Republicans and Black Democrats Understand Each Other?
Folks, this is Earth. Families, husbands and wives, men and women, siblings don't understand each other. But a group of strangers who view the world differently politically will somehow understand one another. Why just because they share skin color?
Absolutely! I assume you are referring to modern-day Black Republicans since the party became the party of choice by the Southern Dixiecrats. This relationship is based on mutual understanding, and while it may not be perfect, it is still a form of understanding.
The Verbal Contract of Black Republicans with the Republican Party
Black Republicans have entered into a verbal contract with the Republican Party. The party provides financial funding and political offices to a very select few. In return, these individuals are expected to be available and support Republican policies, especially when it comes to representing the Black community. This kind of support is not just symbolic; it often involves actions that some might find uncomfortable or morally questionable.
Colin Powell and the Iraq War
One well-known example is Colin Powell, a former Chair of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, who was ordered to accompany the CIA chief to the UN to advance the lie that Saddam Hussein had weapons of mass destruction to justify the Iraq War. This action was not in line with Powell's public stance and is a stark example of the obedience required in this political arrangement.
Clarance Thomas and Bribery
Clarance Thomas, a former Supreme Court Justice, also entered into an agreement where he was promised financial and personal benefits in exchange for his continued support. The Republican Party connected him with a billionaire who provided him with vacations, private flights, yacht cruises, and a wealthy White wife. This arrangement further solidifies the financial and political support system within the Republican Party for Black Republicans.
Tim Scott and Trump's Support
Tim Scott, the only Black Republican senator from South Carolina, is another example. His unflinching support for Donald Trump, to the point where his political career seemed to be intertwined with the former president's image, is a significant commitment. Scott's actions and words support a political agreement and demonstrate the kind of loyalty demanded from Black Republicans.
The Verbal Contract of Black Democrats
Black Democrats, on the other hand, have entered into a different kind of verbal contract. This contract is based on mutual support and the avoidance of racial attacks. While the Republican contract involves doling out favors and support, the Democrat contract is based on putting up with criticism and not attacking White Democrats in return for long-term political interests.
Bill Clinton and the Squirrel's Tail Incident
Bill Clinton's infamous incident where he called a Black soldier a "n***r lover" and a "riding buddy" underlined a violation of this mutual understanding. His actions broke a critical part of the democracy contract, leading to outrage among Black Democrats who felt betrayed.
Favorable Policies and Timing
Black Democrats understand that their political support is crucial for the Democratic Party's success. They know that certain policies might be temporary and pulled when White Americans no longer see them as necessary. Affirmative action and diversity initiatives are examples of policies that shifted based on public opinion, demonstrating the delicate balance required to navigate this political landscape.
The Shared Understanding of the Political Landscape
What both Black Republicans and Black Democrats understand is that you get the government you can pay for. While the specific terms and conditions of their contracts with the respective parties differ, the overarching principle remains the same: loyalty and support are conditional and contingent upon the political interests at stake.
In conclusion, while Black Republicans and Black Democrats may not always see eye to eye on every issue, their shared understanding of the political reality suggests that they do, indeed, understand each other. Their contracts, formed out of necessity and mutual benefit, drive their interactions and, to some extent, their political behavior.