My thoughts on (R) Tom Tancredo and the "Tea Parties" (PART II)



I posted a link to my initial thoughts (just below this post) on Tancredo's comments yesterday on facebook.  As usual, it fomented a huge discussion between urban conservatives, mainstream conservatives, and liberals.

I wanted to respond to everyone in this format so everyone can read/comment further. Remember, we can agree to disagree on this one, but the more I consider Tancredo's words, the more convinced I become that his words aren't being taken "out of context".

The following are some of the responses in regards to yesterday's piece:

"Tancredo's not saying it as a slight to Black people,"

Of course he's not saying it to Black people.  I never said he was.  My point was that it's a shame that he wasn't at least a little, er sensitive, to the fact that he wants to revive instruments used specifically to prevent Blacks from exercising their suffrage rights.

"I think it's important for people to take civics literacy tests,"


I think it's important for people to be informed voters.  I don't think "Civics Literacy Tests" are the answer.  Moreover, if we really want to get technical, Obama was supported by people of all walks of life, but he had the backing of the most educated voters including a large percentage of Academia, Teachers, those who are in college, and those who are college educated.  Mccain was supported generally by those with less education than Obama's supporters.  Now, I'm not "dissin" McCain supporters, I voted for McCain-and would vote for him and Palin again...

"He didn't mean it that way,"

Yes he did.  Tancredo knew who his audience was and he also knew what he could get away with.  You think Tancredo would say that in a room full of Black Conservatives or Black Republicans or in a room full of conservative Naturalized Citizens (Immigrants)?   Tancredo's comments were not only patently false, he received laughter and applause as if they [the audience] knew what he was trying to say, but couldn't say directly.

"He said, they couldn't even spell or say "vote" in "english" so he was talking about illegal immigrants?

The tea-party movement is not a reflection of America.  America is 75% White, 15.4% Hispanic, 12.4% Black. Based on the pictures, and the friends I have both Black and White who've attended, I'd say the tea party movement is 99% White. If this movement was reflective of America's demography, than Mr. Tancredo wouldn't feel comfortable making such statements. 

Now, many will say he was only talking about illegal immigrants.  Illegal immigrants cannot vote.  Therefore, he must have been talking about legal immigrants who also overwhelmingly supported Obama.  My family members are legal immigrants, most of whom are highly educated.  I have a family that includes doctors, lawyers, business owners, nurses, and college professors.  And, yes, some of whom don't pronounce the word "vote" like Mr. Tancredo and the tea party goers.

"Why can't we just move on past this race issue?"

One of the first things that happens when Black Conservatives or Republicans talk about race, is Conservatives (White and Black) will decry, "You sound like a liberal!" in an attempt to silence "race talk"....As if, we really live in a color neutral society.  

I think one of the main reasons why Black Conservatives and Republicans, such as myself, lose lots of credibility with ideologically Conservative Blacks and Hispanics, who vote Democrat, is because we don't talk about racism, except when we are talking about Democrats, our ideological opponents.  Many of us refuse to talk about things we know bother us intrinsically, because we don't want to rock the boat with the people whose worldviews align most closely with ours.

Michael Steele feels as though some of the attacks against him are due to his race
.  The response from mainstream conservatives: "You sound like a Democrat!"  Instead of, "How do we work together and educate people?" BTW, it's not even that simple.  But it doesn't help when White people, who have no idea what it feels like to be Black in America, dismiss Black peoples concerns regarding race relations.  YES...there are those who decry "racism" for every little comment, but I'm not talking about those people or incidents.

 Moreover, we can't be on one extreme which cries racism for any little incident, and then comfortably position ourselves in the next extreme-- which actively promotes the idea that racism, and racist sentiments in America are dead.


Also,  we cannot possibly move on if we, conservatives, continue to stifle dialogue about the race issue, that has become better, but hasn't reached the utopian era of race relations that many people delude themselves into believing we live in.  

So, to those people who believe that we just "forget" and "move on", do we also forget 9/11? Do we ask the Jews to "forget" the Holocaust? Do we ask the Cubans to "forget" the tyrannical regime of Fidel Castro?  Do we stop teaching our students about the oppressive hand of Great Britain?  Do we forget about what caused the revolutionary war?

We don't forget.  We NEVER forget.  So why do Blacks have to forget about things, like Civics Literacy tests, that were part of the American fabric just a few decades ago?


"Don't give the leftists ammunition against the tea-party movement!"

Don't say that to me.  Say that to Tancredo...and the idiots in the pictures.  I wasn't the one alluding to the fact that we need to reinstate the same instruments used against Blacks.  I'm the one trying to get black people to see that there is life OUTSIDE the DEMOCRATIC PARTY. I wasn't the one who insulted naturalized citizens who wanted to participate in a historic election. I'm not the one standing with a confederate flag at a McCain-Palin rally.  If the tea-party crowd doesn't want leftists to have ammunition- call these fools out! 

"Why does everything have to be about race?"


On many occasions, specifically here, here, and here, I've chosen not to factor race as a motivating force .

Moreover, this issue transcends race.  I come from an immigrant family.  As do all "Americans" except for the indigenous people we know as "Indians" or "Native Americans".  I come from a family of people who are proud, and emigrated here to live the American dream.  Many of my family members can't pronounce words the same way I do, but they are highly intelligent, and wanted to help elect the individual they thought could best lead.  There are plenty of times when comments and gestures are ill-perceived, as I've clearly demonstrated I can decipher. 

This is not one of those cases.


In summation, EVERYONE feels "Taxed Enough Already".  For one reason of another, MANY MANY people are annoyed with the current administration.  The Black unemployment rate went up to 16.5 percent, while the national unemployment rate with down to 9.7 percent.  People want jobs; people want to keep more of their hard earned dollars.  Tancredo's comments, and the applause and laughter he received afterwards is just another reason why you won't see the Afrocnservative, and other like-minded Urban Conservatives participating in these "initiatives".


Look, life goes on for the Afroconservative.  Tancredo's comments don't affect my community.  He doesn't come into my community talking like that.  He knows where talk like that is not only tolerated, but celebrated.  So in that regard, I could care less. 

When you don't see America reflected in the Tea Party movement-Tancredo's comments, and signs like the ones above are just some of the reasons why.


 

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Comments

  • 2/11/2010 11:55 AM Jerry wrote:
    This is an issue that will continue to be a part of American politics. Racism is used to divided this nation and our policy viewpoints. I am a Conservative Republican because I have seen time and time again the failed policies of the Dem. Party.

    The fact of the matter is that racism exists in both parties, either you learn how to deal with these individuals or allow them to affect your ability to properly judge a person, NOT by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.

    At the rate of are going the race relations in America will diminish.

    Enough is enough, lets get to the truth of the matter about the issues that are harming our community. Poor schools, crime, the failing black family.

    To my conservative colleagues don't fall into this trap because it will do nothing to advance the civil society.

    If someone is offended so much and wants to drive home this viewpoint that America is a racist nation, then I say that those individuals should leave America.

    For the racist, since they hate blacks and immigrants so much, they should leave America as well. It is that simple.

    Either you love this nation or you despise and hate this nation. There is no middle ground here.
    Reply to this
  • 2/11/2010 12:49 PM John Cronin wrote:
    Off topic, but of interest....http://www.solidprinciples.com/blog/the-solid-principles-report-february-11th-2010/

    The Solid Principles Report: February 11th, 2010

    We speak with SDNN Political Columnist Colleen O’Connor about the allegations Steve Poizner has made against Meg Whitman and the Californian Gubernatorial Race. Hear an extract of our upcoming interview with John Dennis, currently challenging Nancy Pelosi in the 8th Congressional District seat. We also speak with John Cronin about the upcoming Obamacare Forum with Republican Leaders, Afro-Conservative, Robert Gibbs, and the Minnesota Bush ‘Miss Me Yet’ billboard.
    ..
    Reply to this
  • 2/11/2010 3:47 PM Maximus wrote:
    Van, once again, I understand your frustration, but you still haven't answered my question from the previous blog when I said and asked that the Republican party is like being in an abusive relationship where the loyal wife (YOU) keeps making excuses to defend why her misguided husband (Repubs) keeps on slapping/beating her and saying that "even though he beats me, I know there's still some good left in him". WHY Van, POURQUOI Van....do you try sooooo hard to stay positive about this party when they can't seem to vanquish the subtle bigotry that's still embedded in their souls? I'll tell you this....its not that you yourself aren't passionate about your country and where its going, it just seems that with this 2 party system, you all think you HAVE no choice but to conform to the mold that is provided for you which includes seeing the other party(s) as your worst nightmares. That mentality is what the true governing powers want to happen to this country so drama can persist. This "yin-yang" mentality of trying to overpower the other will not work at all. As intelligent as you seem to be, I personally think its a shame that you can't see this stupid conflict for what it is....a stupid cruel joke/hoax.

    Now, as for you Jerry....with you saying "If someone is offended so much and wants to drive home this viewpoint that America is a racist nation, then I say that those individuals should leave America.

    For the racist, since they hate blacks and immigrants so much, they should leave America as well. It is that simple.".....its really NOT that simple....for it really was THAT SIMPLE as you say.....only Native Americans would have the right to be on this land. Either way you cut it, this country is a beautiful country with a dark-not-so-noble past and present. If it wasn't for the blood of Indians, the sweat of blacks and Asians....this country would not exist as we know it; and with idiotic racists like the ones depicted in this blog topic up top....this Party you all are backing up will always be hypocritical to you because they can't ever wash that blood from their hands even if they try.

    By the way, I'm new to this blog, so I'll introduce myself before someone AGAIN makes the mistake of labeling me.....my name is Maximus....I stand for no party....my allegiance is to Jesus Christ first, to humanity second, please don't call me a Republican or a Democrat, a conservative, or liberal, or any combination of those "Matrix" mind-controlling organizations, thank you
    Reply to this
  • 2/11/2010 5:59 PM Jerry wrote:
    To Maximus

    I respect your viewpoint and the fact that you are not a member of either political party. This is America and you are exercising your right. However, I do disagree with you concerning my comments about the racists and blacks viewing America as a racist nation.

    If the only thing black people want to do is talk about it and complain or have Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson go on the attack against white people, well I ask you what will that solve?

    Furthermore, since it is NOT that simple then what do you suggest? I support solutions, not excuses. The problem that I find with this topic is that people appear afraid to address this issue head and take a position that will TRULY send a loud and clear message to solve the problem.

    Instead of focusing on one racist and allowing this person to influence our political views, what is your answer.

    There is no gray area, call it what it is and take a position to solve the problem.

    Black America has enough problems to address. Black folks wanna celebrate the election of the first black President, however what has this black President done to advance/improve black America.

    From what I have seen, so far, we have lost funding to vital educational programs under President Obama: DC School Vouchers and HBCU funding cuts.
    Reply to this
  • 2/12/2010 3:57 PM Constructive Feedback wrote:
    Vanessa:

    This week there was a report released which indicated that the state of Pennsylvania was the most deadly state for Black people per their homicide rate per capita.

    http://withintheblackcommunity.blogspot.com/2010/02/modeling-our-real-world-report-black.html

    Did you hear about this factoid on any of the Black blogs who are pissed off about Tom Tancredo's comments?

    It is bad enough that the Black Quasi-Socialist Progressive Fundamentalist RACISM CHASERS are going to hijack the list of priorities for the Black community to focus upon - what can we expect that is different from you?

    They have a symbiotic relationship with the White bigots - of which Tancredo may or may not be a part of.

    The key point is that neither Tancredo or the Tea Party movement register as a key threat to Black people that justify them having the POWER to shift our collective focus away from the unfinished business WITHIN our communities that is suffering from benign neglect.

    Vanessa - if you sign up for the official apologist for the Republican Party or Tea Party to "Democrats who are Black" - I ASSURE YOU that this will be a full time job. This is what they want you to do.

    The greatest gift that you could offer to the Black community as a self-proclaimed "Black conservative" is to FORCE those of us who are "Black Ideological Bigots", sold out to the Democratic Party and seeking its advantage at every corner to FORCE them to accept their incumbent position over the key institutions over our community and that you DEMAND that they focus upon delivering upon the promises that they made to our people if we display loyalty to this method for the receipt of our permanent interests, PUTTING THEM ON TRIAL to produce an explanation for the present conditions.

    Don't you see that THEY ARE NEVER going to be "not" OFFENDED by something that some political adversary has to say?

    YOu need to redirect them upon what they NEED TO BE "offended by". These are the issues WITHIN THE BLACK COMMUNITY that they have vacated while RACISM CHASING.
    Reply to this
    1. 2/14/2010 10:56 AM Vanessa wrote:
      The disillusionment I've been feeling stems from the fact that Black Conservatives are silent about "race" because they're afraid to rock the boat with White Conservatives.

      Why can't we acknowledge it?  Maybe it's naive of me to believe that, maybe, if Black Conservatives acknowledged some of the terrible things on our side, we wouldn't lose so much credibility with other Blacks who are reticent to join our side. 

      Tom Tancredo, and the "Tea Party Nation" (hopefully) are not a microcosm of the entire conservative movement. Therefore, it is of benefit to White Conservatives who aren't so provincial in their outlooks to call things like this out and publicly dissociate themselves from such ignorance and bigotry.

      It is bad enough that the Black Quasi-Socialist Progressive Fundamentalist RACISM CHASERS are going to hijack the list of priorities for the Black community to focus upon - what can we expect that is different from you?

      You can expect that I can acknowledge when something is ignorant and move on with my life and focus on the real issues that plague the Black Community.

      You are the only person that has made me reconsider my subsequent approaches to ignorance that will inevitably stem from this side.  And yes, I don't have the time or the energy, nor do I want to become a full-time "republican apologist" for Black Democrats.

      We do have bigger fish to fry.

      Thanks for your input.

      Reply to this
  • 2/19/2010 11:25 AM democratsarefascists wrote:
    I hope everyone on the Right is aware that Democratic Underground, DailyKos, Media Matters and The Huffington Post have employees and members in unofficial groups who show up at rallies to discredit the Tea Party movement and Republicans.
    Reply to this
  • 2/23/2010 9:53 AM MTdakota wrote:
    I was there and it was not my impression of the speech that ANYTHING he said was about black people. Now that I have read your blog, I can ABSOLUTELY see how his comments could be taken that way, though. As for what his intentions were in his mind, who know that about anyone? It is good that you are bringing this up because you can help the conservative cause to be sensitive about such issues. However, there is the possibility that no matter what conservatives say, the meaning will be twisted into a racist or xenophobic sentiment by the left regardless. We cannot be held prisoners by political correctness. I'm afraid that you are buying into the PC crap just as much the next person. He did not say that we need to go back to a time when blacks were denied their right to vote. You are taking it this way which is within reason only if you have a predisposition to think this. Yes (considering that you are watching a video of the event which for you the first viewing was set up by Rachel Maddow who no doubt had some comments to add), but it is NOT the way that the crowd was understanding his meaning. Take issue with him, if you want, but I was in the crowd and I resent the accusation that I want Jim Crow Laws to be returned. I want voters to know about America - that we are a democratic republic -- that we are not a socialist state -- we are not meant to go to the voting booth in order to vote ourselves as many benefits as possible.
    Are you going to join the P.C. Police as well?
    Reply to this
    1. 2/23/2010 10:02 AM Vanessa wrote:
      I am not interested in  joining the "PC" police.  Like I wrote, Black people, and Conservatives have way more pressing issues that need our attention.  Remember, I'm not the enemy.  I'm the one trying to get Black people to balance the way they vote.  I'm trying to get black people to consider supporting people who don't have a "D" after their names.

      Comments like Tancredo's don't help me help the movement. 

      I don't claim to know what's in Tancredo's heart.  That's for God to judge.  His comments were distasteful.  I respect his right, as an American citizen to make insensitive, ignorant comments.

      Reply to this
      1. 2/23/2010 10:35 AM MTdakota wrote:
        It is hard to properly portray tone-of-voice via a keyboard. I am enjoying reading your blog and I do not think you're the enemy at all.
        I am and was completey convinced that Tancredo's comments were about illegal immigration and/or overwhelming immigration (via amnesty) from any ONE foreign country. Maybe you know more about his history and his rhetoric that I do. I didn't know of him before that night. There were other speaker that night at the Tea Party Convention. My personal favorite was Bishop Harry Jackson. I wrote about his speech in my (modest, tiny, little) blog: http://the-promise-of-america.blogspot.com/2010/02/national-tea-party-convention-part-3.html

        Tea Partiers would love to have more minorities in the movement. If you feel that they are put off by comments such as Tancredo's than it is good that you bring it up. But if people then say that "it wasn't meant that way," I think that we should consider that possibility, too.
        Reply to this
        1. 2/23/2010 10:50 AM Vanessa wrote:
          Tancredo wasn't talking about illegal immigrants. He was talking about legal immigrants.  Illegal immigrants don't have the power to put a "committed socialist ideologue" in the White House.  They can't vote.

          While I understand your not wanting to be associated with a movement that can be ill-perceived as racist and/or insensitive to racial dynamics-it's important that we can dialogue about said issue.

          Even if we agree to disagree on this one--I appreciate your openness and willingness to defend your belief's.  That's the beautiful thing about living in America.

          God bless you.



          Reply to this
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