African-Americans, Democrats and Republicans

While preparing to give a presentation to a group of highly educated, and successful black men, I read some very interesting articles. One article in particular, addressed the 30 plus genre of African-Americans across the country and there political philosophy. With my eyes passing over each sentence, I became more enlightened. Many of them believe that African-Americans should have no permanent friends and no permanent enemies, only permanent interests.

That being said, I have been asked by many people what will it take for Democrats and Republicans to not only hear the voices of African-Americans, but actually begin to implement policies set forth by African-Americans which will improve our quality of life?

Honestly Now! It will take African-Americans to step up, work together and be responsible for the African-American community. Like many in the Latino community, like many in the Native American community, like many in the Jewish community, the African-American community must come together and begin to solve its own problems.

As it relates to politics, the African-American community must have a seat at the table with both Democrats and Republicans in order to effect change that will aid the African-American community. Those African-Americans who are Democrats and those African-Americans who are Republicans should sit together and formalize policies that will benefit the African-American community as a whole.

After the plan is developed, each should sit down with his/her party and begin to express what the African-American community needs and wants. In other words, they both need to start the negotiations with each party.

Unfortunately, some African-Americans have this mentality that simply because a person has a different political viewpoint or that person’s mode of operation is not the status quo, they should distance themselves or secretly attack that person. Hence, African-Americans get caught up into choosing sides (party), when they should be choosing issues! (What’s the best way to strengthen the community?)

Are the 30 plus group of African-Americans right? When they say, African-Americans should have no permanent friends and no permanent enemies, only permanent interests.

Finally, if it is true that Democrats take African-Americans for granted, and Republicans ignore African-Americans completely, why don’t African-Americans as a whole begin to operate more like an independent party?