I received the following article about African American GOP activist Yvonne Davis and the 2008 RNC Convention.I think she is upset that she is not on the A-list anymore.She writes about the past RNC conventions with many African Americans on the stage but I remember people questioning why that was the case but few African American faces were in the seats.You can’t please everyone all of the time and I got calls during the 2008 DNC Convention about the lack of AA speakers. Of course, I said be quiet and wait for the last speaker.
I give the McCain and Obama teams credit for being real; the stage should reflect the hall and hall should reflect the party.Peace to Ms. Davis and other Republicans for Obama and peace to Democrats for McCain—come out of the closet; it’s a free country.
U.S. Senator Joe Lieberman said it right Tuesday night when he addressed the Republican National Convention in St. Paul. “So tonight, I ask you whether you are an independent, a Reagan Democrat or a Clinton Democrat, or just a Democrat: This year, when you vote for president, vote for the person you believe is best for the country, not for the party you happen to belong to.”
I couldn’t have worded that better myself. As an Independent who leans conservative, the notion that one simply believes he/she must vote for a person because of the Political Party is antiquated. We’re in a change political climate like something we’ve never seen in our lifetime. There’s a change factor on the Democratic and Republican side. And I love it.
I believe all politics is local. The State and local races in the State of Georgia are equally, and really, in my opinion, more important than the Presidential race. Why can’t an African-American who considers himself a Democrat look at what U.S. Senator Saxby Chambliss has accomplished and if satisfied, vote for him. I think it is irresponsible for someone to simply go to the polls and vote for the person just because of their Political Party. Remember in the General Election, you can vote Democrat and Republican without repercussion.
Oh, yes I forgot. Some folks feel they will be ostracized if he votes for a Republican. That is ridiculous too. But when you get in the voting booth, the only one who knows, besides you, is God.
I urge African-American voters to become more informed. Take heed to Senator Lieberman remarks and think about how logical it sounds. Logical, in politics, that’s something new, right? But serious.
And the idea of Congressman Marshall, who has Republican opposition, by the way, made a decision to stay in his district and NOT attend the Democratic Convention tells me that African-American voters need to take a look at the other candidate. But sadly many people will complain that this sitting Congressman didn’t even make a cameo appearance, almost like he is ‘dissing’ Senator Barack Obama….but then will go back to the polls again, because you’ve ‘always voted for Democrats,’ and vote for him anyway.
Now does that make any sense to you?
Become an Independent Thinker. Don’t let tradition keep you from being the change agent that both presidential camps are running on. You can become a part of the change, by changing the way you think about voting for candidates. Remember what Senator Lieberman said…..
I can’t believe the dramatic events from the last two weeks of political conventions.Former Republican Congressman Jim Leach gave a deep, but boring speech at the DNC convention in Denver.To me, he is a real kind of guy who exemplifies Middle Western sensibility and I think he sees some of that in Kansas-raised Obama.It is a shame that the Democrats beat him after 30 years (in part) because some previous supporters refuse to back him after he told the RNC not to use divisive tactics in his race.
Leach was on the House Banking Committee with Augusta Congressman Doug Barnard who was denied a subcommittee chairmanship by Democrats until the end of his congressional career because he voted conservatively.
Congressman Don Johnson succeeded Barnard, voted in support of Bill Clinton’s budget plan and served only one term for it. But last night, Senator Joe Lieberman stood on the podium at the RNC Convention and praised that Clinton balanced budget that stimulated the American economy.
In politics, you have to strike a delicate balance between what you personally believe and your party.Many Americans don’t fit neatly into the two major parties and it takes courage to stand your ground.I worked for Don Johnson and across the hall from Maryland Republican Congresswoman Connie Morella, who constantly battled for the moderate element in her party.It was rough hearing that she lost her seat because she truly was a servant of her constituents.
Georgia Representative Jim Marshall clearly understands that most of his district is conservative but what about the sizeable moderate portions.People talk about liberal this, liberal that but moderate Democrats were surprised that he did not stand with the party on the SCHIP children health program votes and he should have been in Denver with Sanford Bishop, Heath Shuler and other Blue Dogs to pull the next Democratic agenda toward what Colin Powell referred to as the sensible center.
Some people believe Marshall will not go anywhere near candidate Obama because he does want pictures that swift-boat groups can use; while others think he should also be mindful of hemorrhaging Democrat support.I am sure Marshall will marshal the courage to tell us if he is with McCain or Obama soon and I will respect whatever decision he makes.
When I think about courage, I am reminded of two American heroes who lived 100 years a part and stand as examples for our men and women in the armed forces.From the Ken Burns documentary on the Civil War, we remember Major Sullivan Ballou and thatletter he wrote his wife about courage, love and country before First Bull Run. ”I question the patriotism of anyone who doesn’t get choked up from that letter.
The second hero is Lt. Colonel Lemuel Penn, an Army Reserve officer killed by the Klan while driving through Madison County, Georgia, to return to Washington, D.C. after summer active duty at Fort Benning, on July 11, 1964.The killers were upset that President Johnson signed the Civil Rights Act into law nine days earlier.It is sad that a World II Bronze Star recipient and educator would be murdered while serving our nation and that he could not use most public restrooms during that car trip.
Lt. Colonel Lemuel Penn
I should honor one more hero, Clete Johnson, the father of former Congressman Don Johnson.Mr. Johnson was the prosecutor who took the two killers of Colonel Penn to trial despite a Klan warning note posted on his back door.In his closing argument, Johnson told the jury, “Have the courage to do what’s right”.We should all remember these heroes during this historic election year.
Look at this picture of Lyndon Johnson and Georgia Senator Richard Russell and wonder what they would think about this political season.
I know this post is long but seeing that picture of LBJ trying to sweat Senator Russell (who was grand uncle of Georgia Democratic Party chairwoman Jane Kidd) made me think about Texas Congressman J.J. Pickle.Rep. Pickle was on the same hall in the Cannon House Office Building with Don Johnson and Connie Morella and like Mrs. Morella, he could always make you smile.
Mr. Pickle came to Congress just in time to be one of seven southern representatives who voted for the Civil Rights Act of 1964.LBJ called him at 2 am in the morning to tell him he was proud of Pickle’s voting his conscience.If Sullivan Ballou was right in his letter and the dead could walk among us, LBJ and his good friend J.J. need to pay a visit to Macon to tell Jim Marshall the party really needs him now or we will remember in November.
I always remember this tragic date because this event happened one month after I was born and I was born the day after those courageous three Civil Rights workers died in Philadelphia, Mississippi.
Rep. Jim Marshall will not be at the historic Obama acceptance speech in Denver.I want to give Marshall the benefit of the doubt because he just returned from his 15th trip to visit our troops—including middle Georgia soldiers.But, I wondered if he asked to take the trip during this time so he could avoid being with those “liberal” Democrats in Denver.
The party welcomes the Blue Dogs and other conservatives but Marshall needs to get on the next thing smoking toward Denver or get that “Branded” treatment like Chuck Connors’ character got back in the day.
Remember, the Democrats are looking to pickup 12 to 20 seats in the House—they could make an example of Marshall; and President Obama could use a respectful McCain-type maverick Republican in the House.
But, I learned today that Marshall is back with enough time to fly to Denver for this historic event in African-American history.So if you put the party stuff to the side, if African Americans overwhelmingly vote for Jim Marshall shouldn’t he at least attend the Invesco Field Obama speech for the historic significance.
My friends and I have been debating the top three events in African-American history.For me, the list goes:
1.The Emancipation Proclamation
2.Dr. King’s I Have A Dream Speech
3.Obama’s Invesco Acceptance Speech
If Senator Obama were sworn in as President, that event would jump to number 2 on my list.
When I read that Marshall was skipping, my mouth dropped open and I had a two seconds blink.After Senator Clinton brought that fire last night and with Biden and Bill Clinton on deck, how could anyone who loves policy debate blow-off a Super delegate pass to all of this.
It wasn’t easy for Rep. Bishop and Rep. Barrow to endorse Obama from their districts. Neither for the Georgia GOP congressional delegation to get behind moderate McCain as their second or third choice. So, why can’t Marshall decide?
I am moderate Democrat who supported Herman Cain for Senate a few years ago because his conservative voice should be heard around the African American table and his African American voice should be heard around the republican table.Cain wrote a book titled “They Think You’re Stupid.”Well, Marshall must think Ds in his district are stupid if they will let him skip these historic speeches without a detailed explanation.
Some people treat politics and sports like similar activities.
Georgia v. Georgia Tech
Morehouse v. Clark AU
Fort Valley v. Albany State
These are games…. friendly rivalries…
But, politics and the selection of policymakers are real.So whether a candidate has a D or a R on his jersey, give some consideration to what that person has done or would do for your community.This writer thinks it is ridiculous that some Georgia congressmen break their necks to serve the whole community, catch heat for it from their national party and still face opposition.Really.
Which Georgia congressmen get Congressional Black Caucus support for the Farm Bill? Hint: do they have a R or D on their jerseys.
Which Georgia congressmen support the Georgia ports while protecting our fragile coastline?Again, R or D, or both.
Which ones fight to keep our state’s military bases?
Folks can bicker all they want but smart states don’t recreationally slam responsive leaders.Think about it, that isn’t the southern way of doing things.
Background: While Senator Chambliss is a traditional Republican on most issues, he is good for most of Georgia on the biggest three:
Agriculture: Chambliss crafted a bipartisan Farm Bill which does a lot for working families, develops alternative energy, and promotes a safe and affordable food supply.
Defense: the Senior Senator from Georgia continues Sam Nunn’s tradition of protecting our military bases and ensuring that out troops are prepared and well treated.
Veterans: Chambliss fights for the best interests of those who faced hostile fire for our freedom; particularly the recently returning personnel with medical and adjustment concerns.
As Vernon Jones pointed out frequently, Jim Martin (nice guy) is too liberal for most Georgians.Energy wasted supporting him could be better-spent building a bipartisan relationship with Chambliss and transforming him into a Washington icon like former Senator Nunn—one whose knowledge and skills elevates him above party bickering.
Saxby is the ranking Republican on the Senate Agriculture Committee; positioned to prevent McCain from gutting the Farm Bill—a bill that is vital to the economic backbone of Georgia outside Atlanta.
If you draw a line from Columbus to Macon to Savannah, Saxby is really the only Georgia congressman based below that line.If he publicly agreed to be civic in the vigorous “discussions” with the possible Obama White House, he could get enough new African American support to put this race away now and Obama will hook Martin up like Clinton took care of Wyche Fowler.
It can’t be easy being a congressman in Georgia these days when your constituency is often divided by segments across the political spectrum. With respect to those members who find a way to successful handle this precarious situation, I don’t understand the logic of Rep. Jim Marshall ignoring his district’s support of the Democrat candidate Barrack Obama.
Of course, Rep. Marshall has a right to support or not support anyone he chooses—remember when he almost endorsed John Edwards. However, the African American community has been there for him since his days as mayor in Macon. Like Congressmen Bishop, Barrow and Scott, Marshall often makes moderate/conservative votes that reflect the moderate/conservative nature of most rural Georgians—African American and White. But, if the African American community understands those votes, Marshall should understand that this election is not just an election. Words cannot begin to describe the residual effect the Obama candidacy has in our community.
We all know that Obama would be president of all of America and that moderate Blacks are not 100% in love with all of his positions, but to go from Jim Crow to having this man as the possible president—my goodness. And for the record, if General Colin Powell ran as a Republican back when, he would have done big numbers in the African community also.
Bottomline: for all the African American votes Jim Marshall has received over the years, he should work hard for Obama’s candidacy or else. Maybe middle Georgians should put his feet to the fire a little bit and if he is so against what we believe, let’s watch him win without our bass. (pun intended)
Candidate Obama is always talking about having a civil debate next year—about disagreeing without being disagreeable. Middle Georgia should consider sending a southern Republican to Congress who will at least be as respectful to Obama as Georgia Democrat congressmen have been to President Bush.
Project Logic Ga 