Monday, February 11, 2008

Why would I consider voting for John McCain...here's why

Recently I stated in a post that I was considering voting for John McCain. I have never voted for a Republican before, in fact I've never even considered it. But as I become more politically aware I am forced to consider alternatives to the Democrats.

I am looking at alternatives because the Democrats have not been responsive to my political needs and wants. In my opinion the Democrats are living on a reputation they earned in the 1960's. That was a time of great political up evil. It was a time of a controversial war and one of, if not the greatest civil rights movement in history.

It was a time when the Democrats pushed through civil rights legislation and were responsive to the calls of African Americans for equality.

The Democrats during that time were not perfect but they were indeed listening.

In the 1970's the Democrats began to listen less and less. They began to ignore the plight of many African Americans, especially those in so-called inner cities such as Chicago's South Side and The South Bronx in New York City.

The South Bronx in 1975, where were the Democrats?

They also ignored the impact that welfare was having on the aforementioned parts of African America. Although many in and out of those Black communities began to sound the alarm, the Democrats did not react.

As the 1980's came around those inner city areas were really in for it with the Reagan Presidency. It was a time when all sorts of evils overtook many Black communities. During that time the Democrats continued to pay lip service to the needs of their African American constituents. And the efforts they did make were misguided and led to even more misery.

For instance the so-called war on drugs in the United States, although it’s modern incarnation was the brain-child of Richard Nixon, it was the Democrats that watched as millions of their constituents became collateral damage in that so-called war. As with the misguided policies of public assistance or welfare programs the Democrats sat by again as Black neighborhoods were first used as a money making opportunity by the Reagan administration to fund a covert operation in Nicaragua, then barely held anyone accountable.

It's amazing that government officials admitted to helping foreign nationals import and sell cocaine in Black neighborhoods in Los Angeles and nothing was done about it.

The war on drugs continues except now the Democrats in all their wisdom want to release thousands of people who had been jailed for drug crimes. They pushed for an end to mandatory drug sentencing which has most directly impacted African Americans.

Although fair drug sentenceing is a good thing, it will not be a good thing to release at once thousands or even hundreds of thousands of drug offenders back into Black communities all over the country.

Has Nancy Pelosi done anything for you?

Even now as the Democrats hold the majority in Congress they have made no effort to correct any problems that afflict so many African Americans. Schools in Black communities are in disarray, welfare reforms instituted by Bill Clinton have caused many to be lost for another generation and crime spurred on by drug infestation in Black communities continues to take the lives of thousands of innocent African Americans.

Where has the Democratic Party been for the last 40 years?

I know that many people say as bad as the Democrats have been, the Republicans have been even worse. And I agree that they have. But have we, African Americans, held them accountable? Or have we simply pinned all of our political hopes on the Democrats?

I would say we have done the latter.

So do we continue to support the Democrats? Do we give them our political allegiance even though they have not done anything for us in 40 years?

Maybe it's time for us to hedge our political bets by giving a portion, a sizable portion, of our votes to the Republican candidate. If we don't and a Republican is elected for 4 or 8 years, what can we look forward to; years of being ignored by the Republican Party is what.

So I am considering giving my vote to a Republican candidate in hopes that if a large enough percentage of African Americans do the same we can hold some sway over a Republican President and just as importantly use those votes to make the Democrats work to get us back in the fold.

And those are my reasons for considering voting for the Republican Presidential Nominee.

Oh, one more thing; I had a sip of Obama kool-Aid Saturday night after he swept that day's political races in Nebraska, Washington State, Louisiana and the Virgin Islands. And it was very tasty, so if Obama ends up being the Democratic Nominee I might have another sip of the Obama Kool-Aid. That would mean I may have to delay my political strategy until after the 2008 race.


What do you think?

Do you think it's wise to put our collective political eggs in one basket?


Do you think the Democrats respect your vote?

Do you understand my reasoning?


26 comments:

Jackie said...

Your reasoning and research is excellent and right on. I agree that the Dems take black voters for granted. I have voted for many Republicans and have no problems doing so.
In this prez election I couldn't do it though. My main reason is the war. Although there are things I like about him, McCain is a military guy, period. We've IMO, got to go with something different in a dangerous world. Obama, much more than Clinton, is for including more diplomacy in foreign policy. Talking to our "enemies". He has a world view that we can find more peace and accord by being good world citizens than being big brother the USA is always right, bullies. Electing a hawk for another four or eight years could be disaterous.

Ann Brock said...

MDC great article and the layout is nice. I think both parties have used Black American. I voted in the election for Bush but, could shoot my self for that choice. As far as respect there is no respect if you don't demand it. We can't see any party as our hope if we don't 1st have hope. With Obama I see maybe, hope. That idea of change is something to hope for.

Anonymous said...

I hear a lot of people say that not voting for Clinton or voting for McCain isn't the right strategy, that its political suicide. I've read there are better strategies.

But no one has said what those better strategies are. What should Black people do that hasn't already been done to make the Democrats wake up and be real?

Anonymous said...

They all lie... but I would feel more comfortable with a Democrat as a black male if I voted. I never vote but I never complain either. My wife works with our county election department and she thinks I should vote but I tell her the same thing they all lie.

kayoz said...

dear mdc,
although being an outsider, i truly understand your reasoning. having only the choice between 'pestilence and cholera' is not a very democratic one anyway... (this is why in the election periods before i probably would have voted for ralph nader...laughs)

however, germany's parliament is build of five parties now...and i still don't seem to find one which suits my political needs...

but beware that deciding 'contra' will probably bring no results that are 'pro'...

SheCodes said...

I think that this very real problem of apathy to Black concerns can not be solved by simply voting for one group or the other.

I disagree that the only way to get respect is to demand it. I believe that the only way to get respect is to TAKE IT BY FORCE.

We need more black people who are more politically involved than voting on election day. If we groomed our own politicians, had organized lobbyists, threatened to create a "Black Party", or created a party-agnostic voting bloc with "strings attached" to the vote, it would be more effective than simply voting for some dude who could give a rat's azz about us.

But I'm feeling your 'eggs in the same basket' loathing though. I think that it's time for us to start looking out for #1, and say to heck with either party:"LOYALTY RECINDED".

The Roving Reporter said...

I agree with your reasoning. However, the current state of the Republican Party worries me. The domination of the Christian conservative base and McCain's support of the war is just something I can't consider supporting.

GoldenAh said...

>>What do you think?

As for McCain, I like the old coot - always have. The guy was tortured for 5-7 years - that's real toughness. Hillary's toughness is just bluster. She's been comfortable all of her life.

I have my fingers crossed for Obama though.

>>Do you think it's wise to put our collective political eggs in one basket?

Never did. I vote Republican when it is expedient to do so. I'm not afraid of the GOP party. It doesn't make sense to regard them all as racists. Do we even look at Robert Byrd and others in the Democrat party?

>>Do you think the Democrats respect your vote?

I never thought they did since J. Jackson ran for President in 1988. There's an article in theroot.com about Democrats taking the black vote for granted.

>>Do you understand my reasoning?

You are definitely not alone with this line of thinking.

@Shecodes: good point about running for office. Looking at the results in South Carolina, and other places, there are opportunities for black officials to make their mark.

Anonymous said...

I don't really discuss politics on blogs, mainly because I'm cynical on the subject and don't follow politics closely enough to speak intelligently about it.

I wanted to respond to the kinds words you left on my blog today.

The feeling is mutual, Mes Deux. I love your blog, as I've told you before. You're a thinker. This makes your words compelling and provocative. And your views are expressed intelligently. These three things make me visit your blog... even at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday morning. LMAO.

I like that you are a Thinker. I like that trait in people.

Blogwise, there's a difference between a rambler and a thinker. Trust me. :)

I think your posts are interesting and thought-provoking...

... and you be pickin' the good, fun oldies...

... that have house versions.

LOL

:)

Anonymous said...

I think she ain't really tryna hold those eggs. I think she'd rather be skiing.

Lisa Johnson said...

The Democrats do take us for granted. It's always better to have more choices, but for this election, and most times,the Republican party is really not an option for me, especially McCain.

As far as I know, he is not considering Universal Health Care. I think he just wants a tax credit towards paying for health insurance. Our health-care system is letting people slip through the cracks and literally die. It is not working. We need a major change.

I am pro-Choice. Most Republicans are not. They will be appointing several Supreme Court Justices. What kind of an administration do you want picking these judges? If you want to go back to pre Roe v. Wade, then a Republican is a good bet. The administration that will be picking federal judges is something that we really need to think about. These judges will be on the bench for decades into the future. This is really serious.

McCain is not looking to get out of Iraq. This war may never end with him in office and we will continue burning more money. To pay for this, there will be cuts from programs like Medicaid, Medicare, etc.

My understanding is that the 2nd amendment is a big priority to him and that he supports giving people more access to assault weapons. Do you want more weapons on the streets?

I think Obama is the best chance we have ever had for real change. Why throw that chance away because of anger at the past? As much as I don't trust Clinton, I would far prefer her choices for judges, health care reform, and for getting out of the war than any Republican.

Don said...

Mes, you play too much. lol. I know you are going to vote for Obama. For a moment I thought you were serious, though.

Just kidding, I will come back and fully comment later on tonight.

Julie said...

I admit we haven't had great choices. I agree that the Democrats have not what they should and take the Black vote for granted.

But I still say - what have the Republicans done for us? And what makes anyone think that just voting for them will change that?

20 of the last 28 years have seen us with Republican Presidents - they got there without courting the Black vote. They don't think they need it and don't look for it. If they started getting it - without doing ANY work for it why would they suddenly start working for it?

To me it's like saying, "My husband takes me for granted. I'll show him! I'm going to go lay down and spread my legs for that guy over there who has never shown me the least bit of interest, except maybe to slap me for no good reason from time to time. Then he'll treat me good and my husband will be missing out."

I just think it's going to take more than a few votes to get the Republicans to change. Not to mention the fact that if voting for them doesn't make the Democrats do right by Black people - how is it that doing so will influence the Republicans?

I agree with SheCodes. We are going to have to become more involved in the process - we have to get off our butts and get in there and start doing something.

That's why Obama encourages me. He is motivating people to DO something. A friend of mine who has been completely cynical about the politics for years, actually stood out on a street corner on Super Tuesday handing out flyers!! People who've never gotten involved are suddenly getting out there and not just doing - but BELIEVING! That's what it's going to take to really make a difference.

I'm sorry, but voting for McCain is not going to make a difference - it'll just be giving us more of the same.

Dr. Tracey Salisbury said...

Awesome presentation, but I would never vote for McCain. The war in Iraq must end and he has no intention of ending it, so I just could not vote for him period.

I am also horrified at who his running mate could possibly be and that is another reason to not vote for him.

I'm with SheCodes, black people need to get to work and make people pay attention to their vote.

Anonymous said...

You don't vote for someone just to vote for them.

McCain isn't just about staying in Iraq for the heck of it.

When McCain said stay in Iraq for years to come he was talking about what EVERY person with military experience knows. That America stays where it invades. We have a history of doing so.

Japan didn't invite us to their country and neither did Germany. After defeat we set up camp and over time it became a mutual agreement of US presence.

Its not about packing up all our stuff and leaving the country. Not going to happen. We will have a presence.

McCain didn't say stay in Iraq in a war for years to come.

One of my issues with the Democrats is this blatant lying (or extreme ignorance regarding military matters).

You don't turn a region upside and then decide to leave-no matter who started it. Its as much Clinton's war as Bush's because she went along with it. So she can save her outrage.

Mes Deux Cents said...

Jackie,

I have not ruled Obama out but if Clinton wins I will not vote for her.

I do not trust her and I don't want Bill Clinton back in the White House.

_____________________________________

JJ B,

I agree Obama has a hopeful outlook.

And thanks
___________________________________

Symphony,

That's what I'm waiting for too. As I said at the beginning of the year I want to offer real solutions as opposed to just problems.
___________________________________

Levell,

Has Obama inspired you to consider voting?
___________________________________

Kayoz,

Ralph Nader is considering a run again. I don’t think he will get any votes this time. He really angered a lot of people in 2000.

Wow; we need five parties! That would be so great.
___________________________________

SheCodes,

Do you think the Clintons really give a rat's A** about us?

Nope they don't and neither do any of the other politicians. They don't have to care because we will vote for them whether they care or not as long as they are Democrats.

There has to be a better way.
___________________________________

NBW,

The evangelicals only have a voice because they use their vote effectively. The Republicans have to work to get their votes.
___________________________________

GoldenAh,

I agree that we can't just look at the Republicans as being racist. That is a simplistic view. We have to be savvier.
___________________________________

TBA,

Thanks for your kind words. It's good to hear. There are times when I wonder if my posts really make any impact.

Lol@the house versions.

I love house too, but mainly classic house, so it's fun for me too.

:)
___________________________________

TBA,

I have no idea what the photographer was thinking with her pose and facial expression. Lol
___________________________________

Anali,

But what happens if McCain wins without any of our votes?
___________________________________

Don,

I probably will vote for him if he's the Nominee but if Hillary is I won't vote for her.
___________________________________

FL,

The point is to make both parties vie for our votes. We already see what happens when we give our votes away.
___________________________________

Professor Tracey,

I agree with Symphony, U.S. troops will never leave Iraq. I think the Dems are lying about bringing the troops home.
___________________________________

Symphony,

I totally agree about Iraq, that's the disappointing thing about Obama. I wish he would be honest about Iraq.
___________________________________
___________________________________

Julie said...

MDC, I understand that the intent is to make both parties vie for the Black vote. I just don't see how giving your vote up to McCain would make that happen. You would be giving it to him because he's certainly not going to do anything to earn it.

My point is that it's going to take more than just a few Black people indiscriminately voting Republican to make either party value the Black vote.

I fully admit - I don't know what the answer is. But I believe it's going to take more than a scattered, individual effort. And I don't know if you could create a serious, large, impactful movement of Black people voting Republican.

Lisa Johnson said...

Then we'll all be harking fondly back to these fun carefree days when Bush was president and little did we know how bad things could truly get.

Mes Deux Cents said...

FL,

I agree my vote alone won't do it. In my post I say that it will take a sizable amount of Black votes.

I think it would take about 15 to 20% to make an impact. Last election about 9% of Black voters voted Republican so it would probably take a few million in total, I don't know what the exact figure would be.

If that happened I think the Republicans would consider that they could possibly get more if they were to be more moderate.

___________________________________

Anali,

I know what you are saying, but that's my point, Bush didn't owe us anything.

It's important to make both parties beholding to you, then they will listen.

I'm not saying the Republicans would magically become responsive but it would be a start.
___________________________________
___________________________________

Anonymous said...

Black people also need to understand because there isn't a flashing light saying "Black people this is for you" doesn't mean certain legislation won't help us.

You take advantage of even the things that weren't meant for you. Its knowing how to play the game regardless of who is the ringleader.

tasha212 said...

MDC,

I agree with you that the Dems take us for geranted. That's obvious to anyone who pays attention to politics. But what else is there to do? I keep saying that it's like voting for the lesser of two evils. Because truthfully, neither party really cares about the black constituency. The policies of both parties are harmful to the masses of black people.

Mes Deux Cents said...

Symphony,

I agree with you and it's also important to adopt issues to create coalitions with others who already have powerful lobbies.

That's something we have not done.
_____________________________________

Tasha,

The key is to make both parties need our votes; the one thing that politician’s desire is votes.

Once they begin to figure our votes into their calculations they will come to us.
___________________________________
___________________________________

Jackie said...

You said last time the GOP got about 9% of black vote and that getting 15% might make them think of being more moderate.
Remember why the Repubs got that 9%? Courting and winning the black Evangelical church types and scaring them with same sex marriage. A larger black vote would lead them to believe that even more blacks AGREE with their homophobic conservative stances.

Mes Deux Cents said...

Jackie,

We would have to be vocal and let them know what about their platform we disagree with and how we would want it changed.

Then hopefully we could moderate the Party by offering up more Black votes if they comply.

____________________________________
____________________________________

Ehav Ever said...

I think the solution to the political issues being faced by African Americans rests in several areas.

1) Political activism

2) Community building

3) Increased political visibility

4) Stronger degree of political lobbying

5) Commonality on the issues by some form of national African American structure.

I think if African Americans as different groups, or as a united group were able to those things it would change the context of how African American votes are taken. Currently, there is no united structure that either party has to answer to so they know they choose to do or not do things in terms of the African American vote. Currently, they may only feel obligated to specific groups of African Americans who have money and power. For example, Hillary Clinton receiving kudos from that BET guy and 50 Cent.

They know when there is conraversy with certain groups of AA's they can just ride it out. That or make an apology and after some times things are forgetten. Yet, when it comes to other ethnic groups who are more organized unilaterally they know they need to do some brown nosing.

Monica Roberts said...

I keep hearing from people who say 'the Democrats are ignoring us'

How do you explain then the third most powerful man in the House leadership team being James Clyburn?

If the Democratic party is 'ignoring' us, how do you explain African-Americans having major leadership roles in the Dem National Committee and all through the Democratic Party hierarchy?

And many of you forgot that in the ear;y 90's Ron Brown once held the same position as DNC chair that Howard Dean now holds.

How can you say with a straight face that the Democratic party 'ignores' us when that party's policies since 1964 have been geared toward correcting the
historic inequities in American society that are arrayed against us?

If you really have to say unequivocally that a party has been ignoring us, I'd submit that it's the Republican party in a landslide

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About Me

West Coast, United States
African American, Poet?, Vegetarian, Music lover, Agoraphobic, Social Phobic

My Favorite Poet

My Favorite Poet
Staceyann Chin

My Favorite Track Athlete

My Favorite Track Athlete
Christine Arron