The Congressional Black Caucus to Get a Taste of Diversity
The Congressional Black Caucus states as its vision "a world in which the black community is free of all disparities and able to contribute fully to advancing the common good." Traditionally the CBC has been hostile to racial diversity -- they openly denied admission to applicants Rep. Steve Cohen and Rep. Pete Stark based on the color of the applicants' skin -- as well as to ideological diversity:
CBC Chairwoman Barbara Lee (D-Calif.)...told The Economist that, while the group is technically bipartisan, it also "has an agenda."
"Our agenda is about lifting people out of poverty, providing middle-class tax cuts, supporting climate-change legislation," she said.
But the CBC is about to experience a dash of diversity, whether they welcome it or not. Last week, Allen West of Florida and Tim Scott of South Carolina -- both black Republicans -- were elected to serve in the House of Representatives. While Tim Scott is not sure whether he'll seek membership in the CBC, Allen West is looking forward to shaking things up in the group:
"I plan on joining, I'm not gonna ask for permission or whatever, I'm gonna find out when they meet and I will be a member of the Congressional Black Caucus," West told WOR radio after his victory last week. "I meet all of the criteria and it's so important that we break down this monolithic voice that continues to talk about victimization and dependency in the black community.
"We've got to turn this thing around, and I think it's time for some different voices to be in that body politic."
Retired Lt. Colonel Allen West will be one dissenting voice among a group of over 40 uniformly liberal voices, but he's demonstrated himself to be an intellectual heavyweight and a force to be reckoned with. I look forward to hearing about his progress with this group.
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Comments :
Jun '10
Re: The Congressional Black Caucus to Get a Taste of Diversity
Go Congressman West. Anyone who would carry a gas can through hell for his men isn't going to be intimidated by Maxine Waters (although she does scare the crap out of me).
May '10
Re: The Congressional Black Caucus to Get a Taste of Diversity
I like West more and more. True grit. I can't wait to see their internal debates in the news.
Oct '10
Re: The Congressional Black Caucus to Get a Taste of Diversity
I was particularly happy to see West and Scott elected to congress. I think the Republicans are derelict in making outreach efforts to blacks. While black conservatives are 10% of the black population it is a fast-growing trend. I'm really disappointed that the party isn't more active in supporting black conservative candidates and taking the case to black people. It's going to take more black Republican Congressmen to redeem the CBC.
Jul '10
Re: The Congressional Black Caucus to Get a Taste of Diversity
Smaller government and more Freedom doesn't appeal to blacks?
May '10
Re: The Congressional Black Caucus to Get a Taste of Diversity
I had cheered Allen West from afar this year, but I honestly did not seek out much about him during the campaign. I first heard an interview with him this weekend on a radio program. Wow. Just ... wow. Breaking the color barrier is a great thing, but we will make a big mistake to pigeonhole him as a "black Republican," as if that sets him apart from the rest of the Republican caucus. On the other hand, I happen to think he will set himself apart - through superior talent. This fellow is a forceful presence and he's going to be a stern conservative advocate. I sense he has the chops to be a big hitter down the road. Note well, Congressman Boehner.
Jun '10
Re: The Congressional Black Caucus to Get a Taste of Diversity
I believe West was an Artillery Battalion Commander in the 4th Infantry Division in the initial fight in Iraq. His unit captured an Iraqi officer who was believed to have information about a possible ambush position that could have killed many of West’s men. The Iraqi officer was aware of the US’s historical inability to be tuff with the enemy when they refused to talk. LTC West pulled his service pistol out of his “can of gasoline” er..holster and indicated that he was going to use it if he didn’t tell him where the ambush was; the Iraqi still refused to talk. Somehow the weapon discharged giving the Iraqi the indication that LTC West intended to use it. Needless to say, the Iraqi officer, decided that he had judged the Americans wrong. The Iraqi sang like a canary; the potential ambush was foiled.
When information of this incident reached his commander Major General Ray Ordierno, current commander in Iraq, who summarily relieved LTC West, thus ending a very successful military career. I’ve had 2 sons in these wars and I would want both of them to have worked for LTC West ,not Gen Odierno.
Aug '10
Re: The Congressional Black Caucus to Get a Taste of Diversity
Imagine this picture in the Congressional Black Caucus meeting room, West pulls out his .45 and shoots in the air just to get their attention. Go get 'em Colonel !
Jul '10
Re: The Congressional Black Caucus to Get a Taste of Diversity
I will be watching this closely. Politics is the ultimate example of asymmetric warfare; ask Clarence Thomas and Randy Cunningham. I pray that the Colonel is up for it.
Oct '10
Re: The Congressional Black Caucus to Get a Taste of Diversity
Jimmy Carter
Smaller government and more Freedom doesn't appeal to blacks? · Nov 9 at 10:57am
Unfortunately, no. I'm sure you're aware of the percentage of blacks voting Democrat. They obviously need to be persuaded that it's better to be free to pursue your own happiness than to put your future into the hands of the gov't.
Oct '10
Re: The Congressional Black Caucus to Get a Taste of Diversity
Maybe the CBC will accept Allen West as 3/5ths of a member.
Oct '10
Re: The Congressional Black Caucus to Get a Taste of Diversity
Be interesting to see if more black conservatives leads to more white conservatives, seeing as how Al Sharpton seems to be the keeper of many a white liberal's conscience.