Tag Archives: Politics

African-American History, POLITICS, PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGN

I Have Seen It All Now!!!!: An Encounter with a Nigerian Trump Supporter

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Yesterday, while driving to the gym, I found myself at a red light behind a vehicle with vanity plates that read Trummp. Yes, whoever was driving the car was so committed to displaying their allegiance to Donald J. Trump that they were willing to appear illiterate to the entire world.

Although it is not easy to identify a driver through a tinted back window. Yet, I was sure of what I had seen. My eyes told my brain that the driver must have been a member of the 80s R&B group Full Force because he had on some oversized stunner shades. Texturized hair shaped into a box haircut like Big Daddy Kane wore through the ’80s and ’90s. This person would have made a quantum leap in time if my eyes had not deceived me.

I was glad we both went into the same strip mall and appeared to be heading to the gym. I would soon have a clear view of who was driving the older model vehicle.

And you know what?

My eyes had not lied to me. The dark-skinned brother who emerged from the vehicle had on stunner shades, a very colorful shirt, far too tight pants, and enough gold to be mistaken for Mr. T. I recognized him as a regular at the gym and plotted to find an opening that would allow me to ask him if he were a Trump or is it Trummp supporter.

Although I rarely talk to anyone at the gym, I knew this brother spoke to any and everyone. Today would be the day that I engaged him.

In between sets, I learned he was Nigerian and a proud Trump supporter. He laughed at the mention of his misspelled license plate; the correct spelling was unavailable. I intently listened as he attempted to rationally explain his political position. He talked about economic benefits, his agreeance that all immigrants needed to be removed, the irony here was too much for me to stand, and his Christian duty. I attempted to delve into this brother’s logic by asking him why he thought most Blacks supported Harris and had been somewhat wedded to the Democratic Party since the 1934 off-year election of FDR’s first Presidential tenure.

I am unsure if I was more startled or saddened by his response.

In his opinion, the only reason Blacks supported Harris was because of Race, not substantive policy projections, and their refusal to abandon the Democratic Party was attributable to collective laziness. Such disrespect from Continental Africans has never sat well in my spirit, and I have rarely been able to resist the compulsion to hold my peace.

My counter to his ahistorical statements offended him. Anger was stitched across his face when I told him that his African ass would not be here had it not been for those lazy Blacks. He was bewildered by my assertion that morality, decency, and socially responsible individualism have rarely been applied, let alone monopolized by white Christians. Such values have been drilled into the minds of Blacks who attend any semblance of a legitimate Black church. I took the scenic route in explaining to him that he was a fool for throwing his support behind a lot of far-right racists whose language, antics, and intentions have forced traditional Republican Party members to abandon ship.

I closed my rant with the following request for all non-white Trump supporters. When those folks show you what they really think about you, stand there and take that disrespect, and you should not look for our assistance.

Rest assured that the so-called Christian Nationalist train that Trump is guiding is never late. It definitely never misses a stop when it comes to delivering unconscionable disrespect for non-Blacks who are not willing to openly accept them monopolizing anything worth having in this nation.

Dr. James Thomas Jones III

© Manhood, Race, and Culture 2024.

POLITICS, RACE

When Will Black America Learn that Rabble-Rousing and Emotionalism is a Poor Substitute for Serious Political Engagement?

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Can I let you in on a little secret of mine? Whelp, here it is.

I have tired of endless circular talk that serves as a poor substitute for the execution of logical political strategy. So, it stands to reason that on the second anniversary of Breonna Taylor’s murder that I was angered when an assembly of Black political leaders and self-proclaimed “revolutionary activists” gathered in her memory and accomplished nothing.

Now, I do not want you to misconstrue what I am saying about the various anniversaries marking the untimely demise of Treyvon Martin, Tamir Rice, George Floyd, or Breonna Taylor. My problem is not with any of the above individuals because they mattered. My issues arise when I examine the actions and apparent motives of those who rush to such memorials and unintentionally turn them into a reminder of the powerlessness of Black elected officials and phrase-mongering revolutionaries. The latter’s limited political understanding reveals them as little more than new millennium black-faced minstrel show performers.

I am saddened most of all that I have seen this same mournful story with the same cast of characters for what seems to be decades, if not centuries.

You know the story. It goes like this.

  • A White person or White institution victimizes some random Black person.
  • Many Blacks rush to the streets to express their righteous indignation through emotionally-charged sound that signifies and accomplishes nothing.
  • (Please insert the name of your least favorite Negro leader in the space below. If you are having difficulty identifying people of such ilk, I have provided a few for you.)
    • Umar Johnson
    • Jamal Harrison Bryant
    • Al Sharpton
  • _______________ arrives on the scene to articulate angst against what has just occurred. Please pay little attention to the reality that this “national level leader” knows little about the community or the people they seek to lead.
  • The accused is found “not guilty” and said Black leader vows to “get to the bottom of this mess” before catching a flight once the publicity dwindles.
  • The same conditions and local political leaders/institutions that facilitated the egregious action remain unchallenged and therefore unchanged.

The repetition of this sordid tale guides my prayer that Black America develops unprecedented political maturity that is not tied to or activated by emotionalism. Such a development would pave the way for them to take the following steps.

  • Register to vote — You have more than enough time to secure the appropriate identification.
  • Educate yourself regarding the political process by attending community forums, watching your local news, or searching the internet for relevant information.
  • Learn the dates that elections are being held in your area and cast your vote.

Trust me when I say that the rabble-rousing of a few individuals regarding racial injustice will NEVER result in securing justice or the prevention of future incidents of mistreatment.

Although I am no conspiracy theorist, I will tell you that the rules of the game of life in America, particularly regarding racial matters, are rigged by those who make the rules and crucial decisions. Any attempt to correct American powerbrokers’ decision-making processes by appealing to a never-seen sense of morality is the same as talking to the wind. It is time that Black America seizes the Black Panther Party’s mantra of “All Power to the People” and divorces themselves from ineffectual public protests that charismatic leaders have tricked them into believing is sufficient to end their misery. Such emotionalism is a poor substitute for political power.

All of the slick-talk, rhetoric, and phrase-mongering in the world will never change the hearts and minds of opponents who understand that the heaven they enjoy on Earth is only possible if Blacks remain politically disorganized and economically foolish. The decision to avoid politics is the same as working with our oppressors.

James Thomas Jones III, Ph.D.

©Manhood, Race, and Culture, 2022

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POLITICS, RACE

Just Busy Doing Nothing: Why the NAACP’s Letter to Professional Athletes Speaks Volumes About Why Black America Continues to Lose in the Game of Politics

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You would hope that the frustration that Black politicians have experienced due to their historical political failings would lead them to the development of some semblance of political savvy. I long abandoned such hope for Civil Rights organizations such as the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. My last dash of hope for this storied organization expired with their rather stupid decision to purchase a casket and open a grave to bury the “N-Word.” Although it is difficult to comprehend, the leadership of the NAACP wrote the word “Nigger” on a sheet of paper, placed it inside of a coffin, and then buried it before their naïve supporters.

The “N-Word” has risen from the grave to haunt Black America.

To comprehend my disapproval of NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson’s recent communication to the players’ association of five professional sports leagues, one must understand the above foolishness. Johnson contacted MLB, NBA, NFL, NHL, and WNBA to request that their players not sign a contract with a Texas-based sports team. The catalyst behind this ridiculous communication is the series of laws recently passed in the Lone Star State.

The alluded legislation covers a wide swath from abortions through voting rights and the absence of mask mandates. A portion of Derrick Johnson’s communication reads as follows.

If you are considering signing in Texas, I ask you to ensure that owners are upholding their responsibility of protecting you, the athlete, and your family. I ask you to use your influence to help protect the constitutional rights of each individual at risk.

Over the past few months, legislators in Texas have passed archaic policies, disguised as laws, that directly violate privacy rights and a woman’s freedom to choose, restrict access to free and fair elections for Black and brown voters, and increase the risk of contracting coronavirus.

Now, I do not want you to believe that I support any of Greg Abbott’s measures. If Texans follow the NAACP’s lead, their inevitable suffering will be immense.

I am sure you will agree that professional athletes not signing with a Texas team will have no impact on White powerbrokers such as Governor Abbott or Ted Cruz. I am slightly ashamed by such a sophomoric response from one of America’s most storied Civil Rights organizations. The NAACP’s juvenile response is ill-conceived, ineffectual, and just plain stupid for many reasons.

If permitted to address the leadership of Civil Rights organizations and other progressives, I would tell them to get back to basics such as political education and voter registration drives that prepare their voting bloc for a treacherous political season. We know our opponents’ underhanded activities, such as denying access to the franchise by changing voter identification requirements.

It is disappointing that the NAACP’s foremost goal is not removing political evildoers via the ballot. Instead of developing political education campaigns that illuminate the undeniable realities facing working-class and poor Black, Latinx, Asian, and White Texans, the NAACP’s leadership seeks to convince professional athletes to abandon tried-and-true Capitalist principles in the name of moral righteousness and racial equality.

Any understanding of why Black folks are still on the bottom rung of this nation’s social and politico-economic hierarchy begins with their so-called political leadership. Derrick Johnson should know better.

It is frightening to think that he doesn’t.

James Thomas Jones III, Ph.D.

©Manhood, Race, and Culture, 2021

POLITICS, PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGN 2020, RACE

Platinum Plan Don: Why Black America Must Reject Donald Trump’s Desperate Pleas for Support

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In a long-forgotten moment of brilliance, famed TV problem-solver Dr. Phil McGraw issued the following truism.

The greatest predictor of future behavior is relevant past behavior.

This insightful observation came to the forefront of my mind when I listened to Donald J. Trump’s “Platinum Plan” that has been targeted at Black voters in several key battleground states.

During a recent campaign event sponsored by “Black Voices for Trump”, the embattled political figure and failed businessman issued promises to Black America as if he were handing out candy bars.

According to Trump, if re-elected to the Oval Office, he would deliver the following to an economically struggling Black America.

If you vote Republican over the next four years, we will create 3 million new jobs for the Black community, open 500,000 new black-owned businesses, increase access to capital in Black communities by $500 billion.

As president, I will work to advance racial equity across the American economy and build back better. I promise to fight for Black working families and direct real investments to advance racial equity as part of our nation’s economic recovery.

Trump spoke as if he were addressing lowly enslaved Africans who solely depended on him for their survival. If one closed their eyes, it would not be a stretch to envision Massa Trump placing an extra portion of pork fat in the meal ration. As if his pandering could not be any worse, Trump promised to make Juneteenth a federal holiday while making a passing reference to Breonna Taylor, George Floyd, and Ahmaud Arbrey.

Let’s be clear on this matter, Trump’s previous behavior during his first-term in the White House has left much too be desired from Black Americans. If we apply Dr. Phil McGraw’s quote that “the greatest predictor of future behavior is relevant past behavior” to Trump’s record, Blacks would have to be the very definition of naïve and politically immature to place any faith in the alluded to Platinum Plan.

Let us be clear on this matter, Trump’s desperate attempt to win the fast-approaching Presidential election will cause him to issue promises that he has no intention of honoring. One needs to look no further than his self-serving pandering to anyone or entity that he perceives capable of bolstering his crumbling foundation.

I pray with every fiber of my being that Black voters are not naïve enough to believe for one second that the boatloads of promises being made by the Trump campaign hold any real promise for the amelioration of their economic poverty and political powerlessness. From my perspective, it is impossible for a single-member of Black America to advance a logical argument in support of Donald J. Trump’s platform, an impossibility that is reinforced by his penchant to pander to White Nationalists on a Monday morning and Black America Monday night.

In many ways, Trump is a political chameleon whose changing colors are dictated by what needs to be presented to maintain power. It does not take much intelligence to sift through his rhetoric and determine that the most important element in Donald J. Trump’s life is not advancing Conservative politics, it is extending his ability to serve as a grifter seeking to steal everything in sight.

For Blacks on both sides of the aisle seeking a path to Black uplift, Donald J. Trump’s past behavior indicates that future decisions will not provide a reasonable path to uplift. Although I would like to say that my community should proceed with caution. The truth of the matter is that they should not proceed at all as Trump’s Platinum Plan is merely another form of fools gold.

Dr. James Thomas Jones III

© Manhood, Race, and Culture, 2020.