Question for Republicans/Conservatives
I’m going to ask everyone who identifies themselves as a Republicans/Conservative to be honest enough to answer a simple and sincere question. I know the history of the Republican Party, so I do not need anyone to attempt to explain it to me, because I’ve written on the GOP of yesterday many times. I’m speaking primarily about the Republican Party of today and what it is to become in the future if we consider what it is today.
I was given a very solid challenge by a fellow Democrat that I could not defend, because I’m not a White Male Republican/Conservative. I simply can’t provide a true defense without referencing my own experiences. It’s like me trying to explain what giving birth is like. I’ve seen it, but I can’t possible know what it is like as a man. I would have to ask a woman who has had at least one child.
So here is my question to Republicans/Conservatives.
Why are the overwhelming majority of the Republican Party’s members, elected officials or self-identifiers White men?
Yes, I know the Republican Party has members who are not White men, but the vast majority is White men. I’m just interested in what is so attractive about the Republican Party to White a man that isn’t as attractive to most other demographics?
If the claims of non-exclusionary tactics are true and/or to be believable, then someone must be able to provide a true answer to this question.
I pose this question sincerely and not to insinuate any demeaning motives. I’m open-minded enough to consider other point-of-views even when I’m accused for not doing so when I challenge political, cultural, social or religious issues.
So in this case I want to repeat that my intent is not to attack or accuse the Republican Party of racism or sexism in any way. As I’ve previously stated, I know the history of the Republican Party. My motives are to understand a political party that has routinely identify itself more than any other with White men, even in midst of a continuously evolving multicultural society.
This question is not about any other political party except for the one mention. There’s little reason to place blame, but it offers an opportunity for consideration, sincerity and honest reflection in order to provide a solid answer.
So I reiterate my question to my Republican and Conservative friends, why is the Republican Party overwhelmingly (not exclusively) White men?
Who will be honest enough to explore the entirity of that question and offer a legitimate response?
Conservatives Call Bill Frist Too Liberal
I was waiting for a funny punch line to follow when I received an email with this title, “Bill Frist Too Liberal”. Conservative Talk Radio host Laura Ingraham claims the former GOP Majority Leader Bill Frist is against freedom and insinuates that former Sen. Bob Doyle isn’t too far behind him.
Bill Frist & Hillary Clinton
Now there’s so many things that I could say about conservative talk radio and the overwhelming homogenized listener demographics, but it isn’t worth the acknowledgment. One of them is always bound to miss the point and there I’ve grown tired of trying to explain logic to growing illogical demographics of people.
It is amazing to me to see that whenever a Republican is honest and courageous enough to break from the current prevailing (or the pre-failing as I like to call it) strategy and speak logically and inclusively about the issues, they are instantly attacked and the campaign to discredit is in motion against them.
I am absolutely not a supporter of Bill Frist or Bob Doyle. I have more respect for Bob Doyle than I do Bill Frist, but at least Bill Frist had the courage to speak fairly about the current healthcare reform bill.
Bob Dole has called for his own Republicans to become engaged in the process, stating “we’ve got to do something” to solve the current crisis. Even Bill Frist publicly endorsed the Senate Finance health reform bill and has called out “people on the extreme” in his own Republican party for falsely labeling President Obama’s health reform as “socialized medicine.”
It’s something when you have a Republican like Bob Doyle and Bill Frist call people within their own party extreme and accuse them of falsely characterizing this President. When former President George H.W. Bush has to instruct his fellow Republicans to act respectfully there’s a problem. But whoa is me to criticize the Republican Party. I’ve actually tried to give the party itself the benefit of my many doubts of its members and point out the nuts it needs to get rid of. Each time those same illogical so-called Republicans went on the attack just like Laura Ingraham and Michelle Bachman did to Bob Doyle and Bill Frist.
Although it’s difficult to be considerate to the inconsiderate, but I have to remember that there are some good Republicans out there, although they are often demonized by their own for being moderate. There are some good Democrats out there, even when they are demonized by their own for being too conservative. I believe the days of bipartisanship are not completely behind us, because we still have a few people willing to look at both sides of the issue with an open mind.
Perhaps Bill Frist can be useful. 
Expressions of Regret or Apology
Last week the U.S. Senate issued a resolution that calls on President Obama to formally apologize for historic violence and injustices inflicted upon Native Americans by the federal government.
Some think such an apology is unnecessary, while others say it’s not enough. Rob Capriccioso, Washington Staff reporter for the newspaper Indian Country Today and Sen. John McCoy, a state representative from Washington, to discuss the measure and whether it has the ability to reconcile with Michele Martin of NPR: Tell Me More Sen. John McCoy (D-WA) made a comment that got my attention.
When asked the question whether he believed President Obama would sign this resolution and make the apology Sen. McCoy said that he believed he would, but wish it didn’t have to come from this President. Some may be prone to think it’s because of race and you would be correct, but not for the typical reasons. What Sen. McCoy means by this is that he believes the President would be more receptive to the idea, because of the history of oppression and unfair treatment in the U.S. towards Blacks. The apology would mean more coming from a White man primarily because of his race and history.
Every instance or reference of race and the President isn’t always meant in a negative manner. Although some choose not to speak openly about race for various reasons, but don’t let fear of perception be one of those reasons.
Although it’s likely that The President will sign this resolution it also emphasis the role race has played in the formation and continual development of our country. The countless untold notorieties perpetrated on the Native, Black, Asian and Hispanic American communities at the hands of overwhelmingly White men can be apologized or offered an expression of regret by a Black man who now holds the power may be appreciated and accepted, but not whole heartedly.
This is not a slight on The President because it’s understood that he or Blacks did not commit or support the injustices that were inflicted on the Native American community. But it does emphasize the importance of reconciliation, but reconciliation from a representative of the ones who originally did the injustice.
Perhaps Vice-President Biden should make the apology or expression of regret to the Native American community. Share your thoughts, ideas and suggestions about this.
References & Inspirations NPR: Tell Me More – 10/12/09 “U.S. Apology TO Native Americans: Unnecessary or Note Enough?”And The 2009 Nobel Price for Peace Goes To…
I wish they aired this like the Grammy’s or some award show. I would have loved to see the expressions on the faces of Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity, Glenn Beck, Bill O’Reilly, Mitch McConnell, Sarah Palin, FOX News and all of the Birthers, Deathers and Townhall Protesters/Healthcare Insurance Industry Supporters when the 2009 Nobel Price for Peace was awarded to President Barack Obama.
I absolutely love it.
As many Republicans’ blood boil and are green with envy and who will now seek to discredit peace in addition to the Nobel Prize Committee I look at the motives of their outrage. I guess the old saying still proves true, the best revenge is success.
Congratulations President Obama. Keep promoting peace in the midst of unpeaceful times and those who continues to demonstrate their support against peace and civility I the towns, halls, minds and airways throughout this country and the world.
I guess the post I offered during the campaign last year that said “No weapon formed against me…” was truer more than I realized.
President Obama 1st Address to the U.N.
A New Beginning: الرئيس أوباما يخاطب العالم الإسلامي من القاهرة
The only thing I can say is that I LOOOOVE THIS SPEECH. This is so much the type of speech that I drool to hear.
Announcement of Supreme Court Nominee Sonia Sotomayor
President Barack Obama announces his nominee for the Supreme Court, Sonia Sotomayor Tuesday, May 26, 2009. Personally, I believe this is simply an outstanding, excellent and sophisticated choice. I’m sure many will attempt to do their usual and simply say NO, but this decision by President Obama is perfect in multiple ways.
I am happy to finally see true diversity coming to the Supreme Court. Let those who oppose her make their case, but to use the words of Republicans, give her an Up or Down vote.
OFFICIAL ANNOUNCEMENT OF SUPREME COURT JUSTICE SONIA SOTOMAYOR:
Our Security, Our Values
If you can’t view this video, please click here.
The President speaks at length on how American values and security are intertwined, touching on issues form closing Guantanamo to State Secrets.
Presidential Press Conference (04/29/09)
If you missed the press conference, here you go.
