Reply #16: Responding to the best of my ability [View All]

[nothingshocksmeanymore]

In many cases, while the document points out that African-Americans suffer disportionately, Kerry does not offer amends that specifically address the disparity.

Kerry can not offer plans that specifically address the disparities blacks suffer disproportionately from because it is illegal for the govt to direct benefits to the members of any single race. However, if you read closely, you'll see that Kerry supports programs (housing, education, jobs) that benefit groups (low-income, etc) where AA's are disproportionally represented due to discrimination.


Also, Kerry talks about increasing creation of housing units.

Not entirely true. Kerry talks about creating housing in low-income ]neighborhoods.


One of the major reasons why blacks don't own homes is due to redlining, i.e. mortgage companies who REJECT African-American applicants due to racial bias. Creating more homes does not address redlining. In fact, it sounds like he's simply building more ghettoes.
Redlining is now illegal. Unforunately, enforcement is poor due to a lack of funding for the civil rights offices in the various cabinet agencies. Kerry, and the Democratic Party as a whole has a record of increasing funding for these Civil Rights offices.

Nothing you have written addresses the disportionate representation of African-Americans in political power. Has Kerry offered to place blacks in power under him?

I believe so, but would have to search for specifics. I do believe his presidential campaign site addresses this

Does he have an integrated staff now?

Yes he does.

And last, strengthening the black family. Here is something that the Republicans have started talking about and I've seen so many people laughing at... when in reality, we NEED stronger families. I'm not talking about a Marriage Amendment, but if anything, this is where the Democrats fall short. In endorsing the anything-goes-any-way-you-want-it feel-good liberal agenda, there is no message that discipline and perserverence will be rewarded in our society. Those are qualities that are necessary to hold a family together. I honestly believe that strong families produce better citizens. (I admit, I can't prove it.) So, I believe this is in America's best interest. So, does it make it on the Democratic platform? Or is it too soft and too parallel to the right-wing agenda to receive consideration?

I believe his plans to make college available to more people and to strengthen labor issues in America does indirectly address this when one looks at the causes of ANY family being torn apart.

The majority of his domestic programs funnels money BACK to communities where that money can make a difference.

My big problem with the Republican lingo on this is that their idea of strengthening families is more of a religious program. I am not African American, I am white but I haven't noticed religion missing in black communities, and I DO live in a racially diverse community. What I have noticed is OPPORTUNITY and equal enforcement of protective laws missing.

Out of all the candidates, I really do think Kerry is the one that has carefully considered this and actually has the actions behind him to consider him trustworthy and reliable on the matter.

Again, the issue of black on black crime goes to the heart of WHY IT exists...community blight seems high on the list of causes.


Hope my response helps.

Thanks