DEMS: Can You Bring Us (AA's) to the Table?

[qwlauren35]

As a middle-aged African-American voter, I find myself quite apathetic regarding the last few weeks as Kerry emerges to be the crowned Democratic nominee. I was not a Kerry supporter and I'm still not "feelin' him". I would not exactly call my vote up for grabs, but that's not all that I have to offer! This year's presidential election is DIFFERENT in that there is an entire cadre of African-Americans like myself who are starting to think about putting our money where our vote is. Many of us, like me, supported Dean both vocally and financially. Others have supported Edwards, Clark and Sharpton. I honestly believe that we have the dollars to make a difference. But so far, there's nothing compelling us to offer our money to the DNC. I have recently written to the African-American Leadership Council within the DNC in an effort to understand what my dollar will buy me. There is a slate of issues that I would like to see addressed. For example, I'd like to see initiatives that do the following:
- increase African-American political power
- address black-on-black crime issues
- address black health issues
- address redlining issues
- strengthen Affirmative Action, especially as directed toward the impoverished
- increase African-American judicial presence
- increase African-American medical presence
- strengthen "the black family"
- reduce black unemployment rates
- increase re-skilling and continuing education programs in black communities

I'm curious and thought I'd ask DU their thoughts on this.

What do you think that the DNC should offer to African-Americans to win their financial support in addition to their votes?

[Jack_Dawson]

1. Clark is all over it. Ask Charlie Rangel

:-)

[Moderator]

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