Census puts a hurt on some Democratic strongholds
As expected, the feds announced today that Georgia will add a 14th seat in the U.S. House — and one more vote in the Electoral College — thanks to the 2010 Census. We’ve added 1.5 million residents over the past decade and now have the ninth-most populous state, up from 10th after the 2000 Census.
That’s New Jersey you see in our rear-view mirror. Michigan is up next: The only state to shrink over the past 10 years, it now has just 200,000 more people than Georgia (versus an edge of nearly 1.8 million in 2000).
You may have already read about some of the other trends: The South was the fastest-growing region, and Republican-leaning states by and large gained at the expense of Democratic-leaning states. Most of the growing states remain in the “red” category after this year’s mid-term elections, meaning they are not turning purplish due to their influx of blue-state emigres.
Here are some specifics from those trends that caught my eye:
- For the first time since it became a state, California will not add a House seat due to reapportionment; it stays at 53.
- Ohio (16 seats, down from 18) will have its smallest congressional delegation since the 1820s; New York (27 seats, down from 29) its smallest since the 1810s; and Pennsylvania (18, down from 19) its smallest since the 1800s. Pennsylvania peaked at 36 and New York at 45 (in the 1930s and ’40s, when it was the nation’s largest delegation).
- Florida’s delegation (27, up from 25) is now as large as the Empire State’s, tied for third-largest after California and Texas (36, up from 32).
- Massachusetts (nine, down from 10) has never had so few members of the U.S. House; it had 14 in the 1st Congress, which began in 1790, and peaked at 20.
– By Kyle Wingfield
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145 comments Add your comment
HDB
December 21st, 2010
2:22 pm
The question is this: Will reapportionment be skewed towards the GOP to ensure that only Republicans will be elected…or will reapportionment be done so that ALL will have a voice!!?? Looks like the Voting Rights Act will be prominent in the reapportionment, won’t it??
Oh BOO
December 21st, 2010
2:22 pm
Oh this is terrible news! Poor democrats are going to lose congressional seats and gasp… the Messiah is at risk in 2012!
Oh BOO
December 21st, 2010
2:23 pm
The Voting rights act is a relic of the past and should have never been renewed. Shame on the GOP for passing it and signing it into law in 2005.
Retired Soldier
December 21st, 2010
2:24 pm
With the new seat and redrawing the only white democrat’s district into republican Georgia should have two more R’s going to Congress in 2012.
This also bodes ill for Obama in 2012, aw shucks.
Retired Soldier
December 21st, 2010
2:27 pm
HBD-
Was that your viewpoint in 2002 when the Dem’s devised the silly districts we lived with until a federal court threw them out? Just askin…
HDB
December 21st, 2010
2:31 pm
Retired Soldier
December 21st, 2010
2:27 pm
If reapportionment created districts that ensured that ALL voices were heard rather than being gerrymandered to ensure Republican/Democratic control…then I’d have no problem!!
Oh BOO December 21st, 2010
2:23 pm
So you’re against people having reprensentation that THEY duly elected?? You are against minorities having their voices heard?? The Voting Rights Act is needed moreso NOW than before…….
Kyle Wingfield
December 21st, 2010
2:31 pm
HDB: You’re mixing up reapportionment and redistricting…but, yes, I would expect Republicans’ big wins last month to show up prominently in the redistricting process. The changes may be particularly sharp in states where Democrats have been in control of the process in the past and drew the districts in their own favor.
You’re right about the Voting Rights Act also figuring prominently. Amazingly, this will be the first time since the law was passed that a Democrat is in the White House during redistricting. I expect lawsuits in just about every state, and a lot of decisions left to the courts.
StJ
December 21st, 2010
2:32 pm
The data seems to suggest that the most conservative folks in the blue states have seen the writing on the wall and got the hell outta there. Then there are some of us who saw the writing on the wall long ago and never moved there to begin with.
(PS: Snow is fun, but not if you have to drive to work in it.)
King of Sandy Springs
December 21st, 2010
2:35 pm
@HDB
It goes both ways, jerk. John Lewis really represents Sandy Springs doesn’t he?
Retired Soldier
December 21st, 2010
2:44 pm
HDB-
Sanford Bishop better thank his lucky stars, without the Voting Rights Act he would be treated like other democrats and redistricted out of a job.
HDB
December 21st, 2010
2:45 pm
Kyle — thanks for the correction……..
King of Sandy Springs
December 21st, 2010
2:35 pm
Yes, he does…..as long as Sandy Springs is a part of the 5th Congressional District……
A Hearty Cheese Sauce
December 21st, 2010
2:46 pm
AHH HAHAHAAAA!!! More power for the GOP and less for the idiotic left dingbats. John Lewis is a nothing more than an ignorant fat drunken fool and shouldve been tossed out long ago. He can thank his “blackness” for keeping him in.
Dawg
December 21st, 2010
2:48 pm
What a surprise. The leftist states governed by the Demwits are losing population because those states are broke and there are no jobs. Let’s hope the losers can’t find their way to Interstates leading South.
HDB
December 21st, 2010
2:50 pm
Retired Soldier
December 21st, 2010
2:44 pm
Also think about this: if the Voting Rights Act had not been created/enforced, the “Southern Strategy” would be further enhanced…and minorities would have little or NO electoral impact!! At least, minorities are GUARANTEED a seat at the electoral table!
Jefferson
December 21st, 2010
2:53 pm
More liars to worship for the neo cons. Keep eating crap and barking at the moon, you’ll be lucky to get a table scrap every now & then.
Grasshopper
December 21st, 2010
2:53 pm
‘and Republican-leaning states by and large gained at the expense of Democratic-leaning states.’
Best news I’ve had all day. Now if we could just get a serious challenger to Mr. Irrelevant himself — John Lewis.
A Hearty Cheese Sauce
December 21st, 2010
2:54 pm
“At least, minorities are GUARANTEED a seat at the electoral table!”
Uh no. Everyone is guaranteed the right to vote which may or may not include a seat that caters to the minority.
HDB
December 21st, 2010
3:01 pm
A Hearty Cheese Sauce
December 21st, 2010
2:54 pm
The point is that my right to vote HAS BEEN GUARANTEED!! Remember all of the roadblocks that were placed to keep minorities away from the ballot box?? Poll taxes, disenfranchisement……..
I’m not speaking of a minority seat (although that IS a good thing!) in particular…..but knowing that my representative represents ME…..THAT’S the point!!
Retired Soldier
December 21st, 2010
3:02 pm
HBD-
Which is more than can be said for a non-minority in many states, say Calif. White republicans will really get a fair shake there right buddy? It seems to me we should all play by the same rules, after all it’s the 21st century.
HDB
December 21st, 2010
3:03 pm
Grasshopper
December 21st, 2010
2:53 pm
“‘and Republican-leaning states by and large gained at the expense of Democratic-leaning states.’ Best news I’ve had all day. Now if we could just get a serious challenger to Mr. Irrelevant himself — John Lewis”
If Republicans would QUIT IGNORING minorities as constitutents…if Republicans would CAMPAIGN in the inner cities…if Republicans would address issues in minority neighborhoods…if Republicans would quit denigrating the inner cities……..
Still waiting……..
Retired Soldier
December 21st, 2010
3:04 pm
HBD-
Just like redistricting, you need to read the Voting Rights Act. Before you sing the glories of it you ought to know what it does.
joe
December 21st, 2010
3:05 pm
@ boo hoo- The Messiah was thought to be at great risk, even prior to this being announced. As long as the GOP doesn’t shat themselves over the next 2 years, there should be a republican pres in 2012.
Jefferson
December 21st, 2010
3:10 pm
The GOP will unsuccessfully spend all their capital trying to undo things rather than improve anything, the president has done more than they can handle…and folks who earn income will pay for it, along with the interest on the debt. Dogs chasin’ their tails.
carlosgvv
December 21st, 2010
3:12 pm
A majority of the 1.5 million residents we’ve added over the last ten years are probably illegal aliens. Hard to actually know which way they’ll vote. I guess whoever pays the most will get their votes. Only in America!!!!
HDB
December 21st, 2010
3:19 pm
Retired Soldier
December 21st, 2010
3:02 pm
Problem is this: in the South, the rules were NEVER the same for minorities — particularly black voters!! Look at the historical resistance in the South towards black voters….and the ignoring of black people as constituents by the GOP!! In California, white Republicans ARE represented in Congress (Tom McClintock – CA-4; George P. Radanovich, CA-19; Devin Nunes, CA-21; Walter Herger – CA-2; Daniel Lungren, CA-3; Kevin McCarthy, CA-22….); out of 53 congressional districts in California, 19 Republicans were elected (35%)…….
What would be the possibility that a black Republican would be elected to a statewide office in Georgia!? (Answer: Slim or NONE!) How many black Republicans have been elected to national office in the Modern Era? (Answer: 6)
The more the rules are changed, the more the change favors the FAVORED!!
Grasshopper
December 21st, 2010
3:20 pm
“If Republicans would QUIT IGNORING minorities as constitutents…if Republicans would CAMPAIGN in the inner cities…if Republicans would address issues in minority neighborhoods…if Republicans would quit denigrating the inner cities……..
Still waiting……..”
You mean white conservatives need to ride to the rescue of the minorities in the inner cities? Here’s an idea…why don’t minorities realize that the libs have been duping them and become conservative and save themselves? Oh wait…that would mean ending food stamp and cell phone subsidies. When Hades freezes over, right?
Steve
December 21st, 2010
3:21 pm
You Conservatives never get enough money, power, bribes, congressional seats etc do you? How much is enough?? John Lewis is very relevant and have serve this state well compared to the conservatives who have stole and divided us as a people.
Well Conservatives don’t celebrate too soon because the hispanic population is the fastest growing group in GA and in long term they are going to vote for Democrats especially in states like Texas where they are a major part of the population. And if you loose TX you will have no chance of ever winning the white house…lol So enjoy it now Conservatives and continue to bash Obama, John lewis because in the end we will have the last laugh…LOL
BlahBlahBlah
December 21st, 2010
3:28 pm
NY’s lost seats will likely be moderate upstate Republicans. There won’t be any “D” seats going away.
Retired Soldier
December 21st, 2010
3:29 pm
HBD-
Again you have your “facts” incorrect. There has only been one miniority elected to “national” office, that’s Obama. I assume the others you mean are black senators, that is not national office.
Do you think only 35% of calif wants republican congressmen? Of course not, that was done by the democratic legislature during redistricting. The difference is, no voting rights act in Calif to protect the rights of people like me. Fair? You make the call.
HDB
December 21st, 2010
3:29 pm
Grasshopper
December 21st, 2010
3:20 pm
“You mean white conservatives need to ride to the rescue of the minorities in the inner cities?”
That’s evident of the condescention that alienates the GOP in the black community! Note what I said: 1) See black people in the inner cities AS constituents; 2) CAMPAIGN in the inner cities; 3) Address important issues of the inner cities!!
That is NOT rescuing….
You’d be surprised as to how many black people would vote Republican IF they would address us as CONSTITUENTS!! Lest many forget – prior to 1964, the preponderance of black people VOTED Republican…..but when Barry Goldwater, Jesse Helms, Ronald Reagan and the racist side of conservatism came forth, the voting patterns shifted!!
Those who forget their history are doomed to repeat it!!!!
HDB
December 21st, 2010
3:36 pm
Retired Soldier
December 21st, 2010
3:29 pm
When I speak of “national” office….that’s also Congress. Granted, it’s a state election, but that representative speaks for us on the national platform, i.e., Congress! There’ve only been two black Senators and 4 black Congressmen who were elected Republicans in the modern era.
BTW: California IS covered by the Voting Rights Act……(Counties
California: Kings, Merced, Monterey, Yuba)…..
Kyle Wingfield
December 21st, 2010
3:43 pm
Steve @ 3:21: See if you can answer this without the aid of Google:
According to national exit polls for U.S. House races in the 2010 midterm elections, which was greater?
a) the percentage of white voters choosing Democrat candidates, or
b) the percentage of Hispanic voters choosing Republican candidates
Grasshopper
December 21st, 2010
3:44 pm
‘You’d be surprised as to how many black people would vote Republican IF they would address us as CONSTITUENTS!!’
— Exactly how does a conservative go about doing this?
— CAMPAIGN for what?
— What important issues are you talking about?
Specifics would be helpful.
rdh
December 21st, 2010
3:55 pm
The data seems to suggest that the most conservative folks in the blue states have seen the writing on the wall and got the hell outta there.
These certainly seems true. Additionally, there has been an exodus of wealth from states such as NY and CA to Conservative states, which implies that many of those who left were wealthy. If they weren’t conservative when they lived there, they certainly were when they left.
What, exactly, do blue state Democrats think will happen when they demonize (as evil, selfish, lazy people) those who worked hard to become wealthy. Why is it that Democrats always believe that they can persuade people to their side by insulting them?
This bodes well in another ways. Example: when the blue states come begging for state bailouts, they have a rude awakening. The rich blue states of California/Connecticut/Massachusetts/Illinois/Nevada/NY will not be getting a bailout. Screw ‘em. They can cut state services and funding to the bone in the same way that the red states have.
HDB
December 21st, 2010
3:56 pm
Grasshopper December 21st, 2010
3:44 pm
— Exactly how does a conservative go about doing this?
Quite easily: COME INTO THE INNER CITIES AND ASK FOR THE VOTE! Campaign in West End, Admasville, Collier Heights, College Park, Vine City in the same way that’s done in Gwinnett, Cobb, and South Georgia!! Open campaign offices in the INNER CITY…and address issues that are important in the community!!
— CAMPAIGN for what?
Another easy answer: Jobs, education, equal opportunity/protection, anti-discrimination, transportation…….quit pressing the mantra of lower taxes; we are willing to put our tax money towards those points that are important in the community. The persistent “cut taxes” mantra reinforces the fact that conservatives think that government isn’t required….but it’s more evident that government needs to be more EFFECTIVE and EFFICIENT!! You campaign to represent an community and note the issues that are important to that area!! How can you say you represent a population when you WON’T GO MEET with that population!!???
— What important issues are you talking about? — Note above!!
Simple……
StJ
December 21st, 2010
3:59 pm
The downside to gaining districts is that we’ll have to wait for Hank “The island will capsize!” Johnson to retire or commit some heinous crime before we’re rid of him. Most kids in the third grade know that islands don’t capsize, but somehow this clown won in a landslide.
Maybe IQ tests for voting purposes are illegal, but requiring an IQ test to run for office would be a good start.
HDB
December 21st, 2010
4:02 pm
Kyle Wingfield
December 21st, 2010
3:43 pm
The question is Texas…..
from the Washington Post:
Much of the population spike in states that gained congressional districts, such as Texas and Arizona, is due to an influx of Hispanics, who tend to vote Democratic.
Since the Republican legislature will redraw the districts, will the Hispanic vote be marginalized in a similar manner as black people have been?? As we agree, the Voting Rights Act will be CRUCIAL in the new determination!!
HDB
December 21st, 2010
4:05 pm
rdh
December 21st, 2010
3:55 pm
“Why is it that Democrats always believe that they can persuade people to their side by insulting them?”
Question: Why is it that Republicans always believe that they can persuade black people to their side by insulting them?
Same question, different audience!!
Kyle Wingfield
December 21st, 2010
4:21 pm
HDB @ 4:02: What I’m trying to point out is that the Hispanic vote wasn’t as lopsided as lines like that one from WaPo would lead you to believe.
Nationally, Dems won 60% of the Hispanic vote and the GOP got 38%. That actually represents a move in Republicans’ favor compared with the past couple of election cycles. And it happened in spite of things like the Arizona election law — which, conventional wisdom held, was going to cost the GOP votes among Hispanics everywhere.
The percentages in Texas were almost identical — and almost identical to that state’s Senate race in 2006, when the Dems ran a Hispanic candidate.
It was worse for the GOP in Arizona this year than in 2008, but about the same as in 2006.
All this to say, I think it’s still very much TBD whether they will continue to “tend to vote Democratic.”
StJ
December 21st, 2010
4:28 pm
HDB: Wondering why Republican Senate candidates don’t spend time in the inner city campaigning? Take a look at the House results in past elections in the Atlanta urban areas (for example).
The Republicans running in those districts couldn’t even break 30% of the vote in the past 4 elections. Now, if I’m a Repubican Senate candidate with limited funding and limited time for campaigning, do you really think I’m going to waste a lot of my time and money there? Absolutely not. The majority of my time will be spent in contested districts where I at least have a chance of winning, even if it’s only 51% of the vote.
It’s about getting the most positive results for the time and money spent. I’m sure if you write to Johnny or Saxby, you will at least get a response back (which is more than I can say for Max Cleland).
get out much?
December 21st, 2010
4:31 pm
rdh@3:55 – If the conservative red states would stop milking the “rich” blue states for federal dollars, they would not need bailing out: http://www.taxfoundation.org/taxdata/show/266.html
Michael H. Smith
December 21st, 2010
4:47 pm
How will reapportionment play out considering the gains Republicans made in State legislatures and Governorships last election? New York and Ohio lost two House seats, will those seats now change Party hands as Texas picked-up five House seats and Georgia picked-up one? Notwithstanding all the Donkeys that have now donned Elephant suits?
Does the word DEVASTATING enter the mind?
Don’t blow your golden opportunity Republicans, 2012 could be a grand slam year.
rdh
December 21st, 2010
5:04 pm
getoutmuch @4:31 – if you pull those dollars from Mississippi, Louisiana, Alabama, South Carolina, who do you think in those states will be hurting the most? You basically have rich blue states propping up poor red states ( and tell us about the demographics of the poor in those states….) through federal legislation. But is is a false assertion to suggest that the richest states bailing out the poorest states through federal dollars is the cause for the rich state’s downfall. That would suggest that the states have claim to those federal tax dollars… that not allowing the federal government to take it would allow the states to take it, and that would solve their budget problems. That is nowhere near the truth.
The federal portion of Mississippi’s state budget is $5.9 billion. If only paying their fair share, they would return $3billion to the Feds. California’s budget DEFICIT is $25 billion If ALL of the poorest southern red states returned their “overage” of Federal dollars, it would not cover California’s deficit or prevent California’s default. It would, however, plunge the minority constituents of those states into even worse poverty.
So for all you who believe ” the conservative red states are milking the “rich” blue states for federal dollars”, do the research and the math instead of sticking up links to websites that don’t tell the whole story. The budgets, income, and spending of the rich blue states FAR outweigh those of red states even when Federal dollar “parity” is taken into consideration.
Retired Soldier
December 21st, 2010
5:04 pm
Kyle-
I agree with you about the hispanic vote, it is very much open for republicans. That said, republicans shouldn’t scarifice principal or pander in order to get the hispanic vote or any other vote. Hispanics are culturally conservative which makes them receptive to the republican message.
Once we seal the border and establish a reasonable guest worker program I think republicans will do much better.
Road Scholar
December 21st, 2010
5:06 pm
From the info presented there has been a migration from northern states to the south. But I do not see the data that all these who migrated are conservatives. Maybe they are undercover liberals/independants that want to “balance” the red states into something more liberal? Or they are tired of the cold and snow? Or they are looking for JOBS? Yeah, that’s it they are MIGRANT WORKERS! ( Pause. Waiting for the conserves to have a hissy fit and infer that they are really illegal!)
I haven’t seen so much excitement concerning YANKEES coming to the south since the War of the Northern Agression! Besides, I wouldn’t think that the conserves would stoop to the level of Barnes (King Rat to the mannerless) in “fixing” the congressional district boundaries. Yeah, right. If a liberal does it, it’s wrong. If a conservative does the same thing, it’s ok. Isn’t that the mantra?
Michael H. Smith
December 21st, 2010
5:07 pm
Kyle Wingfield
December 21st, 2010
4:21 pm
A couple of things Kyle, on this little bigoted ethnocentric game the Democrats play by grouping voters into a lump. The people in your discussion who are U.S. Citizens are not monolithic, they do think independently and individually for themselves on the issues when they vote. They are by majority politically, socially and economically Conservative, which best fits the Republican Party. Lastly, not all of them are sympathetic to illegal immigration or desire to see amnesty given to illegal aliens because of their ancestry and heritage.
snarf
December 21st, 2010
5:17 pm
gtovernor barbour is a typical southern racist.
Kyle Wingfield
December 21st, 2010
5:20 pm
Michael H. Smith @ 5:07: Agree, which is why I was trying to show how un-monolithic (word?) they are, according to the exit polls.
HDB
December 21st, 2010
5:30 pm
StJ December 21st, 2010
4:28 pm
“HDB: Wondering why Republican Senate candidates don’t spend time in the inner city campaigning? Take a look at the House results in past elections in the Atlanta urban areas (for example). The Republicans running in those districts couldn’t even break 30% of the vote in the past 4 elections.”
They couldn’t break 30% because they didn’t CAMPAIGN in the city! How can you state that you represent me…if you don’t even take the time to come ASK me for my vote!! By ignoring…you LOSE possible voters!!
“It’s about getting the most positive results for the time and money spent. I’m sure if you write to Johnny or Saxby, you will at least get a response back (which is more than I can say for Max Cleland).”
Haven’t heard from Johnny or Saxby…but I could ALWAYS get to Max when I needed him!! Can also give perspectives from living in Minnesota; when I needed Congressional assistance with the Department of Education, I went to both Senators in Minnesota (where I went to grad school)….the Republican didn’t even take the time to make a call; the Democrat not only went to work on he problem, he SOLVED the problem withing 24 hours!!!
IGNORING a CONSTITUENT WILL NEVER GET ONE VOTES!!
HDB
December 21st, 2010
5:39 pm
Michael H. Smith
December 21st, 2010
5:07 pm
“A couple of things Kyle, on this little bigoted ethnocentric game the Republicans play by grouping voters into a lump. The people in your discussion who are U.S. Citizens are not monolithic, they do think independently and individually for themselves on the issues when they vote. By ignoring a constituency and not deeming them worthy forces voters to ignore the GOP. By being socially conservative, they ignore the fact that conservatism has a racist tinge that has yet to be fully addressed; by being fiscally conservative, they wish to deny access to programs that lead towards progress; by being politically conservative, they ignore and marginalize possible constituents in order to pander to those with means. Lastly, they deny the fact that the design of their corporate mentors is to depress the wage scale by importing cheap labor, marginalize the American worker, taking jobs offshore, while simultaneously profiting from the misfortunes of others.”
This would be an accurate statement also…….
Tommy Maddox
December 21st, 2010
5:47 pm
So we suppose that you’re a sure thing if the GOP asks for your vote?
markie mark
December 21st, 2010
5:47 pm
HDB, how about asking your community to get involved with us. Historically, the black churches have invited Democrats to speak to them before elections. First, I dont think they have ever asked a Republican….second (and I hope someone on the blog can help me with this )in the early 90’s a Republican attempted to get an invitation to speak at some of the black churches in the Atlanta area (as there were news reports about the Dem’s being invited.)
Not one church would extend an invitation….you see, its a two way street. Its hard to sit here and read that we hate you, want to starve children, want to take away Medicare, reducing a planned 10% increase to a 6% increase is a 4% cut, etc. day after day. The lies that the left accuse us of are no bigger than the lies told by the left. When have YOU HDB ever shown that you would welcome a Republican into your world and calmly discuss our beliefs. Most remarks/discussions that I have seen you type have been strident and accusatory to anything conservative. How about YOU setting a starting point for discussion, instead of constantly complaining that we arent interested. When the African American vote has been lockstep Democratic (and I believe this was because MLK switched parties) we have never had a chance. And that is in spite of my personally having friends that I know are pretty conservative. But when is the African American community going to invite us in and say “we will listen to your points….we may not agree, but we will listen open mindedly…”
markie mark
December 21st, 2010
5:50 pm
sorry, this should have ben “The lies that the left accuse us of are no bigger than the lies told by the right”. It happens on both sides, is the point
markie mark
December 21st, 2010
5:51 pm
and as for GA getting a little bluer….sorry, but we are so overwhelmingly red, I think we will use the population increase, but dilute any chance of being Democratic….(and for the record, I voted Democratic in my first elections….Jimmy Carter changed that…..
markie mark
December 21st, 2010
5:52 pm
wish I could stay longer….but I have to log out and go home….we have been shorthanded so I have been too busy to play before….be well, all….
HDB
December 21st, 2010
6:01 pm
markie mark
December 21st, 2010
5:47 pm
Granted, it IS a two-way street…but when Republicans persistently denigrate African Americans….when Republicans consistently talk about “welfare mothers” and persistently show black faces when we KNOW that the majority of people on welfare are white; when Republicans persist in stating that the playing field IS level…..but that has been shown to be a fallacy…and those who are decrying Affirmative Action use as examples those who USED Affirmative Action to progress; when Republicans persist in cutting education spending and using vouchers to discriminate…..when Republicans persist in stating that free market solutions work…but have candidates that state that the Civil Rights Act isn’t needed…..we see the hypocrisy….and when we call you on it…Republicans persist in stating that “we’re using the race card!”
I am NOT a PERSON of monolithic thought; I am educated, knowledgeable, well-read, well-versed….but the GOP DOESN’T SEE ME!!
I WELCOME the opportunity to discuss ANY issue with Republicans; I’d LOVE to have options when voting…but when I’m persistently ignored…when faces like mine are persistently placed in a negative light…….when HISTORY has shown the face of the GOP….
Remember: EVERY President prior to George W. Bush has addressed the NAACP Convention; George W. Bush REFUSED…although he was invited!!
I have numerous friends who are Republican…and we DO calmly discuss issues!! Remember: a JOURNEY OF A THOUSAND MILES BEGINS WITH A SINGLE STEP! Republicans need to change their steps as well as African Americans need to change theirs!! If Republicans would QUIT IGNORING black people….then a dialogue could begin!!
JKL2
December 21st, 2010
6:05 pm
Drain the swamp…
Michael H. Smith
December 21st, 2010
6:33 pm
HDB
December 21st, 2010
5:39 pm
By ignoring a constituency and not deeming them worthy forces voters to ignore the GOP.
The same thing could be said of the Democrats.
By being socially conservative, they ignore the fact that conservatism has a racist tinge that has yet to be fully addressed
Ignoring, Ahem… Who segregated the U.S. Military? Who segregated civil service jobs? “a racist tinge that has yet to be fully addressed”? By being socially liberal, if guilt by associate is the merits.
by being fiscally conservative, they wish to deny access to programs that lead towards progress
by being fiscally liberal, money is forcefully taken “from each according to their ability” to pay for programs “to each according to their needs”, which leads backwards towards Marxism creating an unending dependence that deprives a soul of liberty and dignity.
by being politically conservative, they ignore and marginalize possible constituents in order to pander to those with means
Liberals ignore, marginalize possible constituents in order to pander those most vulnerable to manipulations for their own means.
Lastly, they deny the fact that the design of their corporate mentors is to depress the wage scale by importing cheap labor, marginalize the American worker, taking jobs offshore, while simultaneously profiting from the misfortunes of others.
That would lastly be liberals on the left side from either the socialist or corporatist political genus.
This would be an accurate statement also…….
That would be acute propaganda as well……
I Report (-: You Whine )-: mmm, mmmm, mmmmm! Just sayin...
December 21st, 2010
6:36 pm
There’s no such thing as hos-pice for federal bureaucracies. No quiet corner where bureaus who have outlived their usefulness can go to bravely face the end. The undead need no such niceties; not when they can leap vampire-like upon the next great sector of American life and proceed to suck it dry in the name of “public interest”, “fair play”, or any other euphemistic glamour the Executive and Legislative branches can be lulled into. – By Rep. Marsha Blackburn
Sounds rather ghastly, don’t it?
MLK
December 21st, 2010
6:43 pm
HDB, You are the most racist commenter I’ve ever encountered on any blog in the country. You are not helping your people.
How would you feel if there were:
American Americans
National Advancement of White People
United White College Fund
White Caucus
white churches
White History Month
White colleges
White Magazine
United White College Fund, etc.?
Martin Luther King said, “We’re all judged by the content of our character.” The very thing God gave us to hold us together tears us apart (race) is a part of socialism.
@@
December 21st, 2010
7:47 pm
I remember one of Wooten’s “Free-for-all Fridays” where he talked about redistricting. Said something to the effect that “people move, dirt doesn’t.”
I LUV’D that one!
bxnyc
December 21st, 2010
7:53 pm
Why does the media always presume that population shifts always redound to the right. They dont want to understand that increases in minority population (hispanics & african americans) really benefit the democrats. This misnomer of red states in perpetuity is so ludricious. I’ll be laughing my head off in 2012 when the old white party misses the boat and gets creamed. Dont fool yourselves, the stranglehold the white citizens council etc had on the south is eroding and will be gone soon. death, population shift & younger voters will make the GOP irrevelant.
MLK
December 21st, 2010
8:07 pm
HDB, As I’ve said, you are the most racist commenter I’ve ever encountered on any blog anywhere in the country. There are only a few whites left who are prejudiced toward blacks.The only racists left are blacks, old black men, mostly reverends, & people like you, who can’t get over the fact that love conquers all. Within a few years, prejudice will be over between blacks & whites, except for people like you & the old black ministers who are determined to wreck a racial divide in our country. You & yours also are waging class warfare in the country that will do nothing except bring your people down & harbor hate & jealousy among your people, whoever they are.
Your assertion of Affirmative Action @ 6:01 refuses to equate it with the economic collapse in ‘08.
JohnnyReb
December 21st, 2010
8:10 pm
The media is reporting the likelyhood of a new Congressional district North of Atlanta. Here’s wishing the districts in the South will be redrawn to move the Lake Spivey area of Clayton County away from David Scott and Fulton County. It’s “Sandy Springs” time here.
HDB
December 21st, 2010
8:45 pm
Michael H. Smith
December 21st, 2010
6:33 pm
Who desegregated the U.S. Military? Harry S. Truman – DEMOCRAT
Who desegregated civil service jobs? Lyndon B. Johnson – DEMOCRAT
Who led the fight towards segregation? Conservatives!!
Who voted against the MLK Holiday? John McCain – Conservative, Jesse Helms – CONSERVATIVE
Who participated in lynchings and mock-murder trials? Conservatives!!
Don’t forget your history!
MLK
December 21st, 2010
6:43 pm
“HDB, You are the most racist commenter I’ve ever encountered on any blog in the country. You are not helping your people.”
Far from racist…but too many are in denial when it comes to history!! Conservatives keep repeating the myth that racism no longer exists….but by a preponderance of ACTION, the reality speaks volumes!!
“How would you feel if there were:
American Americans – FINE!
National Advancement of White People – it does exist!!
United White College Fund – that ALSO exists…in scholarship preferences and LEGACIES
White Caucus – the Tea Party Caucus
white churches – Note the preponderance of Southern Baptists! Martin Luther King stated “11am on Sunday is the most segregated hour in America!”
White History Month – it exists, by the marginalization of Black History in text books….
White colleges – they do exist…try Bob Jones University….
White Magazine – - Fortune, Newsweek, WSJ…..
What you and other conservatives persist in railing against are CONSERVATIVE approaches to answering a need that the majority did not fulfill! Don’t hate the players..hate the game!! Remember: whites have had over a 200-year head start in being considered AMERICANS! Note that black peoples’ right weren’t GUARANTEED until 1964!!
Martin Luther King said, “We’re all judged by the content of our character.” – That was EVERY MAN’S dream; the problem is that those in the majority still have those who only see me as they desire….not as I am! As Teddy Kennedy said when he eulogized RFK: “Some see things as they are and ask ‘Why?’; I see things that never were and ask ‘Why NOT?’”
“Your assertion of Affirmative Action @ 6:01 refuses to equate it with the economic collapse in ‘08.” Affirmative Action didn’t cause the economic collapse; greed caused the economic collapse…9/11 didn’t help….two unfunded wars were an integral part…..Remember: it was a REPUBLICAN paradigm that desired the “Ownership Society”….first envisioned by Ronald Reagan!!!
“Within a few years, prejudice will be over between blacks & whites” I HOPE SO..but don’t leave out Hispanics and Muslims; they’re the “new enemy” in many peoples’ eyes!
“except for people like you & the old black ministers who are determined to wreck a racial divide in our country. ” The racial divide has existed LONG before my birth…and has been perpetuated by political policies on BOTH sides!!
Look at your history….and see if you can be empathetic rather than myopic!! You may not see it….but it’s there!!
The very thing God gave us to hold us together tears us apart (race) is not part of socialism…it’s supremacy!!
GOAL Digger
December 21st, 2010
8:57 pm
HBD is my hero.
GOAL Digger
December 21st, 2010
8:58 pm
So, if the conservatives seal the borders and deport everyone illegal back to where they came from, what would Congressional seats look like in states like Texas, Arizona, and Georgia?
Dave
December 21st, 2010
9:03 pm
Who filibustered the Civil Rights Act? – Robert Byrd (Democrat… who was also in the KKK)… ijs..
HDB
December 21st, 2010
9:12 pm
Dave
December 21st, 2010
9:03 pm
Remember: back in the day – Byrd was a CONSERVATIVE!! Later in his career, Byrd championed the last Civil Rights Act…….
…from wikipedia:
Byrd explicitly renounced his earlier views favoring racial segregation.[48][49] Byrd said that he regretted filibustering and voting against the Civil Rights Act of 1964[27] and would change it if he had the opportunity. He said joining the KKK was, “the greatest mistake I ever made.”[48] Byrd also said that his views changed dramatically after his teenage grandson was killed in a 1982 traffic accident, which put him in a deep emotional valley. “The death of my grandson caused me to stop and think,” said Byrd, adding he came to realize that black people love their children as much as he does his.[50]
Byrd was the only senator to vote against both Thurgood Marshall and Clarence Thomas to the United States Supreme Court, the only two African-American nominees. In the former instance, Byrd asked FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover to look into what Byrd believed to be the possibility that Marshall had either connections to communists or had a communist past.[51] In the latter instance, Byrd stated that he was offended by Thomas’ use of the phrase “high-tech lynching of uppity blacks” in his defense and that he was “offended by the injection of racism” into the hearing. He called Thomas’s comments a “diversionary tactic”, and said “I thought we were past that stage.” Regarding Anita Hill’s sexual harassment charges against Thomas, Byrd supported Hill.[52] Byrd joined 45 other Democrats in opposing Thomas.[53]
For the 2003-2004 session, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People(NAACP)[54] rated Byrd 100 percent compliant with the NAACP’s position on the 33 Senate bills they evaluated. 16 other senators received that rating. In June 2005, Byrd proposed an additional $10 million in federal funding for the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial in Washington, D.C., remarking that, “With the passage of time, we have come to learn that his Dream was the American Dream, and few ever expressed it more eloquently.”
Dave
December 21st, 2010
9:26 pm
True redemption or just being a good Democrat who discovered who he had to pander to in order to be elected?
Of course he gets a pass from being “guilty be association” because he’s a Democrat, yet us conservatives aren’t as lucky.
MLK
December 21st, 2010
9:55 pm
HDB @ 8;45, Women hold grudges. That’s a given. They never forget, but it’s not becoming. Why do you hold grudges from decades ago? Give history a rest. Racism does exist today–by blacks against whites & everyone else. Blacks hate all other races & anyone who makes a decent wage. It’s class warfare & racist warfare, waged by Obama & his hatred against capitalism. The only race that exists today is the human race. Give it a rest.
Affirmative Action precipitated by the ‘92 GSE Act was the fuse that caused the world-wide economic collapse.
oldtimer
December 21st, 2010
10:10 pm
I do not believe Blacks are ignored by Republicans…seems Blacks ignore anything the Republican party has to say…..seems they think they are beholden to the dems…Maybe more should begin to read William Rasberry, Thomas Sowell, and Star Parker. Maybe we need to begin to teach people to fish.
You Did It
December 21st, 2010
10:18 pm
The so-called “Red States” can thank their forefathers for the FEDS monitoring of the Voting Rights Act.
MLK
December 21st, 2010
10:25 pm
HDB, It seems really funny to me that you could forgive an active KKK member/US senator who had yrs. of “hands on” experience tormenting black people & can’t get past conservatives who desperately want poor people to exceed, rather than lanquish on the public dole.
j
December 21st, 2010
10:42 pm
you clowns still arguing over reps and dems uh?
i’ll check in after the shopping season to see if anything has changed.
TruthBe
December 21st, 2010
10:46 pm
Blacks have become whining babies. Give me, Give me, Give me !!!!!!!
Fire Eater
December 22nd, 2010
3:39 am
It is the duty of our GOP state representatives to draw the districts to favor responsible voters, even to the point of creating five “majority-minority” districts to corral most of the less-responsible electorate.
Normal
December 22nd, 2010
7:18 am
When everything is finally all Republican, I’ll bet life for the “not so rich” politically, will be a cross between Rollerball (1975 version) and Soylent Green. Be careful of what you wish for…just sayin’…
stands for decibels
December 22nd, 2010
7:28 am
From the info presented there has been a migration from northern states to the south. But I do not see the data that all these who migrated are conservatives.
probably because (I’d pretty safely assume) that they aren’t, especially. Your typical northeasterner is generally more socially liberal than your typical southerner.
Which would help explain why there was only a 5% gap between the GOP candidate and the Democratic candidate for President in 2008, as opposed to a much wider one in 2000 and 2004. (obviously an energized African-American voter base helped, but it doesn’t explain all of it.)
stands for decibels
December 22nd, 2010
7:29 am
an active KKK member/US senator
you guys STILL going to that well?
wow. talk about havin’ nothin’.
bob
December 22nd, 2010
7:33 am
HDB, when has a republican candidate or party official held up a picture of a black person while describing welfare ? When Reagan mentioned welfare queen, did he hold up a picture ?
Census Put the hurt on the Dems.
December 22nd, 2010
7:37 am
Kyle is…..RIGHT! The census DID open a can of wuppass on the Democratic strongholds. Like when the first family had to obscond from bethlehem to egypt to avoid the census so herod couldn’t wax their Baby. That was three liberal votes just gone. that would be like three hundred thousand votes in today’s poll. THe census done throw down on the dems. Uh-huh. yeah.
Word up. Sock it to my homies. Laid out in the crib, dawg.
Peace out.
moron
bob
December 22nd, 2010
7:40 am
SFD, At least the KKK thing was true, was it just 5 or 6 years ago Byrd said ” there are white N*****S also”. Libs are still bashing Reagan over debt even though the dem congress wrote and passed the budgets. So you see, both sides are still holding on to the past. You do know that even back then, all spending bills originated in the house.
stands for decibels
December 22nd, 2010
7:43 am
SFD, At least the KKK thing was true
over half a freaking century ago.
jeez. Kyle, smarter trolls, please.
Does of Reality
December 22nd, 2010
7:46 am
HDB
“If Republicans would QUIT IGNORING minorities as constitutents…if Republicans would CAMPAIGN in the inner cities…if Republicans would address issues in minority neighborhoods…if Republicans would quit denigrating the inner cities……..
Still waiting……..”
WHY? The Blacks are like sheeple to the Democratic Party, and the Democratic Party only rushes to their side for votes, with vote-buying schemes and handouts.
HDB must beeeeeeee
December 22nd, 2010
7:51 am
CYNTHIA TUCKER!!! EVERYTHING IS RACE!!!!!!!
Darwin
December 22nd, 2010
8:11 am
As old red neck white people die off and are replaced by minorities, who will then become majorities, it will all be a moot point.
Census Put the hurt on the Dems.
December 22nd, 2010
8:30 am
if there were some genetic advantage to demographic inheritence, the it would be appropriate to define history itself as before whites and after whites. BW and AW. The roots of racism come from delusional conclusions based on anectdotal (and idiotic) premises.
Traditional America has always loved a slave, whether by law or by capital conspiracy. I personally despise slavery and those who perpetuate it’s consequences: conservatives, red staters, and Republicans.
I shall wait for a leader to lead America out of it’s past.
mike
December 22nd, 2010
8:31 am
Interesting how whenever there is talk about voting all you white folks come out with some many negative comments about blacks. Are the majority of you folks think some group of people are going to get something that you think only you should have? As a group of people haven’t you done enough to destroy this country. Why is it always someone else’s fault. Don’t you folks get tired of carrying that burden of thought around each and everyday?
Obama the Man
December 22nd, 2010
8:33 am
“The question is this: Will reapportionment be skewed towards the GOP to ensure that only Republicans will be elected…or will reapportionment be done so that ALL will have a voice!!?? Looks like the Voting Rights Act will be prominent in the reapportionment, won’t it??”
Perhaps the question should be: Will Republicans continue the trend established by Democrats in using racial and political demographics to draw districts that guaranty re-election? I live districts that circle a minority district in a city then follow a highway 3 ft on each side for over 100 miles just to encircle another minority district in another city!
bob
December 22nd, 2010
8:36 am
HDB, it’s funny that you claim the good that happened was by the hand of democrats, but the bad was done by conservatives. Those so called conservatives that did more to keep the black man down were in the democrat party, keep spinning. Who was the gov of S Carolina that put the confederate flag on the capitol ? If it was a repub, you would put repub in caps, but it was a dem, so you will say a conservative did it. But look at the big picture, liberals are, and have, run Atlanta Public Schools for years. If a repub was responsible for a system where administrators cheated on tests while cheating kids out of an education, we would have riots in the street with Jessie and Al leading the charge. But the black kids are screwed and the black leadership is silent and you know it. Face it, inner city kids do not have to fear the KKK or the tea party, their problems are due to black leadership and white liberals. You can say that conservatives kept them form the classroom for years even though Wallace and his ilk were dems, but I can say they have access to the classrooms now, but not to an education.
Random THoughts
December 22nd, 2010
8:42 am
Random Thoughts:
1) With millions of left-leaning citizens moving to right-leaning states, shouldn’t those states now become toss-up states, or is it that only right-leaning citizens are moving out of left-leaning states leaving behind the left-leaning citizens?
2) I guess the answer to Q1 being option #2 would make sense as right-leaning citizens would want less unions and lower taxes so they would leave (the very reason I left NY and moved to GA 20 yrs ago — Mario Cuomo had enough of my money and now his son is gearing up to take my parent money!)
3) So many racist comments on the board today – random thought #3 – based on the last election, why do whites vote 50-50 democrat, hispanics vote 65-35 democrat, and blacks vote 95-5 democrat is race has nothing to do with voting?
Joel Edge
December 22nd, 2010
8:50 am
Good article, Mr. Wingfield. You seem to have lit the fires of indignation under the liberals, again.
If you don’t believe in what the Republican/ conservative/ Tea Party espouses, the Democrat Party is ready when you are. Since this became a news item, I have read the usual “browning of America” articles. They seem to come out on a regular basis. Last time I checked, belief systems are not tied to skin color. This was brought home to me during the last presidential election. Being accosted in public by a young black kid at the hospital. Couldn’t have been out of his late teens-early twenties. He was bumming a cigarette and was tripped out in all the usual regalia of young urban culture. What exactly prompted the discussion, I don’t remember. During the usual banter of weather, what you here for, price of smokes, etc. This kid turned out to be a McCain supporter. A vocal one. Maybe he felt comfortable with me. Once again I was reminded- don’t judge a book by it’s cover. Not the first time that has happened.
HDB is a jerk!
December 22nd, 2010
8:51 am
Don’t fall for this idiots comments – he’s race baiting! No REAL person could be so stupid and politically blind. Just look at the letters — “HDB” – (H)ate (D)em (B)lacks
HDB
December 22nd, 2010
8:53 am
bob December 22nd, 2010
8:36 am
Note – prior to 1964, the conservatives were Democrats. Admittedly so….Republicans used to get the majority of the black vote…but when the conservatives left the Democratic Party in 1964 and went to the GOP, they took the racist paradigm to the GOP…where it has been maintained since then!!
As one who believes in education…and was educated in APS, it IS an abomination as to how the state of education has changed!! Rather than teaching to pass a TEST, they should be teaching to prepare for LIFE!! I’ve always stated that not only should education focus on college prep..but also vocational skills for those who may not be college material! Education needs a consistent funding source…not vouchers..which would perpetuate discrimination!! The question is this: who mandated that the educational system teach to pass a standardized test rather than the curriculum? NCLB – a Republican ideology!! Who continues to politick for cutting educational funding to replace with vouchers…knowing that private education can not handle the volume of public education? Republicans!!
You have to be willing to see the fallacies before you can create a solution!!
HDB
December 22nd, 2010
8:56 am
HDB is a jerk!
December 22nd, 2010
8:51 am
Just because I don’t follow YOUR paradigm doesn’t mean I’m not politically astute!! Can’t hate what I am…because I AM what I am!!
Are you that obtuse….or just ignorant of history???
Drew
December 22nd, 2010
8:59 am
Michigan is a case study (and cautionary tale) of what happens when you let Democrats and Unions run things – high taxes and intrusive regulations, leading to massive job losses, shuttered factories, a mass exodus of workers and ghost towns left in their wake. Thanks Michigan!
williebkind
December 22nd, 2010
9:00 am
“they ignore the fact that conservatism has a racist tinge that has yet to be fully addressed;”
That remark is why there is no need to compaign in a minority community that has a predetermined mind set. Everytime I read your remarks, I expect to discover some poor black man was hanged.
HDB
December 22nd, 2010
9:07 am
williebkind December 22nd, 2010
9:00 am
“they ignore the fact that conservatism has a racist tinge that has yet to be fully addressed;”
That remark is why there is no need to compaign in a minority community that has a predetermined mind set.
Question: How is it a “predetrmined mind set” to state the truth in the attempt to resolve an issue?? How is it a “predetermined mind set” to state what history has made evident….in an attempt to CREATE a dialogue?? That shows that no outreach is DESIRED!! When Ken Mehlman admitted that the GOP has perpetuated a racist ideology….that should have caused a self-examination of the GOP…but it hasn’t!! THAT would be the beginning…….
jconservative
December 22nd, 2010
9:17 am
From the 2008 presidential election.
McCain received 28 electoral votes from states he carried by 60% or more.
Obama received 146 elelctoral votes from states he carried by 60% or more.
Lets not sit back with a smug look on our face because we picked up a few more votes in the sunshine states.
If Obama turns out the under 30 crowd as he did in 2008, he wins.
Joel Edge
December 22nd, 2010
9:19 am
HDB@9:07
“state the truth in the attempt to resolve an issue?? How is it a “predetermined mind set””
I’m a conservative, so I’m a racist? Is that “stating the truth”?
atler8
December 22nd, 2010
9:23 am
Before you conservatives celebrate too much, heed what has been noted here already: by far the fastest growing element of Texas’s population is the hispanic population, which is estimated to now constitute 36% of that state’s population. The GOP is kissing goodby to the latino vote nationwide, as they already did in California in the 1990’s so the long range outlook for Texas is for it to turn purple.
By the way, 3 states that will lose a total of 4 electoral votes between them are pretty reliably republican in the presidential vote column. They are Louisiana, Missouri & Ohio. If you don’t beleive me, look it up.
Speaking in terms of Georgia, we will be hard pressed to gain any new seats via growth in the next decade as we have stopped experiencing in-migration & were hit so hard by the recession that our newly released figures turned out to be 150,000 lower than the 2009 census bureau estimate. Our state leadership & legislature haven’t a clue as to how to deal with the economic problems, as has been the case with nearly every other major issue facing Georgia since they took control.
And finally to rdh & others, Texas has a $25 billion deficit facing it now & Georgia is in a financial mess so don’t go thinking it’s only blue states that are in a financial tight pinch. And if you look at the states that get more dollars flowing to them from the federal treasury than they contribute to it, you will see that generally it is the red states that are freeloading at the expense of the blue states. So be careful what states you trash & call names since they are supporting conservative basket cases such as Georgia.
HDB
December 22nd, 2010
9:32 am
Joel Edge
December 22nd, 2010
9:19 am
You personally may not be…..
Your POLITICAL PARTY is…..that’s the distinction! In many areas, I have conservative views….in others, liberal…but when you review the platforms of BOTH parties, when you review the HISTORY of both parties…and which party has championed pertinent issues in the modern era….and which party CHANGED its ideology to fit a racist paradigm….the evidence speaks volumes!!
Joel Edge
December 22nd, 2010
9:37 am
HDB@9:32
“Your POLITICAL PARTY is”
So my whole party is racist? Republican, tea party, etc. All of it/them?
sunshine in GA
December 22nd, 2010
9:38 am
Regarding the comment about GOP candidates not being invited to black churches: it doesn’t matter. Believe it or not there are members of all party lines in black churches. We’d prefer our administration not invite ANY of them honestly. Example: Roy Barnes visited our church on his campaign trail. Our pastor introduced him as “the next governor of Georgia”; the slow clap that followed was amusing to say the least, as a good bit of our congregation are educators. Pastor redeemed himself the following week by encouraging us to vote for who we thought was the best candidate
I’m sure he learned a valuable lesson that day.
Believe it or not, blacks have a mind of their own.
Darwin
December 22nd, 2010
9:42 am
Not all Republicans are racists. But all racists are Republican.
Joel Edge
December 22nd, 2010
9:45 am
“Not all Republicans are racists. But all racists are Republican.”
And that is why I don’t Democrat anymore.
HDB
December 22nd, 2010
9:45 am
Joel Edge
December 22nd, 2010
9:37 am
Note that I differentiated between you personally….and your political party……
Tea Party – has a very racist component in it (speaking from experience when counter-demonstrating; got called every prejorative in the book; Obama posters as a witch doctor….)
Republican party — the platforms were designed for racial polarization…..
Remember what Ken Mehlman, former head of the RNC stated:
…….from wikipedia:
In his address to the NAACP on July 14, 2005 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Mehlman apologized for the Republican Party’s failure to reach out to the black community in the aftermath of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, stating, “Some Republicans gave up on winning the African-American vote, looking the other way or trying to benefit politically from racial polarization… I am here as Republican chairman to tell you we were wrong.” In a CNN interview a couple of days after the speech, he reluctantly mentioned the “Southern strategy” by name.
Where’s the follow-up?? Where’s the outreach?? NON-EXISTENT!! To follow-up on this would have been a beginning…….
Suckers
December 22nd, 2010
9:46 am
The congressional districting system should be thrown out entirely as it is not a true representation of the people as states are required to cast their votes as a bloc.
The popular vote should be brought back with the caveat that only landowners vote. Not white, male, landowners- all landowners. Period.
Property ownership is a fundamental cornerstone that once made this country great.
sunshine in GA
December 22nd, 2010
9:46 am
“Who filibustered the Civil Rights Act? – Robert Byrd (Democrat… who was also in the KKK)”
_____________________________________________________
“I know you are but what am I?” Good grief.
Let’s not go down that road. We all know what history has shown us regarding those who flip flop when it’s convenient. The Strom Thurmond types who end up having black mistresses and black babies? The homophobic leaders who are caught in compromising positions?? The anti-illegal immigration advocates who are found to be employing illegal immigrants??? Please, there is enough corruption on BOTH sides.
HDB
December 22nd, 2010
9:47 am
sunshine in GA December 22nd, 2010
9:38 am
SAY IT AGAIN!!
atler8
December 22nd, 2010
9:47 am
I should also have noted earlier in my post that the Dallas Morning News notes that the $25 billion deficit facing Texas is proportionately larger than that faced by California. So far the GOP governor & legislative leaders there have been trying to pretend that it’s not the elephant in the room. Good luck to them!
sunshine in GA
December 22nd, 2010
9:58 am
“HDB, You are the most racist commenter I’ve ever encountered on any blog in the country. You are not helping your people.
How would you feel if there were:
American Americans
National Advancement of White People
United White College Fund
White Caucus
white churches
White History Month
White colleges
White Magazine
United White College Fund, etc.?
Martin Luther King said, “We’re all judged by the content of our character.” The very thing God gave us to hold us together tears us apart (race) is a part of socialism.”
___________________________________________________________________
Actually, a lot of the aforementioned organizations DO exist, and I am tickled every time some race baiter uses this as logic against the case for historically black organizations. I attended a historically black college where several whites were receiving “minority” scholarships from UNCF
these whites were also pledging our historically black fraternities and sororities, and were members of such groups as the NAACP and the NCNW.
The difference between historically black orgs and the white comparatives is that the black orgs have not EXCLUDED those from other races in being a part of our orgs. Of course EXCLUSION is the sole purpose that any of these orgs ever came into existence, genius.
Tick Tock
December 22nd, 2010
10:01 am
Yeah Republicans… just wait till our growing Latino population becomes a major voting block… enjoy your limited time in power… Our Spanish speaking friends will be sure to remember how you treated them.
williebkind
December 22nd, 2010
10:02 am
“If Obama turns out the under 30 crowd as he did in 2008, he wins”
I can not imagine that ever happening again with Obama. I, also, think the women vote will disappear for Obama in the next election. The Hispanic vote may be in his favor but who really knows.
BSdetector
December 22nd, 2010
10:02 am
sunshine in GA = Haley Barbour.
HDB
December 22nd, 2010
10:04 am
sunshine in GA
December 22nd, 2010
9:58 am
THANK YOU!! Someone else knows and understands!!!
williebkind
December 22nd, 2010
10:05 am
Tick Tock
December 22nd, 2010
10:01 am
Yeah, you and HDB can write a documentary about the racism of the conservatives. YOu can reflect how only the conservatives are biased and prejudiced against American laws, values, and traditions.
HDB
December 22nd, 2010
10:08 am
williebkind
December 22nd, 2010
10:02 am
Contingent upon who the GOP decides will be their Presidential candidate and the successes that Obama has with the economy for the next two years, it is a great possibility that Obama can get re-elected!! He’s already accomplished 80% of his campaign promises!! The only problem he’s had is communicating the results!! The wrong communicators have hijacked the message….and generated confusion!!
Tychus Findlay
December 22nd, 2010
10:10 am
@Sunshine
Absolutely true. A high school classmate of mine applied to Morehouse and did receive a scholarship under minority status. Of course he took the full academic ride to Harvard instead.
sunshine in GA
December 22nd, 2010
10:12 am
williebkind @ 9:00- I do wholeheartedly believe it’s the other way around. The GOP and some of their followers have a predetermined mindset about minorities, which is why they don’t bother to campaign in our neighborhoods. And believe it or not, we’re not just in the inner city! “Our” neighborhoods range from southwest Atlanta to Stone Mountain to Sandy Springs to Gwinnett, etc. If the GOP can campaign to poor, rural whites why not poor, inner city minorities? What’s so different about the two groups?
I personally think it’s foolish and bad politics, considering the growing # of minority republicans (notice I haven’t predetermined that minority only refers to BLACKS)
Unbelievable that as Georgia continues to become more of a melting pot, things are still seen in black and white.
HDB
December 22nd, 2010
10:14 am
williebkind
December 22nd, 2010
10:05 am
“You can reflect how only the conservatives are biased and prejudiced against American laws, values, and traditions.”
Remember: conservatives, in the name of MAINTAINING American law, values, and traditions, believed in “separate but equal”, the Dred Scott decision, and segregation!! The word conservative is derived from the verb “to conserve” which means “to maintain the status quo; to keep and maintain”. Remember: black people were not granted FULL CONSTITUTIONAL PROTECTIONS until 1964…….
That’s the history…….I didn’t write it!!
williebkind
December 22nd, 2010
10:17 am
sunshine in GA
December 22nd, 2010
9:58 am
I hear the word “exclusion” from minorities but when I go into public and private places I see voluntary segregation. I can not comprehend anyone not wanting to be around their own race and culture. Most things I read on this post are attacks against conservatives from minorities. Can I expect you to become educated in a progressive liberal environment and not be prejudiced against anything conservative? Therefore, how can I meet you halfway. It does not look good so far!
sunshine in GA
December 22nd, 2010
10:18 am
@ Tychus, speaking of Morehouse, anyone care to check out the demographics of this historically black institution’s medical school? (-: And the valedictorian for the class of 2008?
williebkind
December 22nd, 2010
10:18 am
HDB
December 22nd, 2010
10:14 am
Like you said it is history. That means in the past!
sunshine in GA
December 22nd, 2010
10:22 am
willie- when I mentioned exclusion I was referring to the purpose of those orgs and their existence. Of course voluntary segregation still exists. I, for one, do not expect to change anyone’s mindset just because a few laws were passed. Just as we shouldn’t expect these orgs to disappear because a few laws were passed, and to make whites who don’t utilize them feel more comfy. See how that works?
By the way: my family by and large is heavily Republican and the majority of them have voted such for many, many years.
williebkind
December 22nd, 2010
10:24 am
“The GOP and some of their followers have a predetermined mindset about minorities, which is why they don’t bother to campaign in our neighborhoods”
Once again that is progressive liberal endoctrination of minorities.
sunshine in GA
December 22nd, 2010
10:25 am
“WHY? The Blacks are like sheeple to the Democratic Party, and the Democratic Party only rushes to their side for votes, with vote-buying schemes and handouts.”
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We could say the same for the GOP, who uses the same tactics to garner poor white voters.
There is a reason it is seen as ‘pandering’ when the GOP attempts to campaign to minorities. What does it say about the mindset of their established voter base? I look forward to the day when someone from the GOP camp is brave enough to campaign to minorities without fear of backlash from their constituents.
HDB
December 22nd, 2010
10:29 am
williebkind
December 22nd, 2010
10:17 am
Let’s break this down……
1) “I can not comprehend anyone not wanting to be around their own race and culture.” Many of us ARE diversified; we have the flexibility to communicate with multiple cultures and STILL be comfortable n our own skin. How else can we obtain a DYNAMIC perspective if we are unwilling to interface with different people. The problem I see is that some conservative paradigms persist in maintaining a stereotype rather than to note an abmormality!! In my environment, educated people are the NORM, not the exception!!
2)”Most things I read on this post are attacks against conservatives from minorities.” Have you considered that we are COUNTER-ATTACKING because of the multiple attacks conservatives place upon minorities? SB 1070 for one…..how do you expect people to react when they are under attack by those in power!!??
3)”Can I expect you to become educated in a progressive liberal environment and not be prejudiced against anything conservative?” Education is a CONSERVATIVE belief in the preponderance of minority homes; we have been raised that education and effort will generate success. What many of us rail against is the persistence that private education can accomplish the same things as public education….but the mandates of the two DIFFER!! When we persistently hear that conservatives want to CUT programs that generate success….that’s something to be against vehemently!!
4) “Therefore, how can I meet you halfway. It does not look good so far!” Have you thought to look for the COMMON values rather than what makes us different?? THAT’S the beginning!! Counter the mistakes that our predecessors have made…..ADMIT to the mistakes and hostility….it’s easier for someone to converse with someone on a level when animus and stereotypes are removed from the discourse….
sunshine in GA
December 22nd, 2010
10:30 am
“True redemption or just being a good Democrat who discovered who he had to pander to in order to be elected?
Of course he gets a pass from being “guilty be association” because he’s a Democrat, yet us conservatives aren’t as lucky”
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Interesting. From the looks of Fox News line ups I’d say the conservatives are a forgiving bunch. Who else would employ a traitor like Karl Rove? Speaking of forgiveness, why is Bill Clinton still one of the most hated men in America amongst conservatives? Be careful how you answer this, since we’re speaking on forgiveness and all
williebkind
December 22nd, 2010
10:32 am
sunshine in GA
December 22nd, 2010
10:22 a
I know we will always have a few on both sides that can not come to terms. There are always a few who will stand their ground no matter what but that should not have a reflection on the entire conservative or democratic group. However, I stand against progressive liberals. I will end my days doing such.
HDB
December 22nd, 2010
10:38 am
williebkind
December 22nd, 2010
10:18 am
Problem is — history is repeating itself!! People are refusing to notice this! How can you change the present discourse by failing to acknowledge the failures of the past???
“The GOP and some of their followers have a predetermined mindset about minorities, which is why they don’t bother to campaign in our neighborhoods”
Once again that is progressive liberal endoctrination of minorities.
PROVE IT!! Where’s the Republican counter-argument? Show me that Republicans do NOT have a predetermined mindset about minorities? Does the GOP campaign in minority neighborhoods? Does the GOP address constituents in the inner city? Does the GOP view minorities as CONSTITUENTS!! Haven’t yet!!!
As Sunshine stated: “And believe it or not, we’re not just in the inner city! “Our” neighborhoods range from southwest Atlanta to Stone Mountain to Sandy Springs to Gwinnett, etc. If the GOP can campaign to poor, rural whites why not poor, inner city minorities? What’s so different about the two groups?”
SHOW ME!!!
sunshine in GA
December 22nd, 2010
10:52 am
“Once again that is progressive liberal endoctrination of minorities.”
That’s actually EXPERIENCE, sir. As I stated previously, I come from a Republican family. I have heard and seen it all, first hand. Before the GOP voters knew of my family’s affiliation, all they saw was black skin and made their assumptions from there. When my uncle attended a Tea Party rally in downtown Atlanta he was ostracized as being a plant for the democrats, a spy for Obama. I’m sure it wasn’t because he was black, though
When my mother went to vote for John McCain in 2000, she was met with indignation by some of the whites at the CHURCH she went to vote at. I’m sure it wasn’t because she was black, though 
When I went to vote for John Monds this last election cycle I met with the same indignation at another predominately white church in my precinct. If I had a $ for every snare I got from whites that day with my “I”m a Georgia voter” sticker, I could have paid the mortgage that month. But I’m sure they didn’t draw some brash conclusion about me as a black voter, though. Maybe I had bad breath 
yeah, that’s it.
You see, historically, there has been a covert undertone that we are not welcome by the GOP. You can make all the assumptions you want but to KNOW my plight is to have walked a day in my shoes. Until then, you won’t ever get it.
sunshine in GA
December 22nd, 2010
10:57 am
“There are always a few who will stand their ground no matter what but that should not have a reflection on the entire conservative or democratic group”
It shouldn’t. But unfortunately a few bad apples have always ruined it for the bunch. Your views of progressive liberals are indicative of that.
HDB
December 22nd, 2010
11:00 am
sunshine in GA
December 22nd, 2010
10:52 am
“You see, historically, there has been a covert undertone that we are not welcome by the GOP”
In some cases, it hasn’t be covert…but OVERT!!!
Intown
December 22nd, 2010
11:01 am
This blows. The red states are taking our nation in the wrong direction — less powerful, less wealthy, and more stupid.
williebkind
December 22nd, 2010
11:01 am
If you are conservative my view of progressive liberals should not indicative of anything. However, you have a Merry Christmas!
sunshine in GA
December 22nd, 2010
11:02 am
“Contingent upon who the GOP decides will be their Presidential candidate and the successes that Obama has with the economy for the next two years”
____________________________________________________________________
This will determine if he gets my vote again, it’s not looking good though. Frankly, I am over the Democrats and their passiveness. But I likely won’t be voting for any of the current potential candidates that have been presented as contenders from the GOP, either. It’ll be a cold day in hell before I support the likes of Sarah Palin and other opportunists. If the GOP were dumb enough to run her as a candidate it would probably seal the deal for President Obama.
A martian is looking more viable to me right now.
sunshine in GA
December 22nd, 2010
11:06 am
willieb- good day to you too.
And no, I am not a staunch conservative, as my family loves to remind me. My progressive friends and I are very much the political black sheep of our respective families for forming our own opinions and thinking for ourselves. Imagine that
HDB
December 22nd, 2010
11:09 am
sunshine in GA
December 22nd, 2010
11:02 am
“Frankly, I am over the Democrats and their passiveness”
THAT’S the key issue for me; I can’t see myself voting Republican with the gaggle they present as candidates…particularly Sarah Palin, Haley Barbour, Newt Gingrich, or Mitt Romney!! I’d like to see more about Mitch Daniels (Indiana) to see his viability. I’d like to see a completely comprehensive platform from the GOP that would include revitalization of the cities, a change in the educational paradigm, a change in the pro-business stance to keep jobs in the USA rather than allowing offshoring…and a pro-labor stance to ensure that the American worker is protected from the business ABUSES!!
sunshine in GA
December 22nd, 2010
11:10 am
Have a good day folks. HDB- you do a great thing here by attempting to educate stubborn mindsets, I don’t always have the patience
I’ll leave you all with this, the next time you want to use :”liberal” as a slur (compliments of Merriam-Webster):
lib·er·al (l b r- l, l b r l). adj. 1. Not limited to or by established, traditional, orthodox, or authoritarian attitudes, views, or dogmas; free from bigotry 2. Having broad opinions; open minded.
HDB
December 22nd, 2010
11:11 am
sunshine in GA
December 22nd, 2010
11:06 am
willieb- good day to you too.
And no, I am not a staunch conservative, as my family loves to remind me. My progressive friends and I are very much the political black sheep of our respective families for forming our own opinions and thinking for ourselves. Imagine that
GOOD FOR YOU!! Proof that not everyone is monolithic!!
HDB
December 22nd, 2010
1:22 pm
Happy Holidays, all…..may peace be with you…ALWAYS!!
Give it a break!
December 22nd, 2010
2:32 pm
SUnshine & HDB 0
Just get a room already! Jeez….
newtoncogeo
December 23rd, 2010
10:54 am
Can anyone remember the last redistricting? Democrat’s gerrymandering was so obscene that Federal courts redrew boundaries a bit more rationally. Which led to the end of a hundred years of Democratic rule in Georgia.
Hopefully Republicans can show a tad more restraint.
But, you can bet the Democrats will still come forth with the usual screams and screeches of “racism” and “it’s just not fair”.
Which, because the great mass of voters have the retention span of a gnat, they can get away with. Few will remember the churlish behavior of the Democrats when they were in the catbird seat.