The memo that’s about to shake the Atlanta mayor’s race

A memo arguing that African-Americans should unite behind a single black candidate in the race for mayor of Atlanta is about to become a prime topic of debate.

The material, which we include below, is said to be distributed by Aaron Turpeau, a long-time City Hall figure, on behalf of something called the Black Leadership Forum.

Turpeau argues that Council President Lisa Borders is the only candidate who can prevent the election of Councilwoman Mary Norwood as the first white mayor since Atlanta Mayor Sam Massell.

Both Borders and state Sen. Kasim Reed, also an African-American, have scheduled pressers this afternoon. AJC colleagues Eric Stirgus and Ernie Suggs will be there. We anticipate that Reed will demand that Borders renounce the memo.

Here’s the statement Reed’s campaign has put out in the last few minutes:

“Not only do I find these comments racially charged and vitriolic, I completely repudiate them because they are fundamentally wrong and do not belong in today’s society. I call on Ms. Borders to do the right thing and denounce such divisive, racist language immediately.

“These tactics divide the very community that has made Atlanta emerge as a leading city in the South and dishonors the legacies of Mayors Maynard Jackson, Andrew Young, Ivan Allen, Sam Massell, and William Hartsfield. This campaign should be waged on the merits of each candidate, not the color of their skin.”

One more point: There is an assertion below that both Norwood and another candidate, Atlanta attorney Jesse Spikes, are Republican. The councilwoman maintains she is neither Democrat nor Republican. Spikes’ communication director says that Spikes is a Democrat, and his voting record reflects that.

Here’s the document at issue:

Introduction

The debate over the best strategic option for black leadership and the African American community as we approach the Mayoral election in Atlanta has become critical based on the fact that for the last 25 years Atlanta has represented the breakthrough for black political empowerment in the South.

It is debatable to what extent the objective socio-economic and political position of the African American community has improved. At the same time, most would agree that the Jackson breakthrough represented an unprecedented opportunity for black political representation nationwide.

A passionate argument has been made for us to develop a unity of purpose and position, and for that to be defined immediately, given the short amount of time remaining between now and November 2009 election day (two and ½ months from now).

There are unstated assumptions that need to be examined. Perhaps the most critical factor is the lack of an agenda against which to evaluate candidates. An agenda, beyond just electing a Black Mayor, would allow us to move from the margins of the debate to controlling the expectations associated with gaining our support.


Three basic assertions have been made. They are as follows:

1. There is a chance for the first time in 25 years that African Americans could lose the Mayoral seat in Atlanta, Georgia, especially if there is a run-off;

2. Time is of the essence because in order to defeat a Norwood (white) mayoral candidacy we have to get out now and work in a manner to defeat her without a runoff, and the key is a significant Black turnout in the general election;

3. The reasons support should be given to Lisa Borders is: 1) she is the best black candidate in the race who has a chance to win the election because she can attract downtown white support; and 2) based on polling data drawn from a host of sources between May 2009 and July 2009, the numbers suggest Borders is growing stronger as we move closer to the election, while the most recent polling data suggests that the other black candidates are falling further behind over the same period.

There are also at least three unstated assumptions that should be further explored:

Unstated Assumption

1. With the “Black Mayor first” approach there is an unstated assumption that having a black mayor in Atlanta is equal to having a black social, economic and political agenda or at least someone in office who would be sensitive to that agenda if not a full promoter of that agenda;

2. By coming out for Borders now would eliminate Reed, Spikes and Thomas as viable candidates. Some would argue that if the polling data is correct then those candidates who are only polling at 8%, 2% and 1% respectfully, are already effectively out of the race; and

3. It is unlikely that there will be a unified preference among existing black leadership and in the African American community for one candidate prior to the general election.

The Missing Factors in the Current Approach

There are at least seven real world common knowledge factors that must be taken into consideration as we debate how best to manifest our support in the run-up to the November elections. They are as follows:

1. The impact of current alienation among Black Atlantans from the political establishment;

2. The imperiled state of the Jackson Machine, (in part because of the displacement of close to 100,000 black residents over the past few years) and the effect operation of the NPU system by whites;

3. Shirley Franklin’s perceived poor performance;

4. The changing demographics in the city, the potential role of new city voters and the diminished role of religious and labor leaders in mobilizing the black vote;

5. The importance of the City Council races (which to date seems to have been ignored);

6. The persistent poverty in the city, the educational crisis in the schools; the human security/public safety concerns; the type of economic development policies being pursued; and the city’s awful financial management issues;

7. A Black Agenda that any candidate should be evaluated against.

What’s At Stake?

Determining what’s at stake depends on perspective:

1. The view that the times are too serious to stand on the sidelines is absolutely correct from the perspective of a black mayor at all cost. In fact, if a white candidate were to win the 2009 mayoral race, it would be just as significant in political terms as Maynard Jackson’s victory in 1973.

2. Therefore, the question becomes, if that were the case, how would African American interests be addressed; thus, the need for a comprehensive agenda. At the same time, just having a black mayor doesn’t guarantee that African American issues and concerns would be effectively addressed either (as the current administration’s relationship to the African American community clearly demonstrates). In other words, are we simply providing votes without any expectations of the candidate that would enjoy our support?;

3. While some may think that Franklin represents the last link to the Jackson Machine, it is not widely known that both Borders and Reed are directly connected to Franklin; or that Spikes and Thomas are Republicans, as is Norwood. Additionally, it should not be overlooked that whoever is Mayor of Atlanta will be in position to play an important role in the upcoming 2010 Georgia Governor’s race;

4. The changing demographics which show a more rapid growth in the city’s white population (faster and a higher percentage than anywhere else in the country) requires that we critically evaluate all candidates;

5. To ignore the alienation that exists among black voters towards the Franklin Administration’s performance is naive at best and dishonest at worse; and finally,

6. We need an overall governance strategy and a definition of who really governs in Atlanta. In other words, in 2009 we have arrived at a place in time where we can no longer afford to just look at race in the Mayor’s race or individual council races.

At the end of the day, “when the morning comes,” a black agenda would better enable us to have our interests respected by and our influence realized in any administration.

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430 comments Add your comment

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August 27th, 2009
4:31 pm

“The comment “Frank M. Davis, Jr.August 27th, 20093:36 pm
Racist comments and attitudes come from all sides. And all such comments are disgusting and undermine the legacy of progressives everywhere, and especially the legacy of Dr. King.
———————————————————————————
Dr. King was in a league all by himself. While I respect your comments, I feel it’s a dishonor to Dr. King to include him in any conversation concerning today’s politicians….both black and white.
The majority of those either in or seeking “power” do not march to the same music as Dr. King.”

Sadly, the ideas of Dr. King have moved on. Most people, regardless of race, have the mindset that society owes them something, and that they are the victim. Dr. King would be ashamed of the lifestyles of many black and whites today. We no longer fit his dream. He wanted a world where people were judged on the content of their character, but we seem hellbent on maintaining that race is an aspect of character. I heard so many people during the election saying they would vote for Obama just because he was black. I didn’t vote for Obama, not because he’s black, but because I disagree with his policies (issues of character). It’s sad that race still has to be called into the issue.

My allegiance lies with Auburn, not the SEC

August 27th, 2009
4:31 pm

War Eagle, my friend!

GT GRAD

August 27th, 2009
4:32 pm

WOW!

So many people on TV and other media outlets claim (& sometimes argue) that only white people can be considered racist. This incident is embarassing for Atlanta and the organization who created the memo. They should be ashamed. I am sooooo glad I no longer live in the Atlanta area. This is the kind of thing that escalates racism and causes problems for African Americans.

Assume whatever you want about me (I do not plan to read any more respones anyway & I could care less what ignorant people think of me), but I am not racist in any manner. It sure seems like a huge percentage of the so called “African American Leaders” are VERY racist and make a concerted effort to keep racism alive. There actions prove they want racial tension and strife in America. Patriotic Americans should shy away from these people and organizations (like ACORN) and do everything in thier power to diminish thier impact/power. Maybe one day all of the ignorant and selfish people who consider a person’s race as a factor when they judge people, make political decisions and/or other important decisions will be dead or insignificant. I am a white male and almost everyone I know (except for a few elderly people) do not have a racist heart.

The more African Americans who stand up and publically denounce this memo and these type of actions the better America will be in the future.

My allegiance lies with Auburn, not the SEC

August 27th, 2009
4:33 pm

The issue at hand is with Turpeau and the authors of this memo, people. The “entire black community” has nothing to do with this. Stay focused.

The Faithful One

August 27th, 2009
4:33 pm

I removed all reverences to race and bloc voting in the memo and realized it’s an excellent document. Too bad it wasn’t sent forward that way. Change is coming to Atlanta and it’s needed. I would love to see a non black candidate win to put an end to the so called Jackson machine. It’s time for the next generation of black candidates in Atlanta that will not forget the past but refuse to be held hostage by it and will lead with a focus toward the future for all residents. I am Obama inspired. His election point to the fact there are new possibilities and we all need to move forward. Some will go forward willingly, some will go kicking and screaming, and some just want go. At least move to the side of the road and get out of the way.

Sheree

August 27th, 2009
4:34 pm

Well said Rich!
I could not agree with you more Natalie!
To Turpeau and a few African-American-Atlantan-Old-Timers. Atlanta will change with or without you. This is the very reason why our generation has little respect for you. You don’t seem to recognize when it’s time for change. Perfect example: Councilman Jim Maddox of District 11 is known for napping during council sessions and known for being the most un-informed and in-effective councilmember of them all. He has been sitting in his council seat since the days of President Jimmy Carter. Why? Because you keep voting him in. You resist change by any means neccessary. It won’t be long before these same pathetic unqualified officials that you believe so much in, will have you on bread and soup lines.

...

August 27th, 2009
4:34 pm

Thomas Sowell for president – you left off Herman Cain

YetAgain

August 27th, 2009
4:34 pm

So amazingly typical. Cry racism whenever there is an agenda that the black community is pushing and someone does not like – implying that being against anything a black person might want is inherently “racist”. On the other hand, when you want to push a “black agenda” – which is inherently bigoted on its face- use race as the rallying cry. Aaron Turpeau and is blatantly proving here that the balck community is the most racist and bigoted part of Atlanta.

Joe

August 27th, 2009
4:34 pm

Hey Chris,

: .: ::.. .: :. ::: .:.

’nuff said

NICK

August 27th, 2009
4:35 pm

Blacks would vote for O.J. if he ran for mayor. Especially since he brutally butchered two white people and got away with it! Blacks don’t give a s**t about the issues (they are too stupid). They are too concerned about getting their next “hand out”. Rather then go to school, stay out of trouble, not have kids out of wedlock, get and maintain a job and be productive citizens, they would rather smoke the rock, drink the 40 oz. and blame all their failures on the white man. Blacks are THE MOST RACIST people in this country (note Aaron Turpeau’s memo and nothing will be done to him for his comments, unlike if a white person had said something similar, their career would be over), because they are the only group of people who have never made it out of poverty, even though they have BEEN GIVEN EVERYTHING (free medical care, free housing, free food, free education, welfare, etc.). I hope Mary Norwood wins and turns Atlanta’s “thug-ass ghetto image” around…

darrellharrison.com

August 27th, 2009
4:35 pm

@GT GRAD: Excellent post and I completely agree with you. (By the way, GO JACKETS!!!)

mark

August 27th, 2009
4:38 pm

I’m voting for Frank ski or wanda from V1033. Hey white people if you don’t like black people. Move to the surburb. oh that’s right you jack up the housing markets and banks. lololololol

Tancred

August 27th, 2009
4:39 pm

Rupaul For Mayor!!!

Yes I Said It!

August 27th, 2009
4:43 pm

For all you Obama haters – He had done more in 6 months than Bush did in 8 years:

1. Cut taxes for 95% of Americans. 2. Stimulus Package stopped the economic free fall. 3. Stock Market is booming. 4. Home sales are up. 5. Car Sales are up. 6. Placed 1st Hispanic Woman on Supreme Court. 7. Allowed Federal funding for embryonic stem cell research. 8. More funding for childrens healthcare. 9. Signed bill for equal pay for women. 10. Closing GITMO 11. Ending the war in Iraq. 12. Middle East peace is now closer than ever. 13. And, Soon all Americans will have affordable Health Care.

socialismsux

August 27th, 2009
4:44 pm

I’m sick of black agenda being the only thing that matters. Enough is enough. We have a black president. The field has been leveled.

My allegiance lies with Auburn, not the SEC

August 27th, 2009
4:46 pm

At least we don’t have Supreme Court justices who claim they are smarter than white people will ever be…..wait, nevermind.

Moe Ronn

August 27th, 2009
4:46 pm

Well, how good is Atlanta doing now? How about Clayton County? It’s time for “a change”.

hoodtechie

August 27th, 2009
4:47 pm

as an african american i am appauled at the notion to vote for a canidate because they are black.this goes against everything martin luther king jr. fought for.judge not a person because of the color of their skin but the content of their character.why shouldn’t the best canidate win,reguardless of race.if this was the other way around jesse,al,john lewis and lowery would would be up in arms with striking protest.lets see if their character will withstand this foolishness or stand up and do the right thing.if you are not qualified to do the job then you should not get the position.just because of the color of your skin qualifies you.plaese!!!

Truth Seeker

August 27th, 2009
4:48 pm

So George W left those poor black people in NO to drown during katrina…..Mayor Mr. Ray had nothing to do with it nor did the Gov of LA. Here is a hint…Federal help and aid MUST BE REQUESTED BY THE GOVERNOR OF A STATE BEFORE ANY AID CAN BE SENT.Can you guess who DID NOT request aid….the gov and the mayor. What about the film footage of over 150 school busses sitting in water up to their doors. Could someone in New Orleans possibly have PUT THOSE POOR IGNORANT, WE DEPEND ON SOMEONE ELSE FOR EVERYTHING,PEOPLE ON A BUS AND DRIVEN THEM SOMEWHERE? When Nagin was asked this question his answer was…we didn’t know where to take them!!!!!!! HOW ABOUT AWAY FROM THE RISING WATER AND THE HURRICAINE YOU MORON….YEAH…THEY GOVERN THE BESTEST AND GOODEST WEUNS HAVE EVER SEEN.

ONE PEOPLE

August 27th, 2009
4:48 pm

Thank you “Dr.” Turpeau for sealing Mary Norwood’s WIN.

Robin

August 27th, 2009
4:51 pm

What has always amazed me about Atlanta under black administrations is that they always scream racism against them caused by the whites when it is always the black politicians, not the black community, who use the race card to get whatever they want in whatever way they can. I am so glad to be out of your city.

atllady626

August 27th, 2009
4:52 pm

I thought when Barack Obama was elected the race card could finally be dropped but things are only getting worse, it appears. I am so ashamed to live in Atlanta now and I used to be so proud. What people don’t realize is that those of us who are black can think for ourselves because we have educated ourselves on all the candidates that are running. Please give our race some credit!!! We can elect who we want because we are smart enough to do that!!

HardTruth

August 27th, 2009
4:52 pm

What most blacks don’t want to admit is that they have given a few people the power to be their official spokesmen. Those people -and I don’t have to name them, do I – would never let racism die because it is their BUSINESS. Their ONLY source of income. Corporate shakedown artists. WAKE UP! They are using YOU!

Thomas Sowell for president

August 27th, 2009
4:53 pm

mark, white people did move to suburbs. Your idiot people ruined them too. IE: Clayton, Dekalb and Rockdale County. Oh, and if you are going to throw out insults at white people at least learn correct grammar, moron.

I am white btw

August 27th, 2009
4:53 pm

I am noticing a lot of you Neil Boortz types on here showing your true colors. You all claim to despise idenity politics, but you are all are the ones who are truly obsessed with race. Nothing makes me more angry than the “cry baby oppressed southern white males crowd.” You all need to examine your own views before you attack other races voting behavior. I for one find this memo disgusting, but equally disgusting is what you Shawn Hannity types are spewing on this blog. You all are the reason that middle class and wealthy minorities want nothing to do with the Republican Party. Congrats! YALL wave the white trash flag proudly and make Democrats jobs much easier!

Thomas Sowell for president

August 27th, 2009
4:54 pm

HardTruth, Clayton County black racist school board members tried to blame whites for Clayton County school problems but there was not one white person left on the board. The blacks ran them all off and single-handedly collapsed the entire school system. Black people, you gotta love em.

Thomas Sowell for president

August 27th, 2009
4:55 pm

I am white btw, you need to have an anal exam.

Steve

August 27th, 2009
4:56 pm

Look I was there in New orleans. I love atlanta but I would rather be home. but I can’t because there no home because the leve broke. so when you talk trash talk to a person who was there and live in it.

ThaMan

August 27th, 2009
4:57 pm

Yes I Said It! Did you just get back fron outer space. Spit out the Koolade fool! You CANNOT substantiate any single thing you’ve said, because none of it is true. Pitiful, just pitiful.

Bull Conor was a democrat

August 27th, 2009
4:57 pm

I am white btw, no, the reason most blacks don’t like the GOP is the GOP won’t give them welfare and hand outs.

Not at all Surprised

August 27th, 2009
4:57 pm

Once again, “The Double Standard”! It’s okay that a black, or African American, to be politically correct, writes such garbage, but if I did it as a White person, would be deemed a “racist”. I have to ask, Where is the NAACP? You want to be treated fairly, and without prejudice, then start demanding that your colleagues, associates, or “peeps” do the same!!

socialismsux

August 27th, 2009
4:58 pm

Screw political correctness. No more

Bull Conor was a democrat

August 27th, 2009
4:59 pm

Yes I Said It!, are you retarded? Unemployment is above 10%. He did not end the war in Iraq. We’re still there. The Gitmo terrorists will be on your doorsteps pretty soon with an AK47.

Oh, and Obamas approval number is now at 45%. He will make Jimmy Carter look like Reagan.

Hoss

August 27th, 2009
5:02 pm

Lisa Borders as mayor? Ha! What a crock.

You can trust me

August 27th, 2009
5:02 pm

One should only vote for a candidate that has the courage to put us on a better path AND has leadership abilities. Ms. Norwood lacks the latter.

SD

August 27th, 2009
5:03 pm

I firmly denounce the “memo” that was outlined by the author of the blog (or should I say, points that were drawn out and an opinion provided). However, its interesting to see the responses from white people when things like this come out. “Thgus” “Deez” “Homies” blah blah blah, as if every black person can be described as or uses the aforementioned words or diction. You immediately call the author of the memo racist, then proceed to spew racist stereotypes or simply make blatantly racist statements. However, the blog writer will get credit for generating major interest today. Nothing stirs up outrage and a quick response in Metro Atlanta faster then introducing race into the conversation.

ATL

August 27th, 2009
5:04 pm

this city needs someone to step up and do the job, if Norwood is the person i will support her. Right now atlanta is in a bad shape..

Another Choice

August 27th, 2009
5:04 pm

There is another choice in the race – Jesse Spikes. Go to his website at jessespikesformayor.com to find out about his platform. He is a Rhodes Scholar, a Harvard Law Grad and an Oxford Grad. He rose up from a farm in Henry County to the halls of justice as a partner in a major international business law firm. He represents just what Atlanta needs, a sharp intellect with strong business and finance skills. These are the skills we need to turn this city around, not more of the same, more hand-picked politicians so those who are picking will keep their connections and insider incentives. Look at who is financing these campaigns and you will see who will be beholding to who. But don’t take my word for it, please research it for yourself. Atlanta needs a New Direction, New Ideas and a Fresh Perspective not another extension of Shirley Franklin (which both Reed and Borders represent).

Real Deal Wilson

August 27th, 2009
5:05 pm

Shirley Franklin’s perceived poor performance;????
Perceived my behind, it is reality.
And we all know that the black political machine in ATL is about as racist
as anything in the world today. It is all about graft, nepotism and handouts.
They don’t give a damn about the city and it’s well being.
Facts are facts Jack!

Duece Pigbelow

August 27th, 2009
5:08 pm

Hey Keith Olbermann is a racist….You know why the ratings are so high? AA don’t have time to watch that much TV(LMAO). Of course those shows have high ratings, there’s nothing on TV substantial. I even watch them, I love to see American ignorance on TV. Been watching it since Hee Haw.

socialismsux

August 27th, 2009
5:09 pm

I sure hope the State Bar is paying attention to the racist Mr Turpeau.

david

August 27th, 2009
5:11 pm

That my friends is Atlanta politics in action. They have proven my theory that the problem is TMAAIC!! Please say or prove that I am WRONG.

No, I Said It

August 27th, 2009
5:12 pm

In response to “Yes I said It”….you didn’t really say anything. Let’s look quickly at your argument as to why Obama has been such a savior for our country.

You wrote: “For all you Obama haters – He had done more in 6 months than Bush did in 8 years:

1. Cut taxes for 95% of Americans. 2. Stimulus Package stopped the economic free fall. 3. Stock Market is booming. 4. Home sales are up. 5. Car Sales are up. 6. Placed 1st Hispanic Woman on Supreme Court. 7. Allowed Federal funding for embryonic stem cell research. 8. More funding for childrens healthcare. 9. Signed bill for equal pay for women. 10. Closing GITMO 11. Ending the war in Iraq. 12. Middle East peace is now closer than ever. 13. And, Soon all Americans will have affordable Health Care.”

1. This will soon change as he now must find a way to pay for more than $10 trillion in national debt. Taxes will be raised for EVERYONE. No way around this.
2. The stimulus package wasn’t Obama. It was Bernanke, who was appointed by Bush, BTW.
3. It has improved, yes. But this is simply a natural reaction to consumer/investor confidence after suffering through 11 months of dismal news and performance. No Obama magic here.
4. Were they going to go down? No where for them to go but up. This isn’t the magic of Obama.
5. Yes, car sales are up. And the government helped pay for many of these new cars (refer to #1).
6. How is this a grand accomplishment?
7. I would hardly call this an amazing presidential accomplishment. But it is a good thing.
8. I’ll just skip the healthcare topic for now.
9. Ok. I hear they can even vote now too.
10. And we’re releasing terrorists and criminals across our country and around the world. This was a brillant move.
11. It was already over by the time he took office. He’s just continuing the procedure to bring troops home.
12. Yeah right. Not in your lifetime, even if you’re 11.
13. See #8

Obama’s legacy will be the first black president. Other than that, he’s in way over his head and will not make our country one bit better. In fact, it will be the opposite.

Steve

August 27th, 2009
5:12 pm

white people stop being mad. and second there are educated black people out there. stop being mad that black people are starting to out think you

Grant Parker

August 27th, 2009
5:16 pm

@Call me stupid But (posted at 3:12 p.m.): Here’s an excerpt from your message:
“”This is an attempt yet again by the AJC or its contractors to stir up racial conflicts in this city….”
Yeah, that’s right, blame the messenger. Sidestep the real issue here, which is this: a nasty fact of life in Atlanta’s public life has been laid bare.
You know, I will call you “stupid.” Thanks for supplying the adjective.

Bull Conor was a democrat

August 27th, 2009
5:16 pm

Duece Pigbelow, did you actually read the Olberman comment? Kieth is a moron and can not count.

Sick of all of 'em

August 27th, 2009
5:19 pm

This is disgraceful, but I am not surprised. And white people probably have their “secret” memos, too (anti-black). But they just keep them secret.

But as a Black woman, I am so sick of the way the city has been run in the past 15-20 years (it’s been embarrassing), I actually hope Mary Norwood wins and cleans house. And this memo might just invigorate folks to make it happen. I’m sick of Andy Young, V Jackson, Bill Campbell’s remaining legacy, Shirley’s lack of leadership and apparent secret life, and other people’s mess. I’m tired of all the old Black Atlanta “guard/leadership/A-list”, tired of Monica kaufman’s histrionics and now stank attitude; and some of the ‘new Negroes’, too in SW Atlanta and the trashy “Real Housewives”, (WTF!! is that mess?) and the celebrity crap going on here now. The city is a mess. Water, crime stats, transportation problems, gangs, etc. Celebrating criminals just because they are rappers, etc. Even crappy radio stations that Black Atlanta seems to just inhale; it’s all foolishness and damaging to the community. But ATL laps it up.

Okay, I admit it, it’s time for me to move from the area. I’m ready to bear witness to the mess in some other city. Let’s see some of the White folks’ mess for a while: Pat Swindall, Skandalakis-type stuff. Let’s switch it up a bit: Blacks and Whites take turns, every 20 years. yeah…that’s the answer. :-)

ATLIEN

August 27th, 2009
5:19 pm

I’m an Atlanta native who is Black and this is bull crap. I would vote for Mary Norwood if I lived in Atlanta. Click link below for laughter.
By the way this a real business in North Carolina.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vnOyMSEWNTs

Since the Mike Vick story racial divide in this city has gone to another level. Now this.

Get Along?

August 27th, 2009
5:20 pm

This disgusts me. However, I am entirely confident that a very large majority of blacks in Atlanta are intelligent and educated and informed enough to make this decision based on more than a candidate’s skin color. It’s unfortunate that such a small percentage of both whites and blacks alike continue the race war in this day and age.

sj

August 27th, 2009
5:22 pm

Same reason you will not convict a black in court if there is a black jury….