MyDD :: Thoughts on the African-American and Latino vote

Thoughts on the African-American and Latino vote

by NeciVelez, Tue Mar 25, 2008 at 04:35:36 PM EST

Though I have been reading here for some time, I have finally figured out how to do diaries and post. I'm a 60 year old who is just making a transition to blogs and blogging in the last few months, so please excuse any errors of netiquette on my part.

I am becoming alarmed at the increasing level of hostile rhetoric in the campaign, as more and more surrogates for Senator Clinton, including her husband, seem to be applauding and encouraging the uninformed and hostile attacks on Senator Obama, via his Pastor's remarks, taken out of context and run Ad nauseum on Fox and other outlets.

Many Latinos are black, (or afro-descended) here on the East Coast; and in other urban areas like Chicago and Detroit, Puerto Ricans and Dominicans in particular, as are some younger Cuban-Americans who are breaking with their parent's hard-core Republicanism, and joining our Party.

Many Latino's also attend churches and have fairly fiery pastors(not all Latinos are Catholic). The constant repetition of the meme that Latinos and Blacks are in opposition is wearing pretty thin in my communities, and the recent words James Carville used in dismissing Governor Richardson were viewed as highly offensive, especially during Holy Week.

If members of this Party hope to win the General Election, I suggest that those of you who simply think of us as a stalwart voting block, or a polling statistic to be courted, and then dismissed, had better think this through a bit more thoroughly. You are treading in dangerous waters, and I am hearing rumbles from both groups.

I'm in New York, Senator Clinton's home state. We contributed to her rise to the Senate, supported her, and many of our elected officials of color have endorsed her. But friends of mine who work in a number of the local offices for NY elected officials have told me that they are getting a high volume of complaints from constituents.

Campaign debate should be on the issues, and not on someone's religion, what church they attend, or veiled remarks about their patriotism. Blacks and Puerto Ricans have served loyally in our Armed Forces - at higher numbers than their respective percentages in the population as a whole. Our mothers, wives, husbands and families want them home from this war. Many of us are living in communities that are the most adversely affected by our economy.

Do not think that if this destructive tendency continues that we will all march in lock-step to the voting booth, to pull a lever for a candidate who appears to have forgotten who her supporters are. A large percentage of "us" get reported as "women voting for Hillary". Polls seem to always report "Blacks" "Hispanics" and "Women" as if these are categories that don't overlap.

Many members of our respective communities, who currently support Senator Clinton, will be very happy to vote for Senator Obama. But, if the roles get reversed, and she becomes the nominee, many of us might just sit the election out if it appears that a candidate is robbed of the nomination, by the use of two of the most divisive tools in the book - race and religion (all wrapped up in a red white and blue package).

The flag may be red white and blue, but those of us who serve it are also black, brown, beige and copper.

Tags: 2008, Democratic Primary, Latinos, Hispanics, Clinton, Obama (all tags)

Permalink :: 27 Comments :: Post a Comment

Re: Thoughts on the African-American... (2.00 / 1)

Interesting perspectives, thanks for sharing.

I am particularly concerned about the reaction of black voters f Hillary somehow manages to get the nomination. It is no secret that a lot of black political activists have voiced concerns that their voting constituency is being taken for granted by the Party. And it is true that the Democratic Party has done a piss-poor job of addressing the concerns of black voters. I can only imagine resentment will grow if Obama is not the nominee - especially considering the questionable tactics that may be required for Hillary to get the nomination.

Anyway - it is a serious concern we should all be considering as this race moves forward.

www.thingsyoungerthanmccain.com

by LandStander on Tue Mar 25, 2008 at 04:43:35 PM EST

Re: Thoughts on the African-American... (none / 0)

Given that African-American households saw signficant increases in household income between 1993 and 2001, I don't see how you have the gall to assert that the Democratic party has done little to address issues facing the African-American community.

by alvic63 on Tue Mar 25, 2008 at 07:55:40 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Thoughts on the African-American... (2.00 / 2)

I don't need gall - I have stats
Where are yours?

What data are you referencing? Using which variables?

Which social class? There is no monolithic AA community. The Latino population that has the highest income levels are the Cuban-Americans who came here pre-Mariel boatlift - who were from upper class families in Cuba. The second wave - from the boatlifts has not fared so well.

From Human Rights Watch:
http://hrw.org/english/docs/2002/02/27/u sdom3768.htm

"Blacks and Hispanics make up 62 percent of the incarcerated population, though comprising only 25 percent of the national population;

Between ten and fifteen percent of black men are incarcerated in twelve states (Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Texas, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming);

Black women are incarcerated at rates between ten and thirty-five times greater than the rates of white women in fifteen states (Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Iowa, Maine, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Rhode Island, Texas, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming); and Hispanic youth are incarcerated at rates seven to seventeen times greater than those of whites in Connecticut, Hawaii, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire, while the incarceration rate for black youth is between twelve and twenty-five times greater than those of whites in Connecticut, Delaware, Iowa, Massachusetts, Montana, and New Jersey."

Much of this has to do with unequal sentencing for black and hispanics - in PA Latinos get double the amount of time for the same crimes committed by whites or blacks

Unemployment rates are also almost double, and in one group - young men 16 - 25 almost triple the rates for whites.

Check the latest health statistics for infant mortality rates in inner-city urban areas which are higher than in some 3rd world countries?

Would you care for more?

Anthropologists for human diversity; opposing McCain perversity

by NeciVelez on Tue Mar 25, 2008 at 10:42:55 PM EST
[ Parent ]

So what? (none / 0)

People are pissed on all sides of the debate. I don't give a damn what racial or ethnic group you belong to - your identity doesn't make you at all special or entitled to any more consideration than the rest of us.

Clinton didn't do anything wrong. If you want to believe she did and vote accordingly, that is your right as an American. You don't have to explain yourself to me. But, you can shove your voting threats because I have voting threats of my own that are just as representative of voter anger and intention as yours.

Most of us Clinton supporters feel she has been smeared throughout this campaign and many of us will vote accordingly. None of this Wright stuff has anything to do with Clinton, but, true to the babies that they are, the Obama supporters are trying to claim it does.

by lombard on Tue Mar 25, 2008 at 04:45:14 PM EST

Re: So what? (2.00 / 1)

Some valid points, but...

The black Democratic voting block has been taken for granted by Democratic politicians for a long time. Part of holding together a coalition is making sure everyone in that coalition gets a voice and has their concerns heard. Another part of holding together a coalition is not insulting particular components of that coalition.

this goes way beyond just this election. It is a matter of holding together and expanding the block of voters that makes the Democratic Party possible in the first place.

www.thingsyoungerthanmccain.com

by LandStander on Tue Mar 25, 2008 at 05:29:49 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Respect goes both ways! (none / 0)

by lombard on Tue Mar 25, 2008 at 05:35:06 PM EST
[ Parent ]

I don't get your meaning (2.00 / 2)

I don't get your meaning. Blacks in America almost always vote for Democratic candidates. Yet, Democratic politicians tend to de-prioritize issues that are especially important to black communities. Because of this, there is the idea that the black Democratic voting block is being taken for granted by the Party as a whole.

This doesn't go both ways. There does not exist a majority of black politicians in the Democratic Party that ignore the concerns of white voters. There DOES exist a majority of white politicians that DO ignore black issues.

www.thingsyoungerthanmccain.com

by LandStander on Tue Mar 25, 2008 at 05:48:38 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Here's a question? (none / 0)

How many whites get elected to the house (or Senate) in majority black districts?

I can only think of one in my lifetime - the current representative from the Memphis area who won in a 3 candidate race. Want to take bets how long he'll last?

by lombard on Tue Mar 25, 2008 at 05:51:34 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Here's a question? (2.00 / 1)

I don't see how that relates to the issue at hand. Are you saying you don't care about black voters because, in those districts they happen to be a majority, they tend to elect black candidates?

What I am trying to say is, let us pay attention to all components of the Democratic voting block, especially those components that have gotten the short end of the stick.

www.thingsyoungerthanmccain.com

by LandStander on Tue Mar 25, 2008 at 06:05:03 PM EST
[ Parent ]

The remark was related to your post (none / 0)

You made the comment that black officials do not ignore the needs of whites but white officials do ignore the needs of whites. I let that remark go without comment which should not be considered an agreement with it.

My question addressed equality of consideration of blacks and whites for voting for officials of the other race. We're certainly not seeing that in this race and we haven't seen it when it comes to congressional races over the history of recent decades. I can name only one white politician elected from a black majority district (and he is a fluke who will probably be defeated in a primary despite his begging for constituents' acceptance) but black officials are far more frequently elected from majority non-black districts.

by lombard on Tue Mar 25, 2008 at 06:13:16 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: The remark was related to your post (2.00 / 1)

Honestly, I didn't consider the role of black elected officials at all, since there tends to be so few of them. I was more describing the general feeling among black voters (simply from what I hear and read) that the Party takes their votes for granted.

I'm not concerned with who votes for who in a intra-party primary. Its a primary, vote however the hell you want. But I am VERY concerned with how people vote in a General Election. Cause if enough people stay home or vote the wrong way, then we get President McCain, and that is no good for anybody.

So in the interest of never having a President McCain, I say that all high-profile Democrat politicians should recognize that the resentment among black voters is real and should be addressed. Or, in the very least, they should not try to antagonize these black voters.

www.thingsyoungerthanmccain.com

by LandStander on Tue Mar 25, 2008 at 06:17:41 PM EST
[ Parent ]

What about resentment of whites? (none / 0)

or Latinos, or Asians. Maybe you should worry about them, too, considering there are far more of them. And they are losing patience with the message that their racism or lack of empathy is awful while any failings on the part of African Americans are excusable.

You had better consider something. If significant blocks of white, latino, and asian voters defect in this election and stay away for awhile, it will be a long, long time until the Democrats win another presidential election. This election has ramifications for elections beyond it.

by lombard on Tue Mar 25, 2008 at 06:29:35 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: What about resentment of whites? (2.00 / 1)

Can I ask where you live Lombard? You mention blacks and latinos as if they are a separate group - not always the case in NY and NJ. Many Puerto Ricans are also black or afro-descended, as are many Dominicans, Panamanians, Cubans...

Don't think that none of us can fail to hear the "tone" and not begin to apply it to us.

And I don't think "white" voters can blame the problems here on blacks, latinos, asians, Native Americans...

name me the long list of black, latino, asian or native Presidents. When you can do that - I'll accept that you might have a valid arguement.

I think you just came into ths diary just to fight, not to have an adult discussion.

¡Basta Ya!

Anthropologists for human diversity; opposing McCain perversity

by NeciVelez on Tue Mar 25, 2008 at 07:06:14 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Nice try, but I'm not biting. (none / 0)

Take a look at Wright's church membership. I didn't see a whole lot of asians, cubans, puerto ricans, or latinos in there. Probably not a lot of Ethopians or Somalis would be in attendance either.

And I don't give a damn about skin color or ancestry. It's attitude, not race or ethnicity that matters.

And don't give me the soft soap about being an adult and not wanting to fight. I recognize passive aggressive when I see it.

by lombard on Tue Mar 25, 2008 at 07:54:41 PM EST
[ Parent ]

You bit (2.00 / 0)

I'm sitting here laughing.

The majority of Ethiopians are Coptics. Not United Church of Christ

Somalis are mostly Muslim

How could you "see Cubans" or "see Puerto Ricans"

what do we look like?

Suggest you take an anthropology class and come back later

Anthropologists for human diversity; opposing McCain perversity

by NeciVelez on Tue Mar 25, 2008 at 09:26:31 PM EST
[ Parent ]

I know who these people are (none / 0)

and I know what religions predominate. What you are trying to do is say that there are two worlds: the white world of European ancestry and all the rest who are in solidarity against them. I know that in your heart of hearts you would love that to be an accurate description of reality, but you really know that it isn't.

by lombard on Tue Mar 25, 2008 at 10:02:27 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: I know who these people are (2.00 / 0)

Lombard,
Can you read?

Why in the world would you take what I've stated and twist it. One - you have no idea what my opinions are as an individual. I have actually stated my observations as a social scientist.

I'm an applied anthropologist. My family is multi-racial, and multi-religious.

But it doesn't take a rocket scientist to point out that there are social and economic inequities in our system.

The whole point of the next election is to try to address these issues - as a party, in opposition to the status quo - which is the Repug position.

Anthropologists for human diversity; opposing McCain perversity

by NeciVelez on Tue Mar 25, 2008 at 10:55:17 PM EST
[ Parent ]

OK, I apologize (2.00 / 2)

My handicap wasn't the inability to read but perhaps the preconceived attitude to read too much into your words. I'm sorry.

by lombard on Wed Mar 26, 2008 at 12:10:29 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Apology accepted (2.00 / 1)

Thank you.

I'm perfectly willing to discuss things without getting over heated. Sorry if I sound too fierce at times. I've encouraged some of my students to come here and read the debates - to get a better sense of the wide range of opinions.

One student was a bit taken aback by the "tone", said it reminded him of screaming family arguments around the dinner table when he went home for spring break. (not this diary but on the site)

Thanks

Anthropologists for human diversity; opposing McCain perversity

by NeciVelez on Wed Mar 26, 2008 at 07:19:09 AM EST
[ Parent ]

A question back at you (2.00 / 0)

Name me the white politicians that run in (meaning they live in) majority black or latino districts.

On a larger scale - national elections - it was the black vote that put Bill Clinton into office on his first run.

And it sure wasn't the upstate republican vote that got Hillary elected in NY. Go back and look at the votes.

Anthropologists for human diversity; opposing McCain perversity

by NeciVelez on Tue Mar 25, 2008 at 06:54:19 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Thoughts on the African-American and Latino v (2.00 / 1)

Great post! The "brown black divide" is more of a stupid gang thing-- the middle class people who vote get on pretty well in my neighborhood (I live in the south bronx)--

by futurebird on Tue Mar 25, 2008 at 04:47:58 PM EST

Re: Thoughts on the African-American and Latino v (2.00 / 2)

It's complete nonsense. Oh and Hillary isn't doing that great of a job of 'uniting' when she decided to talk about REv. Wright today. It's sickening

by kristannab on Tue Mar 25, 2008 at 04:51:45 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Maybe she should kiss Wright & Obama's rings (none / 0)

But even that probably wouldn't be enough to please you.

by lombard on Tue Mar 25, 2008 at 04:59:25 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: I'm in the South Bronx a lot (2.00 / 1)

and I agree with you futurebird. I think people are more concerned with bread and butter issues - deteriorating infra-structure (trains don't run on time) the high cost of gas, rising co-payments for health care (if people have coverage).

These are the things we Dems should be addressing.

Anthropologists for human diversity; opposing McCain perversity

by NeciVelez on Tue Mar 25, 2008 at 05:07:58 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Excuse me Lombard (2.00 / 0)

sorry don't know if you are male or female, but I don't think that is a particularly nice tone to take.

I felt I had posted as an adult, and a Democrat, and am interested in seeing our Party succeed, but I thought that it would be important to raise my concern.

I was raised to be polite, and when disagreeing do so appropriately. It is just the type of tone you have taken, dismissive of what I just posted that is distressing, to many of us.

I'm not making threats, I am sorry that you took it that way. I was simply making an observation about things I have noticed recently.

The polls track votes using socially constructed variables; race, gender and ethnicity. But the polls don't always reflect the situation from an emic (insiders) perspective, because they are quantitative and not qualitative.

Anthropologists for human diversity; opposing McCain perversity

by NeciVelez on Tue Mar 25, 2008 at 05:04:01 PM EST

Well since Hillary has won (none / 0)

the Hispanic/Latino vote across the continent and since you provide no numbers of figure I'm going to take your diary for what it is worth, which is pretty much nothing. The facts are that many of us Latinos are so disgusted with the way the Obama campaign have smeared the Clintons that he better think that all the votes are going to line up behind him. Even if he picked a sell out & hypocrite like Bill Richardson that isn't going to sway many votes toward him. He courted the one Hispanic/Latino Democrat in the country who is even less known that Obama is in the Latino/Hispanic community. As for me personally Sen. Obama can never count on my vote ever again. I will not forgive him for sitting back and allowing his group UNITE HERE to play the race card in Nevada and try to create tensions between Hillary and the Hispanic/Latino voters of Nevada. When he remained silent even after John Edwards spoke up and condemned the racist radio ad and asked on Sen. Obama to do the same Sen. Obama failed to pick up the red phone and allowed it to ring. His lack of courage and leadership lost him my vote.

by LatinoVoter on Wed Mar 26, 2008 at 12:19:15 AM EST

Thank you for commenting (none / 0)

May I ask what part of the Hispanic community of Nevada you belong to? Are you Mexican (born), Mexican American (second generation) or from one of the older lineages that dates back to pre-US? Or none of the above? Nicaraguan, Salvadorian?

I am aware that the Culinary Worker's Union (representing many casino employees - and heavily Hispanic in membership) endorsed Senator Obama - could you explain why you call the union endorsement "the race card"?

Anthropologists for human diversity; opposing McCain perversity

by NeciVelez on Wed Mar 26, 2008 at 07:30:40 AM EST

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