I would be embarrassed to live my life thinking as part of a group. The Democrats have exploited groups. Mr Blow, I see how well black people have done with Democratic rule nationally and even worse in cities (Philadelphia, Detroit, Baltimore, Camden). But you will win with Hillary in November and let's see how the group does.
79
I am a 70-yer old white man. I loath Trump too.
348
The minute I heard that Trump was giving a law-and-order speech and directing it to African Americans (as if "crime" is inevitably linked to this community in his mind), I knew we'd be in for a doozy.
163
Thanks for a very succinct and complete gathering of facts that many of us sense when the candidate speaks. I expect more spew when Bannon begins to "redirect" the campaign. Hoping other journalists continue to expose what he says.
121
Blacks should actually loathe Obama. Black unemployment dwarfs the national unemployment rate, especially for black youth. Food stamp and welfare use are at record high numbers among blacks. Race relations have not been worse since the 1960's, and Obama has fanned the flames by rushing to incorrect judgement in multiple nationally publicized cases such as Ferguson. Black on black violence and murder is skyrocketing, especially in Obama's hometown of Chicago where black gangs run rampant. Yet Blow says that blacks justifiably loathe Trump. Blame the messenger, and ignore the cause. That makes perfect sense to deniers like Blow.
98
...blah blah blah...special "social" justice for black people...blah blah blah...
Don't blacks generally "loathe" anyone who doesn't treat them, as a group, like helpless children? What has Obama done for them again? Is there even a single metric by which they are doing better as a group than they were 8 years ago? And how have decades of liberal pandering to them in every major city panned out? Segregation. Poverty. Violence. 70% fatherless rate. Yeah stick with liberals. They gonna save you...in some other dimension of time and space, but not this one.
Don't blacks generally "loathe" anyone who doesn't treat them, as a group, like helpless children? What has Obama done for them again? Is there even a single metric by which they are doing better as a group than they were 8 years ago? And how have decades of liberal pandering to them in every major city panned out? Segregation. Poverty. Violence. 70% fatherless rate. Yeah stick with liberals. They gonna save you...in some other dimension of time and space, but not this one.
111
The name of your childhood home is fascinating. Rather than being a derivative of the ka'aba, Kiblah may be more closely related to kiblat, the direction (towards the ka'aba) which Muslims face during prayer?
22
Is there really anybody (except Donald Trump who claimed that black people loved him) asks this question ?
11
Hey Charles:
How about writing about how this president has cashed out while Chicago and Milwaukee burn, the Ukraine is seriously threatened, floods and fires ravage the country, Russia uses Iran air fields for attacks in the Middle East, hostages were paid for illegally, health insurance costs skyrocketing....the list goes on while this president PLAYS GOLF! You and the Times are so fixated on Trump while real issues are affecting Americans everyday. Trump is going to lose and a unethical liar is going to win. Americans want neither, yet you continue with you race articles.......so pathetic.
How about writing about how this president has cashed out while Chicago and Milwaukee burn, the Ukraine is seriously threatened, floods and fires ravage the country, Russia uses Iran air fields for attacks in the Middle East, hostages were paid for illegally, health insurance costs skyrocketing....the list goes on while this president PLAYS GOLF! You and the Times are so fixated on Trump while real issues are affecting Americans everyday. Trump is going to lose and a unethical liar is going to win. Americans want neither, yet you continue with you race articles.......so pathetic.
121
So I am reading about all of these slights of Black Americans recounted by this author and yet he never addressed the substance of the debate. The debate shouldn't be who said the best speeches or who "reached out" the most- the debate should be what party has helped the Black Americans more.
Predictably- Mr. Blow doesn't address how Democrats have helped Black Americans in Baltimore, Chicago or nearly every major large city. He doesn't because he can't.
Finally- I guess because it is part of his job but I would be hesitant to accept that Mr. Blow can speak for a whole race of people. This article wasn't a piece on why Black Americans are not voting for Trump- it is an article listing why Mr. Blow doesn't care for Mr. Trump
Predictably- Mr. Blow doesn't address how Democrats have helped Black Americans in Baltimore, Chicago or nearly every major large city. He doesn't because he can't.
Finally- I guess because it is part of his job but I would be hesitant to accept that Mr. Blow can speak for a whole race of people. This article wasn't a piece on why Black Americans are not voting for Trump- it is an article listing why Mr. Blow doesn't care for Mr. Trump
97
Both major parties have been terrible to black people the same way they been terrible to Native Americans, to Latinos, to Eskimos, to Chinese, to Japanese, ... to anybody that didn't fit the stereotype of white Anglo-Saxon Americans.
Is either party even talking about reparations to the black community on whose backs the country was built after the genocide of the Native Americans ?
I didn't think so.
Is either party even talking about reparations to the black community on whose backs the country was built after the genocide of the Native Americans ?
I didn't think so.
39
Trump has got to be Trump.
He’s said it loud and clear.
He’s got a new team.
They agree
Trump will be Trump
but more disciplined.
None of that matters!
Only one message matters in 2016.
We all know what that is.
He’s said it loud and clear.
He’s got a new team.
They agree
Trump will be Trump
but more disciplined.
None of that matters!
Only one message matters in 2016.
We all know what that is.
7
Mr. Blow, apparently you were too busy pontificating to listen to Mr. Trump's speech. Had you actually done so, you (like the rest of us) would have heard that many of our largest cities have not elected a Republican as Mayor for upwards of five decades. Some of the worst examples are Baltimore, Detroit, and St. Louis.
We need to ask a lay person (black, white, or any other demographic) what has the local Democrat Party done for you lately. The predominant answer will be next to nothing.
Effectively, the Democrat Party has gotten a pass from the minority community for decades, yet there is often little tangible to show to these constituents that something was actually accomplished.
Monolithically voting for one political party on the basis that they've sold you a bill of goods (in this instance) benefits no one. Mr. Blow should know better than to spew his old, tired rhetoric.
We need to ask a lay person (black, white, or any other demographic) what has the local Democrat Party done for you lately. The predominant answer will be next to nothing.
Effectively, the Democrat Party has gotten a pass from the minority community for decades, yet there is often little tangible to show to these constituents that something was actually accomplished.
Monolithically voting for one political party on the basis that they've sold you a bill of goods (in this instance) benefits no one. Mr. Blow should know better than to spew his old, tired rhetoric.
85
My mother was born and raised in West Bend, WI. When we used to visit my grandparents in West Bend I never saw one person of color in the town. Apparently Donald Trump did not have the courage to make his speech on the north side of Milwaukee where the majority of African Americans live.
124
For this election cycle blacks should vote Trump, 99 to 1. Seriously, we all know once Hillary is elected, like a forgotten pawn on a chess board, the democrats are going move on to other issues and so will Global anarchist George Soro's money. But if, that bigot and racist, as alleged by the media, Donald Trump, is elected, your issues will stay front and center and so will the funding. The media has created a narrative, and opened the door so wide, that if Trump wins, black grievance wins, and all you have to do is walk right through that door, and the media is eating out of your hands. Vote Trump!
48
Race relations are at an all-time low after 7.5 years of the current administration. High minority unemployment, increasing poverty, sky rocketing black on black violence, high food stamp enrollment and the lowest home ownership in 50 years are the "accomplishments" of this administration. Trump has no answers, but he has no blame either. Don't prospectively criticize him for existing failures.
70
Being raised in Alabama and now living in NC, I can't see how any African Americans can support or be a member of the current GOP. There is an admitted GOP effort to suppress the black and brown vote and has been for ages. This liberal white lady can't understand at all how any person of color would support GOP candidates.
239
This white guy can't understand why anyone in their right mind would want more of the same failed Democrat policies, as in the ones have brought you Detroit and Chicago. The Left are far too caught up in words and not actions. Barack Obama has been a disaster for the black community.
68
I think it is ridiculous to suggest that because someone is African American they should not support the GOP. That notion is dangerous and is borderline oppressive. I don't believe the GOP should be off limits to African Americans. I believe that African Americans are just as diverse as any other group of Americans. I was born in NYC and raised in NC and I cannot see how making people show an ID before they vote is somehow suppressing the black vote. You need a picture ID for everything else. Someone please show me some real proof that this suppresses the black vote and I will change my opinion. Why would a black person support the GOP? Because democrats are increasingly anti anything that a christian believes in, they are anti police anti military and pro illegal immigration
49
Blacks loathe Trump because he's spent decades earning their loathing with his bigotry.
I want to know why Al Sharpton gets a piece of this -
Sharpton's busily castigating Trump for not caring about black people when his own political campaigns & ambitions have been a front for concerns having nothing to do with helping people of color?
Sharpton's 2004 presidential campaign was managed behind the scenes & almost totally funded by Roger Stone & associates - the same "dirty trickster Obama & Hillary hating" Roger Stone now working behind the scenes for Donald Trump. Sharpton's presidential campaign was organized behind the scenes & funded by Roger Stone & associates because they saw a way to use Sharpton to defeat Howard Dean & then John Kerry by having Sharpton attack Dean & Kerry as "anti-black", peeling enough black votes away from them to help re-elect George W. Bush. Sharpton agreed to this because Sharpton's agenda is Al Sharpton.
Why don't people call out those in the black community who pretend to be working for the interests of people of color but in reality are ambulance chasers out only to empower themselves? Often at the expense of the community they claim to represent.
Roger Stone holds an unofficial but powerful place in Trump's campaign organization. He's been a close friend & political ally of Donald Trump for 30+ years. Why did Stone fund Al Sharpton's campaign? Why did Sharpton take his help & his money? And why is Sharpton complaining about Trump now?
I want to know why Al Sharpton gets a piece of this -
Sharpton's busily castigating Trump for not caring about black people when his own political campaigns & ambitions have been a front for concerns having nothing to do with helping people of color?
Sharpton's 2004 presidential campaign was managed behind the scenes & almost totally funded by Roger Stone & associates - the same "dirty trickster Obama & Hillary hating" Roger Stone now working behind the scenes for Donald Trump. Sharpton's presidential campaign was organized behind the scenes & funded by Roger Stone & associates because they saw a way to use Sharpton to defeat Howard Dean & then John Kerry by having Sharpton attack Dean & Kerry as "anti-black", peeling enough black votes away from them to help re-elect George W. Bush. Sharpton agreed to this because Sharpton's agenda is Al Sharpton.
Why don't people call out those in the black community who pretend to be working for the interests of people of color but in reality are ambulance chasers out only to empower themselves? Often at the expense of the community they claim to represent.
Roger Stone holds an unofficial but powerful place in Trump's campaign organization. He's been a close friend & political ally of Donald Trump for 30+ years. Why did Stone fund Al Sharpton's campaign? Why did Sharpton take his help & his money? And why is Sharpton complaining about Trump now?
32
While the messenger may be a non-starter.
The problem of black criminal violence remains, many Americans have just walked away from this issue saying only blacks can solve this one, to which Blow offers minimal at best ideas.
The problem of black criminal violence remains, many Americans have just walked away from this issue saying only blacks can solve this one, to which Blow offers minimal at best ideas.
44
As a white guy, I really think the reasons to loathe Trump fully transcend race. I wouldn't even know where to begin in pointing out all his glaring offensive defects. I almost don't like approaching it from a racial angle because it somehow waters down just how equally offensive Trump is to the rest of us who don't also happen to be black.
206
I understand entirely why any woman or racial, ethnic or religious minority loathes Trump. This takes no perspicacity or exegesis in the least.
What is silly is the Republican suggestion that Trump should court blacks -- court them with what? The idea is rather on par with an ad campaign for smallpox or HIV.
The biggest problems for the GOP now are the obverse side of the biggest questions for the Democrats:
* who will control the Senate?
* who will control the house?
* what will happen to control of the states leading up to the 2020 census and redistricting?
And then the really big one, for all of America: after Trump is defeated there will be about 25-30% of the American electorate that really wanted a fascist white-power government, and aren't going to get it.
We need to get through the next 30 years as these people die out, with a minimum of shooting.
What is silly is the Republican suggestion that Trump should court blacks -- court them with what? The idea is rather on par with an ad campaign for smallpox or HIV.
The biggest problems for the GOP now are the obverse side of the biggest questions for the Democrats:
* who will control the Senate?
* who will control the house?
* what will happen to control of the states leading up to the 2020 census and redistricting?
And then the really big one, for all of America: after Trump is defeated there will be about 25-30% of the American electorate that really wanted a fascist white-power government, and aren't going to get it.
We need to get through the next 30 years as these people die out, with a minimum of shooting.
109
Thank you NY Times for publishing my comment.
I know that I can be grating, and repetitive, but for me it's about respect.
As a Black Conservative, who met Obama in 2004 and knew it was time to leave the Democratic Party, I say what I say not for me--Obama never impressed or even fooled me, probably because I walked the same halls, sat in the same classrooms and learned the same law Obama learned at the same law school--I say this for my ancestors who came to America as slaves, because they never got to speak in a forum like this.
The biggest and most obvious fallacy of Charles Blow, Black Lives Matter and the false Obama narrative is proven with every breath I take.
I grew up in worse poverty, with less opportunity or hope than anyone in Baltimore or Ferguson. I never took on the cops, I never blamed the color of my skin, I never ever did any of the things we are seeing on television and in our streets. As a teenager, I moved. From place to place, relative to relative, taking jobs at supermarkets, cleaning office buildings, delivering newspapers, whatever I could get. And I saved enough money to go to college, and not just any college.
And we're talking about the late 1990s early 2000s.
It is offensive to see my race shortchanging themselves with this false narrative, that handpicked carnival barkers for the liberal establishment present in national forums. I loathe Black Lives Matter, and those ignorant enough to fall for it.
Trump 2016
Because I matter too.
I know that I can be grating, and repetitive, but for me it's about respect.
As a Black Conservative, who met Obama in 2004 and knew it was time to leave the Democratic Party, I say what I say not for me--Obama never impressed or even fooled me, probably because I walked the same halls, sat in the same classrooms and learned the same law Obama learned at the same law school--I say this for my ancestors who came to America as slaves, because they never got to speak in a forum like this.
The biggest and most obvious fallacy of Charles Blow, Black Lives Matter and the false Obama narrative is proven with every breath I take.
I grew up in worse poverty, with less opportunity or hope than anyone in Baltimore or Ferguson. I never took on the cops, I never blamed the color of my skin, I never ever did any of the things we are seeing on television and in our streets. As a teenager, I moved. From place to place, relative to relative, taking jobs at supermarkets, cleaning office buildings, delivering newspapers, whatever I could get. And I saved enough money to go to college, and not just any college.
And we're talking about the late 1990s early 2000s.
It is offensive to see my race shortchanging themselves with this false narrative, that handpicked carnival barkers for the liberal establishment present in national forums. I loathe Black Lives Matter, and those ignorant enough to fall for it.
Trump 2016
Because I matter too.
73
Low economic growth has hammered the black community the worst of all. Obama has the unfortunate legacy of not having one 3% GDP growth year during the past 8 years. No prior president has even had ONE term without achieving at least one year of 3% growth. Hillary will be another low economic growth president. Who will suffer? The African American community, of course.
50
I gather from your comment that you have pulled yourself up by your bootstraps and believe that others should do the same; that people should not use their disadvantages as an excuse for not being able to take care of themselves and their families. I admire your work ethic, although not your lack of empathy for others.
What I don't understand is what you think Trump will do that will be good for you or for the country. How do you see him changing the status quo? What are his plans that you admire? What is it about him that you respect?
What I don't understand is what you think Trump will do that will be good for you or for the country. How do you see him changing the status quo? What are his plans that you admire? What is it about him that you respect?
134
Dear DCBarrister,
I certainly can understand why people can feel disrespected by Clinton and Obama and their politics (though my reasons might be very different than yours) but I am actually curious in what ways do you feel respected by Trump?
I certainly can understand why people can feel disrespected by Clinton and Obama and their politics (though my reasons might be very different than yours) but I am actually curious in what ways do you feel respected by Trump?
58
African Americans Will Vote for Trump’s Immigration Policy.
For thirty years, African Americans males have discussed how illegal immigrants from Mexico, a compliant and desperate faction of laborers, have depressed wages and weakened the ability of all US workers to bargain for better salaries, working conditions, and health benefits.
Hourly wages for the vast majority of American workers have been flat or falling.
African American men have seen US politicians refuse to enforce immigration laws on the books for several reasons:
They love the cheap labor
They like to project a false façade of compassion
They need a permanent underclass
However, if African American men believe in the electoral process, they must vote for Trump. Not because he personifies manhood, he doesn’t, and not because Trump shares their values.
No! It matters little if Trump is a bona fide racist loyal solely to Europeans. African American men must vote for Trump based on what he has promised white people.
The major bedrock element of Trump’s campaign is to strengthen passport enforcement and to build a wall on the southern US border. These actions alone will add value to the African American workers ability to negotiate; thus, this policy should motivate African Americans to vote for Trump in 2016.
And it will. He has my vote.
For thirty years, African Americans males have discussed how illegal immigrants from Mexico, a compliant and desperate faction of laborers, have depressed wages and weakened the ability of all US workers to bargain for better salaries, working conditions, and health benefits.
Hourly wages for the vast majority of American workers have been flat or falling.
African American men have seen US politicians refuse to enforce immigration laws on the books for several reasons:
They love the cheap labor
They like to project a false façade of compassion
They need a permanent underclass
However, if African American men believe in the electoral process, they must vote for Trump. Not because he personifies manhood, he doesn’t, and not because Trump shares their values.
No! It matters little if Trump is a bona fide racist loyal solely to Europeans. African American men must vote for Trump based on what he has promised white people.
The major bedrock element of Trump’s campaign is to strengthen passport enforcement and to build a wall on the southern US border. These actions alone will add value to the African American workers ability to negotiate; thus, this policy should motivate African Americans to vote for Trump in 2016.
And it will. He has my vote.
71
Trump is a "bona fide racist loyal solely to Europeans" yet Trump's cornerstone political policy is the key to economic opportunity, self-sufficiency and recovery for the Black Community after 8 years of Obama's neglect and tragic malaise.
If you look at the Black Community during the Obama presidency, those of us who are sane would argue that Obama, by deed alone is the "bona fide racist loyal solely to Europeans."
#Irony
If you look at the Black Community during the Obama presidency, those of us who are sane would argue that Obama, by deed alone is the "bona fide racist loyal solely to Europeans."
#Irony
31
At the risk of insulting you, or assuming that you haven't, Dr. Amos — and I apologize if I do either — you, my obviously thoughtful friend, should (re)read INVISIBLE MAN.
21
Trump - what a zero.
35
If Bill Clinton was our first "black" president and Barack Obama is our first "bi-racial" president that would make Trump our first "sarcastic" president. And believe me, I'm being sarcastic!
34
It's pretty clear that most Trump supporters don't read the NYT. So you're preaching to the choir, Charles. Much as I like the message.
One can only hope for a continued string of hoof-in-mouth episodes from The Donald, between now and November. Followed by significant down-ballot losses by the GOP, so we get a functional government back.
One can only hope for a continued string of hoof-in-mouth episodes from The Donald, between now and November. Followed by significant down-ballot losses by the GOP, so we get a functional government back.
26
All of what Blow says is incontrovertibly true. I can hardly read the news anymore because of these truths. I came of age, and attended college in the center of the political and moral firestorm that was the Vietnam War, the Nixon era, and I have never been so dispirited when contemplating my fellow Americans.
When I let myself consider the litany of causes and effects that spins this country deeper into its maelstrom, and note again and again that even in a very best case scenario Trump will win upward from 40 percent of the vote — FORTY percent or more — imagine — I ask again and again: What in God's name is wrong with the United States of America?
When I let myself consider the litany of causes and effects that spins this country deeper into its maelstrom, and note again and again that even in a very best case scenario Trump will win upward from 40 percent of the vote — FORTY percent or more — imagine — I ask again and again: What in God's name is wrong with the United States of America?
56
Pretty unbelievable amount of hyperventilating here. The Democrat Party, the party of Bull Connor, demolished the black family and its middle class aspirations. Margaret Sanger and Planned Parenthood effected its subtle genocide. The media industry egged on its libertine, short-term thinking, and continues to do so. Black nationalists and Nation of Islam types have hounded blacks to "stay black," fighting against the emergence of a non-racial sensibility among them. All of these efforts were of the political left, but since the level of financial and emotional support is just enough, enough black Americans have willingly accepted these invisible chains. It is the saddest story in American history, and with Hillary Clinton, it will continue until the bitter end. Trump is the easy call.
34
In my lifetime I have witnessed extreme acts of chutzpah from public figures but this one takes the cake. I watched this speech in disbelief. It was pandering at its worst and complete and utterly clueless. Charles you have nailed it.
To think this person is the nominee of a once principled party is to think the world has turned upside down. I am white and I loathe him. I question the very principles upon which elections are based. This seems like a very bad reality show that Terry Gilliam may have imagined.
It is insulting to every voter to watch someone so unfit for office tell us about racism. But I guess a racist must know something. What he doesn't know is the intelligence of not only the African American voters but what they have gone through in these last decades and centuries. To think that what he 'offers' is an insult not only to them but to all voters who are paying attention and get the transparency of words without depth or knowledge.
I hope to wake up from this bad dream on November 9 knowing that the American voters did their due diligence and this pandering fool is no longer going to steal our time.
If his choice of Bannon doesn't seal it for you it at least makes it clear who Trump is really trying to reach and with what message. I know we are better than that as a country. Our mamas didn't raise no fools.
To think this person is the nominee of a once principled party is to think the world has turned upside down. I am white and I loathe him. I question the very principles upon which elections are based. This seems like a very bad reality show that Terry Gilliam may have imagined.
It is insulting to every voter to watch someone so unfit for office tell us about racism. But I guess a racist must know something. What he doesn't know is the intelligence of not only the African American voters but what they have gone through in these last decades and centuries. To think that what he 'offers' is an insult not only to them but to all voters who are paying attention and get the transparency of words without depth or knowledge.
I hope to wake up from this bad dream on November 9 knowing that the American voters did their due diligence and this pandering fool is no longer going to steal our time.
If his choice of Bannon doesn't seal it for you it at least makes it clear who Trump is really trying to reach and with what message. I know we are better than that as a country. Our mamas didn't raise no fools.
244
Why do blacks loathe trump?
Is there a republican politician blacks don't loathe?
Trump may not have the temperament, experience and knowledge to be president, and he may be obnoxious and irresponsible in his speech, but there is little evidence that he is a racist against blacks.
I have no doubt that you could piece together comments (in speeches and off the cuff) that Hillaey Clinton has made over the last 50 years and make her look like racist.
Is there a republican politician blacks don't loathe?
Trump may not have the temperament, experience and knowledge to be president, and he may be obnoxious and irresponsible in his speech, but there is little evidence that he is a racist against blacks.
I have no doubt that you could piece together comments (in speeches and off the cuff) that Hillaey Clinton has made over the last 50 years and make her look like racist.
19
Actually it is not a question of blacks hating republicans it is a question of republicans who misrepresent blacks and show disdain for anything not good ol boy politics. Please at least be honest.
29
One word, Steven: Birtherism. Trump made his political bones by claiming, contrary to all evidence, that our first black presidency was illegitimate and Obama must have cheated his way to it.
Straight up racism, and if you don't see it, it's only because your eyes are closed. Maybe he's just doing it because that's what sells, but I can't see his thoughts. In my book, if someone talks and acts like a racist, it doesn't really matter what's in his head at the time.
Straight up racism, and if you don't see it, it's only because your eyes are closed. Maybe he's just doing it because that's what sells, but I can't see his thoughts. In my book, if someone talks and acts like a racist, it doesn't really matter what's in his head at the time.
62
in 1973, the Justice Department sued the company for alleged racial discrimination against black people looking to rent apartments in Brooklyn, Queens and Staten Island.
29
Donald Trump's candidacy is an insult to humanity's intelligence. In this instance, we are all black.
84
Ummm, nope. Nice try at attempting to sound thought provoking though.
18
Republicans want to do for poor Blacks what they have done for poor Whites.
Cut taxes for the rich and cut social programs for the poor.
Cut taxes for the rich and cut social programs for the poor.
68
No explanation necessary.
Trump is a racist spewing hatred and bigotry.
Entire GOP should be ashamed, but instead is complicit.
Trump is a racist spewing hatred and bigotry.
Entire GOP should be ashamed, but instead is complicit.
66
I am amazed about the frequently voiced opinion here that it is surprising that Blacks keep voting for Democrats but not getting much for it. What a mindset! Voting for the Democratic Party is not about “getting something for your vote” – it is voting for what we believe America should be like with the pursuit of happiness for all in our shared society. Or as President Obama always reminds us “ to build a more perfect union”. It seems that our successful, eloquent, and fundamentally decent first African-American president has driven the right-wing mad and imploded the GOP along the way. Here is to hoping that sanity and decency prevail in November and beyond.
107
African Americans have economically done the worst of any ethnic group in this country during Obama's 8 years in office. Prior to Obama, no US president who completed a four year term failed to produce at least one 3% GDP growth year. Obama has presided over 8 consecutive years of low economic growth. This has been devastating to the African American community. During the past 8 years, the US has averaged a 1.55% annual GDP growth. It's senseless to talk about the 2008 implosion. FDR averaged a 5.5% growth rate from 1932-1938 during the worst depression in US history. The African American community will never recover without a much higher growth rate.
19
No, you are quite wrong. The shift in black voting patterns over the past century has always coincided with increasing "benefits" provided by the dems. It's even laughable that dems take credit for the civil rights act, which was of course pushed through by the Republicans. LBJ only signed it because he realized it would lock in the black vote (I won't use his word for it) for the next 200 years. The truth is your half white president has been an abject failure at every aspect of his job, but of course you are too bigoted to see the facts for what they are. You, like most dems, prefer to remain sheltered in your ignorance and hatred.
20
Thank you! You summed it up beautifully.
Government is supposed to be run for the benefit of all of us. I know longer have children in school but I vote for candidates who support education. I'm not elderly (yet) but I vote for candidates who look out for our senior citizens who have paid taxes for decades. My vote isn't just about me, it's about all of us and we are better off when all of us are being treated fairly and equally.
Government is supposed to be run for the benefit of all of us. I know longer have children in school but I vote for candidates who support education. I'm not elderly (yet) but I vote for candidates who look out for our senior citizens who have paid taxes for decades. My vote isn't just about me, it's about all of us and we are better off when all of us are being treated fairly and equally.
29
The more vile things that Trump says and does (things that stimulate his base base) the more he keeps people distraught with disgust leading to rage and hate; thus, there remains little energy for addressing the serious problems the nation faces, and no energy from Trump's base to grasp the destruction that he is doing to it. Who, after Hillary wins, will continue to care seriously about blue-collar problems when that base would not care for themselves? Who will keep Hillary's shoulder to the wheel as she attempts to free an economy stuck in obstructionism-as she wanders rightwards?
3
The problem here is not "caring about blue collar problems;" the problem is caring about angry whites preferentially. And make no mistake about it; that's the demand of the Trumpistas.
20
The loathing is understandable.
However, be charitable. Let us not shoulder each other aside to loathe Trump. There is no need to form a line. Trump is a sizeable quantity of ugliness in which all can share in despising. We can feast for days but never finish with the Trump-fest.
However, it is a feast best left unattended.
Let us simply vote for Hillary and let his carcass float back out into the ocean of ugliness from whence it came.
However, be charitable. Let us not shoulder each other aside to loathe Trump. There is no need to form a line. Trump is a sizeable quantity of ugliness in which all can share in despising. We can feast for days but never finish with the Trump-fest.
However, it is a feast best left unattended.
Let us simply vote for Hillary and let his carcass float back out into the ocean of ugliness from whence it came.
39
I agree with Common Sense. We're just a bunch of people in a closed system nodding self-righteously to ourselves. In fact, Trump supporters would take this column and laugh gleefully. In fact, it could be used as a recruiting tool for their side. (There must be some "uneducated white males" out there who haven't yet declared.) The really sad question is: even if Hillary wins, what will change? No more enraged confrontations between black people and the police? Quadrupling of unemployment and food stamp benefits so that those left behind will be able to rise above poverty and despair? We just had a black president for eight years and our problems are roughly the same.
16
Mitj, doesn't anyone remember we have THREE branches of government?
The executive is only one of them and not the most powerful. Until we vote out the Do-Nothing Republicans in the House and Senate, and elect better local candidates, not much will change. Let's put the burden on the branch that refuses to do its job -- the GOP-dominated legislative branch.
The executive is only one of them and not the most powerful. Until we vote out the Do-Nothing Republicans in the House and Senate, and elect better local candidates, not much will change. Let's put the burden on the branch that refuses to do its job -- the GOP-dominated legislative branch.
35
I think the 1% of support among black voters in the mentioned poll was rounded up from 0.51% and is part of the reason the 1% is so shockingly high. Nevertheless, even 0.51% is surprising.
21
I could not agree more strongly with Mark D's suggestion. As surprising as I find anyone's support of Trump—and by anyone I mean anyone who can read and has a political consciousness—that any black person would support him must be some sort of statistical anomaly. I think that the figure one percent must be a huge exaggeration.
19
The Democrats have blacks snookered.
The LBJ Great Society re-enslaved many blacks making them generationally dependent on big government welfare sapping their motivation and dignity.
Two decades later, with failure all around, black leaders, instead of encouraging tough love self-help and self-building succumbed to the cult of victimhood and selfishly collected political advantage.
Two more decades and many black families now in cultural and economic failure, Obama desperate and still needing black votes, commenced the war on police and war on courts.
Tragedy and travesty.
The LBJ Great Society re-enslaved many blacks making them generationally dependent on big government welfare sapping their motivation and dignity.
Two decades later, with failure all around, black leaders, instead of encouraging tough love self-help and self-building succumbed to the cult of victimhood and selfishly collected political advantage.
Two more decades and many black families now in cultural and economic failure, Obama desperate and still needing black votes, commenced the war on police and war on courts.
Tragedy and travesty.
27
Oh give it a rest! The real impact to black culture by the government is due to the heavy handed imprisonment and long sentences of black men by a predominantly white police force having to show they are needed to keep order and justify their jobs. Thanks to the internet we all understand this now. This is what leaves their families dependent on the government. Add to this low wages and being hired last and fired first and you have poor people.
27
Yeah, ensuring their right to vote, to attend decent schools, to use public toilets and water fountains, to have lunch and do business just like white folks--that there's oppression, that is.
40
you actually think being raped, forced to work, being beaten, having your children and spouse sold is equivalent to receiving medical care, housing and food.
20
I guess I shouldn't be surprised that even on the New York Times there would be folks who take exception to what you say Mr. Blow. Funny, given that everything you say is factually correct. Donald Trump is a disgusting human being. I find it shocking that anyone would consider him a reasonable candidate for the highest office in the land. I applaud you for writing this. It is my fervent hope that this country will be able to move past its history of racial hatred, though it seems to me we're having a very difficult time even now understanding how pervasive racism is... how it manifests and is perpetuated. We have much to learn and sadly, great resistance to learning it. I wish us well.
41
There's nothing factually correct about it.
And it's certainly not funny.
By the end of my freshman year of college, I began having doubts about liberals. By the time I started law school, I was a registered Republican. I grew up in a poor Black community, devastated by unemployment, poverty and hunger, with the perpetual carrot dangled in front of us by the so-called Black leaders in the Congressional Black Caucus that we sent to Capitol Hill to fight for us.
37 years later and the same problems plaguing the Black Community when I was a child are still there, and in larger numbers, sadly.
It is the height of hypocrisy, ignorance and insult to wallpaper the Black Lives Matter false narrative across an entire race of Americans. What I loathe? Being pigeonholed into a political monolith and shackled to indentured political servitude on the liberal entitlement planation.
So I escaped.
And I am voting for Donald Trump.
And it's certainly not funny.
By the end of my freshman year of college, I began having doubts about liberals. By the time I started law school, I was a registered Republican. I grew up in a poor Black community, devastated by unemployment, poverty and hunger, with the perpetual carrot dangled in front of us by the so-called Black leaders in the Congressional Black Caucus that we sent to Capitol Hill to fight for us.
37 years later and the same problems plaguing the Black Community when I was a child are still there, and in larger numbers, sadly.
It is the height of hypocrisy, ignorance and insult to wallpaper the Black Lives Matter false narrative across an entire race of Americans. What I loathe? Being pigeonholed into a political monolith and shackled to indentured political servitude on the liberal entitlement planation.
So I escaped.
And I am voting for Donald Trump.
12
I'm sincerely curious. You express eloquently your perspective about the huge problems with the black community where you grew up and which remains poor and dysfunctional. Please tell us what Mr. Trump or any other "conservatives" are going to do to change things? What kind of "plantations" will blacks be banished to after the white bigots, racists and sociopaths who currently comprise the majority of the Republican congress start running things? I suspect they would resurrect real plantations. Call it the new Republican jobs program.
4
And I miss Italy, particularly Sorrento and Positano!
:-) To answer your question, I can only tell you what I've experienced personally. I met Barack Obama in 2004 when I worked as a volunteer at the Democratic National Convention. I became a registered Republican almost immediately. Even as a volunteer that Obama knew would be sent there to greet him, Obama looked at me and the other Black volunteers like we were nothing, and here I was less than a year from starting law school where Obama graduated from.
I've also attended Trump campaign events, and I've met Donald Trump and his family. Mr. Trump went out of his way to shake my hand, talk to me, complimented my suit, wished me well and asked for my vote.
I suspect nothing of the fictional, false narrative about the Black Community that you've bought into, because I live and work in the epicenter of where America's laws and policies are formed.
The plantation enslaving the Black Community has historically been owned and operated by Democrats. That hasn't changed. The 21st century plantation chains us to failed, decades-old liberal policies that have led to the poverty, decay and loss that we've seen for decades.
What is Trump going to do to change things? By definition a Trump presidency changes things because we will have a dramatic change in how America does business. Entitlements and disincentives to work will be replaced by opportunity and accountability. That alone will turn things around.
:-) To answer your question, I can only tell you what I've experienced personally. I met Barack Obama in 2004 when I worked as a volunteer at the Democratic National Convention. I became a registered Republican almost immediately. Even as a volunteer that Obama knew would be sent there to greet him, Obama looked at me and the other Black volunteers like we were nothing, and here I was less than a year from starting law school where Obama graduated from.
I've also attended Trump campaign events, and I've met Donald Trump and his family. Mr. Trump went out of his way to shake my hand, talk to me, complimented my suit, wished me well and asked for my vote.
I suspect nothing of the fictional, false narrative about the Black Community that you've bought into, because I live and work in the epicenter of where America's laws and policies are formed.
The plantation enslaving the Black Community has historically been owned and operated by Democrats. That hasn't changed. The 21st century plantation chains us to failed, decades-old liberal policies that have led to the poverty, decay and loss that we've seen for decades.
What is Trump going to do to change things? By definition a Trump presidency changes things because we will have a dramatic change in how America does business. Entitlements and disincentives to work will be replaced by opportunity and accountability. That alone will turn things around.
19
I see that the link Mr. Blow gives for Kiblah cites the name as deriving from the Ka'abah, but are the town's historians quite certain of this? Qibla is itself a word of importance in Islam, being the direction one faces to pray (specifically, of course, the direction *of* the Ka'abah in Mecca).
I am neither historian nor etymologist and am quite willing to be proved wrong, but it does seem the more direct connection.
I am neither historian nor etymologist and am quite willing to be proved wrong, but it does seem the more direct connection.
5
Mr. Donald Trump, psychopathic spewer of lies and hate; regurgitated out of the bowls of the republican Party, is now their nominee for President YUGE! [[Thank you, Mr. Trudeau].
Why Governor Mike Pence, by joining TeamTrump, exhibits his eagerness to become political Worm Chow (with apologies to Evelyn Harper) is of his
own understanding.
However there is a solution for Republican voters:
1). Enter voting booth.
2). Quietly repeat Mr. Charles Dickens lament; "Tis a far, far, better thing I do than I have ever done."
3). Pull lever, as I will do absentee, for Senator Hillary Clinton.
Why Governor Mike Pence, by joining TeamTrump, exhibits his eagerness to become political Worm Chow (with apologies to Evelyn Harper) is of his
own understanding.
However there is a solution for Republican voters:
1). Enter voting booth.
2). Quietly repeat Mr. Charles Dickens lament; "Tis a far, far, better thing I do than I have ever done."
3). Pull lever, as I will do absentee, for Senator Hillary Clinton.
31
Trump is half-heartedly courting the black vote because he knows he needs it to win. But he continues to send his coded and not-so-coded racist messages to far-right whites, and continues to encourage hate, divisiveness and violence. The Times recent video of supporters at his rallies remind me of my mother's experiences growing up in Nazi Germany. Vote against this man. Do whatever it takes to vote.
40
Trump uses phrases like "the blacks" and "look at my African-American over there." His word choice alone even when trying to charm and unite shows his bigotry, his racism. NBC was right to fire him, America will do the same in November. He is offensive, unfit for office, even unfit for his old job as a game show host.
31
Hillary Clinton's word choice - "black teenagers are "Super predators". White racism is clearly seen in both sides of the political spectrum.
8
This is so simple: Donald Trump should not be President of the United States. He is a racist, he is shallow, limited and thoughtless.
He is supported by those who are like him, or those who simply hate Hilary Clinton.
What should happen now: every cable outlet, and newpaper should simply refuse to cover him.
He is supported by those who are like him, or those who simply hate Hilary Clinton.
What should happen now: every cable outlet, and newpaper should simply refuse to cover him.
60
Racist?
Based on what?
I am a Black lawyer in Washington DC with a degree in American History, so I know a bit about racism. Or at least that's what Harvard surmised on commencement day. :-)
Here's racism:
The liberal White elite, seeking to keep the Black community in perpetual servitude and mental enslavement, pull the ultimate Jedi mind trick--put a biracial con artist in the White House. Enter Barack Obama. (I use the term "biracial con artist" because Obama isn't Black, and the only interviews I've read of people who grew up with Obama in his teenage and young adult years describe Obama as a con artist)
Now as a young Black man, the establishment places Barack Obama on top of the heap as the aspirational figure of my race. How disturbing is that? None of us who are Black can ever become biracial, which by extension sends a clear message to actual Black people in America--the liberal establishment doesn't want you at the levers of political power. You can occupy places at the kiddie table, but that's it.
And in a sinister twist of fate, Obama can leave office having made things worse for Black America, and WE will get the blame. So all at once we are victims of our collective ignorance (misguided tribalism) and martyrs.
Gee thanks Obama.
Keep the change.
I am voting for Trump in November because I loathe liberal paternalism.
Based on what?
I am a Black lawyer in Washington DC with a degree in American History, so I know a bit about racism. Or at least that's what Harvard surmised on commencement day. :-)
Here's racism:
The liberal White elite, seeking to keep the Black community in perpetual servitude and mental enslavement, pull the ultimate Jedi mind trick--put a biracial con artist in the White House. Enter Barack Obama. (I use the term "biracial con artist" because Obama isn't Black, and the only interviews I've read of people who grew up with Obama in his teenage and young adult years describe Obama as a con artist)
Now as a young Black man, the establishment places Barack Obama on top of the heap as the aspirational figure of my race. How disturbing is that? None of us who are Black can ever become biracial, which by extension sends a clear message to actual Black people in America--the liberal establishment doesn't want you at the levers of political power. You can occupy places at the kiddie table, but that's it.
And in a sinister twist of fate, Obama can leave office having made things worse for Black America, and WE will get the blame. So all at once we are victims of our collective ignorance (misguided tribalism) and martyrs.
Gee thanks Obama.
Keep the change.
I am voting for Trump in November because I loathe liberal paternalism.
19
Suppose he gave a Tweet and nobody came?
Suppose he gave a rally and the "crooked media" didn't cover his latest "shocking" inanity?
Suppose he gave a rally and the "crooked media" didn't cover his latest "shocking" inanity?
9
Let me see if I understand you Steven. Because you don't like Donald Trump, legitimate news organizations should simply stop covering him i.e. not reporting the news. Is that correct?
12
Trump has shown by actions and word that he is a racist and a bigot. One can only conclude that those who voted for him, including those at rallies screaming racists slurs, like what he he has to say and what he has done.
In pulling back the white sheet to reveal the still existing ugly bigotry of millions of Americans, Trump has served the purpose of reminding Blacks that they cannot relax. W.E.B. Dubois's description of the duality of Black life must still remain in full affect.
In pulling back the white sheet to reveal the still existing ugly bigotry of millions of Americans, Trump has served the purpose of reminding Blacks that they cannot relax. W.E.B. Dubois's description of the duality of Black life must still remain in full affect.
29
I am often perplexed by the high percentage of blacks voting Democrat. First, I am unsure exactly what the black community gets in return for their Democrat support. Second, by having 98% of black voters polled to vote Democrat, they have made themselves irrelevant to either party. Why should Trump even try to get their vote? And what does Clinton stand to gain by any more than a brief comment here or there? We saw similar results from the "Christian Coalition" support of the GOP. No benefits were realized.
19
simple really. Democrats do not try to take away the right to vote or go to college while Republicans do.
25
If nothing else, Democrats believe all people are created equal. Many Republicans don't. Democrats listen to black Americans, and support policies that would help them. Obstructionist Republicans make getting those policies enacted. But Democrats at least try. And we'll keep on trying.
13
What is an example of a law passed or a by Democrats that helped the black community?
7
The fact that Donald Trump is the candidate for president of one of the two political parties which have governed America since the Civil War shows the world just how deeply entrenched racism is this country. Something like racial hatred is not taught at our public schools--at least not openly. So why are we still afflicted with racists so long after their principal proponents were defeated militarily in the Civil War? And more than 50 years after their successors in interest were defeated via legislation and litigation secondary to the Civil Rights struggles of the 1960s?
There are lots of reasons why American cannot rid themselves of the racism of the forefathers. But the primary villains are the parents who pass on the racism that was passed to them by their own parents. Like religion, racist beliefs are not subject to reason or logic. Like religion, racist notions must be accepted via blind faith. Religious and racist beliefs often reinforce each other. And they are also highly susceptible to manipulation by those wishing to establish religious and/or racial purity within their society.
I see no means of eliminating racism in a free society such as ours, where blind faith in the religious and racial beliefs of one's parents and the constitutional right to express them, trumps [please excuse the pun] society's need to eradicate hate and associated violence. In short, the accursedness of racist and religious hate will always be an ugly burden for America to bear.
There are lots of reasons why American cannot rid themselves of the racism of the forefathers. But the primary villains are the parents who pass on the racism that was passed to them by their own parents. Like religion, racist beliefs are not subject to reason or logic. Like religion, racist notions must be accepted via blind faith. Religious and racist beliefs often reinforce each other. And they are also highly susceptible to manipulation by those wishing to establish religious and/or racial purity within their society.
I see no means of eliminating racism in a free society such as ours, where blind faith in the religious and racial beliefs of one's parents and the constitutional right to express them, trumps [please excuse the pun] society's need to eradicate hate and associated violence. In short, the accursedness of racist and religious hate will always be an ugly burden for America to bear.
13
But the accursedness of racial and religious hate can slow down. We have elected an African American president two times. That is progress. There have always been charismatic leaders (everywhere--not just in the U.S.) who can bring out the best or worst in people. It's a herd mentality/jumping on the band wagon. It goes to our animal heritage, something really primal within all humans. Trump is one of these spokespersons who brings out the worst, who declares that to Make America Great Again we have to do x, y & z. Simple formula for an extraordinarily complex world. His slogan is brilliant but totally wrong. It appeals to people who have lost out and who buy into the lie that this slogan promotes.
10
Anti-Trump voices in this forum and in others are wasting our time, I'm afraid. We're talking to ourselves and to each other to satisfy our egos -- that somehow we are making a difference. Sadly, Trump's followers (and I am not talking about people who might be tempted to vote for Trump solely because of their opposition to Hillary) do not question his unjustifiable statements and absurdly unsubstantiated claims. They do not question. They do not think in abstract terms. They have no perspectives on international economic relationships, geopolitical forces etc. The challenge is to reach these people and try to explain how they are being sucked in by a man who appeals to the most base impulses. I know I sound elitist and pseudo-intellectual, but the fact remains: Trump doesn't care at all about ordinary people, none of whom travel in private jets and helicopters, live in two-floor apartments overlooking Central Park that rival Versailles in decadence. These people must be reached. It satisfies an intense need of some sort to write comments like this (I humbly include myself in this need) but the important eyes are not seeing them.
37
The problem of writing off the willingness of Trump supporters to listen to rational argument (and thus, to be persuaded)is that the only fundamental alternative to persuasion (rational or otherwise) is force (physical or psychological) A rhetoric intended to shame the Trumpites may not persuade them on rational grounds; but it may get through and intimidate them (which on balance would be a good thing.)
1
One only has to read Charles Blow’s columns and the Democratic Party Platform to understand why heterosexual white Americans might feel attracted to the “Alt-Right.” The 51-page document mentions African Americans, Latino Americans, Native Americans, people of color, and lesbians, gays, bisexuals, or transgender individuals more than 80 times. It mentions white Americans only four times, all in a negative fashion. One of these four references is to “white supremacists.” The other three complain that whites make more money than African Americans and Latino Americans and have lower arrest rates than African Americans and Latino Americans
33
I think we all know that white guys who're worried about whether or not they're straight sometimes join the Klan, or some similar pack of rats.
It's also not that surprising that they often make up "facts," to support the decision, and keep them locked in stupidity.
It's also not that surprising that they often make up "facts," to support the decision, and keep them locked in stupidity.
7
White men have the upper hand. They don’t need help unless that help comes in the form of helping so many of them get rid of their prejudices. I think many must feel threatened by the thought that things might finally be changing. Let go of the fear and hate. You will feel less put upon.
4
Sorry, but I completely disagree with you. I'm a heterosexual white American and see no basis in fact or evidence that the white race is somehow under attack. I believe what you are referring to is the fact that other races, genders, religions, ethnicities, etc., have no reason to continue to support at their expense white privilege. As the saying goes, if you can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen.
10
Much of furniture sold these days is made up of chipboard covered with a veneer. Mr. Trump is chipboard trying to veneer himself with different campaign managers. The public knows what is under the veneer. Mr. Trump cannot fool them.
55
Seeing as how Blacks have prospered so much under Democrat leadership of not just the Nation, but large Black population centers, it is only logical to want more of the same.
Does my Black Trump supporter friend that immigrated to the US 10 years ago from Nigeria count as a Black person?
Does my Black Trump supporter friend that immigrated to the US 10 years ago from Nigeria count as a Black person?
22
Jim Crow, systemic racism which continues to this day in the South, housing discrimination, job discrimination, college admission discrimination, sentencing policy of which the GOP has played the largest role of late explains why the GOP has had little luck with many Americans not just blacks. Since Reagan the GOP has been the racist party in terms of policy although many Republicans are voting their economic interests and may not be very racist. I used the words very racist on purpose because I think the GOP is more likely to treat African Americans in a prejudicial way in that they have prejudged many African Americans to be less than.
10
The Alt-Right, sadly, has technology on its side. Trump has generated an extraordinary degree of publicity with a minute relative spend. He does this by generating bile - towards the Black community and others - and then settling back while streams of equally bilious comments, from all sides, confirm his value to advertisers.
So there should be little surprise that Trump is not courting, rather baiting, the Black vote. He has come a long way by getting people angry and saying things which nourish the prejudices of alienated supporters.
The greater problem is how to generate goodwill within any electorate when the economics and distribution of the new media reward conflict; unless we can find an answer for this, the noise from the Alt-Right will become much louder.
So there should be little surprise that Trump is not courting, rather baiting, the Black vote. He has come a long way by getting people angry and saying things which nourish the prejudices of alienated supporters.
The greater problem is how to generate goodwill within any electorate when the economics and distribution of the new media reward conflict; unless we can find an answer for this, the noise from the Alt-Right will become much louder.
12
Brothers, love, don't hate! And don't hesitate; meditate and educate. Don't denigrate, but escalate, generate, ventilate. Integrate. Stay straight!
13
Trump has little to offer but the real objection, which many black voters cannot reconcile themselves with, is that the Republican Party, with all its warts, stands for self sufficiency, something that is glaringly lacking in a country in which 47% of the people are taking some kind of government payment. In the end, that attitude weakens the country. what happened to the democratic party that once stated: "Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country"
15
that 47% includes people who are living on social security ... hardly a welfare benefit!!
5
It's morbidly hilarious to see the GOP, whose candidate was born rich, whose policies include abolishing the estate tax, which never saw a government subsidy or tax break it didn't like, called "the party of self-sufficiency."
9
Just one point. That 47% you cite (like Romney) includes millions taking Social Security payments they have earned over their working life. Does that make then slackers?
8
THANK YOU. Trump's speech was stomach-turning for its hypocrisy, condemning citizens exercising their Constitutional rights to protest egregious police violence against people of color and issuing blanket support for said police. Trump then tried to pretend that his statements put him on the side of African American communities. Does he think African Americans are so stupid as to be convinced by a transparent attempt to pander and his feigned concern for African American communities?
Ew, ew and ew. Disgusting, transparently phony, despicable.
Ew, ew and ew. Disgusting, transparently phony, despicable.
32
The words "police misconduct and extrajudicial killings" bring to mind the lynchings by KKK and other white supremacists, between Reconstruction and mid-20th century in the USA. I recommend James H. Cone's book "The Cross and the Lynching Tree" for an astute analysis of this era. One can find videos of this author on You Tube (see the Moyers' interview of the Rev. Dr. Cone for a good introduction).
The parallels between today's extra-legal social control of black American communities and the goals of the lynchers are salient, and I'd like to see Mr. Blow develop some of these. We need to understand the message, as Dr. Cone points out, that the lynchings, as a form of terrorism, were intended to underscore and to drive home, to both African Americans and whites. Once we understand the message, we understand why a collective movement is necessary to reject it and to send back a vastly different message, as Ida B. Wells understood when she warned, "Those who commit the murders write the reports."
The parallels between today's extra-legal social control of black American communities and the goals of the lynchers are salient, and I'd like to see Mr. Blow develop some of these. We need to understand the message, as Dr. Cone points out, that the lynchings, as a form of terrorism, were intended to underscore and to drive home, to both African Americans and whites. Once we understand the message, we understand why a collective movement is necessary to reject it and to send back a vastly different message, as Ida B. Wells understood when she warned, "Those who commit the murders write the reports."
10
Trump is vile. He is a psychopathic narcissistic racist. He hates people of color and different ethnic groups, and he hates anyone that doesn't agree with him of any color. He is a misogynist and therefore illegally imports his wives. He is repulsed by any women in power, even his paid female staff that lie for him. They support his racism.
Trump touts war with bravado, but secured 4 fake deferments to avoid the Viet Nam war. When he rants and raves about "our" military, he fails to mention that his sons and daughters made no attempts to serve in the military, while his son stands proudly with the beautiful leopard (endangered species) that he has shot to death! How brazen and nauseating!
Trump touts war with bravado, but secured 4 fake deferments to avoid the Viet Nam war. When he rants and raves about "our" military, he fails to mention that his sons and daughters made no attempts to serve in the military, while his son stands proudly with the beautiful leopard (endangered species) that he has shot to death! How brazen and nauseating!
22
So what do you think Emma, still 50/50 on whether to vote for Trump?
2
Trump doesn't understand anyone and, most certainly not anyone of color. He is the epitome of a racist, bully, and bigot. While not a person of color
like a lot of Americans, I grew up in a family that worked hard to achieve middle class status. I have heard Trump's speeches about how he is the only one who can save the middle class. Unfortunately, all I have heard or seen in his policy speeches is giving more breaks to the very rich in America, especially tax breaks that would help him and his family. I have always been an avid country and western music fan from my early years and into retirement. I like CW music because of the tunes and the lyrics which usually tell a story. When I hear Trump speak about helping the middle class, or anyone for that matter, he reminds me of the lyrics from a favorite song by Chris Wall called Outlaw Blues which is a tribute to Waylon Jennings and goes like this:
"He said you can't sing the blues if you've never seen a cloudy day;
If you ain't made the trip, then you sure can't show the way.
You pay your fines and your dues and you learn a thing or two, you get bruised along the way;
and life's too short to hang with the cats that just can't play."
Trump grew up with a gold, not silver, spoon in his mouth and can't possibly "show us the way". He's never hung with us, doesn't understand our issues, and won't ever associate with us. His name says it all:
Traitor
Racist
Unstable
Misogynist
Pathetic
like a lot of Americans, I grew up in a family that worked hard to achieve middle class status. I have heard Trump's speeches about how he is the only one who can save the middle class. Unfortunately, all I have heard or seen in his policy speeches is giving more breaks to the very rich in America, especially tax breaks that would help him and his family. I have always been an avid country and western music fan from my early years and into retirement. I like CW music because of the tunes and the lyrics which usually tell a story. When I hear Trump speak about helping the middle class, or anyone for that matter, he reminds me of the lyrics from a favorite song by Chris Wall called Outlaw Blues which is a tribute to Waylon Jennings and goes like this:
"He said you can't sing the blues if you've never seen a cloudy day;
If you ain't made the trip, then you sure can't show the way.
You pay your fines and your dues and you learn a thing or two, you get bruised along the way;
and life's too short to hang with the cats that just can't play."
Trump grew up with a gold, not silver, spoon in his mouth and can't possibly "show us the way". He's never hung with us, doesn't understand our issues, and won't ever associate with us. His name says it all:
Traitor
Racist
Unstable
Misogynist
Pathetic
36
He's about 30 years too late.
5
This election cycle - and the rise of Donald Trump - has taken me from eye-rolling to disbelief to despair.
I am in despair. I am in despair for this country I love, for the Americans I love who, with all of our glorious hues and prisms and ways of being, have always, ALWAYS been the inspiration of who we CAN be, even when we fall short. America is hope. America is the beauty and the strength of each of us, connected by respect for all of us.
If - God forbid - this creature gets elected, I will no longer know who we are.
I am in despair. I am in despair for this country I love, for the Americans I love who, with all of our glorious hues and prisms and ways of being, have always, ALWAYS been the inspiration of who we CAN be, even when we fall short. America is hope. America is the beauty and the strength of each of us, connected by respect for all of us.
If - God forbid - this creature gets elected, I will no longer know who we are.
36
The Times criticized Trump for not campaigning for the black vote, so he said that he would. But everyone knew this was nonsense. Trump has no black support. Mr. Blow, I think you took Trump's posturing seriously. A little common sense would save you from writing a column about a non-issue.
2
Trump is the company he keeps. The Donald is close with Rudy Guiliani, a man with a horrendous record of racial relations, a man who dismisses civilian killings at police hands, a man who calls BLM “racist,” and a man so determined to discredit President Obama that he left out the very occurrence of 9/11/01 to blame our President for terrorism. Neither Trump nor Guiliani has any legs to stand on in interracial relations.
29
Blow, calm yourself a bit. I can almost see the spittle coming from your mouth as I read your post. Let's put this in perspective.
"Trump, who got a shocking 1 percent of support among black voters in a recent NBC News/Wall Street Journal poll." - Romney only won 5% of the black vote in 2012. So we're really not talking about a huge difference. Blacks are simply a very reliable (almost herd line) voting block for Dems.
"Surely there should be copious examples from those many years of an egalitarian spirit, of outreach to African-American communities, of taking a stand for social justice, right? Right?!" - Let's get this straight. So your argument is that because Trump (and almost all conservatives) don't believe in "social justice" (euphemism for redistribution), Trump is unlikely to get much of the black vote. Tell us something even more surprising like water is wet or the sky is blue. Conservatives are conservatives. They aren't going to change their stripes. And what about black conservatives ? I concede that this is a small subset of blacks overall. But isn't Blow's treatment of all blacks as a monolithic block racist ? Blacks are entitled to their own political views just as Americans of every other race. Isn't this true diversity ?
"Trump, who got a shocking 1 percent of support among black voters in a recent NBC News/Wall Street Journal poll." - Romney only won 5% of the black vote in 2012. So we're really not talking about a huge difference. Blacks are simply a very reliable (almost herd line) voting block for Dems.
"Surely there should be copious examples from those many years of an egalitarian spirit, of outreach to African-American communities, of taking a stand for social justice, right? Right?!" - Let's get this straight. So your argument is that because Trump (and almost all conservatives) don't believe in "social justice" (euphemism for redistribution), Trump is unlikely to get much of the black vote. Tell us something even more surprising like water is wet or the sky is blue. Conservatives are conservatives. They aren't going to change their stripes. And what about black conservatives ? I concede that this is a small subset of blacks overall. But isn't Blow's treatment of all blacks as a monolithic block racist ? Blacks are entitled to their own political views just as Americans of every other race. Isn't this true diversity ?
10
Since most "conservatives" vehemently doubt whether Trump is really one of them, your "conservatives are conservatives" reduces your entire argument to ashes.
6
"So now Donald Trump is campaigning for the black vote" ... this is from The Onion, right? Right? Tell me it's a joke. Please.
20
Think about it. Even now, before the debates, there is one simple overriding conclusion about Hillary vs. Donald.
Hillary Clinton will be able to connect most of the dots needed to govern in a world of almost unimaginable confusion while Donald Trump will still be in training wheels on almost everything.
Governance is like an industry. It takes experienced personnel with repertoires and the ability to be able to know when and how to innovate. How to navigate and how to set the stage to get things done.
Donald Trump has shown that he has a few acts, more than a one-act pony, but he repeats the same things over and over. He does not know how to converse in policy and problem-solving language and then show he knows how to get a government's bell cranks and levers working to get things done. Along the way he is insensitive to the language needed to avoid inciting bigotry and reprisals to individuals, groups and our armed forces all over the world.
And now Trump has decided to take a scorched-earth communication strategy following his appointment of Stephen Bannon, the Executive Chairman of Breitbart News as his chief strategist. This simply is an extraordinary appointment of a provocative reporter and instigator of the GOP right wing. Trump is also reportedly using Roger Ailes for counsel. These are the signs of a scorched-earth communications policy and not a "polished new approach to win over the folks who don't like the dog food."
When will the nightmare end?
Hillary Clinton will be able to connect most of the dots needed to govern in a world of almost unimaginable confusion while Donald Trump will still be in training wheels on almost everything.
Governance is like an industry. It takes experienced personnel with repertoires and the ability to be able to know when and how to innovate. How to navigate and how to set the stage to get things done.
Donald Trump has shown that he has a few acts, more than a one-act pony, but he repeats the same things over and over. He does not know how to converse in policy and problem-solving language and then show he knows how to get a government's bell cranks and levers working to get things done. Along the way he is insensitive to the language needed to avoid inciting bigotry and reprisals to individuals, groups and our armed forces all over the world.
And now Trump has decided to take a scorched-earth communication strategy following his appointment of Stephen Bannon, the Executive Chairman of Breitbart News as his chief strategist. This simply is an extraordinary appointment of a provocative reporter and instigator of the GOP right wing. Trump is also reportedly using Roger Ailes for counsel. These are the signs of a scorched-earth communications policy and not a "polished new approach to win over the folks who don't like the dog food."
When will the nightmare end?
25
Lat's make the nightmare end on election day, with a scorched-earth rout of the GOP up and down the ballot.
10
What I still fail to understand is how the party against unions was/is able to convince unhappy, unappreciated underemployed people that unions are an abomination. Unions are the reason that middle Americans could make a living wage. What did the Republicans offer these people in exchange. Could it have been racism and white supremacy?
75
Guys like Trump have been playing working people off against each other for a LONG time.
11
Trump will initiate another welfare to work program. Many don't want that.
5
There is still a welfare to work program.
Where have you been?
Where have you been?
3
And Trump dares to dismiss Hillary Clinton’s lifetime of working for racial and social justice, dismissing her endorsements from civil rights icons like John Lewis, and instead calls her bigoted and only interested in black votes. Please. Trump plays off of racial enmity, while Mrs. Clinton works to unite.
42
The other day, when he was once again asked to behave in a "more presidential manner," Donald Trump refused and explained that he is who he is and should be accepted as such. We should expect more of his outrageous comments. I hope that his followers will finally admit that he is a racist bully, a misogynist and a liar who is unfit to hold any office in any level of government.
27
Along with the president of France, the thought of Trump becoming U.S. president makes me feel like retching.
13
The Democrats have taken black voters for granted for decades, since the 1960's when blacks got the vote from the Republicans.
The pro illegal immigration policy of the administration, intended to provide low cost help to the limousine liberals as well as low cost labor to their businesses, has suppressed wages and employment for unskilled Americans, and the black population has suffered from the policies.
The signature issue of the Democrats, abortion on demand, is designed to reduce the minority population.
Income inequality between blacks and whites has increased dramatically under Obama.
The easy credit homeownership policy of the Democrats gave big profits to the Countrywide financial management and its shills, low interest mortgages to its friends (democrat politicians) and overpriced homes and high interest rates to the poor who lost their investments when the real estate bubble burst.
Somewhere in the article, the opinionators should explain how Donald Trump could be worse for black people than Obama and Hillary.
The pro illegal immigration policy of the administration, intended to provide low cost help to the limousine liberals as well as low cost labor to their businesses, has suppressed wages and employment for unskilled Americans, and the black population has suffered from the policies.
The signature issue of the Democrats, abortion on demand, is designed to reduce the minority population.
Income inequality between blacks and whites has increased dramatically under Obama.
The easy credit homeownership policy of the Democrats gave big profits to the Countrywide financial management and its shills, low interest mortgages to its friends (democrat politicians) and overpriced homes and high interest rates to the poor who lost their investments when the real estate bubble burst.
Somewhere in the article, the opinionators should explain how Donald Trump could be worse for black people than Obama and Hillary.
10
It's got something to do with his kicking them out of their homes so he can saw up their neighborhood and sell off the pieces to his rich buddies and attacking the black churches and mosques to which many black folks belong, while rounding up and deporting millions and having anybody who objects beaten--'scuse me, "extreme," policed--without much notice from a press he intends to censor.
Little things like that, and yet people get all upset. Go figure.
Little things like that, and yet people get all upset. Go figure.
7
Easy on the face of it: Republicans openly hate black people.
That old saw about only rich liberals benefitted and benefit from illegal immigration is laughable. What? Rich republicans refuse to use cheap labor in their factories and in their homes? Is that a joke?
That old saw about only rich liberals benefitted and benefit from illegal immigration is laughable. What? Rich republicans refuse to use cheap labor in their factories and in their homes? Is that a joke?
7
You can't be serious.
8
Why are we still calling people "black" in the first place? Yes, there's a range of human skin colors, none of them anything like black, but what difference does it make? Let's just focus social welfare programs where they're needed without calling people names.
4
That Man is as interested in the black community as I am in having my teeth pulled without anesthesia. The ONLY thing he would like about the black community is if they lost their collective minds and voted for him. He is fighting an uphill battle for several reasons, but one I find quite funny is that the GOP is doing everything within its power to keep blacks from voting ANYWHERE. And he expects them to vote for him?
71
But, in every respect, Trump is better than Hillary.
4
The political lesson of black African enslavement and black African Jim Crow is to be cold callous and cynical in their selection of candidates. Emotional responses such as loathing, anger and mad are worthless and wasteful.
While some blacks may loathe both Trump and Clinton, I do not feel that either is qualified to be President for different reasons. Beyond being 35+ years old and native born citizens of America they are both corrupt crony capitalist corporate plutocrat oligarch welfare royalty. Hillary and Bill Clinton are the Mistress and Master of Black Mass Incarceration and Black Welfare Deformation. Donald John Trump is an ignorant intemperate immature incompetent and inhumane white supremacist. Hillary Clinton is a temperate untrustworthy unwise liar.
As a child of the 1960's I was a No Psi Phi black. The NAACP and Urban League are stuck in the 1960's. Neither an ancient ignorant inarticulate mugging buffoon like Al Sharpton nor an ancient articulate mugging buffoon like Jesse Jackson speak for me. The Congressional Black Caucus is a pack of politicians.
Charles Blow does not speak for nor too all blacks. Both Mr. Blow and the NYT are stuck in Miss Hillary's pocketbook.
It is nation time and I am looking to the next generation to lead us to the next mountaintop. I am listening to and following Michelle Alexander, Bryan Stevenson, Eddie Glaude,Jr., Ta-Nehisi Coates, the three female founders of Black Lives Matter and my daughter and grandsons.
While some blacks may loathe both Trump and Clinton, I do not feel that either is qualified to be President for different reasons. Beyond being 35+ years old and native born citizens of America they are both corrupt crony capitalist corporate plutocrat oligarch welfare royalty. Hillary and Bill Clinton are the Mistress and Master of Black Mass Incarceration and Black Welfare Deformation. Donald John Trump is an ignorant intemperate immature incompetent and inhumane white supremacist. Hillary Clinton is a temperate untrustworthy unwise liar.
As a child of the 1960's I was a No Psi Phi black. The NAACP and Urban League are stuck in the 1960's. Neither an ancient ignorant inarticulate mugging buffoon like Al Sharpton nor an ancient articulate mugging buffoon like Jesse Jackson speak for me. The Congressional Black Caucus is a pack of politicians.
Charles Blow does not speak for nor too all blacks. Both Mr. Blow and the NYT are stuck in Miss Hillary's pocketbook.
It is nation time and I am looking to the next generation to lead us to the next mountaintop. I am listening to and following Michelle Alexander, Bryan Stevenson, Eddie Glaude,Jr., Ta-Nehisi Coates, the three female founders of Black Lives Matter and my daughter and grandsons.
9
Beyond getting tired of seeing people with whom we disagree called Toms, let me suggest that you add Pat Williams to your list. At least.
2
Why do you persist in perpetrating this myth that Clinton is concerned about black people? She has destroyed more poor peoples' lives through her pursuit of power. She believes the white supremacist myth of the Lost Cause of the south. She has yet to propose anything that will really help poor people.
12
That's because you won't and haven't looked. You fit things in that agree with you, and tune out anything that corrects it. Clearly, for example, you didn't watch the convention which provided many examples of how she has helped the poor, working stiffs, women, children, and people of color.
13
This is not a hard one to figure out. But thank you, Mr. Blow for attempting to explain the obvious to those who might not get it.
Of course, anyone who has been following the trajectory of Donald Trump's campaign, can't help but notice how assiduously he has taken steps to limit any, or all direct contact with communities of color.
This is hardly surprising given Trump's upbringing at the knees of his father Fred, and McCarthy acolyte Roy Cohn, both notorious racists in their own right.
Without a doubt, there will certainly be numerous attempts to dissuade the general public from this obvious truth, but in the end the facts still speak for themselves -- And it should surprise no one that any presidential nominee who has received an endorsement from the Ku Klux Klan, will probably not find too much support among Black people.
Of course, anyone who has been following the trajectory of Donald Trump's campaign, can't help but notice how assiduously he has taken steps to limit any, or all direct contact with communities of color.
This is hardly surprising given Trump's upbringing at the knees of his father Fred, and McCarthy acolyte Roy Cohn, both notorious racists in their own right.
Without a doubt, there will certainly be numerous attempts to dissuade the general public from this obvious truth, but in the end the facts still speak for themselves -- And it should surprise no one that any presidential nominee who has received an endorsement from the Ku Klux Klan, will probably not find too much support among Black people.
30
"Why Blacks Loathe Trump."
Now that, on its face, sounds kinda presumptuous...if not racist, don't you think? Does Mr. Blow now presume to speak for all African Americans?
Perhaps he should edit it to "Why some (I'm not quite sure how many) blacks loathe Trump while others see him as their only hope for rescue from patrician domination."
Now that, on its face, sounds kinda presumptuous...if not racist, don't you think? Does Mr. Blow now presume to speak for all African Americans?
Perhaps he should edit it to "Why some (I'm not quite sure how many) blacks loathe Trump while others see him as their only hope for rescue from patrician domination."
12
He may have the silly notion that if you're polling at 1% among black folks, it's reasonable to look at Trump's dippy speeches and Breitbart's open racism, and suspect a correlation of some sort.
11
Donald Trump cannot save himself never mind rescuing anyone else.
7
Primo Levi wrote of those who took up Nietzsche's myth of the superman "... all of them gradually took leave of reality at the same pace as their morals became detached from the morals common to every tome and civilization..."
Those of us who choose to uphold the morals of civilization must not stop at the loss of Trump but must grind every last vestige into the dust. The reduction of unique and individual human beings into the anonymous things grouped by the arbitrary characteristic such as body part color is the primary tool that actuate racist thought.
Those of us who choose to uphold the morals of civilization must not stop at the loss of Trump but must grind every last vestige into the dust. The reduction of unique and individual human beings into the anonymous things grouped by the arbitrary characteristic such as body part color is the primary tool that actuate racist thought.
8
"Those of us who choose to uphold the morals of civilization " sez an opponent who probably champions the "right" to infanticide.
1
Trump is now going to claim that his loss of the African-American vote is a conspiracy.
Actually, Trump has rigged his own campaign -- to lose.
Actually, Trump has rigged his own campaign -- to lose.
27
Blow purposely ignores that the Democratic party has become the party of racial preferences.
Supreme Court Justice Roberts was condemned by many liberals for his opinion stating that the way to eliminate racial discrimination is to stop discriminating based on race.
Incredibly, advocating racial equality and opposing racial preferences, is labeled scornfully as "racist" by too many.
Today in America, there is too much loathing of others.
Supreme Court Justice Roberts was condemned by many liberals for his opinion stating that the way to eliminate racial discrimination is to stop discriminating based on race.
Incredibly, advocating racial equality and opposing racial preferences, is labeled scornfully as "racist" by too many.
Today in America, there is too much loathing of others.
9
Yes, that's why so many states have hurried to create voter suppression and provide other forms of voter discrimination and intimidation. Evidence aplenty, but you can say anything you like here.
8
On the contrary! The Appeals Court ruling of the North Carolina voter id laws is proof that the Republican Party is systematically trying to disenfranchise minorities. You expect the minorities to just acquiesce?
9
The point of course is not that police protection isn't important for everybody, inner-city African-Americans included. The point is everyone needs responsible police.
The Milwaukee speech was filled with Giuliani-inspired urban fiction that urban America remains in a dystopian, shoot-em-out, squeegee-filled, bleak and homeless and endless tailspin.
Trump dragging out the old saw--when the facts are against you, pound on the table. Cities got their problems but the glass is way more than half full and not just in New York City as Trump also falsely implied.
This is not to say Trump will find zero traction, but the traction is with the same fearful angry white crowd that is the Trump base. I recently was invited to a south Bronx event where I was told I could park in Yonkers and take a chartered bus the last 10 miles through the Bronx. A laughable and unnecessary precaution for most, but on the other hand essential to those continuing to walk around with unrealistic, fear-filled and dire images of urban America.
The Milwaukee speech was filled with Giuliani-inspired urban fiction that urban America remains in a dystopian, shoot-em-out, squeegee-filled, bleak and homeless and endless tailspin.
Trump dragging out the old saw--when the facts are against you, pound on the table. Cities got their problems but the glass is way more than half full and not just in New York City as Trump also falsely implied.
This is not to say Trump will find zero traction, but the traction is with the same fearful angry white crowd that is the Trump base. I recently was invited to a south Bronx event where I was told I could park in Yonkers and take a chartered bus the last 10 miles through the Bronx. A laughable and unnecessary precaution for most, but on the other hand essential to those continuing to walk around with unrealistic, fear-filled and dire images of urban America.
9
We hear every election cycle about the need for the GOP to reach out to black voters. This usually takes the form of arguing that its economic policies are better for them, and GOP "family values" positions are more in line with their religious and moral beliefs.
While Trump's background is rife with overt racism, the history of the GOP since the 1960s is the true stumbling block for the GOP. Once the national Democratic Party alinged itself with the "old" GOP and embraced civil rights via legislation and public policy, it lost the support of one its key constituencies - white racists. The GOP seized the opportunity that offered by openly courting them, thus writing off the vast majority of the black vote.
The only difference now is that Trump is not merely pandering, he is the "real deal". His unshakeable core of white supporters know this, and black and other minority voters know it too.
While Trump's background is rife with overt racism, the history of the GOP since the 1960s is the true stumbling block for the GOP. Once the national Democratic Party alinged itself with the "old" GOP and embraced civil rights via legislation and public policy, it lost the support of one its key constituencies - white racists. The GOP seized the opportunity that offered by openly courting them, thus writing off the vast majority of the black vote.
The only difference now is that Trump is not merely pandering, he is the "real deal". His unshakeable core of white supporters know this, and black and other minority voters know it too.
12
Hey, Charles: why single out blacks here? White folks have as much reason to be offended by The Donald as you do. BTW: you neglected that disgraceful comment of his blaming African Americans for 80% of the violence committed against Caucasians (more like 20% but who's counting?).
14
In 2012 blacks made up about 22 percent of the poor and took 14 percent of government benefits; however, about 41 percent of the poor were white, and they used about 69 percent of government benefits. The wealthy receive a higher share of corporate welfare and tax benefits and are predominantly white. Furthermore, food stamp growth was largest in counties that voted predominantly Republican in 2012 and 2014, which is another example of white poverty. If you think that the self-proclaimed billionaire, Trump, is a modern Robin Hood who is going to level the playing field for all Americans, think again. He has successfully pitted white against pretty much everyone else, christian against other religions, rural against urban, less educated against more educated. He is a flimflam man. He is a man who has had at least four bankruptcies, received $25 million in tax breaks from NJ with the help of governor Christie. He will ensure future benefits for himself and his compatriots in the top 1%. A vote for Trump is a vote against the middle and lower classes of this country.
35
Dear Mr. Blow, Donald Trump's speech in suburban Milwaukee makes sense if looked at by its true audience. He didn't aim that speech at African-American voters any more than he intended sarcasm when he claimed that President Obama and Secretary Clinton founded ISIS. Trump's audience for that speech is the same audience he aims everything at: bigoted ignorant hateful white people. Sad to say, they still exist in our country and Trump has never gone off his message to them: "Your hate is good."
So what Trump was saying is that if some African-American communities are breaking out in protest and violence, it's not because they're reacting to true grievances. It's because there aren't enough police to keep them in place! You can feel good about voting for me because its the Democratic Party who has oppressed them! My walls will make white America safe for white Americans!
That's Trump's message. I appreciate your thoughtfulness, Mr. Blow, and I always enjoy reading your columns. But those who analyze current events need to take responsibility for their positions and stop treating Trump as if Republican economic, foreign, defense, and domestic policies are his "message" and that his tyrannical rants are aberrations from it. It's the other way around.
So what Trump was saying is that if some African-American communities are breaking out in protest and violence, it's not because they're reacting to true grievances. It's because there aren't enough police to keep them in place! You can feel good about voting for me because its the Democratic Party who has oppressed them! My walls will make white America safe for white Americans!
That's Trump's message. I appreciate your thoughtfulness, Mr. Blow, and I always enjoy reading your columns. But those who analyze current events need to take responsibility for their positions and stop treating Trump as if Republican economic, foreign, defense, and domestic policies are his "message" and that his tyrannical rants are aberrations from it. It's the other way around.
17
This skillfully crafted commentary should serve as a wake up call for all who continue to believe race no longer matters in this country. The scourge of racism and bigotry, fueling the Trump candidacy, will continue as long as such candidates enjoy public support, without retribution.
The Old Soldier!!
The Old Soldier!!
12
Mr Blow,
You're usually well attuned to not making racial judgments, but you have failed here. Specifically, you imply that any black person who views Trump has having any credibility embarrass themselves with their blind obsequiousness. Is that not equally true of white folk? Does not anyone who finds credibility in Trump embarrass themselves?
You're usually well attuned to not making racial judgments, but you have failed here. Specifically, you imply that any black person who views Trump has having any credibility embarrass themselves with their blind obsequiousness. Is that not equally true of white folk? Does not anyone who finds credibility in Trump embarrass themselves?
7
Why are we still reading about Trump? Republicans don't want the presidency, they don't want to govern. Their job in our one party system is to provide cover for the Dems who can now say "oh we can't pass legislation that will benefit Americans, the GOP won't let us, boo hoo". Clinton was anointed many months ago by the establishment. Trump is just the sideshow, here for laughs. His job is to keep people thinking that we have a real democracy, that there is a real choice, ha ha. This paper's and the DNC's treatment of Bernie gave the lie to that didn't it? And now - for more entertainment…..
4
“The colored people, despite the continued efforts of white frauds to make fools of them, generally keep their heads and retain their sense of humor.”
--- H.L. Mencken writing about efforts to integrate the public tennis courts in Baltimore in 1948.
One percent of the black vote is nothing to sneeze at when you are a white fraud like Trump and revel in it. Actually, with one percent of the black vote already in his pocket, he’s doing considerably better with this constituency than I would have expected.
--- H.L. Mencken writing about efforts to integrate the public tennis courts in Baltimore in 1948.
One percent of the black vote is nothing to sneeze at when you are a white fraud like Trump and revel in it. Actually, with one percent of the black vote already in his pocket, he’s doing considerably better with this constituency than I would have expected.
9
Once again, Charles tries to stir the racial animus pot, and omits many facts in the attempt. No mention of Trump's black campaign spokeswoman, the black men and women who he's promoted at his various businesses, or Hillary's role in birtherism.
I probably shouldn't care about these omissions, but I do.
But then when I think of the sad racial and class division that seems to intensify with every year of progressive leadership, I think maybe it isn't all so bad.
If gentrification accelerates in white communities, and they become whiter, and if black communities grow even more violent and more hostile to white people - like we're seeing in Milwaukee - is this really such a bad thing?
As a white person, I just want good schools, higher property values, better local government, and safety. Sadly, all too often getting these things means having fewer black people in the area. So maybe the key is to go with the flow, focus on local politics, and to continue to aggressively gentrify and segregate at the local level, and elect people like Obama and Clinton to fill a symbolic role at the top.
That way I can still enjoy a local police force and educational system that protects me and my family, while having a DOJ to always run along after the police are acquitted and the fires have died down to give my black fellow citizens the PR vicitimization-confirmation sop they need.
So maybe Charles is right after all. Black people should vote their way, and white people our way.
I probably shouldn't care about these omissions, but I do.
But then when I think of the sad racial and class division that seems to intensify with every year of progressive leadership, I think maybe it isn't all so bad.
If gentrification accelerates in white communities, and they become whiter, and if black communities grow even more violent and more hostile to white people - like we're seeing in Milwaukee - is this really such a bad thing?
As a white person, I just want good schools, higher property values, better local government, and safety. Sadly, all too often getting these things means having fewer black people in the area. So maybe the key is to go with the flow, focus on local politics, and to continue to aggressively gentrify and segregate at the local level, and elect people like Obama and Clinton to fill a symbolic role at the top.
That way I can still enjoy a local police force and educational system that protects me and my family, while having a DOJ to always run along after the police are acquitted and the fires have died down to give my black fellow citizens the PR vicitimization-confirmation sop they need.
So maybe Charles is right after all. Black people should vote their way, and white people our way.
6
Did Obama ever give a speech to the NAACP? Maybe recently, YEARS into his administration. Trump is talking jobs, rule of law. That's not a black, brown or white thing. It's an American thing. Go Trump!
9
I don't think Donald Trump really wants to be president. Otherwise, why antagonize all the minority groups in America? Why hire Stephen Bannon?
7
Charles, you left out the salient point that confirms your judgement. The displays of open racism and animosity toward black people at the rallies; the physical attacks; the hateful language; the paucity of black, or even brown faces- it's all of a piece. Have you ever read any of the comments following any report in Fox News about racial incidents? The message is there for the haters, that draws them to the hatred and conflict; as well to repel the open minded and tolerant of any race, ethnicity, or faith.
9
The murder rate is skyrocketing this year in Chicago, as blacks continue to slaughter each other. Nary a peep from the first black president. Here is the man who could have made inner city violence and mayhem on his most important issues.
Sadly in the last year, he has had more focus on peripheral issues like transgender bathrooms and locker rooms. And also sadly, he has become the golfer-in-chief.
Sadly in the last year, he has had more focus on peripheral issues like transgender bathrooms and locker rooms. And also sadly, he has become the golfer-in-chief.
10
Its Rahm Emanuel's fault for not getting in under control
2
Then ALL must come to vote for Hilary and Democratic members seeking Congress. There are real roots to this beast that go throughout the Republican in all regions and states of the country that must be cut to stop the beast's feeding.
5
I really think Mr Blow is short changing Donald J Trump here.
First off, I'm guessing Trump's actions against his renters, is unbiased. His interest, is maximizing the value of his real estate properties, and whatever underhanded tactics he has employed, I'm sure was applied in a fair and even handed way to all his renters.
Secondly, so far as stiffing his subcontractors, and fleecing the banks that loaned him money for his failing casinos in Atlantic city, or defrauding students with fake worthless yet expensive degrees from "Trump University", again those are all just crimes of opportunity, not specifically targeting minorities.
Thirdly, speaking again of opportunity, jumping on the "Central Park Five" band-wagon, or the 'birther' hoax, again, Trump is simply exploiting the opportunity as it presents itself. He didn't create the facts on the ground out of personal prejudice, he just plays the ball where it lies. Any traction or mileage he got as a result, is a kind of canny investing.
Lastly, Trump will never play to an unfriendly audience. He needs a friendly crowd to echo and amplify his crowd pleasing banalities. So forget about Donald Trump reaching out to Muslims,Blacks, Black Muslims, Mexicans, immigrants, forget it, it will never happen. Because an unfriendly audience makes for bad TV.
Why do you think every TV show coaches its audience to cheer loudly, with stage managers and even electric signs instructing the audience when to cheer? Same for "The Trump Show"
First off, I'm guessing Trump's actions against his renters, is unbiased. His interest, is maximizing the value of his real estate properties, and whatever underhanded tactics he has employed, I'm sure was applied in a fair and even handed way to all his renters.
Secondly, so far as stiffing his subcontractors, and fleecing the banks that loaned him money for his failing casinos in Atlantic city, or defrauding students with fake worthless yet expensive degrees from "Trump University", again those are all just crimes of opportunity, not specifically targeting minorities.
Thirdly, speaking again of opportunity, jumping on the "Central Park Five" band-wagon, or the 'birther' hoax, again, Trump is simply exploiting the opportunity as it presents itself. He didn't create the facts on the ground out of personal prejudice, he just plays the ball where it lies. Any traction or mileage he got as a result, is a kind of canny investing.
Lastly, Trump will never play to an unfriendly audience. He needs a friendly crowd to echo and amplify his crowd pleasing banalities. So forget about Donald Trump reaching out to Muslims,Blacks, Black Muslims, Mexicans, immigrants, forget it, it will never happen. Because an unfriendly audience makes for bad TV.
Why do you think every TV show coaches its audience to cheer loudly, with stage managers and even electric signs instructing the audience when to cheer? Same for "The Trump Show"
11
Yes, I don't think he actually cares about race, he just exploits it. But that exploitation is criminally nasty.
6
Trump's speech was tone deaf to those who embrace the Democrat playbook of identity politics and division. Trump appealed to a higher vision of shared common values and renewed opportunity, and included African Americans in that vision, which is the real respect and dignity they deserved to be shown. Enacting this vision will require individuals with fight in them to overcome all obstacles placed in their way by Democrat policies, not merely voting in bloc once every four years. While the sniffing out of white privilege continues on college campuses unabated, and the definition and redefinition of racism evolves to exclude black prejudice (because of an imbalance of power in society), things keep getting worse for African Americans. Two points to note:
- Almost all major U.S. cities have been Democrat controlled for decades but the condition of black communities has degraded in that time period.
- Black Sanders protestors outside the DNC in Philly were taped saying the exact, same thing.
Because of this congruence, there is a chance Trump's message will resonate with an active segment of the black community. Donald cut through all that 'yes, but' posturing to get to 'yes'.
- Almost all major U.S. cities have been Democrat controlled for decades but the condition of black communities has degraded in that time period.
- Black Sanders protestors outside the DNC in Philly were taped saying the exact, same thing.
Because of this congruence, there is a chance Trump's message will resonate with an active segment of the black community. Donald cut through all that 'yes, but' posturing to get to 'yes'.
4
I would never presume to speak to the African-American experience, because I'm not African-American. I will however speak to Donald Trump's claim that we need more police in poor communities. My grandparents were sharecropper cotton farmers in Texas until World War 2 started, then they moved to the city and got jobs in defense plants, they were able to buy their own home with money earned in defense plants. They had a 5th grade education. My father struggled and struggled and achieve a Masters Degree, my mother worked full time and was able to go to school part time and achieve a bachelors degree. I raised two sons and went to school full time and achieved a bachelors degree too. I expect my sons to do better than I have, they both have bachelors degrees at a young age and are working on Masters programs. It takes generations to improve one's lot in life, and the ONLY way up out of poverty is EDUCATION, Mr. Trump, NOT more police! Governments seem to constantly interfere with, or outright close schools in poor and minority communities, making it even more difficult for parents in those communities to help their children rise up. Trump is a racist, a bigot, a misogynist, and frankly, he's an idiot too. All of these combined make him very dangerous to everyone in the United States except angry, middle aged white men.
526
I agree.
Education, education, education.
Community colleges are open admission and you can transfer to a four-year college.
First one in my family to get a degree (masters). My sister who has a high school diploma, but a good job, has a daughter with an undergraduate degree (all her friends and their husbands have masters) and a son-in-law with a law degree. How much should I bet their two children will have college degrees and their children will have ones, too?
That's how you combat poverty and having too many children: education.
Education, education, education.
Community colleges are open admission and you can transfer to a four-year college.
First one in my family to get a degree (masters). My sister who has a high school diploma, but a good job, has a daughter with an undergraduate degree (all her friends and their husbands have masters) and a son-in-law with a law degree. How much should I bet their two children will have college degrees and their children will have ones, too?
That's how you combat poverty and having too many children: education.
6
"My grandparents were sharecropper cotton farmers in Texas until World War 2 started, then they moved to the city and got jobs in defense plants, they were able to buy their own home with money earned in defense plants. They had a 5th grade education."
I salute your grandparents and parents, and thank you for giving this example.
The path to the middle class was and is an industrial base that provides jobs. African Americans participated in the Great Migration north in pursuit of these jobs, just as they were beginning to disappear in the industrial heartland. A generation later they are stuck in rusting cities...with no opportunity and terrible schools, and Trump's and Giuliani's solution is more police.
I salute your grandparents and parents, and thank you for giving this example.
The path to the middle class was and is an industrial base that provides jobs. African Americans participated in the Great Migration north in pursuit of these jobs, just as they were beginning to disappear in the industrial heartland. A generation later they are stuck in rusting cities...with no opportunity and terrible schools, and Trump's and Giuliani's solution is more police.
4
I suspect that if elected, the only thing Trump will accomplish is to make the trains run on time.
4
Oh, come on CB -- quit stereotyping Blacks. The smartest thing Blacks -- or any other group -- can do going forward is to vote on the issues, not on perceptions or a history. Despite your charges that Trump is a racist -- the proof of who will be best for Blacks is in the pudding -- and so far the Democratic pudding hasn't done much, has it. Blacks should quit voting as a block, they are simply being used by the Dems. Sure, HRC will continue to grow government and subsidies until she spends all of us into poverty -- but what have all these government programs done for Blacks? How are all these urban cities run by the dems doing?
And what has Obama done? How are Blacks doing under the first Black president?
The only things that will get Blacks out of poverty and the clutches of the dems are jobs and education. We know HRC won't deliver jobs -- after all she wants to destroy jobs related to fossil fuels -- and education? The dems have historically failed on every social program.
But create jobs and opportunity -- that's where hope and change are -- not in ineffective social programs and handouts. The dems want to paint not only Trump, but all Whites (except the elite Dems) as racists that only the Dems can protect Blacks from. What hooey. The real racists are those who think they can buy the Black vote with a few hollow promises and ineffective programs.
And what has Obama done? How are Blacks doing under the first Black president?
The only things that will get Blacks out of poverty and the clutches of the dems are jobs and education. We know HRC won't deliver jobs -- after all she wants to destroy jobs related to fossil fuels -- and education? The dems have historically failed on every social program.
But create jobs and opportunity -- that's where hope and change are -- not in ineffective social programs and handouts. The dems want to paint not only Trump, but all Whites (except the elite Dems) as racists that only the Dems can protect Blacks from. What hooey. The real racists are those who think they can buy the Black vote with a few hollow promises and ineffective programs.
3
Trump is a nightmare and blacks are right to loathe him. What is surprising is that African-Americans are not furiously angry with the Clintons and even with President Obama. Clintons banker friends targeted African-American communities for reckless loans and caused an economic catastrophe which hit African-American households particularly hard. Policy response to the crisis by the Obama administration has focused entirely on protecting the wealthy, predominantly white, white-collar architects of that crisis and on artificially inflating investment assets predominantly owned by wealthy white people. It's not surprising, then, that African-American household income fell more than 2.5 times farther than white household income during the Great Recession. Home ownership rates fell twice as far for African Americans, wiping out the gains in home ownership since 2000. Today, African Americans are 2.5 times more likely to live below the poverty line as whites. The wealth gap has skyrocketed.
http://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2014/12/12/racial-wealth-gaps-great...
None of this can be blamed on Republicans, even though it could be safely argued that Republicans are not genuinely interested in economic justice.
http://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2014/12/12/racial-wealth-gaps-great...
None of this can be blamed on Republicans, even though it could be safely argued that Republicans are not genuinely interested in economic justice.
2
Mr Blow you have to be very familiar with the economic crisis Black Americans are faced with. Black American families have been decimated by harmful culture, crime, drugs and the lack of any opportunity. All this takes place in democratic run cities. President Obama has personally made race relations more toxic then the have been in a while.
Democrats today and historically have been very harmful to Black American
Democrats today and historically have been very harmful to Black American
5
I found Trump's speech given outside of Milwaukee two nights ago appalling. It was thoroughly exploitative and cynical; his only interest in the people of the black community was to use them as a mere tool to attack his political opponents. How dare he intrude himself on the American political process. Shame on the GOP!
7
Half the people voting for Trump loathe him. Mr. Blow and the NYT's wishful thinking completely ignores the reality that all the conditions which created the Trump candidacy are the result of President Obama's economic policies, and will not go away before the election.
No. They are the result of Republican dominance in Congress and in states and municipalities, and their careful tactics that promote the well being of their wealthy supporters. (except for 5 months in 2009, Republicans have been able to obstruct everything, and they are united)
9
"Trump, who got a shocking 1 percent of support among black voters in a recent NBC News/Wall Street Journal poll, has been urged to reach out to black voters."
Trump, to his staff: "Let's see if we can't get that number down to zero!"
Trump, to his staff: "Let's see if we can't get that number down to zero!"
6
Is this yet another example of the dishonest media that Trump complains of? Why yes, I think it is..even the title is erroneous so the information it it is probably misleading, biased or downright false. Why? Because it is obvious that all blacks do not hate Trump. Kevin Jackson doesn't. Jason Riley doesn't, Herman Cain doesn't, Wayne Dupree doesn't, Diamond and Silk don't...if I wanted to waste my time I could go on and on and on. You are a lying false reporter and you should be fired.
2
Well, he did say 1%. The poll also allows for an error margin of 3%.
So they're part of the 1%-4%.
There's always a problem when anyone says "all".
So they're part of the 1%-4%.
There's always a problem when anyone says "all".
3
when 99% of a demographic are not willing to support a candidate, it can hardly be refuted that as a voting block/Demographic that Black people support him. If 99% of scientist and studies show that smoking causes cancer, we wouldnt look at the 1% of studies that werent able to replicate that.
Soo im glad you are able to list names of black people who support trump, but those are just the exceptions.
the number one rule is that, there are always exceptions to the rule.
Soo im glad you are able to list names of black people who support trump, but those are just the exceptions.
the number one rule is that, there are always exceptions to the rule.
5
Numerous variations on the same theme. The fact is that Republicans were supposed to have in 2016, compared to 2012, a candidate more appealing to wider categories of the population, including minorities, to avoid becoming the irrelevant opposition.
They ended up producing a caricature of the unappealing extreme, an arrogant ignorant self-centered character. They own it now and will lose in November, but after that if a serious revisiting the main cultural structures of the party do not take place it is the exit door (like the Whigs in the mid-19th century).
They ended up producing a caricature of the unappealing extreme, an arrogant ignorant self-centered character. They own it now and will lose in November, but after that if a serious revisiting the main cultural structures of the party do not take place it is the exit door (like the Whigs in the mid-19th century).
6
Perhaps the speech, while seemingly directed at black people, was really addressed at his white audience, telling them that blacks would be better off if only they respected the police - which they don't. So according to Trump, it's the blacks who are at fault, not the society and not the police.
3
Now hold on there Charles Blow. Loathe as I am in any way to defend “The Chump”, he did couched his attempted outreach to African-Americans in terms of the economic impact of Democratic Party policies in the last 8 to 10 years. And as widely reported, African-Americans have suffered economically under Democratic Party rule in Washington DC during that time.
Whoever had won the GOP nomination, it would be natural and expected for that candidate to criticize the Democrats on their uneven stewardship of the economy; for all Americans as well as for minorities.
Charles Blow touches on none of this, inconvenient truths that they are. Trump is a terrible candidate who should not be president, but that does not mean there are no legitimate points of criticism as how the Democrats have governed, and that “The Chump” has every right to point these things out.
Whoever had won the GOP nomination, it would be natural and expected for that candidate to criticize the Democrats on their uneven stewardship of the economy; for all Americans as well as for minorities.
Charles Blow touches on none of this, inconvenient truths that they are. Trump is a terrible candidate who should not be president, but that does not mean there are no legitimate points of criticism as how the Democrats have governed, and that “The Chump” has every right to point these things out.
30
We don't know how Democrats would have governed. They were given a scant 5 months (between seating Franken and Kennedy's illness and death). After that it was obstruction all the way, not only of Democrats but of reasonable Republicans.
Do you remember the government shutdown? That was smart economic policy, wasn't it? All those repeals of Obamacare? The multimillion Benghazi investigation?
What we inhabit now is increasingly Kochworld, poor working stiffs manipulated against their interests, no unions, pensions being stolen, looting and theft of the public purse and the environment.
Do you remember the government shutdown? That was smart economic policy, wasn't it? All those repeals of Obamacare? The multimillion Benghazi investigation?
What we inhabit now is increasingly Kochworld, poor working stiffs manipulated against their interests, no unions, pensions being stolen, looting and theft of the public purse and the environment.
9
The Democrats have had most of the power in Washington DC the last 8-10 years.
If they still could not govern the way they wanted, then that is their failing, not the Republican's.
Remember "the buck stops here?" It means the party in power is the most responsible for governing. Democrats used to believe that.
If they still could not govern the way they wanted, then that is their failing, not the Republican's.
Remember "the buck stops here?" It means the party in power is the most responsible for governing. Democrats used to believe that.
1
Charles Blow gets it right! As an African American woman, I also loathe DT for his sexist and misogynistic comments about women. Even Stevie Wonder can see who DT is really pandering to.
6
"He is the hobgoblin of retrograde racial hegemony." Kudos for that sentence Mr. Blow!
Republican motto: Divide the country, and the GOP stands; unite the country, and the GOP falls.
However, Trump is so obnoxious, reprehensible, and embarrassing for our country in his crude attempts to divide us (in true Nixon southern strategy and GOP tradition) that in a funny way, I think he is uniting us. From 63-70% of Americans rate Trump unfavorably. So at least we agree on that!
Best way to Make America Great--Again? Do not vote for any Republican politician in the 2016 election. Think if it as an opportunity to no longer see and hear from Paul Ryan in the House and Mitch McConnell in the Senate as spokesmen for our Congress.
Republican motto: Divide the country, and the GOP stands; unite the country, and the GOP falls.
However, Trump is so obnoxious, reprehensible, and embarrassing for our country in his crude attempts to divide us (in true Nixon southern strategy and GOP tradition) that in a funny way, I think he is uniting us. From 63-70% of Americans rate Trump unfavorably. So at least we agree on that!
Best way to Make America Great--Again? Do not vote for any Republican politician in the 2016 election. Think if it as an opportunity to no longer see and hear from Paul Ryan in the House and Mitch McConnell in the Senate as spokesmen for our Congress.
11
If you are Black, ask yourself whether you and yours are any better off today than you were eight years ago?
While Barack Obama, Charles Blow, Rev. Al Shapton, Valarie Jarrett, Jeh Johnson, Eric Holder, Loretta Lynch, and Susan Rice all got fabulously wealthier and more powerful; what exactly did you and your family get out of the deal?
Are your neighborhoods any safer? Are you public schools or teachers any better? Is your current job any more secure and do you receive any higher pay than you did back in 2008? Is your net worth any higher...assuming you even have one? Is your healthcare any cheaper, better, or more accessible?
So yes friends, what did you get out of the deal as a Black American? And why do you think anything will change much with a status quo President like Hillary Clinton?
While Barack Obama, Charles Blow, Rev. Al Shapton, Valarie Jarrett, Jeh Johnson, Eric Holder, Loretta Lynch, and Susan Rice all got fabulously wealthier and more powerful; what exactly did you and your family get out of the deal?
Are your neighborhoods any safer? Are you public schools or teachers any better? Is your current job any more secure and do you receive any higher pay than you did back in 2008? Is your net worth any higher...assuming you even have one? Is your healthcare any cheaper, better, or more accessible?
So yes friends, what did you get out of the deal as a Black American? And why do you think anything will change much with a status quo President like Hillary Clinton?
5
If you are trying to make a case for Blacks to vote for a blatant racist and bigot, who is supported by the KKK, Neo-Nazi groups and other white supremacist groups, you have failed.
8
Okay, I'll bite. I completed my masters and bought a second house and maintained my long-term employment. I bought at an inflated price, but then I sold at one, too. On the other hand, I didn't buy more house than I could afford and I refinanced it down from 30 years to 15 with an increase in my monthly payments of less $200 a month. I expect to pay it off in 7 years. I estimate I have around $500 in credit card debt, if that. Both our cars were paid off long ago. Wish my property taxes were lower.
Here's a tip I learned from my grandpa a long-time ago, use credit sparingly, never buy more than you can afford.
Works for me in any economy and no matter who's president or running congress.
Here's a tip I learned from my grandpa a long-time ago, use credit sparingly, never buy more than you can afford.
Works for me in any economy and no matter who's president or running congress.
2
He's looking to improve on one percent,that's all.
2
While there are many others, the first basic fact that disqualified Trump from any consideration as a Presidential candidate was his Obama birth certificate gambit. The man cannot live long enough or do enough to atone for that. Charles' column could have been the shortest he's ever written.
4
So, by that criteria, Hillary Clinton should be disqualified as well.
2
A black person, woman, or a minority would have to be a sadist or a masochist to vote GOP. It's ugly history, at least since Nixon, has been obvious.
5
To paraphrase from the Republican playbook against candidate John Kerry in 2004:
Trump knew David Duke in 2000 before he didn't know him in 2016.
Trump knew David Duke in 2000 before he didn't know him in 2016.
5
The idea of Trump campaigning in black areas brought to mind the long ago joke of a POL who decided to go to an Indian reservation to campaign for an upcoming election:
A politician gives a stump speech in an Indian reservation, trying to garner the Native American ballot. :
"If elected, I promise better education for Native Americans," he says. The crowd goes wild, calling out "Hoya! Hoya!"
The guy doesn't know what the word means, but he figures, hey, they look excited, so he goes on. "I promise to propose legislation permitting a casino to be built on this reservation," he says. The crowd gets even more frenzied, and keeps shouting "Hoya!" over and over. Encouraged by the cheers, he finishes his speech: "And if elected, I promise to ensure better health care and employment options for Native Americans!" The crowd is at a fever pitch, stamping their feet and yelling "Hoya! Hoya! Hoya!"
His speech finished, the guy shakes some hands, kisses some babies, and decides to go on a tour of the reservation before hitting the campaign trail again. He comes across a huge herd of cattle, and says to his guide, "I was raised on a ranch, and I've always loved cattle. Mind if I go over and get a closer look?"
"Sure," says the guide, "but be careful not to step in the hoya."
A politician gives a stump speech in an Indian reservation, trying to garner the Native American ballot. :
"If elected, I promise better education for Native Americans," he says. The crowd goes wild, calling out "Hoya! Hoya!"
The guy doesn't know what the word means, but he figures, hey, they look excited, so he goes on. "I promise to propose legislation permitting a casino to be built on this reservation," he says. The crowd gets even more frenzied, and keeps shouting "Hoya!" over and over. Encouraged by the cheers, he finishes his speech: "And if elected, I promise to ensure better health care and employment options for Native Americans!" The crowd is at a fever pitch, stamping their feet and yelling "Hoya! Hoya! Hoya!"
His speech finished, the guy shakes some hands, kisses some babies, and decides to go on a tour of the reservation before hitting the campaign trail again. He comes across a huge herd of cattle, and says to his guide, "I was raised on a ranch, and I've always loved cattle. Mind if I go over and get a closer look?"
"Sure," says the guide, "but be careful not to step in the hoya."
3
So who are the 1% of African-Americans who support Trump? and, What do they see of any value in Trump that the rest of us do not?
2
I'll ask that question as soon as I can find one.
3
'When you go kayaking in white water it's not that the river drowns you; It's that you drown the river.'
'If your plane goes down, it's not that the plane crashed into the Earth; It's the Earth that crashed into the plane."
(Some amazingly bigly brilliant Trump logic.)
'If your plane goes down, it's not that the plane crashed into the Earth; It's the Earth that crashed into the plane."
(Some amazingly bigly brilliant Trump logic.)
4
" “the problem in our poorest communities is not that there are too many police, the problem is that there are not enough police.”"
The speech was tone deaf, facile and nonsensical, much like the man who delivered it."
Maybe blow IS right. From a tax-payer(Blow being one) perspective, why waste tax dollars where those monies aren't well spent. What's more policing going to do? Is it going to stop the crime, murders and violence? Dollar for dollar probably not. So why try to help the good people out?
But it begs the question; do the overwhelming law abiding families who have to live with the constant violence wish to have their neighborhoods more... or less violent?
The speech was tone deaf, facile and nonsensical, much like the man who delivered it."
Maybe blow IS right. From a tax-payer(Blow being one) perspective, why waste tax dollars where those monies aren't well spent. What's more policing going to do? Is it going to stop the crime, murders and violence? Dollar for dollar probably not. So why try to help the good people out?
But it begs the question; do the overwhelming law abiding families who have to live with the constant violence wish to have their neighborhoods more... or less violent?
2
Suggest you read the recent report on Baltimore policing. The problem with policing is the blatant racism and target (not to mention killings) of black people. There's a term: DWB "driving while black"
Did you see what happened to James Blake at the US Open tennis last year? the world is full of examples. Even President Obama has stories of being stopped because he was black (before he was elected).
Did you see what happened to James Blake at the US Open tennis last year? the world is full of examples. Even President Obama has stories of being stopped because he was black (before he was elected).
4
And when the President praised Muslim sports heroes Trump questioned their very existence... then promoted himself by Tweet as a professional mourner when Ali died... and finally got justifiably schooled by Kareem at the Democratic Convention.
Also, the word “flimsy” suggests there was some merit to the case against the Central Park Five; it wasn’t just weak but completely baseless and contrived--therefore the wrongful conviction settlement.
Also, the word “flimsy” suggests there was some merit to the case against the Central Park Five; it wasn’t just weak but completely baseless and contrived--therefore the wrongful conviction settlement.
5
Trumps so-called outreach to black people at his speech in Wisconsin was not aimed at black folks at all. It was aimed at whites. It was intended to give his white supporters cover and comfort for their Trump support. "I'm not racist for supporting Trump. See? He wants to help blacks and save them from the disastrous welfare state that the Democrats have enslaved them in. We are pro-black, not anti-black!" His thin message of right wing tropes only works on those who already believe that tripe and believe in Trump.
298
In the 2008 and 2012 elections the Republican candidate for POTUS received 57% and 59% of the white vote. The Republican Party is the party of white people, for white people and by white people and their careful colored coterie.
4
The scary thing is not Trump. The scary thing is there are MILLIONS of people who will vote for him.
10
Thanks Mr Blow for stating the obvious once again. Mr. Trump must not be allowed to be elected president and the republicans in congress must be turned out as well.
5
Yes, the deception is complete, when people don't ever know that they have been deceived.
4
" Neither party has been effective helping the lot of racial minorities (or persons with disabilities for that matter"
correct.
when liberals control the agenda it is always focusing on raising the minimum wage. who is going to hire a Black male kid from the ghetto with few skills at $15/hr. who cares if he has no job and it leads to a criminal life style and life long government dependency.
Trump doesn't reach out to the black community but he puts people to work. work is a word which is an anathema to charles blow and his allies.
correct.
when liberals control the agenda it is always focusing on raising the minimum wage. who is going to hire a Black male kid from the ghetto with few skills at $15/hr. who cares if he has no job and it leads to a criminal life style and life long government dependency.
Trump doesn't reach out to the black community but he puts people to work. work is a word which is an anathema to charles blow and his allies.
5
Does he? That's what he says, but he's not that great an employer, according to the record. He cheats a lot.
4
Trump hires Mexican to mow his lawns (golf courses). Let's assume they are legal (*wink *wink).
And he pays for work visas for European immigrants because he believes they know how to provide "classy" service to his rich white clientele, rather than hire Americans (because he considers American workers lazy).
You know, when he's not ripping off small business contractors.
And he pays for work visas for European immigrants because he believes they know how to provide "classy" service to his rich white clientele, rather than hire Americans (because he considers American workers lazy).
You know, when he's not ripping off small business contractors.
5
Democrats have done such a good job of creating strong communities and a promising future for the black community -- how could they vote differently? Dependence on government has strengthened families, lowered crime, reduced poverty, and provided a model for the rest of the country. Go to Baltimore, Detroit, or Chicago and see the success of 40 years of liberal dominated politics. Without concern for Republicans thwarting their initiatives, the politicians who control the black community have created a near paradise. The community has been taught that class warfare, anti-business sentiment and more government will make things better. Given the obvious success of this strategy -- how could they open themselves up to other ideas?
3
Trump spoke truth the other day to the Democratic machine that has overseen the destruction of so many inner cities through decades of corrupt one party rule. Blow is part of the problem by helping to perpetuate this arrangement.
The Milwaukee situation this week is the end game of the BLM movement which saw not only Hillary Clinton supporting the lawless trash who rioted after a career criminal holding a gun was taken down by a black cop but rioters deliberately seeking out white victims to attack. The Clinton News Network (CNN) played a particularly damaging role by editing out the sister of the dead criminal calling on the riots to move to the suburbs.
How about some comments on that, Charlie Blow! Too bad reality does not match the NYT narrative.
The Milwaukee situation this week is the end game of the BLM movement which saw not only Hillary Clinton supporting the lawless trash who rioted after a career criminal holding a gun was taken down by a black cop but rioters deliberately seeking out white victims to attack. The Clinton News Network (CNN) played a particularly damaging role by editing out the sister of the dead criminal calling on the riots to move to the suburbs.
How about some comments on that, Charlie Blow! Too bad reality does not match the NYT narrative.
7
Let's never forget, as Charles points out, that this is the charlatan who started a public campaign to malign the legitimacy of the elected president of our country. I'm afraid that this is being lost in all of the other controversies he has created. This is not a joke. A seriously ill and damaged man has a chance to become commander-in-chief. What does that say about us???
11
Exactly. Don't confuse the new script with the core of the man.
10
Charles, you have a way with words. Trump is a shameless carnival barker, a con man as Romney put it. He did everything to discredit and de-legitimize Obama with his "birther" movement. Now, he makes a pitch for black votes! Breathtaking hypocrisy. Who could make this stuff up.
7
When the shortlist of the most horrifying examples of Trump's racism against black people include such gems as (to paraphrase):
"he hired a campaign exec who was a leader at conservative website with articles that a liberal group has called racist, and which attracts readers, some of whom are racist," and
"he rhetorically attacked a judge that was in a traditionally black fraternity"
...It makes me assume that Trump probably isn't a racist.
"he hired a campaign exec who was a leader at conservative website with articles that a liberal group has called racist, and which attracts readers, some of whom are racist," and
"he rhetorically attacked a judge that was in a traditionally black fraternity"
...It makes me assume that Trump probably isn't a racist.
4
Take a look at Zimbabwe or Venezuela or Russia or North Korea. Who the people vote for to lead a country very much matters. Apart from being an all round racist and bigot, Trump is quite simply a narcissistic ignorant fool. If he does even a fraction of the things he says he'll do, he will drive America into a Depression and turn America into a third world country.
Don't think that could happen? Take a look at resource rich Venezuela and contemplate how the people are starving and the economy is in total collapse.
This is the most important election for America since the Cuban Missile crisis. If Trump gets in it will be disastrous for America and the world.
How anybody cannot see that is beyond me.
Don't think that could happen? Take a look at resource rich Venezuela and contemplate how the people are starving and the economy is in total collapse.
This is the most important election for America since the Cuban Missile crisis. If Trump gets in it will be disastrous for America and the world.
How anybody cannot see that is beyond me.
10
It is, of course, not ironic that David Duke feels free to run for office again because he knows that "Trump voters are my voters."
6
With comments like "where's my African American?," there is no denying that Trump is a born and bred bigot. Trump manufactured and then seized upon with baited breath the Birther movement; made fun of and accused President Obama of "being a Muslim;" demanded that Obama release his Harvard transcripts all the while Trump claims that he is a friend, an advocate for the African American community never once addressing NAACP, communities of color. His Milwaukee Law and Order debacle was in a town with less than a 1% African American population. As one commentator explained, racism hurts not just minorities but demeans us all
11
Am I the only one that believes that if Trump didn't have his money. He would be that old man sitting in the far booth with the cheapest cup of coffee muttering curse words at anyone walking by?
Of course he'd be eating a stale sandwich wrapped in a page of the NY Post he snuck in himself.
Of course he'd be eating a stale sandwich wrapped in a page of the NY Post he snuck in himself.
8
"Trump, who got a shocking 1 percent of support among black voters in a recent NBC News/Wall Street Journal poll, has been urged to reach out to black voters."
Trump, who got a shocking 1 percent of support among suffering Stockholm Syndrome black voters in a recent NBC News/Wall Street Journal poll, has been urged to reach out to non-suffering black voters.
There I fixed it for you Mr. Blow. You are welcomed.
Trump, who got a shocking 1 percent of support among suffering Stockholm Syndrome black voters in a recent NBC News/Wall Street Journal poll, has been urged to reach out to non-suffering black voters.
There I fixed it for you Mr. Blow. You are welcomed.
4
To stay in power the best way to protect your position is to get your victims to fight among themselves, pitting exploited whites against exploited blacks by saying or implying that they, not those in power, are responsible for the exploitation.
Like it or not, Trump has done far better than the establishment Republicans in energizing exploited whites by also focusing on issues like globalization, where it is clear that those in power are getting all of the benefit at the expense of others. In doing that he is a RINO as far as the party is concerned.
He is as much a part of the problem of exploitation as those he accuses. Black voters see that, but not all whites who are being exploited do.
Like it or not, Trump has done far better than the establishment Republicans in energizing exploited whites by also focusing on issues like globalization, where it is clear that those in power are getting all of the benefit at the expense of others. In doing that he is a RINO as far as the party is concerned.
He is as much a part of the problem of exploitation as those he accuses. Black voters see that, but not all whites who are being exploited do.
10
I am over 50 years old. I am a progressive and have not voted for GOP in presidential elections. However, even since I became aware of politics, while I disagree with the policies of many GOP presidents or candidates, I think that many of them meant well and deserve the respect for wanting to serve the nation. Mr. Trump is very different. He comes forward not to serve but to rule. He comes forward not to unite but to paddle hate. He is a stain on our nation's soul. He will not have my respect regardless whether he would win or not.
13
Michael Steele and Ben Carson don't loathe Trump, apparently. I find that loathsome.
9
What's loathsome is how blacks who don't hold acceptable "black" positions are treated. Since when is there only one position a black can hold?
That's just ideology posing as being in blacks' best interest.
That's just ideology posing as being in blacks' best interest.
4
Next article - Why many, from all of the rainbow, loathe HRC.
4
A two decade long smear campaign that lead to nothing but "a general feeling of unease". Don't be a sucker.
7
Trump is but a tip of the GOP iceberg. Its hidden foundation is deep and wide, having been formed over decades of winks, nods, judicial activism, "states' rights" rhetoric, and bigotry.
Blacks and minorities are simply voting their self-interests, being smart and aware.
Blacks and minorities are simply voting their self-interests, being smart and aware.
11
I rarely watch Trump speeches, can't stomach his nasty frightening message to his intolerant supporters, I did catch the law and order one from Wisconsin the other night, it was alarming. He has vilified so many of the communities that make up our diverse population but in this speech he asked the black community to support his ugly vision of America, it was repugnant. Vote everyone, vote for Hillary Clinton, what's happening in the United States is very very scary.
12
And he was talking to an all white audience...
7
What's truly repugnant is Trump's claim to be a "Law and Order" President. His ties to the New York mob are well known to anyone familiar with the construction business in New York and he flaunts his ability to stiff contractors through bankruptcies and his worship of the almighty dollar.
8
. "Have you seen the unemployment rates among Black men? "
It doesn't seem to bother the Black community. they may grumble about the amount received but between welfare, food stamps and government jobs people survive without difficulty.
It doesn't seem to bother the Black community. they may grumble about the amount received but between welfare, food stamps and government jobs people survive without difficulty.
4
Blaming victims, that works.
6
Especially if you have a little something something going on under the table...if you catch my drift.
Did you know many of those "poor" people have a refrigerator and are allowed to breathe our precious air? Sad!
4
Hey, hey you don't have to be black to loathe Trump. He should repel (and does) people of all persuasions. At his core he is a bigot against anyone who would dare to get in the way of Donald J. Trump. His thin skin and pathological need to "win" at any cost means that no one escapes his wrath. Not low income renters in his building (when he had any); not casino owners; not state and local laws; not members of the GOP who disagree with him on fundamental, constitutional issues; not his DEM rival and her family. But the most disgusting thing maybe his utter disregard for his own family. Now the adult boys are pretty bad and the sister, Marilyn Munster, is only a bit better, but his current wife and young son? He disrespected both of them by dragging them into this mess. He made a fool of his wife, and am I the only one who noticed the little boy squirming to get away from him at the close of the REP convention. I am guessing it is the first time he's touched him in a long time. All around he is bad news. I am so hoping that NYS gives him the biggest boot in the rear on election night 2016.
8
i realize this is an opinion piece, but does no one else wonder why It is that "blacks" are consistently described as a monolithic voting block with no variance or nuanced opinions within it?
When Charles Blow says "blacks loathe Trump," is he referring to working class blacks in the South, and black lawyers in Northern California, and black welfare recipients in Chicago, and black doctors or investment bankers in New York? Is it really that easy?
I can understand how an African American would find stereotyping of blacks insulting and condescending, but Charles thinks Trump should have visited a barber shop. Really? That's where "blacks" hang out? It's 2016, and I am assuming that the monolithic black bloc watches TV, reads newspapers, and/ or goes on the Internet, and therefore does not necessarily need a candidate to drop by the local beauty salon for a pander session and photo op.
If the disappointing statistics on general black employment and home ownership are accurate, then the black voting bloc (if it really votes all together) should seriously consider a candidate that may change the status quo. If a Trump presidency creates new policies and domestic economic growth, EVERYBODY benefits, black, white, or purple. I find it hard to imagine he could be any worse for the black community (now I'm doing it) than the failed policies of the Democratic Party, and we'll only get more of that with HRC.
When Charles Blow says "blacks loathe Trump," is he referring to working class blacks in the South, and black lawyers in Northern California, and black welfare recipients in Chicago, and black doctors or investment bankers in New York? Is it really that easy?
I can understand how an African American would find stereotyping of blacks insulting and condescending, but Charles thinks Trump should have visited a barber shop. Really? That's where "blacks" hang out? It's 2016, and I am assuming that the monolithic black bloc watches TV, reads newspapers, and/ or goes on the Internet, and therefore does not necessarily need a candidate to drop by the local beauty salon for a pander session and photo op.
If the disappointing statistics on general black employment and home ownership are accurate, then the black voting bloc (if it really votes all together) should seriously consider a candidate that may change the status quo. If a Trump presidency creates new policies and domestic economic growth, EVERYBODY benefits, black, white, or purple. I find it hard to imagine he could be any worse for the black community (now I'm doing it) than the failed policies of the Democratic Party, and we'll only get more of that with HRC.
8
People like Mr. Blow make a living off of the victimization of blacks. It's good work if you can get it.
1
If you bothered to read the article, you would have seen that 1% of all blacks like Trump, so yes: it is fair to group them together in this instance. Nice concern trolling, but you obviously don't actually care about black people. If you did, you wouldn't have added that bit at the end.
5
The last thing people like Mr. Blow want is for color NOT to matter. He'd be out of a job.
4
Let's look at reality of the last twenty years:
Did Trump mass incarcerate African-Americans? No, that was the Clintons.
Did Trump vote for trade agreements that dismantled our inner city industrial base? No, that was the Clintons as well.
Did Trump promote WMDs and war in Iraq? Guess again, Hillary
Did Trump lead for war against Libya...and Syria...? HILLARY
I'd hate Tump too if everything I read in the media - the mind control of the 1% - was biased against him.
Did Trump mass incarcerate African-Americans? No, that was the Clintons.
Did Trump vote for trade agreements that dismantled our inner city industrial base? No, that was the Clintons as well.
Did Trump promote WMDs and war in Iraq? Guess again, Hillary
Did Trump lead for war against Libya...and Syria...? HILLARY
I'd hate Tump too if everything I read in the media - the mind control of the 1% - was biased against him.
8
He did support the invasion in Iraq (before he opposed it, much later); he did speak out in favor of intervening in Libya. The problem with Trump (well, one of them) is that you can find him speaking for and against almost anything.
9
Did Hillary discriminate against black people? No she has worked to help blacks and minorities since she was a young college student?
Did Trump discriminate against black people by not renting to them in his buildings? Yes, he was sued for discrimination by Richard Nixon's Dept. of Justice. And he had to settle and forced to rent to blacks.
http://fortune.com/2016/06/07/donald-trump-racism-quotes/
Did Trump discriminate against black people by not renting to them in his buildings? Yes, he was sued for discrimination by Richard Nixon's Dept. of Justice. And he had to settle and forced to rent to blacks.
http://fortune.com/2016/06/07/donald-trump-racism-quotes/
7
I am no Trump fan, however at some point I think African Americans have to ask themselves how much they are following the Democratic Party in "blind obsequiousness" when real wages are falling, the Black family disintegrating, and inner cities crumbling (mostly in cities led by Democratic leadership). I don't think the Democratic Party cares that much for Black lives either.
8
It's not surprising someone with the name "NCinblood" would have no understanding of the true trials tribulations and enemies of the black community.
8
Trump courting Black voters? Mr. Blow, he was being sarcastic!
In spite of being a white man, I loathe Trump too!!! For all the reasons you have written and more.
In spite of being a white man, I loathe Trump too!!! For all the reasons you have written and more.
7
Why Blacks Loathe Trump?
Why Whites Loathe Trump?
Why Hispanics Loathe Trump?
Why Muslims Loathe Trump?
Why Others Loathe Trump?
Why Almost Everybody Loathes Trump?
Or, simply: Why Americans of all shades and persuasions loathe Trump? He does not represent or stands for even a sliver of what America is, and strives to be.
All he says and does is what we as a nation have always tried to negate and remove, to move forward to a more perfect union.
For anyone even remotely contemplating a vote for Trump, I just have to ask:
Knowing all that you know about Mr. Trump to date, will you like to have him as a next door neighbor? A son? Father? A brother? A business partner? A customer? Your physician? Your son’s or daughter’s teacher? A friend? Spouse? Anyone?
I rest my case.
This American by choice, not birth or circumstance, looks forward to the day when, out of shame and embarrassment, the people with Trump-Pence bumper stickers start removing them when no one is around or looking.
Why Whites Loathe Trump?
Why Hispanics Loathe Trump?
Why Muslims Loathe Trump?
Why Others Loathe Trump?
Why Almost Everybody Loathes Trump?
Or, simply: Why Americans of all shades and persuasions loathe Trump? He does not represent or stands for even a sliver of what America is, and strives to be.
All he says and does is what we as a nation have always tried to negate and remove, to move forward to a more perfect union.
For anyone even remotely contemplating a vote for Trump, I just have to ask:
Knowing all that you know about Mr. Trump to date, will you like to have him as a next door neighbor? A son? Father? A brother? A business partner? A customer? Your physician? Your son’s or daughter’s teacher? A friend? Spouse? Anyone?
I rest my case.
This American by choice, not birth or circumstance, looks forward to the day when, out of shame and embarrassment, the people with Trump-Pence bumper stickers start removing them when no one is around or looking.
10
"The blacks."
"The Hispanics."
"The Muslims."
"The gays."
This is how Donald Trump refers to minority groups. As though they're outsiders. He further underscores it at his rallies. His people - all of whom are whites - are "us." That's how he refers to them. They're the Americans. Everyone else is an outsider, sharing in this country by the grace of the white America's generosity.
If you're a person of color, it's pretty easy to discern the racism dripping from this man. It's ultimately unsurprising that he chose the head of a website that drips with white nationalist resentment as the new manager of his presidential campaign.
It's not an exaggeration to say that I loathe Trump for the ugliness he's unleashed on this country. I often did not agree with the politics of prior Republican presidents or candidates. I had my issues with Romney, McCain, Bush, but at their core, I believe them to be decent men. I imagine most Americans do as well. Trump has brought the racists and the bigots out into the open, and it's a side of America that in my 40 years on this earth, I had not seen up close. It's wretched. And not only has Trump unapologetically drudged up this ugliness, he's seemingly going to double down on it.
Ultimately, it will pass. We're an incredibly (and increasingly) diverse country. Trump is playing a losing card. It will take some time for the ugliness to subside, though. The next few years are not going to be good ones in hindsight.
"The Hispanics."
"The Muslims."
"The gays."
This is how Donald Trump refers to minority groups. As though they're outsiders. He further underscores it at his rallies. His people - all of whom are whites - are "us." That's how he refers to them. They're the Americans. Everyone else is an outsider, sharing in this country by the grace of the white America's generosity.
If you're a person of color, it's pretty easy to discern the racism dripping from this man. It's ultimately unsurprising that he chose the head of a website that drips with white nationalist resentment as the new manager of his presidential campaign.
It's not an exaggeration to say that I loathe Trump for the ugliness he's unleashed on this country. I often did not agree with the politics of prior Republican presidents or candidates. I had my issues with Romney, McCain, Bush, but at their core, I believe them to be decent men. I imagine most Americans do as well. Trump has brought the racists and the bigots out into the open, and it's a side of America that in my 40 years on this earth, I had not seen up close. It's wretched. And not only has Trump unapologetically drudged up this ugliness, he's seemingly going to double down on it.
Ultimately, it will pass. We're an incredibly (and increasingly) diverse country. Trump is playing a losing card. It will take some time for the ugliness to subside, though. The next few years are not going to be good ones in hindsight.
10
Why is it--I mean really--that after every election the Republican Party, in its post mortem, decides it will make changes to broaden its appeal, but can't execute? Whether it's reflected in their presidential candidates or the lawmakers in Washington, the only plans they execute are regressive and retro--offending millions in strategy and hurting more when their punitive approach to human life is legislated. Yes--Trump says out loud what we all believe the Republican Party has been up to for decades. Some think the volume is the reason to repudiate Trump, but I'm thankful for it. When--in candidates and governance--will we hear from a Republican Party that speaks to and for the America of 2016. It's here--whether they like it or not.
11
This starts out very good, Mr Blow, however the ending is a bit brash (although all too true). Thank you for reminding others of just who Trump is. I wondered why earlier in the campaign no one mentioned how many times he had been in bankruptcy because yet another of his ventures failed. He appears to have come out of each smelling like a rose, but left many others in dire straits.
I realize that you write about the Black experience in America. However, in the case of Trump his failures and activities have hurt people of all races and ethnicities, but especially Blacks.
I would never again vote for someone who refuses to release his full tax returns for the previous several years. There has to be a reason for his refusal.
I know sarcasm when I see and hear it. Donald Trump was not being sarcastic when he stated many times that Obama and Clinton created ISIS. He said that as though he meant it and wanted you to believe it. Just as the Birthers stated their claim that Obama was not born in the US. (When and where I went to school we learned that Hawaii became a state before Obama was born.)
I realize that you write about the Black experience in America. However, in the case of Trump his failures and activities have hurt people of all races and ethnicities, but especially Blacks.
I would never again vote for someone who refuses to release his full tax returns for the previous several years. There has to be a reason for his refusal.
I know sarcasm when I see and hear it. Donald Trump was not being sarcastic when he stated many times that Obama and Clinton created ISIS. He said that as though he meant it and wanted you to believe it. Just as the Birthers stated their claim that Obama was not born in the US. (When and where I went to school we learned that Hawaii became a state before Obama was born.)
13
As a white person I confront my own hypocrisy often, but at least I know it's there. Hats off to people of color who put up with it every day, and treat us to their generosity and tolerance, turning the other cheek all too often.
The problem with explaining Trump is there is nothing to explain. The raw hateful con man is on the take, and woe betide anyone who has something he wants. His only genius is in advertising, because he is entirely without conscience or awareness of the needs of others, too busy worshipping himself to notice he is inferior and entirely lacking in normal humanity.
He takes pleasure in causing pain.
The problem with explaining Trump is there is nothing to explain. The raw hateful con man is on the take, and woe betide anyone who has something he wants. His only genius is in advertising, because he is entirely without conscience or awareness of the needs of others, too busy worshipping himself to notice he is inferior and entirely lacking in normal humanity.
He takes pleasure in causing pain.
57
I think Trump is a total fraud. The audacity of going to community that is 95% white the day after a riot and pretending to talk to address the black community that is not in the room is just the height of chutzpah.
Breitbart, Fox, Levin, Hannity and Trump can blow their dog whistles all they want...I can't hear them because I am too busy paying attention to the policies they propose that will poison and destroy this country
I will stick with her
Breitbart, Fox, Levin, Hannity and Trump can blow their dog whistles all they want...I can't hear them because I am too busy paying attention to the policies they propose that will poison and destroy this country
I will stick with her
91
What seems to have eluded Trump's critics is that his speech was also billed as a "law and order" speech. Giuliani introduced him and it occurred in that venue for that reason.
The fixation with the speech's venue of all things is evidence that minds were closed and attitudes fixed before he ever opened his mouth. Should he have bused in minorities, like democrats do, to improve optics?
The fixation with the speech's venue of all things is evidence that minds were closed and attitudes fixed before he ever opened his mouth. Should he have bused in minorities, like democrats do, to improve optics?
2
While Trump might claim the statement was directed at African Americans, hist actual target audience was right in front of him: He was simply reassuring these white folks that black folks are dangerous and need to be controlled. Like so many of his statements, his claim that he was speaking to black America was a lie.
46
And this is why Republicans embrace voter suppression as a tool against those who loathe their candidates and the policies they represent. We can only hope that the Supreme Court, which seriously erred in its voting rights decision, will tell the governor of North Carolina, who has appealed a the district court's decision invalidating his state's discriminatory voting laws, to take a hike.
34
@jhc
Apologies; it was a circuit court, not a district court, that struck down most of the North Carolina law restricting voting which has now been appalled to the Supreme Court.
Apologies; it was a circuit court, not a district court, that struck down most of the North Carolina law restricting voting which has now been appalled to the Supreme Court.
5
To win in Nov, the Democrats could not find a better Repub to run against than the gross, offensive Trump if they designed the whole Gop campaign themselves. I heard black support for him is between 0 and 1 %.
Mr. Blow should write a column explaining the " handful of black staffers and surrogates who routinely embarrass themselves in their blind obsequiousness." Very interesting phrase. Please analyze them and their motivations.
Also please write about Hillary's pick as chair of her transition team, Ken Salazar, an advocate of TPP and fracking. So is she going to shift yet again? Now what?
Mr. Blow should write a column explaining the " handful of black staffers and surrogates who routinely embarrass themselves in their blind obsequiousness." Very interesting phrase. Please analyze them and their motivations.
Also please write about Hillary's pick as chair of her transition team, Ken Salazar, an advocate of TPP and fracking. So is she going to shift yet again? Now what?
5
One might say, not we're with her, but we're stuck with her, when she makes that kind of choice.
However, I wonder if we elect a Democratic Congress if it will be possible to get her and Salazar's attention about the real state of the world? I know it's a long shot, but it might be our only shot.
I am unable to forget Podesta's fine Earth2100 from 2009. Perhaps once the election is over the stark fact that things have gotten worse, not better, since then might force some wiser decisions? It is puzzling to me that the toxic situation in communities stuck with the boom and bust and destructive exploitation of fracking, along with the failed accounting of its real cost and lack of efficiency, is ignored.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MDqRpM72Odg
I can hope that once the election is over, real, not PR, thinking will begin. What a hope!
However, I wonder if we elect a Democratic Congress if it will be possible to get her and Salazar's attention about the real state of the world? I know it's a long shot, but it might be our only shot.
I am unable to forget Podesta's fine Earth2100 from 2009. Perhaps once the election is over the stark fact that things have gotten worse, not better, since then might force some wiser decisions? It is puzzling to me that the toxic situation in communities stuck with the boom and bust and destructive exploitation of fracking, along with the failed accounting of its real cost and lack of efficiency, is ignored.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MDqRpM72Odg
I can hope that once the election is over, real, not PR, thinking will begin. What a hope!
7
Well, now, possibly, we respond to the actual article, which is an op-ed on Trump's a) flagrant racism and race-baiting, b) absurd "outreach," to black folks?
7
What's not to loathe?
28
Mr Blow, Your fear of liberals being exposed as the oppressors not the champions is showing. If your assertions were/are true, why would his outreach force "writers like me to conduct scatological studies, framing Trump’s actions in their historical and intellectual absurdity"? Typical liberal, complain that no one fights for your vote, then complain when they do. The only time you don't complain is when #CrookedHillary is taking your vote for granted. Doesn't that seem an odd way to promote your community? We all know exactly what your doing, reassuring the liberal base for your exploitation. Shame.
12
Blaming others is not a recipe for survival in earth's operating manual. Sharing and working with others is our only hope.
Republicans have worked for a quarter century to label Hillary a liar, and to some extent they've succeeded in ignoring her positives. What she is is battered and tested.
She's a workaholic dogooder chick, in Van Jones' words. Too pragmatic, but with some support in Congress, rather than dead end opposition from the greedsters and looters who get their support from the billionaires they enable, she might actually be able to help all of us, not just the few.
Power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely. See history and science fiction for where helping that happen ends up.
Republicans have worked for a quarter century to label Hillary a liar, and to some extent they've succeeded in ignoring her positives. What she is is battered and tested.
She's a workaholic dogooder chick, in Van Jones' words. Too pragmatic, but with some support in Congress, rather than dead end opposition from the greedsters and looters who get their support from the billionaires they enable, she might actually be able to help all of us, not just the few.
Power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely. See history and science fiction for where helping that happen ends up.
7
Uh...because part of what writers do is to look honestly at the facts, and expose absurdity?
Otherwise, yeah, we all know just which word you substituted "liberal," for. We got it.
Otherwise, yeah, we all know just which word you substituted "liberal," for. We got it.
6
"The state of peoples' finances determines more of how they vote than other things unless they are equally important."
______
Ethics and justice for economic security?
Yes there are white Americans and, if we are getting real, Black business people that will vote republican to secure their financial interests.
I'm not a saint but i will not trade my lowest middle class life for the elevation of a vulgar, ignorant, racist man to be our next President and have his pinup wife be our First Lady.
I have too much respect for the Office of the President and too much respect for myself.
I will vote for HER in November.
______
Ethics and justice for economic security?
Yes there are white Americans and, if we are getting real, Black business people that will vote republican to secure their financial interests.
I'm not a saint but i will not trade my lowest middle class life for the elevation of a vulgar, ignorant, racist man to be our next President and have his pinup wife be our First Lady.
I have too much respect for the Office of the President and too much respect for myself.
I will vote for HER in November.
15
In this presidential election both African Americans (AAs) and Trump/Republican party needs to come to some understanding and respect not just for the election but long term for mutual benefit and become the allies like in the civil war when the founder of the Republican party, KY born Lincoln led the fight against slavery tooth and nail. For Trump without 25% of AA votes in the November election, he has no chance of becoming president of USA and for AAs in inner city and those left behind to advance their cause and make their lives matter; a seismic change and focus is needed to make their lives safer, healthier, more rewarding, fairer, economically more prosperous, more skilled and more equal and fair in the eyes of the law enforcement. Current perception and statistics show that a great majority of AAs in inner cities have lesser opportunities for achieving their American dream. A disproportionate number of AA lives are spent in prisons or trying to find work with good wages or unable to establish good businesses or in rental properties where rent is too high. Trump has not held elected office and almost all major cities have had democratic mayors most of the times to date and therefore cannot be held responsible for any of the malaise in the inner city or lack of fair treatment or deprivation of good quality education or the large proportion of AAs in prisons. There is no justification for AAs to loathe or love Trump, but Trump can work sincerely to earn their respect.
5
This is the first piece I've read in national media on the topic. Maybe the assumptions are that people know these facts, but it is necessary to state point by point what is going on with Trump and his relationship to the black vote
I'm white and really cannot put myself in the place of a black person being confronted by the truly malevolent Trump. He has only spoken about the black community through the language of some other era, at least fifty years ago. "The Blacks" as he continually says, puts black people down in a way that everybody understands. May we have him exit the national stage as soon as possible. I am always amazed people can be so forgiving. Best thing right now is that any responsible citizen shun this horrible person.
I'm white and really cannot put myself in the place of a black person being confronted by the truly malevolent Trump. He has only spoken about the black community through the language of some other era, at least fifty years ago. "The Blacks" as he continually says, puts black people down in a way that everybody understands. May we have him exit the national stage as soon as possible. I am always amazed people can be so forgiving. Best thing right now is that any responsible citizen shun this horrible person.
161
Anyone with a conscience should loathe the man for all the reasons outlined by Mr. Blow.
4
It is no accident that David Dukes endorsed Trump; it takes one to know one.
131
Indeed the coded dog whistle has been discarded.
Trump himself refuses to denounce Duke and leaves it to a campaign release to say some words of denial.
Duke and co. get the message;
('We gotta deny you, but wink wink vote Trump!)
Trump himself refuses to denounce Duke and leaves it to a campaign release to say some words of denial.
Duke and co. get the message;
('We gotta deny you, but wink wink vote Trump!)
7
Do you yo use the same argument when it comes to Obama and Sharpton
1
No one but an African American can understand what it is to be African American in this country. But a thinking white person is supposed to try, otherwise there is no hope for race relations. Donald Trump and his minions have never given a thought to even TRYING! His stupidity is morally indefensible and his supporters, the most uneducated, unemployed or inhuman among us, are responsible for his rise. If Hillary wins, will they turn their ire towards her? You bet. We are about to confront the ugly truth about "male privilege" in a way we have not seen before. But because there are so many women in places of power and influence now, it's going to be a fair fight and decency will win.
53
Barbara B. -- you have a rich fantasy life.
Blacks? Latinos? Native Americans? Immigrants of any nationality? Second-generation Italians?
I find it hard to believe that ANYBODY - including middle-class white guys - find anything attractive about the Trump candidacy or the prospect of a Trump presidency. Except in deepest recesses of the human mind someone somewhere hopes beyond reason that Donald Trump actually cares to benefit him - except in the delusion that Donald Trump's candidacy is anything more than an advertisement for his failing businesses, and that his presidency would be little more than the same - except in the rancid petulance of any man's decaying self-respect - that a Trump presidential term would be anything other than a mockery of 240 years of American history - except in the delusional haze that causes one to try to buddy up with this guy - those are the internal opiates that allow someone to swallow this guy's bloviation and take it as a benefit for himself.
This is evident. This is clear. Trump has given us all something to fear and loathe. We all need to give ourselves permission to retch at the thought of him. For supporting him is no less an assault on our American values as the apologists who have propped up psychopathic middle-east dictators in the quest for cheap energy.
It couldn't happen here has become - It's happening here.
I find it hard to believe that ANYBODY - including middle-class white guys - find anything attractive about the Trump candidacy or the prospect of a Trump presidency. Except in deepest recesses of the human mind someone somewhere hopes beyond reason that Donald Trump actually cares to benefit him - except in the delusion that Donald Trump's candidacy is anything more than an advertisement for his failing businesses, and that his presidency would be little more than the same - except in the rancid petulance of any man's decaying self-respect - that a Trump presidential term would be anything other than a mockery of 240 years of American history - except in the delusional haze that causes one to try to buddy up with this guy - those are the internal opiates that allow someone to swallow this guy's bloviation and take it as a benefit for himself.
This is evident. This is clear. Trump has given us all something to fear and loathe. We all need to give ourselves permission to retch at the thought of him. For supporting him is no less an assault on our American values as the apologists who have propped up psychopathic middle-east dictators in the quest for cheap energy.
It couldn't happen here has become - It's happening here.
36
You are right. I am a middle class Asian and I only find a few things attractive about Trump presidency, and and disgusted by many things about his presidency.
Its just that given all pros and cons, I find him more viable than Hillary.
Its just that given all pros and cons, I find him more viable than Hillary.
3
A cogent reply to my tirade, indeed. For all we know, Hillary is Donald Trump in a pants suit. And it may make one feel better that Trump is transparently evil, while Hillary more traditional in her egotistical megalomania. Polling is clear - we don't like either of them.
Given the guy's tendency to avoid strategy and run off at the mouth in ways our allies (and enemies) cannot fathom, I'm sticking with the traditional tyrant and standard operational tyranny, than the complete dissolution of civility. I just don't think America will be greater by simply availing the universe with the spew of our every marginally conceived thought. We are measured for a reason. It keeps fingers off triggers.
Given the guy's tendency to avoid strategy and run off at the mouth in ways our allies (and enemies) cannot fathom, I'm sticking with the traditional tyrant and standard operational tyranny, than the complete dissolution of civility. I just don't think America will be greater by simply availing the universe with the spew of our every marginally conceived thought. We are measured for a reason. It keeps fingers off triggers.
In the African-American community, there is a thing called home training. This is where your family teaches you how to act. Trump's history and current pronouncements are not only racist and crazy-stupid, but his behavior shows a lack of home training.
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Are the urban black youth in Chicago beneficiaries of this "home training"?
1
or the result of incorrect home training.
4
Brava, Valerie Elverton Dixon, Ph.D - E. St. Louis, IL
In the white community, or at least my family of origin, he would be called a "parvenu".
I doubt he was ever taught "comme il faut" behavior.
One of my Jamaican friends would have said, "Where are his brought-up-sies ?"
I gather he was sent to military school for behavior resembling a "conduct disorder" (which is the last place to learn self-regulation).
The child who failed to learn self-regulation grew up to be an adult with ICD-10 codes for narcissistic & malignant anti-social behavior.
I almost feel sorry for him.
In the white community, or at least my family of origin, he would be called a "parvenu".
I doubt he was ever taught "comme il faut" behavior.
One of my Jamaican friends would have said, "Where are his brought-up-sies ?"
I gather he was sent to military school for behavior resembling a "conduct disorder" (which is the last place to learn self-regulation).
The child who failed to learn self-regulation grew up to be an adult with ICD-10 codes for narcissistic & malignant anti-social behavior.
I almost feel sorry for him.
9
A strange thing has happened to me in this election listening to Donald Trump; I've gone from feeling sympathy or empathy for his victims, to finding myself momentarily wearing their shoes, so to speak.
From the minute he opened his mouth insulting Mexicans, I suddenly found myself in the small body of a happy little boy I've tutored, who one day at seven years old asked me if that man was going to kick him out the country for knowing Spanish?
When the debates began and his lip turned into a permanent smirk as he began launching juvenile insults at his rivals, I found myself in the shoes of "boring" Jeb Bush, except in my version I/Jeb walked over and slapped him across his jowly, florid face thus taking one for my peers, who should have gotten together and blocked the behavior of the behemoth ingrate at hello. And I'm a Democrat.
Then, listening to his insulting, clueless speech where he supposedly appealed to black people by speaking to a group of white people after doing the full on Nixon "law and order" dance, there I was suddenly my statuesque, brilliant friend S, rolling my eyes, turning on my high heels and being a formidable, black woman, getting back to work.
Donald Trump is a menace to society, all of it.
From the minute he opened his mouth insulting Mexicans, I suddenly found myself in the small body of a happy little boy I've tutored, who one day at seven years old asked me if that man was going to kick him out the country for knowing Spanish?
When the debates began and his lip turned into a permanent smirk as he began launching juvenile insults at his rivals, I found myself in the shoes of "boring" Jeb Bush, except in my version I/Jeb walked over and slapped him across his jowly, florid face thus taking one for my peers, who should have gotten together and blocked the behavior of the behemoth ingrate at hello. And I'm a Democrat.
Then, listening to his insulting, clueless speech where he supposedly appealed to black people by speaking to a group of white people after doing the full on Nixon "law and order" dance, there I was suddenly my statuesque, brilliant friend S, rolling my eyes, turning on my high heels and being a formidable, black woman, getting back to work.
Donald Trump is a menace to society, all of it.
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I hope that as a teacher you told that little boy that he wont be kicked out for speaking Spanish, but others who speak spanish, or urdu, o english and have come to this country illegally will be kicked out.
2
Trump gets little support from blacks, and has done nothing to deserve any.
However, Mr. Blow's column is a serious mistake for the best interests of blacks. It is written for the interests of the Hillary campaign, not blacks.
First, Democrats take blacks for granted, and not just Hillary. Letting them do that does not get blacks anything, which is why they have gotten so little for so long.
Second, deepening racial divisions is contrary to black interests. Blow says blacks "loathe" Trump and are right to do so. How would he feel to say that Trump supporters "loathe" all blacks, and are right to do so? Such political emotions do go both ways, so is that what he wants to build?
Martin Luther King, Jr., was careful to avoid these two mistakes. He made Democrats pay a price for the support he brought. He did not burn bridges, nor feed "loathing;" not because he liked them all, but because it did not serve people he led to deepen divides between blacks and other political groups.
Mr. Blow ought to be making Hillary work for it now, when he can. He ought to be showing there is a bridge open to Trump supporters, if only they'd take it; even Trump might blunder into that opportunity, which would be good for blacks.
However, Mr. Blow's column is a serious mistake for the best interests of blacks. It is written for the interests of the Hillary campaign, not blacks.
First, Democrats take blacks for granted, and not just Hillary. Letting them do that does not get blacks anything, which is why they have gotten so little for so long.
Second, deepening racial divisions is contrary to black interests. Blow says blacks "loathe" Trump and are right to do so. How would he feel to say that Trump supporters "loathe" all blacks, and are right to do so? Such political emotions do go both ways, so is that what he wants to build?
Martin Luther King, Jr., was careful to avoid these two mistakes. He made Democrats pay a price for the support he brought. He did not burn bridges, nor feed "loathing;" not because he liked them all, but because it did not serve people he led to deepen divides between blacks and other political groups.
Mr. Blow ought to be making Hillary work for it now, when he can. He ought to be showing there is a bridge open to Trump supporters, if only they'd take it; even Trump might blunder into that opportunity, which would be good for blacks.
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" It is written for the interests of the Hillary campaign, not blacks."
Saying this doesn't make it so.
Saying this doesn't make it so.
2
Dude, get real. There is no bridge.
5
There is a huge difference between loathing an individual, especially if that person's a political candidate, like Trump and loathing a race of people. Your attempt to dismiss them as mirror-images of each other is way off.
"even Trump might blunder into that opportunity"
Trumps core appeal of white fragility.
"even Trump might blunder into that opportunity"
Trumps core appeal of white fragility.
7
Donald Trump campaigning for the black vote will be just as fruitful as Hillary Clinton and the Democratic Party hypothetically campaigning for the sentimental white supremacist vote coursing through America's fake Bible Belt of the Old and New Confederacies that form the bedrock of Trump's Make America White Again voter base.
Donald Trump's 'I am your Jefferson Davis voice' ethos and sensibility will impress about as many African-Americans as it would impress KKK members if Hillary mentioned to them that Black Lives Matter.
It's a wonderful Saturday Night Live skit idea...the sight gag of having Donald Trump singing Amazing Grace at a black church, singing 'We Shall Overcome' while arm-in-arm with his black brethren marching through one of America's racial ghettos, and showing up to speak in front of the NAACP.....comedy does not get any better than that.
Donald Trump is the very embodiment of disgusting white privilege, the man who said these words with a straight face:
"My whole life really has been a 'no' and I fought through it. It has not been easy for me, it has not been easy for me. And you know I started off in Brooklyn, my father gave me a small loan of a million dollars...."
Donald Trump clearly understands the searing struggle of the underdog, the underprivileged and the discriminated that American blacks have experienced.
As a white guy who loathes Donald Trump, please leave some of the Trump loathing to the white community - we can't stand the guy either.
Donald Trump's 'I am your Jefferson Davis voice' ethos and sensibility will impress about as many African-Americans as it would impress KKK members if Hillary mentioned to them that Black Lives Matter.
It's a wonderful Saturday Night Live skit idea...the sight gag of having Donald Trump singing Amazing Grace at a black church, singing 'We Shall Overcome' while arm-in-arm with his black brethren marching through one of America's racial ghettos, and showing up to speak in front of the NAACP.....comedy does not get any better than that.
Donald Trump is the very embodiment of disgusting white privilege, the man who said these words with a straight face:
"My whole life really has been a 'no' and I fought through it. It has not been easy for me, it has not been easy for me. And you know I started off in Brooklyn, my father gave me a small loan of a million dollars...."
Donald Trump clearly understands the searing struggle of the underdog, the underprivileged and the discriminated that American blacks have experienced.
As a white guy who loathes Donald Trump, please leave some of the Trump loathing to the white community - we can't stand the guy either.
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Well said!
6
The black working class has the same problems with neoliberalism and globalization as the rest of the working class. The Democratic party represents the status quo: free trade, open borders, globalisation and a suite of other policies designed to cater to the-interests of businesses and the managerial elite. The Democratic party panders to the black poor but has brought nothing but economic disaster to the working class.
Say what you want about Trump, globalization as we know it is dead. Trumpism will survive Trump. Trumpism has three key elements: economic nationalism, controlled borders and a foreign policy that puts American interests first.
The racism to be found in the Trump campaign is a product of our society - Trump didn't make uneducated angry white workers racists they already were. Mind you all the managerial class I know send their kids to private school to avoid going to school with blacks so this isn't just a blue collar problem. It is in the interests of the black working class to stop automatically voting Democrat and to vote their economic interests..
Say what you want about Trump, globalization as we know it is dead. Trumpism will survive Trump. Trumpism has three key elements: economic nationalism, controlled borders and a foreign policy that puts American interests first.
The racism to be found in the Trump campaign is a product of our society - Trump didn't make uneducated angry white workers racists they already were. Mind you all the managerial class I know send their kids to private school to avoid going to school with blacks so this isn't just a blue collar problem. It is in the interests of the black working class to stop automatically voting Democrat and to vote their economic interests..
21
Nice try but Trump and all of the other Republican business people are the ones who are sending jobs overseas and beating down unions. Republicans have done nothing for working class people and they have no intention of doing anything for them.
6
No Trump didn't create the angry white racists he just courted them and fanned the flames of their hatred just to get applause or votes whatever it is that feeds his enormous ego. Trump has made it safe to be a racist again. That should be his slogan.
6
This is ridiculously funny. You are saying that if black people voted republican then your managerial friends would welcome school integration. Great, but will blacks need to call white people "master" as well?
5
"How are you reaching out to the black community when you step on your own message with such an insulting hire?"
How are you reaching out to ANY respectable segment of society with such an insulting hire?
Black people, certainly, should be offended by Trump's overt racism, but white people should be equally offended. Racism hurts and demeans us all, regardless of whether it targets us specifically. In particular, racism degrades the racist as well as those who tolerate it (I'm talkin' to you, Mitch, Paul, Reince, etc.).
The way to send the clear message that we will no longer tolerate this hideous cancer on our society is to send Donald Trump to a 50-state defeat in November, along with all his enablers. Black people will do their part; 95% or more will vote against Trump. Will their white countrymen stand up alongside them? I will. There really is no more important issue.
How are you reaching out to ANY respectable segment of society with such an insulting hire?
Black people, certainly, should be offended by Trump's overt racism, but white people should be equally offended. Racism hurts and demeans us all, regardless of whether it targets us specifically. In particular, racism degrades the racist as well as those who tolerate it (I'm talkin' to you, Mitch, Paul, Reince, etc.).
The way to send the clear message that we will no longer tolerate this hideous cancer on our society is to send Donald Trump to a 50-state defeat in November, along with all his enablers. Black people will do their part; 95% or more will vote against Trump. Will their white countrymen stand up alongside them? I will. There really is no more important issue.
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This white countryman sure will join with my African-American neighbors to do this!
While I don't practice my religion, I identify as Jewish (which is far better than denying it until some antisemite comes up to you and calls you an epithet or rounds you up to send to a murder factory).
I remember Hitler and the way he spoke and what was done in his name. If it looks, sounds, or smells like that, I don't give it the benefit of the doubt.
Last go-round, Romney uttered that "47%" comment, which implied that some 150 million Americans were somehow "life unworthy of life" and should vanish at no cost.
Today's GOP, of which Trump seems the corpse flower (and the last one in our botanical garden bloomed in 1939--during the flowering of Nazism), has chosen him as its candidate and has uttered racist and un-American rhetoric for the past 40+ years. May ALL eligible voters go the polls and put Trump--and today's GOP--into the toilet of history, where they belong.
While I don't practice my religion, I identify as Jewish (which is far better than denying it until some antisemite comes up to you and calls you an epithet or rounds you up to send to a murder factory).
I remember Hitler and the way he spoke and what was done in his name. If it looks, sounds, or smells like that, I don't give it the benefit of the doubt.
Last go-round, Romney uttered that "47%" comment, which implied that some 150 million Americans were somehow "life unworthy of life" and should vanish at no cost.
Today's GOP, of which Trump seems the corpse flower (and the last one in our botanical garden bloomed in 1939--during the flowering of Nazism), has chosen him as its candidate and has uttered racist and un-American rhetoric for the past 40+ years. May ALL eligible voters go the polls and put Trump--and today's GOP--into the toilet of history, where they belong.
6
Its is surprising how educated people here just repeat the lines perpetuated by liberal media.
Can you please list down a list of Trump's acts that show that he is a racist. And no, politically incorrect statements are not racists. I would rather have a foul mouthed president who raises the lifestyle of working minority, compared to a sweet talking liar who claims to be fighting for minority rights and brings down the standard of living of minorities in 8 years.
All black community has to ask is - Are they better off now, or were they better off 8 years ago.
Can you please list down a list of Trump's acts that show that he is a racist. And no, politically incorrect statements are not racists. I would rather have a foul mouthed president who raises the lifestyle of working minority, compared to a sweet talking liar who claims to be fighting for minority rights and brings down the standard of living of minorities in 8 years.
All black community has to ask is - Are they better off now, or were they better off 8 years ago.
1
I am an elderly (66) Caucasian with a MBA. I am as aghast at anyone who supports Trump as anyone. Education has failed many of our fellow citizens of all ethnic cultures (case in point). Trumps' appeal to "middle aged white males" is, I agree, astounding, but so goes the fear factor. I see it as the very same appeal that allowed Nazism to rise to power in Germany prior to WW II. I am expecting a large voter turnout in the election, and hope that it will send a message that will not be forgotten about the politics of hate. Oh, and let's not forget Mr. Trump's checkered past with the mob and Roy Cohn. It is amazing that he has parlayed his talent for self-promotion into a Presidential candidacy, but that is where our celebrity culture has brought us. Now we pay the piper, or fire him.
7
"This is the same Breitbart that the Southern Poverty Law Center referred to in an April “Hatewatch” report:"
If you do not mind, I would prefer to hear direct quotes. When A hates B, and you take A to be the "spokesperson" for B, how exactly are you going to get an honest report? So I would prefer to read something which the Breitbart report SAID and not what SPLC said ABOUT Breitbart.
I think there is a plausible case that Trump, if not racist, is prejudiced. There is no one of color in his campaign and that speaks a lot.
At the same time, Trump did say something important, that the problem of protecting black young men from the cops, while important, is less important than the problem of protecting the black community from black young men high on testosterone.
This was the original reason why many black leaders supported Bill Clinton in his rather tough attitude towards law and order.
Charles, why is everyone so partisan? Is there NO ONE in America who wants to look at the whole, non-partisan truth?
If you do not mind, I would prefer to hear direct quotes. When A hates B, and you take A to be the "spokesperson" for B, how exactly are you going to get an honest report? So I would prefer to read something which the Breitbart report SAID and not what SPLC said ABOUT Breitbart.
I think there is a plausible case that Trump, if not racist, is prejudiced. There is no one of color in his campaign and that speaks a lot.
At the same time, Trump did say something important, that the problem of protecting black young men from the cops, while important, is less important than the problem of protecting the black community from black young men high on testosterone.
This was the original reason why many black leaders supported Bill Clinton in his rather tough attitude towards law and order.
Charles, why is everyone so partisan? Is there NO ONE in America who wants to look at the whole, non-partisan truth?
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Ludwig--I'd like to measure the testosterone level among the frenzied maniacs in any Trump gathering. You've been called out.
8
What do you mean by "the whole,non-partisan truth"? That issues have complex causes. That some problems in the Black community are of their own making and some of history and societal attitudes? Sure...BUT how does that effect the prescriptions for repair? Those should be able to be discussed rationally -- even though they are not. BUT most of all some political tactics should be out of bounds. Trump has crossed those many a time over as has his new henchman, Bannon. Some tactics ripe apart the fragile fabric of society and community. And once ripped ar hard to put together again.
6
When the Southern Poverty Law Center classifies the BLM movement as a terrorist group for their public demands to kill police, they will have some credibility. Until then, they are a far left wing group attempting to blame all problems in the universe on white people.
Of course Trump was making a dumb joke about Obama "creating" ISIS. How dumb are you people?
Enough of a false outrage. The other day Biden compares Trump to Stalin. Biden is the same Nimrod who claimed "They [Republicans] want to put y'all back in chains!" Another dumb joke, but where's the outrage there. In the 2008 campaign, Hillary put on her best, fake Southern accent and complained to a black church congregation about "the Republican plantation."
You know, it makes it a little hard to engage folks on substantive issues if you just waste time impugning their motivations by dogmatically labeling them racist or bigoted just because they have the audacity to offer contrary ideas and opinions.
Enough of a false outrage. The other day Biden compares Trump to Stalin. Biden is the same Nimrod who claimed "They [Republicans] want to put y'all back in chains!" Another dumb joke, but where's the outrage there. In the 2008 campaign, Hillary put on her best, fake Southern accent and complained to a black church congregation about "the Republican plantation."
You know, it makes it a little hard to engage folks on substantive issues if you just waste time impugning their motivations by dogmatically labeling them racist or bigoted just because they have the audacity to offer contrary ideas and opinions.
26
"It makes it a little hard to engage folks on substantive issues..." Since when does the donald address substantive issues.? His speech is nothing but ad hiominem. That is his idea of substance.
7
chauncey--Name ONE episode of substantive discourse on any issue, that has been made by your low IQ hero. I'm not talking about Trump being barely able to read the document handed to him by his Republican handlers, which made him visibly uncomfortable. Trump's actual opinions are not just contrary, they are wildly dangerous. And, when given an opportunity, he spews them liberally. I feel pity that you are unable to recognize the facts of the matter. Looking forward to the "debates," unless Trump chickens out.
5
"As Seen On TV" celebrity DT has to finally make up his delusional mind, choosing whether he's on "Last Comic Standing" or "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire President?"
2
Thanks for this encapsulation of the true history behind Trump's words. Only the truth and hard facts will save us now.
22
Perhaps Republicans in the future -assuming Republicans actually get through this train wreck and have a future - may want to change the entire structure of how they come up with a presidential nominee. Rather than ask the question, "Who is the most popular candidate?" I suggest they ask, "Who can win in November?" By letting a small minority of the electorate select the candidate based on how popular he or she is, they have thrown everything into one very floppy hat. (Remember as numbers go, hardly anyone voted in the primaries and caucus's) Democrats, for their part had something of a Plan B with the Super Delegates so they could give the whole thing some sense of direction. Clearly, just throwing something into the hands of a popularity contest, rather than being selective and looking to the qualifications of a candidate who can represent a broad spectrum of the American population, they were lazy. The Carl Rove strategy of getting just 51% of the vote and ignoring the other 49% started this presumption that people can be ignored for the sake of the party. Like it or not, this country is made up of White, Black, Latino, Asian, Native, and dozens of other races, faiths and lifestyles. Republicans forgot that fact, but like it or not, the rest of us did not forget we are all part of this country, and do not appreciate being taken for granted and ignored. Food for thought.
22
Hopefully Republicans have no future, and Trump will leave this racist, bigoted, homophobic, misogynist, plutocratic, seditionist cabal of liars and thieves on the ash heap of history - or in jail - where they belong.
4
Every one of Obama/Hillary/Democrat policies favors the 1%. ObamaCare shovels an additional $1.3 trillion into the hands of big medicine and 20 million people get high cost premiums, high deductibles, and access to small in-network providers who aren't taking new patients.
Obama's invitation to illegal aliens has resulted in tens of thousands of illegal alien children who do not speak English being dumped by the federal government in the poorest black neighborhoods that are already struggling to educate their students. Those illegal aliens, who cost twice as much to educate as it costs to educate English speaking students are not being located to Westchester County where Hillary Clinton's property taxes would pay. They're being shipped to Hempstead School district so the impoverished district can pay legal fees defending themselves for not being able to stretch their scarce cash to cover bilingual education for 22 year olds who claim to be children entitled to a free public education. The SJW lawyers are extracting their tariff. Obamas and Clintons are not even inconvenienced.
The big mystery is how blacks can justify voting for Democrats. The few pennies they get in food stamps and Obamaphones are dwarfed by the billions given to Soros, Buffett and Imelt.
Obama's invitation to illegal aliens has resulted in tens of thousands of illegal alien children who do not speak English being dumped by the federal government in the poorest black neighborhoods that are already struggling to educate their students. Those illegal aliens, who cost twice as much to educate as it costs to educate English speaking students are not being located to Westchester County where Hillary Clinton's property taxes would pay. They're being shipped to Hempstead School district so the impoverished district can pay legal fees defending themselves for not being able to stretch their scarce cash to cover bilingual education for 22 year olds who claim to be children entitled to a free public education. The SJW lawyers are extracting their tariff. Obamas and Clintons are not even inconvenienced.
The big mystery is how blacks can justify voting for Democrats. The few pennies they get in food stamps and Obamaphones are dwarfed by the billions given to Soros, Buffett and Imelt.
3
Obamacare is the way it is because shameless obstructionist Republicans refuse to even consider single payer healthcare, the system the rest of the civilized post industrial world uses to guarantee medical care as right to all of it's citizens. The US could have had universal medical care for seventy years if Republican corporate stooges hadn't blocked it at every turn. The incredible Medicare Part D Big Pharma ripoff was passed by war criminal Republican President George W. Bush and his Republican Congress of criminals and one percent Koch Brother Big Pharma lackeys. Getting rid of the Republican Criminal Organization this election cycle for once and for all is comething American voters should seriously consider.
4
No thinking person - black, brown, or white - is as stupid or naive as Trump and Bannon delude themselves into thinking we might be. No one needs a PhD to see through their absurdity. Trump and the Alt-right are a real and dangerous threat whose outrageous lies and distortions are as transparent as the air, as vicious as any schoolyard bully, and as self-serving as any grasping Fascist of the 1930s.
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The Alt-right is a creation of the MSM to facilitate the election of the anointed one. Only someone who has been gruberized would think otherwise.
I found reading this to be tedious and biased. The author worked hard to sound intellectual, at the expense of being understood. Trump is no racist, but after two terms in the most powerful office in the world, Black Lives Matter has flared up because of the devastation in so many communities 'of color'.
I prayed Obama, with help from Arne Duncan, would save Black Kids from being uneducated. Another generation has been condemned to the bottom rungs of society, and the anger is intentionally misdirected by HRC vote mongers.
I prayed Obama, with help from Arne Duncan, would save Black Kids from being uneducated. Another generation has been condemned to the bottom rungs of society, and the anger is intentionally misdirected by HRC vote mongers.
18
Black Lives Matter flared up because of the rise of video and social media, making the public aware of the brutal and often deadly police treatment of black citizens who pose no threat to them. Black gang crime is terrible, but there's something even worse when those who are supposed to protect you are ones you have to fear as well.
7
Electing Obama brought forward so many hidden racial issues that may, some day, be solved. There is no sense in the 'hard work" prejudices peddled by conservatives. Some higher power than our human intelligence must do it.
10
Maybe Michael Moore is right - Trump doesn't want to be president and is sabotaging his own campaign.
15
Donald Trump may want to win, but he doesn't want to do the actual job of being President; he's doing his best to make sure that won't happen.
15
Last week the author penned an Op-Ed titled "I am Incandescent with Rage." It appears that he has calmed his nerves sufficiently to produce another skewed Op-Ed. Neither party has been effective helping the lot of racial minorities (or persons with disabilities for that matter). In the past 8 years, the rate of poverty has increased among Americans but moreso for African-Americans. When minorities base their votes on FACT rather than "brand loyalty" then their needs will be addressed by politicians. "Incandescent rage?" Please!
10
Black people were hardest hit by the Great Recession and housing crisis brought about by the Bush administration. It is not any Obama policy that has caused the current plight of the black community.
9
This commentary is headlined "Uncommon Wisdom," but it is obviously not a product of uncommon valor.
3
The Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) signed by President Clinton meant to spur home-ownership, particularly among minority Americans. The CRA, while well intentioned, accomplished its goal of prodding more minority homeownership in the short term but with the coming of the Great Recession, more African Americans were hurt when they purchased larger homes than they could afford due to the CRA. The fact remains that over the past 8 years, the poverty rate among minorities (actually among all Americans) has risen. While this doesn't comport with the narrative that the Democrats are the saviors of the poor, it's the unfortunate truth.
1
ALL decent people loathe Trump, because Trump is the personification of indecency, and of today's Republican Party.
161
Is that true or just another non-sense non-verifiable claim from a misguided liberal.
Surely you are not saying decent people have the capability to hate individuals. I thought that the liberal motto was to hate actions not the actors.
Just to self reflect, what do you think of Dr. Ben Carson. Is he a decent person?
Surely you are not saying decent people have the capability to hate individuals. I thought that the liberal motto was to hate actions not the actors.
Just to self reflect, what do you think of Dr. Ben Carson. Is he a decent person?
All decent people loathe Hillary, because she has sold out the interests of the American people for personal gain.
It does really create a problem. Do you vote for the guy who the media lies about or the one who has sold out for personal gain?
It does really create a problem. Do you vote for the guy who the media lies about or the one who has sold out for personal gain?
1
Mr. Trump is stepping into Mr. Blow's territory. The race industry, of which Mr. Blow is a prominent member, owns the discussion of what ails minorities. To add insult to injury, Mr. Trump voiced what people were actually thinking.
Mr. Trump will now be attacked by every "race" specialist for having the nerve to do what he did.
Trump is treading on everyone's toes. No position of power is safe. That's his greatest appeal, of course.
Mr. Trump will now be attacked by every "race" specialist for having the nerve to do what he did.
Trump is treading on everyone's toes. No position of power is safe. That's his greatest appeal, of course.
19
Saying it tarnishes all minorities and their neighborhoods to the satisfaction of all bigots of which Thrump has made front and center. This is not bringing people together. This makes Thrump not fit to be POTUS. Promoting "White Privilege" is grossly unfair to clear minded Whites.
6
They may loathe him, but more blacks will stay home and not vote than they did in 2008 and 2012, and Trump will get a higher percentage of black votes than Mitt Romney (admittedly, not hard to do).
Have to keep this mantra that Republicans (Trump or anyone) disdain blacks. Because if you don't, and Trump (or any Republican) were to pick up just 20% of the black vote in swing states, there would never be another Democratic president.
Have to keep this mantra that Republicans (Trump or anyone) disdain blacks. Because if you don't, and Trump (or any Republican) were to pick up just 20% of the black vote in swing states, there would never be another Democratic president.
3
I believe you're incorrect. The black turnout will be quite large. If any community understands the importance of voting, the black community, with some members who've even died for the right to vote, does.
11
Focusing on the hatred of others only serves to create dysfunction in a community. The Middle East is a great example of this. Trump has offended many of us. Hatred is not going to do anything to change the status quo. Understanding the politicians platforms and policies will.
19
No surprise that African-Americans and people of color in the United States are infinitely better judges of character than rich white Americans who want to keep the status quo by keeping the blacks down. Hence blacks' loathing for Donald Trump. If they don't vote for Hillary (whom they may equally loathe for different reasons), they will receive a Trump Presidency. Getting out the vote is key to this election for all Americans of color and no-color. No one could have said it better than you, Charles Blow, that "Donald Trump...is the hobgoblin of retrograde racial hegemony". The photo (by Michael Zamora, Des Moines Register) accompanying your column - the diffident thin black fellow, Abdallah Hashi, holding his sign "Love Trumps Hate - Black Lives Matter" at White Trump rally in Iowa, tells the whole story in many more than one thousand words!
18
Hillary is the status quo. The only change she believes in is the small change she's willing to give from the donations she receives.
1
And he is the candidate of the republican party.
The fruit doesn't fall far from the tree.
The fruit doesn't fall far from the tree.
15
All the criticism of Trump ignores the fact that he's little different than most Republicans even if his idiocy is more obvious. The modern Republican party was built on racism - the cornerstone of Nixon's southern strategy.
96
Charles, when you are angry, you are at your most eloquent.
12
Why Blacks Loathe Trump?
It is not just Blacks… believe me (!)
It is not just Blacks… believe me (!)
157
I had the same thought. I'm so white, I'm almost blue and the mere thought of Trump makes me physically ill.
4
Hmm. So Trump has no credibility among the black population in the US.
I can imagine a large circle that represents all white voters who will vote for Trump.
Take away the hate mongers, the hate church adherent, FOX and Limbaugh acolytes, white uneducated rurals in debt and dependence, the gun wavers.
Still a big circle.
Get rid of Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana white voters, and people on Southern Poverty Law Center's watch list. The circle gets smaller, but in absolute terms it is still large.
Even take away white (educated) men who feel mid levels of anxiety, fear, loathing and are only marginally averse to blacks and others. Meaning they will tolerate a black kid sitting next to theirs as long as there is only one of two of them in each class. They who say they have black friends.
Still leaves a sizeable circle.
Then take away everyone who thinks Hillary is a space alien, and Obama is a Muslim socialist.
What remains is a circle still big enough to make a difference in the election.
How and why on earth is what remains in the circle not nil?
Unless the center understands the core reasons for this non-zero segment of American voters, we cannot get a whole lot done as a nation that is good or moves us forward at the speed we want, and at the cost we want to incur.
Would you Mr. Blow, kindly direct that very powerful brain of yours to enlightening us about that?
It would be much appreciated.
Kalidan
I can imagine a large circle that represents all white voters who will vote for Trump.
Take away the hate mongers, the hate church adherent, FOX and Limbaugh acolytes, white uneducated rurals in debt and dependence, the gun wavers.
Still a big circle.
Get rid of Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana white voters, and people on Southern Poverty Law Center's watch list. The circle gets smaller, but in absolute terms it is still large.
Even take away white (educated) men who feel mid levels of anxiety, fear, loathing and are only marginally averse to blacks and others. Meaning they will tolerate a black kid sitting next to theirs as long as there is only one of two of them in each class. They who say they have black friends.
Still leaves a sizeable circle.
Then take away everyone who thinks Hillary is a space alien, and Obama is a Muslim socialist.
What remains is a circle still big enough to make a difference in the election.
How and why on earth is what remains in the circle not nil?
Unless the center understands the core reasons for this non-zero segment of American voters, we cannot get a whole lot done as a nation that is good or moves us forward at the speed we want, and at the cost we want to incur.
Would you Mr. Blow, kindly direct that very powerful brain of yours to enlightening us about that?
It would be much appreciated.
Kalidan
11
Kalidan:
The problem is not with those in the circle. The problem is the distorted image of it held by those outside it.
The people in that circle are not bigots, racists, rubes and ignoramuses. This is a caricature of Americans perpetuated by the left, one that is out of touch and so distorted that it's unrecognizable to anyone who is actually a member of that circle.
I suspect the left is in for a rude awakening.
The problem is not with those in the circle. The problem is the distorted image of it held by those outside it.
The people in that circle are not bigots, racists, rubes and ignoramuses. This is a caricature of Americans perpetuated by the left, one that is out of touch and so distorted that it's unrecognizable to anyone who is actually a member of that circle.
I suspect the left is in for a rude awakening.
2
LOL. Too much to ask of Charles whose opinions are completely devoid of logic.
I agree entirely, Kalidan. The reasons that thoughtful and informed people have found Trump's very existence on the presidential path so troubling are not only his spewing of violent, stupid and ugly statements but the fact that his little core of maniacal supporters exists at all. More disturbing is that think they know exactly why they like him.
He relieves them of taking responsibility for anything. He relieves them of guilt and fear. By his own words only he can save them and put things right, right "again", the way it was long ago in the land of Nod, when they were little and life was good and bigotry was truth. Naivete, ignorance and sentimentality are a dangerous presence in public affairs. There will always be sociopathic maniacs who like to manipulate them by mixing in a heavy dose of blame, conspiracy, fear and invective.
Scapegoating comes to mind. "Nice" people are happy to start gathering up the rocks once they are hoodwinked into believing that the goat is the cause of their miseries past, [resent and future, real or imagined, and, of course, that their great leader has bravely tied the beast to a post. It is never the leader who throws the first stone. He is watching everyone for doubters, those who would question him. Failing to throw your stones puts you in line to be the next goat. It is good to see that more and more of Trump's "fan club" have found the very real courage and moral strength to drop their stones and walk away.
He relieves them of taking responsibility for anything. He relieves them of guilt and fear. By his own words only he can save them and put things right, right "again", the way it was long ago in the land of Nod, when they were little and life was good and bigotry was truth. Naivete, ignorance and sentimentality are a dangerous presence in public affairs. There will always be sociopathic maniacs who like to manipulate them by mixing in a heavy dose of blame, conspiracy, fear and invective.
Scapegoating comes to mind. "Nice" people are happy to start gathering up the rocks once they are hoodwinked into believing that the goat is the cause of their miseries past, [resent and future, real or imagined, and, of course, that their great leader has bravely tied the beast to a post. It is never the leader who throws the first stone. He is watching everyone for doubters, those who would question him. Failing to throw your stones puts you in line to be the next goat. It is good to see that more and more of Trump's "fan club" have found the very real courage and moral strength to drop their stones and walk away.
4
African Americans are not alone in loathing Trump. Everything he stands for runs counter to America's traditions and ideals. Trump is so far removed from the spirit of America that one might legitimately question whether this blow-hard is a US citizen. Shall we ask to see a certified copy of his birth certificate?
D. E. Harris
Brunswick, Maine
D. E. Harris
Brunswick, Maine
32
Puh-leese keep publishing Trump's racist views. Hopefully with low Republican turnout and an excited Democratic base we can take over the House, Senate and White House. Let's not be complacent--we need to get out the vote. It's time for a second civil rights movement to take place in this country. Funny this is all happening at the end of our first African-American president's tenure.
21
The only thing the Democratic Party has given minorities is lip service. Clinton is pandering for their vote. Once elected, she will revert to the same old Hillary, Having said that, I'm not sure why blacks would vote for either candidate.
7
Democrats have tried to provide black people with the same things they try to provide everyone else with, clean air and water, affordable health care, fair pay etc.
6
They couldn't do any of those things even in times when they had control of both the House, Senate as well as the White House.
My question is, why didn't blacks back Sanders in light of how badly Bill Clinton's policies impacted the black community? Does that mean that if elected, Mrs. Clinton will be able to ignore the needs of the black community while attending to the demands of the wealthier members of her constituency, and still get their support for re-election?
7
Blow wrote columns to persuade the black community into thinking that it was a slight to learn the policies of Bernie Sanders.
1
I am not black, but don't understand why any ethnic group would pledge their 100% devotion to either political party. If the Democrats know the vote is locked up, why bother with any commitments, etc. The same goes for the Republicans. They know it is a waste of time, so why bother.
6
I hate when people use the word black as a noun. I hate it when any adjective is used as a noun to describe a person or a group of people. It is much worse in a headline. It is inherently dehumanizing. I understand that the author here is a Black American and that is not the intent, but it still gives me pause.
The substance here is right on point however. It really makes one wonder who the 1% are? I guess we should not be surprised that black america also has its 1%ers.....
The substance here is right on point however. It really makes one wonder who the 1% are? I guess we should not be surprised that black america also has its 1%ers.....
1
More and more it seems that DT is running for something other than President -- and that is the absolute height of cynicism, using the election as a vehicle towards a different goal. When he went out of his way to attack a baby -- first setting up the scenario w/ the standard "we love babies" and then saying he was kidding -- "get that baby out of here." Could it be more pointed? Yes! By deliberately insulting a yyuuuuge segment of the electorate -- not just ignoring Blacks, but actively inciting racism to the extent that David Duke could say that the GOP had finally come around. A columnist in a different publication notes that the most recent additions -- Bannon, Conway, and Ailes -- are media people w/ little real political experience: they talk politics instead. It looks as if that is what Trump is really going for: a platform for hate speech and self-aggrandizement that will last long after Nov. 8. Pure poison from a true crook, a/k/a a run to outfox the Fox Network.
5
See Ed Kilgore column at nymag.com: a better argument than mine.
Eric Levitz at nymag.com: http://nymag.com/daily/intelligencer/2016/08/donald-trump-strategy-cable...
Fortune magazine examined the question "Is Trump a racist" and they found plenty of evidence that he is.
http://fortune.com/2016/06/07/donald-trump-racism-quotes/
"It starts in 1973, when the U.S Dept of Justice went to court with a discrimination complaint against the Trump family business, which rented apartments across Brooklyn and Queens. Coming from the administration of Richard Nixon, ..., the complaint was based on an investigation that found four different Trump employees confirming that applicants for leases were screened by race. One rental agent said Trump’s father had told him not to rent to blacks and that he actually wanted to reduce the number of African Americans in his buildings. Three doormen said they had been instructed to deflect blacks who came to Trump buildings to apply for apartments.
DJ. Trump was already president of the Trump Organization. Rather than work with the government to bring the company into compliance with the law,.., Trump retained one of the most notorious lawyers in the country, Roy Cohn, and commence an all-out legal war. Cohn, who had been Joe McCarthy’s chief inquisitor during the senator’s witch hunt for communists in the government, filed a $410 million lawsuit against the federal government and smeared the justice department attorneys with terms such as “storm troopers” and “Gestapo.” Trump complained in the press of “reverse discrimination” and alleged a “nationwide drive” to force landlords to “rent to welfare recipients.”
http://fortune.com/2016/06/07/donald-trump-racism-quotes/
"It starts in 1973, when the U.S Dept of Justice went to court with a discrimination complaint against the Trump family business, which rented apartments across Brooklyn and Queens. Coming from the administration of Richard Nixon, ..., the complaint was based on an investigation that found four different Trump employees confirming that applicants for leases were screened by race. One rental agent said Trump’s father had told him not to rent to blacks and that he actually wanted to reduce the number of African Americans in his buildings. Three doormen said they had been instructed to deflect blacks who came to Trump buildings to apply for apartments.
DJ. Trump was already president of the Trump Organization. Rather than work with the government to bring the company into compliance with the law,.., Trump retained one of the most notorious lawyers in the country, Roy Cohn, and commence an all-out legal war. Cohn, who had been Joe McCarthy’s chief inquisitor during the senator’s witch hunt for communists in the government, filed a $410 million lawsuit against the federal government and smeared the justice department attorneys with terms such as “storm troopers” and “Gestapo.” Trump complained in the press of “reverse discrimination” and alleged a “nationwide drive” to force landlords to “rent to welfare recipients.”
13
Roy Cohn, who had been Joe McCarthy’s chief inquisitor during the senator’s witch hunt for communists in the government, became Trump's mentor. According to them both, they spoke as many as 10 times a day.
Despicable Cohn taught Trump all the dirty tactics he uses in business and now in his presidential campaign.
One of Cohn's lessons was NEVER APOLGYZE, always counter sue and counter attack no matter what or whom. You saw an example of the lessons learned when Trump counter attacked the parents of the Gold Star war hero. He has never apologized to them or to the other millions he has insulted during his campaign, including POW Sen. John McCain.
Despicable Cohn taught Trump all the dirty tactics he uses in business and now in his presidential campaign.
One of Cohn's lessons was NEVER APOLGYZE, always counter sue and counter attack no matter what or whom. You saw an example of the lessons learned when Trump counter attacked the parents of the Gold Star war hero. He has never apologized to them or to the other millions he has insulted during his campaign, including POW Sen. John McCain.
7
There are many reasons blacks do not like Donald Trump and many others groups who also dislike Donald Trump. The problem is Donald Trrump does not care who affends. This is the reason Donald Trump will lose by large margin
4
When reading the thoughtful comments by Richard Luettgen, regarding black communities "depending on the government", I always wonder why the same language is never applied to the corn farmers in Iowa who are so dependent on government to grow (or not grow) a crop which is a water guzzling, soil leaching plant that contributes to our national epidemic of obesity and diabetes. Just asking.
958
For the same reason that people like Richard Luettgen call people of color who use drugs drug addicts and thugs but they refer to white people who use drugs as unfortunate, or experimenting or committing a youthful indiscretion. In their minds, anything is acceptable if you're white and it's considered admirable if you're white and wealthy.
12
Same language is applied to them as well. Cruz clearly declared that he will end those subsidies.
And those farmers do not represent 20% of the electorate.
And those farmers do not represent 20% of the electorate.
1
Smart comment.
5
Trump isn't trying to recruit African Americans with these comments. He is trying to convince white people that he isn't racist. Many of them will fall for it too. Hopefully not enough of them.
13
When one thinks of Donald J. Trump, doesn't pioneering civil rights leader come immediately to mind?
It doesn't? What is wrong with you? Civil Rights, Women's Rights, all of them brands are owned by Trump. Yes, I know all he talks about is how rich he is, how many gold-plated shiny objects he owns, how big his brain is, and how he is all about the winning. But what many don't know is the Other Donald, the modest, unassuming, humble guy who is always doing something behind the scenes to further a better understanding among all peoples of the world. Those things he says about Mexicans, Muslims, women, minorities? He's joking! Can't Americans tell sarcasm when they hear it? That Birther stuff, questioning President Obama's origins, his religious beliefs, how he got into Ivy League institutions, demanding to see his college transcripts. All jokes, folks.
Now that Trump is sinking in the polls, he's decided to lay his cards on the table. He loves all those people he said he despises. He tells us he'll "be the best president" for everyone. Can't anyone take a joke anymore?
Yes, we can tell a joke when we see one. The joke will be on Trump come November 8th. We Americans who believe America already is great will get the last laugh.
DD
Manhattan
It doesn't? What is wrong with you? Civil Rights, Women's Rights, all of them brands are owned by Trump. Yes, I know all he talks about is how rich he is, how many gold-plated shiny objects he owns, how big his brain is, and how he is all about the winning. But what many don't know is the Other Donald, the modest, unassuming, humble guy who is always doing something behind the scenes to further a better understanding among all peoples of the world. Those things he says about Mexicans, Muslims, women, minorities? He's joking! Can't Americans tell sarcasm when they hear it? That Birther stuff, questioning President Obama's origins, his religious beliefs, how he got into Ivy League institutions, demanding to see his college transcripts. All jokes, folks.
Now that Trump is sinking in the polls, he's decided to lay his cards on the table. He loves all those people he said he despises. He tells us he'll "be the best president" for everyone. Can't anyone take a joke anymore?
Yes, we can tell a joke when we see one. The joke will be on Trump come November 8th. We Americans who believe America already is great will get the last laugh.
DD
Manhattan
15
Charles, make no mistake: DT wasn't "courting the black vote" (he's aware earning the minority vote is a lost cause), but was speaking the language of tolerance to gain the support of fence-sitting WHITE Republican moderate voters who are afraid of openly supporting a bigot.
This is the same demographic voting bloc who lied to pollsters in primaries, saying they'd vote for another candidate but in the privacy of the booth, voted for DT.
When DT was ahead in the polls, he enjoyed the benefit of secret voters, but now that he's BEHIND in all polls, he's trying to coax them 'out of the closet' (DT HATES to lose), by offering lip service that bigotry has no place in his campaign.
If the strategy weren't so subtle and despicable, I'd almost applaud him for being so dastardly (or replace the 'D' with a 'B': same meaning).
This is the same demographic voting bloc who lied to pollsters in primaries, saying they'd vote for another candidate but in the privacy of the booth, voted for DT.
When DT was ahead in the polls, he enjoyed the benefit of secret voters, but now that he's BEHIND in all polls, he's trying to coax them 'out of the closet' (DT HATES to lose), by offering lip service that bigotry has no place in his campaign.
If the strategy weren't so subtle and despicable, I'd almost applaud him for being so dastardly (or replace the 'D' with a 'B': same meaning).
16
Blow and others consider Michael Brown, an unarmed black man who was killed after committing a robbery and attacking a police officer, a hero.
That undermines Blow's judgment and credibility.
That undermines Blow's judgment and credibility.
12
Considering Michael Brown as a young man who didn't deserve to be shot to death is not the same thing as considering him a hero. Please show your sources for such an outrageous claim, the lack of which currently undermines your judgment and credibility. I am certain it will remain undermined.
11
"many blacks despise Trump for fear of what he might do to these programs, and many of their leaders constantly flog this theme because of the perception that Trump would threaten the source of their power."
Puhlease! Mr Blow's column is a litany of reason why African-Americans would despise Trump.
Puhlease! Mr Blow's column is a litany of reason why African-Americans would despise Trump.
"The speech was tone deaf, facile and nonsensical, much like the man who delivered it."
You are much too kind, Mr. Blow. The GOP has been pursuing an openly racist policy that denigrates black people for several decades now, beginning with the Southern Strategy. The racism has been getting uglier with the years -- Welfare queens, Willie Horton, voter suppression, get tough on crime, etc. Trump is not just "tone deaf, facile, and nonsensical." He is the rash of suppurating pustules into which the GOP has now broken out. The GOP is a disease, and Trump is its pus filled repellent manifestation.
You are much too kind, Mr. Blow. The GOP has been pursuing an openly racist policy that denigrates black people for several decades now, beginning with the Southern Strategy. The racism has been getting uglier with the years -- Welfare queens, Willie Horton, voter suppression, get tough on crime, etc. Trump is not just "tone deaf, facile, and nonsensical." He is the rash of suppurating pustules into which the GOP has now broken out. The GOP is a disease, and Trump is its pus filled repellent manifestation.
16
AG-Willie Horton was first used by Al Gore-look it up. If you want to talk about Welfare Queens, try checking out Mr Clinton's Sister Souljah moment. Neither party has cornered the market on using race so don't go there.
2
The guy embodies the old style values of Americana racism, blame and greed.
11
1% of blacks actually supporting Trump was a surprising statistic... seems high.
9
Donald Trump is interested in the welfare of Donald Trump. He is NOT interested in bettering the lives of Americans who are members of the Black, Hispanic, Asian or Indigenous Communities. He is not interested in bettering the lives of Women Frankly, he is not interested in bettering the lives of many White Males who are struggling to get by. He is interested in instilling hate and fear in the American People. Why? He wants to make money, gain more power to make money and feed what appears to be an insatiable ego. I hope and pray that he is soundly defeated in the coming election. I hope that the American People vote for Hillary and send a clear message to the Republican Party that racism, sexism will not be tolerated within our democratic nation. I urge every one to get out and vote.
354
1% of the vote for any racial demographic is historic and utterly risible. I am not surprised though after all of Trump's condescension and racial dog whistling, he deserves to lose big. Without the support from women and Latinos in particular, he has no chance. Let's just hope all the moving pieces of the Democratic coalition show up to vote in November.
29
Sir, I generally love your stuff, but, honestly, was this column really necessary? You could have just left it blank after the headline and let readers fill in the many, many reasons. Although, I am waiting for someone to explain to me why any woman would support Trump.
5
Your subject is not Blow's subject. To suggest otherwise is patronizing.
4
This article makes me think Mr. Blow should integrate rap into his life. He certainly has the qualifications and mind set. Personal attack is his mantra where Trump or white citizens are concerned; and a "Blind Eye" his mantra where BLM is concerned. Riots are not BLM protests and the most recent Milwaukee riots are clear evidence of a group that is bent on destruction, revenge and hatred rather than anything of societal value. Many readers have grown weary of Blow's obsequious allegiance to racism. Enough! Everyone admits that the Democratic party has taken for granted and taken advantage of the black vote. Black Americans have absolutely nothing to show for this loyalty- I repeat nothing.
8
Mr. Blow writes: "Kiblah is derived from the word “ka’aba,” the cube structure at the center of the mosque in Mecca". Well, no. The two words have no etymological connection whatsoever. Ka'ba (not ka'aba) is the sanctuary in Mecca, according to the tradition built by Abraham, and kiblah (or qibla) is the direction towards it, as Muslims turn towards it during prayer. Minor point, but still.
Pace, Mr. Blow. Trump is the symptom, the problem is what he has exposed.
The problem is slowly being addressed, but every now and again we have a flare-up.
I am getting old, I once thought that the problem would be addressed in my lifetime. Obama's election was a sign of progress, the backlash was the proof that much more needs to be done. I don't think that all will be well before I go, but perhaps it will continue to get better.
The problem is slowly being addressed, but every now and again we have a flare-up.
I am getting old, I once thought that the problem would be addressed in my lifetime. Obama's election was a sign of progress, the backlash was the proof that much more needs to be done. I don't think that all will be well before I go, but perhaps it will continue to get better.
21
It will get better, though too slowly. I too am getting old, and facing reality. But I have seen how much better things are than they were. Demographics and simple reason will help.
Younger people are less inclined to reflexive prejudice and more appreciative of the value of diversity in their circles. They are also less starry-eyed and are skeptical of the idea of inevitable economic growth; and so they recognize the economic cost of prejudice.
When my son, who is both kind and pragmatic, and I were talking about the future, he said, "Dad, I will be very sad when you go, but it will mean that a lot of others who need to be out of the way will be gone too." I am happy.
Younger people are less inclined to reflexive prejudice and more appreciative of the value of diversity in their circles. They are also less starry-eyed and are skeptical of the idea of inevitable economic growth; and so they recognize the economic cost of prejudice.
When my son, who is both kind and pragmatic, and I were talking about the future, he said, "Dad, I will be very sad when you go, but it will mean that a lot of others who need to be out of the way will be gone too." I am happy.
5
You gort this right!!! Unbelievable that we would have this kind of candidate for President, in 2016! I am dismayed to find so many people supporting Trump. For full disclosure, I am a white, southern , very very senior citizen. Having lived through the Civil rights era in Ala & Ga ( & Wallace) I thought we were better than that.
I have not given up hope that the majority of people of all walks of life, will see through this kind of hate.!
I have not given up hope that the majority of people of all walks of life, will see through this kind of hate.!
47
Has there ever been a more clueless individual than Trump?
7
The GOP primary candidates are as clueless as Trump, since they essentially agree with him.
7
Why yes. That would be anyone who would play dumb, to an even dumber crowd, about wiping her server clean "with, like a cloth?"
Oh!!! Ok... nothing to see here folks!
Oh!!! Ok... nothing to see here folks!
2
This is churlish changing the subject.
1 percent of black voters support Trump? That's 1% too high!
18
This is unadulterated nonsense on stilts. No candidate can control who supports them.
Pres Obama, along with every D candidate (winning or losing) for President has received the support of EVERY leftist fringe group that exists. No hue and cry was heard from Democrats/leftists (politicians or media types), as they endorse the view of these crazies.
Pres Obama, along with every D candidate (winning or losing) for President has received the support of EVERY leftist fringe group that exists. No hue and cry was heard from Democrats/leftists (politicians or media types), as they endorse the view of these crazies.
4
"No candidate can control who supports them."
But any candidate can at least try, by not insulting potential supporters!
But any candidate can at least try, by not insulting potential supporters!
3
Please name those groups.
7
They are not pushing an Alt-Right ideology.
They simply want to Ctrl-Alt-Delete modern America.
They simply want to Ctrl-Alt-Delete modern America.
10
The full-page Trump ad did not call for the execution of the Central Park Five as Charles Blow asserts. It said “muggers and murderers” should be executed “when they kill.” The Central Park Five were never suspected of murder. The ad said: “Many New York families—White, Black, Hispanic and Asian—have had to give up the pleasure of a leisurely stroll in the Park at dusk, the Saturday visit to the playground with their families, the bike ride at dawn, or just sitting on their stoops—given them up as hostages to a world ruled by the law of the streets, as roving band of wild criminals roam our neighborhoods, dispensing their own vicious brand of twisted hate on whoever they encounter.” People forget that a teenage mob committed several attacks, assaults, and robberies in Central Park on the night the “Central Park Jogger” was raped and beaten. Trump’s ad seems to have been motivated by a New York Times opinion piece (“The Worst Fear”) in which columnist Tom Wicker wrote that the “woman assaulted in the park by a gang of ‘wilding’ teen-agers had every right to be where she was at that time.”
http://www.nytimes.com/1989/04/28/opinion/in-the-nation-the-worst-fear.html
http://www.nytimes.com/1989/04/28/opinion/in-the-nation-the-worst-fear.html
I have often thought that Trump shows traits characteristic of historical despots of the past.
Nothing he has said or done lately would contradict that opinion convincingly.
Nothing he has said or done lately would contradict that opinion convincingly.
106
The speech was a failed attempt at the quadrennial Republican dance to assure non-racist(in their minds at least) conservative whites that it isn't an actual White Supremacist party. Trump just can't fake it for less than an hour like past nominees. The Republicans don't care if many Blacks(or Latinos or Women or Gays) actually vote for them, just that non-hateful whites feel okay about voting R because of taxes. Those whites can now see exactly what they were voting for all along.
175
Well said, Anne. It seems odd to me that so much liberal/progressive/MSNBC huffing and puffing and self-righteous indignation has focused on Trump's ridiculous comments regarding African-Americans instead of regarding this gambit - perhaps the work of his new team of advisors - as an attempt to reassure white, Republican/independent/undecided voters that he is not a vile, race-baiting bigot whom they should reject. The strategy, now with Trump even reading a teleprompter - Good job, Donny! - appears to be that if - the giant "if" - Trump can contain his bizarre, bigoted, impulsive fulminations and focus on America first, national security, prosperity for all (regardless of whether he has plans or policies rooted in the realities of planet Earth), he can win the contest as the lesser of two evils.
2
This man, Trump, is a disgrace to the nation and to every group, white, black, or hispanic. He is the ultimate narcissist, the egomaniac and self-promoter who will stop at nothing to promote himself.
316
I wonder how many times Trump promoted himself to banks like Goldman Sachs to the tune of $1.8 MILLION dollars?
1
Trump is an equal opportunity narcissist. Anyone who thinks a tenth as much of him as he thinks of himself is great with him, no matter what race, religion or sex the worshiper is.
3
Republicans have always had at least a token portion of the black vote, say 10-15%. The fact that it's down to 1% is a testament to black voters' ability to judge character. I wonder what makes many of my white male peers incapable of exercising similar judgement.
760
Has nothing to do with character. Democrats have thoroughly brainwashed blacks into thinking that life will be over if a Republican becomes president. Not that that it was his fault, but overall, the economic situation has declined for blacks since Obama became president in 2008.
Bottom line - the president actually has little to do with your success or failure. It most has to do with the individual. Blacks will be no worse off if Trump is president than if Hillary is president.
Bottom line - the president actually has little to do with your success or failure. It most has to do with the individual. Blacks will be no worse off if Trump is president than if Hillary is president.
2
"The fact that it's down to 1% is a testament to black voters' ability to judge character."
If this were so, then Sanders who received little black support must have a low character compared to Hillary who received a lot (smile).
DO you think that Sanders has a lower character because black voters - who have excellent "ability to judge character" - preferred Hillary to him?
If so, I have bridge in Brooklyn that I would be happy to sell you!
If this were so, then Sanders who received little black support must have a low character compared to Hillary who received a lot (smile).
DO you think that Sanders has a lower character because black voters - who have excellent "ability to judge character" - preferred Hillary to him?
If so, I have bridge in Brooklyn that I would be happy to sell you!
2
They're racist.
6
Whether Democrats, many African Americans, etc., like it or not Trump is saying what a lot of people are feeling. We feel left out of the economic recovery. We've not seen any of the benefits of trade pacts made with large regions of the planet. We have seen friends and family lose jobs, not find new ones, lose everything due to medical problems, lose homes, and lose hope. It's true that illegal immigrants are taking jobs but that's because companies hire them and face very few penalties for doing so. Americans are being told to go into STEM fields while those who are already in them have seen jobs shipped overseas, given to immigrants who come in under a visa program exploited by employers to avoid paying Americans decent wages.
The state of peoples' finances determines more of how they vote than other things unless they are equally important. As a woman I won't vote for the GOP because of their stance on abortion. I won't vote for them because of the attitudes they encourage and what they've said about Americans who need government assistance ranging from unemployment benefits to whatever. However, my life experience includes a handicapped brother, a parent's catastrophic illness, and being a lesbian. It also includes working with people from backgrounds that aren't like mine. I know, from personal experience, that much of what Trump is saying he'll do won't help America. But some of what he says does resonate.
The state of peoples' finances determines more of how they vote than other things unless they are equally important. As a woman I won't vote for the GOP because of their stance on abortion. I won't vote for them because of the attitudes they encourage and what they've said about Americans who need government assistance ranging from unemployment benefits to whatever. However, my life experience includes a handicapped brother, a parent's catastrophic illness, and being a lesbian. It also includes working with people from backgrounds that aren't like mine. I know, from personal experience, that much of what Trump is saying he'll do won't help America. But some of what he says does resonate.
94
I am truly sorry for your troubles. But must wonder why the Democratic messages aren't also addressing your distress, anger and frustration. Won't Clinton's solutions help you even more than those of a racist, mysongynistic, isolated bazillionaire who hasn't done a day's service in the name of anyone but himself and his family in 70 years? Have you even visited her website and read her plans? Listened to her speeches? If you give her a real chance you might find that she, and the Democratic Party, do resonate and do address your concerns. But if you close your ears and tune in only to Fox and Trump Nation, you'll continue to feel just as bad as you do now. Stop drinking their Kool-Aid and you might start to feel an inkling of possibility. Just a thought. Good luck.
15
hen3ry,
While I'm not entirely sure whom you're including in the "We" you refer to in your comment (as in: "We feel left out of the economic recovery. We've not seen any of the benefits of trade pacts made with large regions of the planet. We have seen friends and family lose jobs, not find new ones, lose everything due to medical problems, lose homes, and lose hope.") I can most definitely tell you that the lives of virtually EVERYONE who isn't part of the 1% have been impacted in the same way as yours.
Do you honestly think that electing Trump will help solve/alleviate the pressure you're under from any of your current concerns? Time to get real about the real world: it's clearly much bigger than you are currently aware.
While I'm not entirely sure whom you're including in the "We" you refer to in your comment (as in: "We feel left out of the economic recovery. We've not seen any of the benefits of trade pacts made with large regions of the planet. We have seen friends and family lose jobs, not find new ones, lose everything due to medical problems, lose homes, and lose hope.") I can most definitely tell you that the lives of virtually EVERYONE who isn't part of the 1% have been impacted in the same way as yours.
Do you honestly think that electing Trump will help solve/alleviate the pressure you're under from any of your current concerns? Time to get real about the real world: it's clearly much bigger than you are currently aware.
10
I never thought free trade with totalitarian China made sense - the elites of both political parties disagreed.
The second letter I ever wrote to a senator (1980s') was associated with concern of uncontrolled illegal immigration. It fell on deaf ears limosine liberals don't have the heart to say no on that issue and country club conservatives love the low wages illegals offer.
This being said, Trump is a horrible candidate for any political party. he not only stains the Republicans, he stains all of us.
The second letter I ever wrote to a senator (1980s') was associated with concern of uncontrolled illegal immigration. It fell on deaf ears limosine liberals don't have the heart to say no on that issue and country club conservatives love the low wages illegals offer.
This being said, Trump is a horrible candidate for any political party. he not only stains the Republicans, he stains all of us.
3
Trump is the Republican presidential standard-bearer. That means our classical message of self-sufficiency, hard work, playing by the rules … is his message. And the sad fact is that many in our black communities heavily depend on government for basic subsistence – far fewer numerically than whites, but far more in proportion to total numbers. In part, many blacks despise Trump for fear of what he might do to these programs, and many of their leaders constantly flog this theme because of the perception that Trump would threaten the source of their power.
How’s that for politically incorrect but ruthlessly accurate truth?
Of course, the COMPLETE truth is a lot more complicated. We keep blacks down in America, in education, in jobs, in where they can live; and to many of the marginal without the native talent, the drive, the sheer grit required to break out of generational cycles of dependency, going along with a liberal mantra of having basic sufficiency handed to one with no expectations of any social payback is the less onerous road to travel. And, as I stated above, there are a ton more whites that cave to this temptation than blacks – and with far less justification.
Trump is no particular friend to ANY community defined by color or ethnicity, his perceived “base” notwithstanding. If blacks TRULY wish “equality”, then THIS is the attitude they should seek in a president, rather than some faux-paternalistic game of bread and circuses in return for votes.
How’s that for politically incorrect but ruthlessly accurate truth?
Of course, the COMPLETE truth is a lot more complicated. We keep blacks down in America, in education, in jobs, in where they can live; and to many of the marginal without the native talent, the drive, the sheer grit required to break out of generational cycles of dependency, going along with a liberal mantra of having basic sufficiency handed to one with no expectations of any social payback is the less onerous road to travel. And, as I stated above, there are a ton more whites that cave to this temptation than blacks – and with far less justification.
Trump is no particular friend to ANY community defined by color or ethnicity, his perceived “base” notwithstanding. If blacks TRULY wish “equality”, then THIS is the attitude they should seek in a president, rather than some faux-paternalistic game of bread and circuses in return for votes.
90
Very well put. In fact, you just wrote one of the most perceptive, truthful posts to ever appear in a NYT comments section.
3
A lot of blacks keep themselves down by having kids that they can't afford and so they are forced to work menial jobs with a GED or less.
A lot of blacks are educated, rich and doing quite well.
Trying to lump one race into a small category is ridiculous.
A lot of blacks are educated, rich and doing quite well.
Trying to lump one race into a small category is ridiculous.
31
Exactly. Welfare recipients in America are like the proverbial 27 year old that still lives at home with mom and dad. They can't figure out why their kid won't leave home and spread his wings to find their own successes. Well, have they tried kicking them out?
6