By Rodney Beard
When I want chicken wings I go to a spot here in Brentwood. In the years that I have frequented it I can count on one hand how many people of color that I have seen. I can also count with one finger the number of Liberal or Progressives I’ve encountered. Some of the conversations are quite insightful for an old Liberal like me when I listen to them talking basically among themselves, and in many areas of ideology we aren’t that different.
Though it is refreshing to chat with two very pleasant ladies in particular from time, it is also educational and telling that theirs is quite the mindset of the 1%, true Republicans. All of the men I know are either Republican, Conservative, or Tea Party members who are actually the meanest or worst of the lot.
While munching on chicken wings at the bar with all of them, I have learned the differences between the aforementioned three, and compared their views to mine only to find that we actually agree more than not, and share certain views consistently in the bulk of our discussions. I must admit that some of their “beefs” with the whole thing is legitimate and that I share the sentiments expressed on occasion, as they do with me.
It’s easier talking to Republicans or Conservatives than to the farthest right side of the party. True Republicans are more like the originals and far less intimidating than the others. They seem to be fair and honest in their belief systems. What separates them from Conservatives is mostly religion. Conservative ideology is basically rooted and grounded in race, God, and money. Somehow they believe that those three elements become the control and power they rightfully deserve. The Tea Party folks are openly racist and just plain mean, always gunning for a fight with me, but I graciously decline because they probably have a gun, will use it, and not be prosecuted.
The thing that holds all of these people together, as I have observed, is the importance of their race and culture no matter what. Ultimately they are a bond that cannot be broken even if there is disagreement in the ranks; they are committed to hold together to accomplish what they know is slipping from their hands even as we speak…numbers.
The core value system that they adhere to is the anchor of their faith to prevail, and they aren’t going down without a brutal fight. If we let them win in November mid-terms, many of us will lose “big time,” if only for a short while which would be after 2016 when Hilary Clinton becomes President and she will. Why? It is because by then our “browner nation” will have had enough of the Right’s antics, put-downs and gridlocks for good.
In the meantime Black America needs to get itself together and get some respect. When Reps, Cons, and Tea Party crazies get the most belligerent during friendly debates with me is when they bring up the statistics about us. I normally have them firmly in my clutches about their very warped views making point after relevant point, until the inevitable happens. Statistics we really shouldn’t be proud of as a race of people. Statistics that we know are somewhat accurate quotes on poverty, welfare, SNAP abuse, intentional unemployment, and the fact that 70% of our kids are born to single mothers. Their beef is that somehow in their minds, they are paying for it which is why the level of disrespect for all of us “browns.” That leads to the biggest one of all…crime among us and crimes against them.
I was talking to a Tea Party guy one day and he was drunk enough to say what none of the others will but believes and it was unsolicited by me. He looked me directly in the eyes and said, “You know Rod, here’s the deal. As long as we have to take care of ya’ll, the more we will disrespect you. When ya’ll respect yourselves, everybody else will respect ya’ll too.”
I hesitatingly digressed, paid my check, contained my anger and rage knowing he was packing, and went home to pray about a time when the hate is voted out, justice is carried out, and the beauty of Black, White, and Brown together in a just society brings about, the new Red, White, and Blue.
I can’t wait. Let me know your thoughts.