- Booker T. Washington
My Larger Education: Being Chapters from My Experience, 1911
Written over 100 years ago, Washington's quote could have been written today. Arguably, his words apply even more now. The most obvious example is Rev. Al Sharpton inserting his nose into any situation he feels he can benefit by exploiting the plight or death of any African American. What many often fail to recognize-- or at least refuse to acknowledge-- is that the biggest offender is not one person, but an entire political party. No, not those racist, old, white Republicans. The culprits are liberal, and supposedly compassionate, Democrats.
All over this country people are screaming for increased civil rights, minimizing the wage gap, and more educational funding for urban centers, in particular. The truth is that the communities in the greatest of despair have been under Democratic rule for decades. From New Orleans to Baltimore, Ferguson to Detroit, the urban decay is systemic. Why are the so-called progressive policies of the left not lifting the burden of generational poverty, educational disparity, and racial strife?
I'll hazard a guess: THOSE IN CHARGE DON'T WANT TO CHANGE THE SYSTEM.
Without the dependency of minorities, undying union support, and uneducated youth, these Democratic politicians and bureaucrats don't stand a chance. They'd lose their funding. The intoxicating stream of federal and state cash would come to a sudden halt. They simply cannot let that happen. Exploitation of the underprivileged, impoverished class is the cash cow that affords them unimpeded power. As long as their foot rests squarely on the neck of those they convince to be indebted to them, they will prosper.
Power is the ultimate drug and can seduce virtually anyone. Power trips occur on both sides of the aisle. Politicians and leaders become drunk on their own importance. But when talking about the well-being and livelihoods of citizens, it is not only counterproductive to American society, but downright immoral. Sure, these Democrats support throwing more money at inefficient and ineffective programs. They contribute to charitable funds for the community. It's all very warm and fuzzy. But what good is really happening if nothing seems to change?
Long term, local Democratic rule is a shared element in areas riddled with government dependency, high spending yielding low results, and unmanageable levels of illegal activity. We must ask ourselves, are the poor being ignored by racist, predominantly white government and law enforcement? Or are they, perhaps, failed by decades of deficient policies? Woefully duped by elected officials that wish to ensure they vote Democrat while keeping them as destitute as ever?
Until we face these questions with open and honest discussion on what the REAL sickness is affecting these impoverished communities, we will continue to see their demoralization and inevitable demise.
