Commentary: Are black Republicans sellouts?

They aren't sellouts, just foolish.

Well said Martin,
As someone who comes across on CNN as a blind partisan it's surprising to say the least, to at least read you giving lipservice to the issue.
Now, when African-Americans start voting closer to 50/50 like whites do we can say we are a post-racial society, but when it's almost a voting-block, despite what you say, it's clear that the majority is NOT open minded. Since, as you say, there is allot of agreement on issues.
As a Christian I don't know how you can support Democrats and the liberals who flood your ticker with hate-mail against people of Faith.
When I read a substantive post from you singing the praises of the Pro-Life movement or hailing a conservative republican for their stand against runaway spending, then I'll believe that this post, like many of Obama's speeches, are just that, speeches designed to bring in some conservatives and make them think you are independent.

Mr. Martin, Thank you that was very well said.

I understand exactly what this feels like. As a Hispanic emigrant with conservative views, including illegal emigration, at times I'm viewed as disloyal to my people. I think this mentality holds minorities back and unable to move ahead.

I agree with you Roland. I am a 31 y/o black man and feel as though the issues should be the focus. I am a registered Democrat but I am more of an independent. If John McCain would have won the Rebulican nomination over George W. Bush he would have probably received my vote for President. I did not see the same McCain in the "08 election and I felt that (Sen.) now President Obama was the better choice and ran a better campaign.

Either way both parties stink. I don't care who it is or what color they are or who they bend a knee to prayer in. They were elected now do your job!! Why is that so hard for people to get. Forget the stand they take just get them to do something for once. Other than for themselves.
This kind of reporting just keeps distracting us from the real issues.

It is so refreshing to hear a voice of reason. One that does not play the race card. Thank you for your insights Roland!

I find it interesting that every major city, run by Democrats...the African American neighborhoods are falling apart. It's not the Republicans doing all of the destruction....................

Right on Roland! African Americans often vote against our interest because someone sells something that looks right , instead of looking the merits of it. The republican party has been a mess for Black folks. But the democrats take us for granted. We need to become issues based and not party-based or person-based.

Bravo Mr. Martin! Well said and in line with MLK's dream of being judged by the content of one's character, not skin color. You are to be congratulated for following in his footsteps.

Let's not forget that it was Republicans who staunchly opposed slavery, pushed for the Emancipation Proclomation, and favored continuing the Civil War without compromise until the institution of slavery was defeated. This was opposed by Democrat "Copperheads" who were in favor of peace at any price and were willing to tolerate slavery's existence.

GREAT! said perfectly!
great book to read:

What Color is a Conservative? by: Former Congressman J.C. Watts!!
One of my favorite members of ALL time!!!

I couldn't agree with this article anymore. I am not a constant observed of Martin's column but each time I read it, I am impressed by his ability to give an educated opinion on important issues. I'm tired of media that are clearly biased toward one extreme or the other. The media should present the facts as is and allow the public to form their own bias, instead of spoonfeeding them personal opinion. Thanks Martin, and keep it up!

Some people forget that Lincoln was a republican, and Dr. Martin Luther King was a republican until he had a falling out with the party.

I wouldn't necessary say it is a stike against Republicians. I just don't care much for Steele as the party leader. For years I've read articles by Shelby Steele, Walt Williams and the Ward Connellys of the world. Sometimes they make sense and sometimes it's just rhetoric. I don't see Steele that way. I see him as nothing more than a prop. I rarely take him serious and when it comes to Obama he's just down right silly. Everyone should have a voice, but when it comes to Michaal Steele I hit the mute button. What a waste.

Hey Roland i miss that clip ,is it possible you can send it to me plz ?

It is sad that this article had to be written. It is a wonderful one nonethe less. How come any other race can have the freedom to vote for whom ever they choose, yet black people have to remain in slavery and vote for who they are told. The people who use the term "Uncle Tom" as an insult has never read the book or let alone even know that it is a book.

No, I don't think Michael Steele is an Uncle Tom because he's a Black Republican...I just think he's arrogant and doesn't give President Obama the respect he deserves...He trys to act like he's "equal" to Obama because he's the first Black to head the RNC...Not!! Someone needs to tell him less is more. He comes off as over the top by trying to "prove" something to his Republican colleauges. Bottom line, it's not Black folk who are calling him an Uncle Tom, it's his own party who are making a mockery of him every time he opens his mouth...

it just seems odd that a black man or woman would support a political party that does not seem to have their best interests in mind. i mean, Rush Limbaugh might be a bit of an extreme example, but have you heard/read some of the things that the has said in reference to black people in general. the concept of black republicans make about as much sense as gay republicans.

it's not merely "name calling", it's a conceptual and ideological paradox.

Well said. Its been a while since this country has been able to have an open discussion about policital beliefs without angering the opposing side. It is possible to disagree and still give respect to a varying view. This is actually how I feel about some things written here in Mr. Martin's commentaries. I dont always agree with what's said but it is obvious that the argument is well composed and thought out. Be the change.

Anyone that considers Black Republicans to be sellouts are racists. Aren't African Americans allowed the right of freedom of thought? To assume that all black people should and do think exactly alike is bigoted beyond belief...and it's the supposed "open minded" liberals that do the name calling. Hypocrisy, thy name is Democrat.

George ,

You are sure right about that everybody deserve a platform .

I am truly glad to see this artcle written. As I am glad to have Mr. Steele as the Head of the GOP. For over a decade or two now, the GOP has been trying to communicate this exact message. Albeit poorly, they have been trying to say the programs that at one time we about elevating African Americans out of the second class citizen status has truly placed them in a new bondage to the Democratic party. It is time we all are free to be who we are, not what we look like. I think the African American community, if they are willing to truly look, will identify with Republicans more than Democrats going into this new century. Regardless of the Obama presidency. Mainly because as Jesse Jackson pointed out, he is more like elitist East Coast whites than the everyday person.

Although I share none of the views Roland articulated as what would be perceived as being conservative, I don't hold that against any other Black Man or Woman who holds those views . . . but I definitively would be concerned about their rationality in being part of a Party that clearly has at best racist tendencies and at worst a small (large?) vocal racist voice that clearly does not want blacks or any other minority in the party. The Republican party in the last 50 years by its policies, deeds and words has fostered, encouraged and created a party that fosters hate for minorities and blacks in particular. You want proof, many black folks hold the views Roland described above but they are neither part of nor would they ever dream of being part of the Republican party. Whether the Republican party as a whole or a part of it is racist is a determination for each individual to make but clearly Blacks as a whole "perceive" it to be and that is why more are not part of it. Until that perception changes and it will take 50 years of Republicans actively trying to change it, there will continue to be only a few Blacks who have the courage (foolish enough?) to join the Republican in any meaningful way or amount . . . and then and only then will the "name calling" stop and an audience actually listen to someone like Michael Williams . . . .Good luck with that!

Roland, I nominate you for the Nobel Prize for Sense. You write some deep common sense that is luxury to a lot of other writers.

Thank you Mr. Martin. I happen to be conservative and black (I am not the darkest piece of chocolate in the box though). It is ridiculous to hear people around my age (23) say that they can't believe I would ever be a black republican and how much the previous administration set "us" back. Those allegations are ridiculous to me because Pres. Bush wasn't leaving his children fatherless, nor making children while not being married, nor keeping you from a degree, nor making you buy 300 shoes instead of saving, etc. You did all of those things without his help but now that a "brother" is in the white house you think all of those things will change. Well they won't because nothing has changed in you as a person.

Pres Bush nor Obama can take away the Degree that I earned, nor the job that I have. I obtained all of those things through prayer, support, and hard work. I was also raised by a single mother of 3, been homeless twice, didnt meet my father until I 18 but NEVER will these short comings be placed upon "The Establishment" nor will I rely on the president (no matter their color) to dictate my life nor my future.

Right or wrong, you don't have the credibility to speak out about this. People have been calling you Tom since Cheney and Bush were in the White House. You always take the Republican side of any issue.

Uncle Tom says it all

Bravo!

Both Michael Steele and Michael Williams supported and voted for George W. Bush and I voted and support President Obama. Michael Steele has done nothing to change his language about President Obama and supports the language Rush Limbaugh uses against him. I've listened to Michael Steele enough and he is just that an "Uncle Tom" and has never said anything positive about a black person. When will we ever learn to stick together as our Mexican brothers and sisters who do so well.

I couldn't agree more.....I think African-Americans and Anglo-Americans have more interests in common that you might think. Personally, I want more personal accountibility for ones actions, less blame on others, a chance at big rewards for hard work, for my children to live in a better world than I do, and more responsible government. How can this be much different whether I am white, black, hispanic, or whatever. Instead of African- or Anglo- or Asian- or Latin-American, can't we just focus on being AMERICAN?

Roland S. Martin: Excellently written oped.

As a white male, belonging to the GOP I have been amazed over the years at how blacks w/i the GOP are perceived by the black race, as you have stated, as Uncle Toms, sell-outs, etc.,.

Now, with that being said, most whites w/i the GOP would also opine, that blacks w/i the liberal party, are there for no other reason than for a hand-out, to suckle up to the cash cow for freebies, and for the Great Uncle Sam to provide for them. Both views are equally wrong and cancerous.

I purport that given equal opportunity, treated equally, and respected by all as the same, then the selections we choose to for party affiliation would be strictly along ideologically beliefs towards societal issues, and basic human rights, void of color of skin, gravitating to one party or another solely.

Roland, I enjoyed your piece, very much!

Sorry man , after the likes of the Ward Connally's , Clarence Thomas , Condi Rice, Michael Steele , JC Watts, Allen Keyes and a lot others these are some dangerous Negroes, there has to be a computer chip controlling their erroneous backward thought pattern. I recall reading " The Emancipation of the new Negro " , back in the mid 70's and it stuck with me till this day and described these present day invidividuals as a menace to society.

Roland,
Good point but did you ask the other side how they feel about blacks? Remember what they did to their friend Ambassador Key. They locked him out while the white republicans were inside. Steele, Key and other minorities in Republican't party are there for opportunities not to fight for good of all of us. We campaigned for Steele and gave his republican't frien the governorship in MD but I was surprised when Steele said one day on TV that he follows the governor's agenda and can't suggest. He knew that he is going to be punished for what they did in Annapolis, Maryland that's why he run for Senate where he lost. Steele doesn't get it. He knows that republican't are saying that Obama is giving free healthcare to "NOT HARD WORKING" people and minority. Yet, he is all over fighting against public healthcare when he hasn't not done good during his political career. Just listen to Sarah Palin, congresswoman from MN, Sean Hannity, Beck and Limbauchette and ask your self as minority if you belong to this tent? Steele is there as window dressing!!! and he knows it but he cares about his pocket... Good try Roland

Excellent post Roland. I don't always agree with what you say, but I do here. As Americans we pride ourselves in being individuals, thinking for ourselves, and respecting the opinions of others. We owe it to ourselves to take the privilege/responsibility of voting seriously. We also owe it to our society to respect the views of others, even when they disagree, and encourage meaningful debat.. Within families there can even be healthy discourse and disagreement. In the last VP election I voted Democrat while my father voted Republican, my mother Democrat (mind you, they're still married!) and my brother Republican.

I agree that blacks are not 'sell outs' if they are Republican. I disagree with the GOP on many issues, but I do not believe that being a white Democrat makes me a sell out because I did not support the "white candidate' for President. Blacks have just as much right to be wrong (Republican) as Whites do...

It is the Democratic Party that continues to beat down African Americans by continually reminding them of their "need" of assistance. Republicans show respect with their apathy. Democrats show condescension with their handouts. Black Republicans are far more open minded, righteous, and independent than their lemming counterparts.

You should have went a step further Roland and call it ignorance. Just like it's ignorant for black people to call you a sellout because you don't want to live in "The Hood" no more and want your kids to speak proper english and go to good schools with a top fight curriculum.

How soon people forget that before Nixon, and the Civil Rights movement, the Republican Party was the party for the majority of black folk and that is was the Democrats who were out of touch and didn't care about social issues until they used the Civil Rights Movement and Nixon's Draconian Southern Strategy to fool blacks into thinking they were the sympathetic party to their needs.

We all love Obama, and love it's historic meaning, but like any politician and any sitting President, he is gonna be open to criticism from all sides, especially from black folk. If others aren't thick skinned as well as Obama, he shouldn't have taken the job. What, because he's black we're all of sudden not supposed to criticize him if he's not meeting expectations or fulfilling his bountiful campaign promises. I'm not drinking the Obama-Ade and I voted and campaigned for him tirelessly. But at the end of the day he is still a politician first, and we know what lengths politicians will go to woo their constituents. Black folks don't own Obama as their own because he's half white, part Kenyan, part Muslin, etc. No one ethnic group has or should have a claim to him. Judge the man on his deeds, not his oratorical gifts.

As for Steele, as a Marylander who knows of Steele as a former Lieutinant governor, I don't like him not because he's a republican, but because he's a buffon who flip flops on issues more than John McCain did last year.

As Carter G. Woodson says, Any race that gives its vote to one party is asking to be taken advantage of. Dems have been taking advantage of folk for a long long time and the GOP frankly doesn't want you so now what?

Thank you Mr. Martin. I couldn't agree more. Since when does a person's race have anything to do with the political party they most identify with? As a Republican and an American Indian, I simply find myself more in line, when it comes to the issues, with the Republican Party. Do I disagree with some of what's going on in the party at present? Yes, but when it comes to overall ideology, I'll stick with the Republicans.

I believe there is a difference between supporting someone and agreeing with everything they do.

Democratic welfare programs have served well to keep the majority of african americans in the lower class. There is this endless cycle of welfare families that sees no end in sight.

The liberal media portrays right wingers as racist but that could not be further from the truth. The left wing uses african americans and it is a shame they fail to see that...or at least most do.

I agree with some of the comments that state that more balance among african americans will help this country a great deal.

An Inconvenient truth to many might just be that it was IN FACT a republican that freed the slaves. If you do not believe me, look it up. Lincoln was the first Republican president.

On the other hand Andrew Jackson, who instituted the Trail of Tears which killed THOUSANDS of native Americans, was a DEMOCRAT. You can look that fact up, too.

Well written and well said Mr. Martin. No man should be put down because of his political believes. The substance of the person is what makes him what he is, there are plenty of blacks and hispanics, myself included, that believe that a man should stand on his own two feet with as little interference from government as possible. When government does too much for you it makes you lazy and dependent, with little or no pride for yourself or family. A person should be helped up not propped up. And of course there are plenty of us with good conservative values.

Roland, today you have earned my respect.

Well said Mr. Martin. Perhaps black voters should follow the example of many Christian voters and just change their affiliation to Independent. I find that takes away the party smugness about knowing what kind of voter they can depend upon for votes, even when they should be thrown out of office.

The whites in the GOP make it about race . When you say let's take our country back from him . When you have Rush Limbaugh , Glenn Beck , going around exciting hate , to me they represent the GOP. They keep thie base , what is thier base, how about the american people not your base. Last year going the GOP convention , what did it look like . Yeah , like a Tea Party from the early 1800's . If they are not racist let someone out of the GOP say thier not .

Roland while you may have voted for Republicans in the past, I and many blacks will not, The Republican party has been vile against blacks with policies to deliberately set us back against whatever gains we may have made. I can safely say many blacks reading your commentary will take a second look at you. There is nothing good about the Republican party for blacks? It seems to me Roland like you are trying to put lipstick on those Republican pigs.

Thanks Martin, well said. I am a Christian, and share a lot of Republicans’ views, but I would not and cannot vote for any of them, until they stop the spreading of hate and hiding behind conservative vs. liberal, just because you do not support ALL of their views. There is no room for discussion or disagreement within the party, which leads to a Lynch-Mop mentality. As witnessed by the comments from “Eyes Wide Open”, it should read “Eyes Wide Shut” in reference to their ignorant, judgmental and narrow mindedness. The fact that he feels he has a right to judge you and tell you what you and “ALL BLACK’ believe or do not believe shows the self righteousness of a hypocrite. But their hope shall perish.

You and I are RARELY in agreement, but this is one such case.

Minorities, as a whole, need to take a step back and really look at government and what it has and – mostly – HASN'T done for them. Democrats like to say they're for the poor folk and they shake hands with the right colors and kiss the right little babies, but they're no more for the poor than the right.

People, as a WHOLE, need to stop being so divisive in their thinking and start looking at the facts again. That means reading CNN AND Fox News, then pulling the blinders of ignorance and complacency off their eyes and deciding for themselves what is wrong and what needs to be fixed.

Government is overtly disconnected from the average person, but they've been successful in dividing the nation along the lines of political ideologies, insighting a lot more anger than compromise. If the founding fathers could come back today and see where their great nation was, they'd be ashamed.

For most African Americans – its not about being a Republican that is the controversial.

Its who these African Americans ASSOCIATE with in the Republican and Conservative ranks.

Lots of White Conservative Republicans left the Democratic Party because it supported the end of Segregation and Jim Crow. Lots of White Conservative Republicans have made race-baiting a very important part of their political strategy.
The Republican Party lost a huge segment of their Hispanic Support because of their virulent anti-Mexican immigration stances. The Republican Party has become the enemy of most racial minority groups – even as they "celebrate" a small handful of Black, Brown, and Yellow adherents

The question then becomes -Why are African Americans associating with these type of people?

It's one thing to try to effect change from within, but after decades of concerted effort at marginalizing brown people, there's an element of "beat me, beat me, make me write bad checks" to it. Accepting that a steadfast supremacy exists, patriarchal, evangelical, anti-science, heterosexual, caucasian, is a de facto requirement for being a Republican these days. Wishing and hoping it otherwise hasn't worked so far...

I would be willing to bet the farm that Roland has never voted for a Republican in his life despite what he says. Playing the moderate card all the time makes him look impartial for his audience. He is actually part of the african american voting block that votes against its conscience and religious teachings. When you vote for a party that represents so many ideas that are contradictory to the gospel that makes you a heretic in my book.

I'm glad to see intelligent Black people chose the right party. Democratic have done nothing for the black community. If you look at history, the republican GOP has contributed much more for their political and social advancement then any democratic has been in office. That's a fact. The notions that they are sell outs are an insult to their personal integrity. I wish as a whole the black community would drop their stigma that an individual is a sell out or Uncle Tom for having an opinion other then a group’s expectation. This is America and the black, brown or yellow person should have the right to choose a group that supports their opinion and personal rewards. The GOP is the right answer for any individual that believes in values and opportunity. If you apply yourself and contribute to society, you will achieve anything. The democrat party is only about large government and social agenda by taxing the worker. They do not promote individual growth or individual achievement. I support any black person that believes in hard work and wants their future generations to prosper through contribution and education. Not complaining waiting for the government to hand them something for nothing. This notion the democrat party believes in needs to be abolished. The American people are tired and fed up with this concept.

There are not SELLOUTS...as much as there are "shellouts!" Whenever a Black decides to express...what many perceive as CONSERVATIVE VIEWS...they are ushered or relegated to the Republican Party.

HISTORY has taught Blacks valuable lessons...which we continue to exercise at the ballot box. If the Republican Party were "serious" about getting our votes (or those of Latinos, Asians, etc.), then they should embrace and vote for the issues that are dear to Blacks...and other Americans. Fortunately, many Republicans have chosen to visibly and forcibly align themselves with IDIOTS such as Rush Limbaugh...they have driven Blacks and others in the opposite direction (by their fruits ye shall know them).

Historically, Blacks have always done the HEAVY LIFTING for social, moral and....yes ECONOMIC reasons in the U.S. (360 years of free labor during slavery proves that!). Therefore, Blacks should be allowed to vote as they choose and affilitiate with the party of their choise. It is time for America and Americans to "get over it"....by attempting to discuss the matter and "shame" Blacks one way or the other will CONTINUE...as a FAILED ATTEMPT.

Blacks...like all other "red blooded Americans" can THINK and breathe.... While some Blacks (like Whites) may chose to be used as "public IDIOTS"...I don't believe this is true for the majority of us!

JUST MY THOUGHTS,
Sheliah M.

How I can respect a man who apologizes to Rush Limbaugh for speaking the truth. I am sorry but he is a sell out. By the way I know
Black Republicans and they dont like Steele eitther.

Well, I'd say that blacks belonged, en masse, to the Republican Party until the civil rights era. Makes sense, of course. The Republicans were the party of Lincoln. When LBJ passed the civil rights and voting acts, they switched. Then Richard Nixon traded those black votes for the white votes of the South, and Ronald Reagan kept that up, beginning his campaign by speaking out for "state's rights" near the site where the three civil rights workers were killed. Now it's a Republican solid south. So, Nixon and Reagan got what they wanted. Do blacks feel any affinity to the GOP? Sure, a few percent of them. Most of them, no. The GOP is a dirty joke for everyone, black and white.

JS November 13th, 2009 2:41 pm ET

"Let's not forget that it was Republicans who staunchly opposed slavery, pushed for the Emancipation Proclomation, and favored continuing the Civil War without compromise until the institution of slavery was defeated. This was opposed by Democrat "Copperheads" who were in favor of peace at any price and were willing to tolerate slavery's existence."

That's when Republicans were progressive!! They lost that mantle a long time ago.

The GOP's failure to match small government rhetoric with action notwithstanding, black Repubs are a rarity because non-whites (primarily blacks and Hispanics) are huge net beneficiaries of our redistributionist tax system. Why would they join a party whose ideals run counter to that interest?

Whites, the base of the GOP, provide the lion's share of financial support for entitlements from which non-whites disproportionately benefit. The net transfer of wealth from whites to non-whites amounts to tens of billions of dollars a year. That's over a trillion dollars since the 1960s.

This is why you won't see many non-whites at Tea Party rallies. It's not racism on the part of the organizers. It's self interest on the part of those who benefit from the system as it is.

I live in maryland and know a bit more about micheal steele. 9%. thats what he meant to the GOP in MD. they calculated if they put a black man on the ticket, which kennedy-townsend did not due, it would syphen off 9% of the minority vote and get a win. and it did. Steele was the MD GOP Race card played like a champ in poker and it won.

So if EVER there was a GOP token it was steele. Also JC watts was treated like a step child by the GOP as well.

But to me, i do vote issues, thats why im a life long member of the independent party..

The DEMS are for the poor, The GOP is for the rich, so that leaves us in the middle class out in the cold.

The "R" in Republican stands for RACIST... it is not a party form minorities (BLACK, CHINESE, HISPANIC, GAY and Caucasian with good conscience). It is a party of bigotry and people full greed and self serving. Ironically this party say that they stand for Family values, Religion and self moral. The clear reality is that the people in this party are in contrast of religion and family value stand for. They will not help others in need, they will not give opportunity to immigrants that are trying to find better way to survive and better themselves. They will not help they fellow American who need health care and can't afford it. I could go on and on, about this party and the people that are members of it. It is not a place for black people to associate themselves with. The black people who associate themselves with this party should not have the right to even call themselves black.

Simply brilliant. I have a degree in political science and in classes we used to engage in healthy dialogue and debate with many people from all different races, religions, and creeds, and it was all about addressing issues and trying to find ways to address them. Outside those classrooms though every opinion, no matter which end of the spectrum, carries shameful labels and distasteful dialogue meant to demean opponents and ctends to carry with it a very, "I'm right only because you have to be wrong," vibe. And in my opinion, America is in such dire straits these days not necessarily because the severity or sensitivity of the issues, but the inability of people to address and diagnose problems bigger than just themselves. But no matter, great piece and entirely accurate. Well done.

Amy, I agree with you. "I find it interesting that every major city, run by Democrats...the African American neighborhoods are falling apart. It's not the Republicans doing all of the destruction....................

Martin, I wish you would talk about community uniting into one, instead of talking about Black and White.

How are people are going to move on if you keep bringing it up. You can't change people, only they can...if willing. Yes, alot of ignorant people out there but you not really helping.

Roland,
I think this may be the first time I wholeheartedly disagree with you.
It sounds to me like you're pandering to the Limbaugh followers on this one. Blacks in the GOP are lost, ignorant and pathetic tokens. I am disappointed in you Roland!

The only people who would believe that if you are black that you have to be Democrat are small minded people who don't understand that black people are just as diverse in their opinions as anyone else in the world. As you can see by some of the posts here, small mindedness is a large problem in this country

I think that Black Republicans will be closer to being accepted when Republican Candidates will actually show-up to Presidential debates sponsored by black groups like the NAACP.

"Republican attacks on social programs were viewed as being aimed at poor people and African-Americans in particular."

In 2006, the most recent year for which I could easily find numbers, there were in the US about 9.5 million blacks with incomes defined as "below poverty level"–and about 16 million non-Hispanic whites living under the same conditions. It's absurd to assert the Republican opposition to "social programs" is "aimed at ... African-Americans in particular" there are almost twice as many poor whites as poor blacks.

It's even absurd to assert that Republican opposition to "social programs" is "aimed at "poor people." Republicans aren't "aiming at" anyone–they just feel, as I do, that people ought to take responsibility for themselves and not be a burden on society.

There is a fundamental sociological divide in this country, a divide that can be stated in at least a couple of ways. One way is a differentiation in the acceptance of the assertion is that we, as members of a society have significant mutual obligations to each other–Democrats, I think, generally accept this assertion whereas Republicans do not. Alternatively, the differentiation might be phrased as acceptance of the assertion that individuals are, or ought to be, fundamentally responsible for their own well being. Those who espouse the "mutual obligation" assertion seem to think the "self-reliant" people as cold and heartless; those who espouse the "self-reliant" philosophy seem to think of the "mutual obligation" people as shiftless losers.

The US is an enormous country. It's big enough to hold people of lots of different philosophies. And I think it's an enormous, fundamental, mistake, to try to impose one philosophy on the whole of the population–one size definitely does not fit all. Neither the Democratic Party nor the modern Republican Party–the neo-cons–seem to understand this. Neither party seems to understand that you can't impose broad, pervasive, uniform laws on highly disparate populations and expect anything other than disaster. (So-called "paleo-Republicans"–those who truly espoused a truly small Federal government–did seem to understand this point; their repudiation of that principle is one of the factors in the withdrawal of my once long-standing support for the party.)

Good article Roland, I am african american and I have voted democrat, republican, independant as well. And I have worshipped in the black church who advocated for a lot of conservative issues that were on the Bush agenda. So i think people will be surprised to find that more minority people have real concerns about the issues and the conservative issues as do the rest of america. We are true intellects and want to be enganged in truth and facts. I am not into listening to garbage however (lies/vitriol/name calling). Now I find that some of the church and conservative issues need to stay out of the voting agendas. Our freedoms are just that freedoms and people will only change one heart at a time thru the love and grace of our Lord and Savior. Blessins

Eyes Wide Open, (Funny, seeing as how you willfully keep them shut)
Mr. Martin is saying that Republicans shouldn't be vilified for having an opinion, not that he's going to be a Republican, which it appears you wish him to be. There is an inherent difference that you have missed. He has a certain set of beliefs which makes him different than, say, Michael Steele, but he believes that Steele has an equal right to his opinion, just like everyone else – even the people who rant on faith in the comments. Since you, through your comments, would rather have people who disagree with you not talk, you most definitely didn't understand his argument and have shown your inability to look beyond your ideology.

Amen Mr. Martin, I find humor from hearing the negative comments from my hypocritical friends who are democrates. I am a registered republican but if I disagree with the issues on the voting ballot, they do not get my vote. However, why did it take so long for an African-American, Michael Steele to become our leader?

"There is little doubt that Republicans have had a sorry history with African-Americans for the last 41 years"

Excuse me, but I believe that BOTH parties have a sorry history. Both are more interested in votes than pretty much anything else. I DON'T give Democrats a pass just because "they say" that they are helping.

There are a lot of good points in this article but I couldn't disagree anymore. The black community is still in desperate need for leaders that desire to see change and progress. Poverty is still rampant amongst the black community and the dispersion of wealth in America still largely lies with whites. And so when a black man or woman actually attains to a prominent position in America it seems almost intuitive to think that they would do their best to help and see to the progress of other blacks in America.

When instead we see them connect with a party that does not historically seek to help the black community they do seem like turncoats. We cannot pretend as if everything is okay and that blacks and whites are on equal levels today. Although there has been much progress, much more has to be done. These individuals seem to forget this fact and go on living comfortable lives in the political party that does not really want to upset the status quo. Historically their message has been "Leave it alone. If it ain't broke don't fix it." Black Americans cannot have this mentality at all. We must always seek change and we saw it (or at least believed we saw it) in Obama's campaign.

I like what is said in this article.

I think the most important goal for us as Americans is to always find common ground. We may not agree with everything that is said by a particular person, but when he says something right give some praise.

Mr. Martin,

I totally agree that voters and citizens of this great coumtry should be voting for the person that best represents their views no matter what the color of their skin. But, that's not what bothers me with the article and the news media reporting it.

In today's news, reporters pit "white" America against "African-Americans" or Mexican-Americans", etc. You like to devide the population into "What ever race-American" and call the rest "white".

Well sir, to be techicinally correct, I'm Caucasian. Just like the the black population or the brown population, Caucasians come in all shades from pale to dark.

So, if you want to classify people, please refer to us "whities" as "Caucasian-Americans" since every other race has to have "-American" behind their name.

Wait, why not just drop all the names before the dash and call everyone "Americans" no mater what their race. Maybe we'll find more common ground to talk about, to vote on and to agree upon.

The only reason why the Repubican party elected Michael Steele as their Chairman was to counter Obama's popularity.
That was a failed strategy.
Steele is the biggest buffoon in the world, he's a joke!
And as far as blacks and other minority groups (asians, latinos and gays) who are part of a white majority party yes they are sell outs!
You're there because they need your votes, after election day, you're back on the outside looking in.

No Melissa, Mr Steel is not foolish!

A/Americans are not a monolithic group of people "chained" to the democratic party. Some people prefer to listen "respectively" to both sides and make an informed decision.

We don't owe either party a damn thing. Especially the democrats. Mr. Martin makes some points concerning the Republicans, but leaves out the Three S's of the Democratic party.
1.Separate But Equal
2.Segregation
3.Slavery
Not to mention the Black Codes and Jim Crow!
All instituted or strongly support by Democrats. All of which set Black folk black for generations.

Whats the Democratic record on A/American: Education,
Crime, job creation? Democrats control "EVERY" failing black school in the country, and are against school vouchers. And you say He is foolish!

40 years of voting for a party that has done nothing but take A/Americans for granted, and Mr Steel is the fool, I think not!

I don't know if Mr. Steel or Mr. Martin are correct, but I know that I willing to listen to both. Without disrespecting either.

why don't you try it!

Was this article written in the 60's? I feel like this is a completely "Duh" article. Of course any person should have a write to their opinions no matter what color they are, and they shouldn't be treated with prejudice. It's humorous that democrats need to be re-assured of that concept.

The truth is that it's not the case that black Republicans are disloyal. If you are black and agree with 90% of the Republican platform and only 70% of the Democratic one, by all means, vote red.
But if you know the recent history of the Republicans and they're utter neglect of African Americans along with the tacit hostility many have shown towards issues affecting blacks then you as a black Republican must be emotionally removed/distant from your "people".

roland i agree and i also disagree. when it comes to immigration like amnesty, last i recalled was pres clinton that gave minorities a chance. pres bush did not care about immigrantts. until the GOP take away their symbol "for the rich party" I believe that minority should stick to their roots.

Mr. Martin, I fully understand what you are saying and it is true that skin color should not matter or be the deciding factor of a decision. However, when Mr. Steele was first elected as the Pres. of RNC, he made heart felt beliefs, true core feeling statements OF WHAT HE WAS ABOUT. I believe where his true feelings on certain subjects, but when the RNC started questioning is beliefs and statements that where not in line with what the RNC was about and they went as far to suggest MAYBE he was the wrong choice to head the RNC and maybe they needed to replace him, Mr. Steele flipped the script and starting saying/talking the language the RNC wanted and/or believed should be said to reflect the RNC agenda. I believe this is a sell-out of who he is as a person and his own beliefs. Was it about keeping the job? After all he said he couldn't believe that they picked him anyway. A TOKEN!!!

The Left is rather harsh to anyone who doesn't agree.

They furthermore demonize people on the right by claiming they incite race and hate. The sad thing is the left has made ideology a racist thing...regardless if it is unrelated to race.

If you're for less taxes, you're racist.
If you're for school vouchers, you're racist.
If you're pro-gun, you're racist.

Excuse me...but to constantly decry people on the right as racist IS racist.

The truth of the matter is 90%+ of white America has gotten over race. Where as 90% of black America is still focused almost exclusively on race.

We all bleed red. We need to stop caring about what the color of skin is and to be concerned with the issues. Like the fact that right now we are spending our great grand children's wealth. And to the conservatives, that's not Obama's fault. That's every president and Congress, and voter's fault for the past several decades.

–
PS – Hopefully the above comment won't get me banned. CNN seems less and less open to opposing thought.

EDWIN!

Fabulous comment! If you're not a writer, you missed your calling. I may be white but I know smart stuff when I read it! It's time for people of all colors to start taking responsibility and not blaming everybody else for why we fail. We need to stand together and Democrat or Republican, we should be "brothers and sisters" as Americans, not as races. Thank you my brother.

Well said Roland. I agree, it IS about the issues and while I too am a registered Democrat I listen and challenge everyone on the ISSUES, not the labels.

I also would have voted for McCain in had he won the nomination in 2000, Gore would have been a disaster.

Good piece Roland. I always enjoy your commentary. I personally have been registered as independent since 1996 after initially registering as a Democrat at age 18 in 1992. I lived in the South and like most African-Americans viewed the Republican party as pro-segregation and discrimination. I did not change my affiliation because I developed a new vision of the Republicans but because I learned in college that there is barely a nickel's worth of difference between the two parties. Despite their posturing and purported values elected officials of either party would happily throw any one under the bus if it meant hanging on to their seats. I think black folks need to realize that just because someone has a (D) or (R) next to their name says nothing about who they are as a person or whether or not they have your best interests at heart and share your values. For example, the last time I checked the Democrats' party platform favored extending rights to gay couples but most Black people I know are ready to storm the polls to vote "no" on any such measure. Does that make them Republicans or Democrats? What it makes them is people who (right or wrong) feel strongly about that particular issue and vote according to what they believe to be right. The voter's position on the issues is what should determine how to cast every vote.

I am a very conservative African American and I used to be a lifetime Democrat. However over the past 12 years I really start looking at the views rather than the party. When I was child and we studied government, and we talk about checks and balances. There is absolutely nothing positive about one party being in power. One of the most successful Presidencies was Bill Clinton but Congress was run by the Republican Party. My problem with both parties is the fact that they have sold their seat to the highest bidder (lobbyist). Most Senators are wealthy and if you can’t at least be able to raise a minimum of 10 million dollars, you can’t even seriously be considered a candidate. We need real people in offices that really knows what it means to struggle, and produce policies that will be better for all Americans not just the elite.

Vernis, the reason the Republican National Convention is always attended primarily by whites is because blacks CHOOSE to be Democrats. That's an action by African-Americans, not by the GOP. So how does that make the GOP racist?

When I hear Democrats criticize blacks for being Republican, I ask them, "Oh, so you support segregation?" Because, really, that's what it is: "You people don't belong over there... you belong over here."

I thought the civil rights movement was about the freedom to make your own choices.

I can't understand why African Americans by a huge margin vote consistently Democrat. Do they ever evaluate the state of black society? Unfortunately out of wedlock births, absent fathers, drugs, poor educations, crumbling inner cites, welfare dependency, high black on black crime and continual generational poverty have ruled the day since blacks fallen in lock step with what their Democratic Leaders have told them to do. I just don't get it. Why are educated and influential African Americans not pushing their community to look at both sides of the of the politcal spectrum. The one they have supported has failed them miserably.

also i know that i am off topic, why the preachers and different congragations not standing with pres Obama for health care. it will be the most humane act.

As if Republicans can call their party fiscally conservative. Remember that in the last 25 years of the amazing ascent of our Nations debt only one President managed to pay it down and it certainly was not some money spending Repub!

Michael Moore stated it best when he stated that Jesus would NOT be a republican. (ie -> stomp all over the poor and care only about the rich)

Let's not forget that it was Republicans who staunchly opposed slavery, pushed for the Emancipation Proclomation, and favored continuing the Civil War without compromise until the institution of slavery was defeated. This was opposed by Democrat "Copperheads" who were in favor of peace at any price and were willing to tolerate slavery's existence.

And the Republicans of Lincoln's time would not recognize the GOP of today. Please drop the tired "Party of Lincoln" analogy - you lost that with Nixon and the Southern strategy. It's also very questionable whether the GOP fought the Civil War to end slavery, or recognized that the Emancipation Proclamation could be an effective way of ending the Civil War. The two are not the same.

Roland,
Good article. Nevertheless, we really need to stick with the facts. As you appropriately mentioned, Nixon's southern startegy was what has created this divide in how Blacks vote. Even at that, what exactly do you think has changed with the approach of the Republicans towards minorities in general? In my humble opinion, nothing! When a political party continues to harbor and tolerate the most bigoted individuals around, how can a Black man feel comfortable with such a party? The annoying thing to people like me about the so-called Black Republicans is, that they constantly fail to speak up or criticize white Rpeublican office holders, when there is a need to do so. Say what you want about Black Democrats, at least, they speak up and criticize their party, when they have to.

I don't find Michele Steele to be a sell to his race. However I do find him out of touch with many issues. He reminds me of that relative who wants to be cool and hip but no matter what he says or does he only appears silly and lame. As for other African Americans in the Republican party I have no opinion. However, most of the blatant racist behavior is coming from the Republican party. I'm sure there are Democrats who harbor such opinions about blacks but none as blatant as the Republicans. All I can say is good luck to the any African American who wants to be apart of that. I'm sure Charlie Pride, (black country singer) didn't feel the love when he first came on the scene.
GOOD JOB "RO"

Every time I see video of Republican meetings, conventions, and tea party rallies, I see a sea of white faces. I'd really like to see the "numbers" – how many AA's are actually registered Republicans. In my opinion today's Republican party has been hijacked by religious and ideological extremists – the same ones Rove and colleagues used to almost win Bush the White House (or did everyone forget he was given the Presidency by the Supreme Court?). I'm all for fiscal responsibility, low taxes and a strong military – does that make me a Republican? Heck no, because even though that's what Republicans say they stand for, they're really all about excluding anyone who isn't rich, powerful and connected. AA's call themselves Republicans are delusional; you are welcome in the party until you don't vote for them.

Well, I was okay with your article until you (once again), showed the true colors of why you wrote the article...

"So I would hope that black voters in Texas actually listen to Michael Williams..."

The day we end the promotion of one race over another instead of looking at the candidate's skills, will be a great one.

Black Republicans = Clayton Bigsby

I agree. The Democratic Party takes advantage of the Black vote. However, I believe we are issues based voters....we just need to display this more as a people. Also, Republicans never try to get the Black vote, similar to how Democrats use to never try and get the rural and suburban vote. they would rely on large cities and college towns for votes. But Democrats have changed that strategy over the past 4yrs appealing to the middle-town America. Republicans need to do the same and distance themselve from the radical right, because many of us minorities see their appeasement of these people as condoning rasicm.

I do agree with some Republican ideas, however, their opposition to Obama, and for many issues that effect minorities tends to be based on hatred for us....or fear that if people of color succeed, then they will be left out of the New America (where White Americans will be the minority).

Good piece Roland. Bottom line is Blacks and GOP have agreement on numerous issues, including school choice, lower taxes and many pro life issues. The liberals did not like this, but the stats showed it was African Americans who were the key group that protected traditional marriage during last year's ballot initiative in California (while Obama coattails were huge).

Black GOP members are sad, deluded additions by the old white GOP lawmakers to paint their toxic party aims and goals as being progressive.

The only thing progressive about GOP lawmakers, and their corrupt goals are the bottom lines of Big Oil, Big Pharma, and Huge American corporations which routinely operate overseas using cheap child labor.

I'm rather amazed that there are any Black GOP members after Bush jr. hung Secretary of State Powell out to dry and destroyed his worldwide creditability when he supported Bush jr's lie regarding WMD's in Iraq and the African Uranium connections when both were proven to be damning lies that destroyed all international trust in Powell.

A. Smith
Oregon

I think it is correct to say that an African American Repulican should not automatically be assumed to be a "sell-out". I think the reason why African American's in large are against the Repulican party is because if you look at the race-baiting and negative talk that comes from the Repulican party (Rush, Beck, Palin, Bachman...etc) it sends a clear message to us that the Repulican party is against us. Now this obviously isn't true for all Repulicans, but the above mentioned names are the loudest voices from the "right" at this time. So when we hear all this negative speech, as an African American, it automatically turns me off from the Repulican party. I do agree with the principals of self responsibilty, working hard to earn your keep and I also don't want to see America turn into a "welfare-state", but you don't see the prominent Repulicans promoting those principals. They're too busy trying to attack Obama at every chance they get and race-baiting. Maybe if the Repulican party changed their approach, more African Americans would be open to them.

Sorry Roland, but your wrong on this one. Republicans are opposed to almost everything that are in Black's best interest. Some of which being, freedom of choice, universal healthcare, and most other social programs meant to help the underserved, etc, etc, etc.

Your article sounds reasonable but so do Obamas speeches. Actions speak so much louder than words of course that is what you use – words – The words I hear you speak on TV always come down on the liberal side, but thats the side you get paid for being on, uh?

The article was excellent and so were most of the comments. When I read articles on CNN the one thing that stands out to me is how most of the Democrats and liberals that leave comments do not seem to be able to express their opinion without insulting someone. There is even one here where Melissa stated “They aren't sellouts, just foolish “. I don’t know but it seems these people have not heard that everyone is entitled to their opinion. Not just the people who agree with them. I think Obama was the biggest mistake this country ever made butt he is in the white house and there is nothing that can be done about it until 2012. So we will so how it goes with him in charge. To close I just want to say to the Democrats and liberal’s you are free to support the man you elected and I am free to oppose him. We don’t need to insult each other to have a difference of opinion. That is one of our freedoms in America. So state you case and knock off the insults when someone does not agree with you.

Well I am cauc but I have never voted for a Publican. That is the price Steele's party pays and G-d willing will continue to pay for the hateful libel. spewed by the Publicans in order to win white votes. I supported Dukakis and I was stuned that Publiocans at every level approved the ad that portrayed the Govenor as willing to approve of rape especially by Black criminal. Publicans will be considered for my vote in the unlikely event they develop a sense of shame.

Go, Mr Martin. Telling it like it 'TIS

Roland

First time I have been impressed by your column, pretty close to a fair obervation...nice.

As for Vernis...if you think whites in the GOP are racist perhaps you should consider how many black voted for Obama...can't convince me numbers like that weren't at least partially color driven. Personally, I'm just tired of blacks blaming everything on whites...get over it, move on, find an identity and quit dividing and blaming. Be an "American", not an "African American".

Normally, I don't agree with you, Roland. But on this point, you're correct? I mean, was MLK an "Uncle Tom"? He was a Republican. Was Lincoln? Again, a Republican.

With all due respect Roland, i think any Black republican is a hypocrite and of course a sell out. Republicans are anti black both in policies and whatsoever you can think off. Michael steele is an idiot, period.

@Amy: Well said! I live in ATL but have projects in DC, Detroit, Baltimore and DC.

No Melissa they are not foolish, they simply have an opinion different than yours. They could consider you foolish. Like the man said until we get beyond labels the real debate will only go in circles. Well said Martin.

Roland's article is very well written. I have struggled with this for the last 8 years. I am a social, fiscal conservative, that has registered as a Republican but haven't voted for one outside of local issues ever. I just can't bring myself to vote for guys who I know don't give a darn about anything that me or my people have gone through. You can say the same about the Dem's but at least there is access. As I continue in this thing called life, I would hope that I could support someone in my own party for national office, but as a black man I can never forget the struggle of those who came before me and paved the way. To me supporting someone or a party that you know has no regard for your people (Reagan and his Neshoba County campagin kick off, Bush and the Katrina debacle) is crapping on the struggle of the ancestors..

Sorry but, I don't think this day will ever come. The mass majority of black people are only educated enough to know that Republican=White and Democrat=Bill Clinton. Until the proper education is given, that is a further required supplement to a surface-scratching LSN high school course, there will forever be an association of party and race. Sure black GOP members can relate to the black public but that doesnt negate the fact that those politicians still associate themselves with their other party members who politically attack blacks and the lower class. To solve this problem (and to gain the respect/trust of black people) these black people of the GOP must have a greater influence within the party; that is exert more policies which favor the black people. Otherwise, we'll keep voting for whoever the Dems chuck at us...

Everyone is entitled to their opinion and the sad reality of it all is that Steele is so naive that he is being exploited by the Republicans and does not even know it. If he wants to vote for that party so be it. I will not go as far to call him a Uncle Tom, I will just classify him as a weak minded individual who has no sense of direction.

Comment by Roger,
Now, with that being said, most whites w/i the GOP would also opine, that blacks w/i the liberal party, are there for no other reason than for a hand-out, to suckle up to the cash cow for freebies, and for the Great Uncle Sam to provide for them. Both views are equally wrong and cancerous.
_________________________________________

Perhaps someone should opine to the GOP that not all Black people want a handout from Uncle Sam or suckle up to the cash cow for freebies. Many are Liberals, highly educated, never been on welfare, make a good living ,and are very intelligent. It would be better if the GOP would make their point without stereotyping. Cancerous indeed!

According to President Truman, if they use democrat as an adjective we should use Publican to descriobe them. AMEN.

I read what (open eyes wide open and he said his is a christian That may be so or may be not because the christian of the 12 men who walked with Jesus would not look like the southern baptist. They seen to think thy are the only ones that read Gods word. How is it we all read the same Bible and do different thing thing. It about power not God word. Jesus was more of a socialist the he was southern baptist. the God I server is Pro choice and I am sure you say you are nut s. Here why Heaven Or hell you make a choice and God give you that choice.
Now If you make the wrong choice by not following God word you chose to go to hell. Liberal Or conservative is something that has come up in politics the last 30 years By nixon. The bible I read has no such words this is only meant to divide people . The truth is we all are a sum of both. Republicans are sold out to corporate Business the modern slave master and most southern vote that way same as they did in the civil war up holding the slave ownerand they are poor as hell. southern baptist read there history and tell me if Jesus is with that kind of conservative. Jesus is more liberal If you read the same bible I read. Take the spin off and just read read God word. Now Democrats are weak some time but the republican are full of greed and that is the USA real problem. heaven is not that way! I am glad there are some Black republicans but to the mass of black people they are not for us because we know they are for the rich . and Jesus was for the poor in any book you read southern Baptist. If you hang with the rich are like bird of a feather!!

It’s unfortunate that as a center-right black man has no political home. While the democrats are “now” the party of diversity, with seemingly a big tent persona. The party is increasingly hostile to so called “blue dogs” like myself. Faith is marginalized as the party is beholden to the pro-abortion, gay rights crowd, as I can’t easily separate my faith and my politics. The party has been involved in obvious race bating. Plus, some democrat proposals just stink. On the other hand, some republican proposals sound great “school choice”, lower taxes limited government. However, they have no clue how to engage minorities, especially black folks. There half-hearted attempts at courting black voters are pitiful. They concede the black vote without a fight. And the cycle continues. A black man like myself has no place in either party. I will be an (I) Independent for life.

Its nice to finally see that you're not taking one side for once and actually want whats best for everyone. Doesn't matter what party you vote for but what that person can do for US Americans as a whole. Don't let good lying politician make you think their doing a great job.

....and the Democrats have done "OH" so much for African-Americans.

The Government IS the problem. Keep it small and everyone is happier.

Vernis: You are a fool. The Democrats wanted to "take back" the country from Bush and the Repugs. How is that different. It's not, if you're being honest.

And Limbaugh and Beck? Haters? Haters of who? I've listened to them both for years (I am black) and never heard any hate.

Take your BLINDERS off! It makes you look the fool.

Well said.
Thank you.

I've got news for all of you, congress no matter what the party, takes all of us for granted, no matter what the race. we, the american people, have been marginalized and ignored for the benefit of big business and a small group of wealthy elitists who keep us fighting over trivialities while they rape the planet.

it isn't congress you should all be worrying about but Exxon, AIG, Phizer, Blue Cross and a host of others that control every micron of input into your lives.

As a man of mixed race, much like Tiger Woods is, I can say that yes, too many black Americans *are* racist. The greatest racial hatred I've ever gotten has been from black Americans (but not black Africans, interestingly). And this is before they ever hear me speak; this is simply on my appearance.

I've been called "white boy" by too many black Americans too many times with their lips curled in scorn. I've been told (again, many times) that because I like jazz but not "gangsta rap," I don't like like "black music." HUH?? Last I checked–and my Dad is a professional jazz musician–jazz music was invented by black Americans!

Are some whites racist? You bet! Just look at the Democratic Primary of 2008 for many recent examples. And are some blacks racist? You bet! Just look at how folks like Tiger and I are treated by blacks.

Black Americans need to remember, and actually act on, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s advice to judge others "not by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character."

–TP

If a black in the GOP is a sellout, does that mean that I can call all the rich democrats sellouts as well?

I'm sorry Martin, but Michael Steele is a sell out and Repubs just used him to be the first BLACK RNC chairman so that they can gain some attention of the black folks. Repubs will do anything to get their way as McCain chose Sarah Palin to be his running mate.....Mr. Steele give PRESIDENT Obama the credit he deserves. As an Asian American it was really sad to see how Repubs bashed President Obama for winning the Nobel Peace Prize. Surely, you may disagree but there were 10 world scholars felt that pres. Obama CLEARLY deserved the award. Unanimous vote ain't something we just ignore. If you look at the past Nobel Peace winners they haven't everything they promised or wanted. Also, please people give President Obama more time before you judge him and his staff. He hasn't been the president even a year yet. WHITE REPUB AMERICANS if you strongly disagree with what I said, then you are all RACIST. You may not like it but in my book you are all RACIST. You can't stand the fact that a black man(half white) is leading the greatest nation on the planet. Deal with it and hope what is best for AMERICA and not your self interest. By the way, I am a centralist. (I oppose abortion, I agree on Gay Marraige, I agree on rights to bear arms, Dems have better foreign policy, bigger government is better, I support Universal Health Care) God Bless.

Sorry – don't buy any of it.
If you think the Republicans will ever be a freind to minorities or the poor, regardless of ethnicity, you have pulled your own wool over your eyes.
This is the same group that gets entire swaths of the American public to gleefully vote against their own interests thinking if they vote with the rich they will get to be rich.
Get real and regugitate the kool-aid.
There is still time to come to your senses.

How can black feel comfortable in the Republican party when the so called " southern strategy " panders to racist elements? What about the Reagan administration's targeting of black elected officials in the South for trumped up charge almost all of which were thrown out without merit? The Republicans have deliberately marketed themselves as the white peoples party.

While Mr. Roland and I disagree on many topics, it is refreshing to see an African American who can cut through the bull and see the truth. No party truely represents a community, and if you really feel that way you are an idiot. This notion that Dems always have the support of the African American community is not always right, because I have friends that would beg to differ. They are not popular in their community but, they stand on principle not the the regurgitated talking points of the Dem party. It is easy to spot the forementioned from the latter just on the presentation of their arguement.

So like I said while Roland and I don't agree on much I have to stop and commend you because as and independent conservative, I feel exactly the same way.

The problem with Michael Steele isn't that he is black – its that he is an idiot. How many times has he said something ridiculous since he became head of the RNC – I can guarantee he will be replaced at the earliest opportunity,

The terrorists should be tried at Gitmo. Why all the expense to bring them to NY where they will have to be guarded for a fair trial which will obviously cost a few million dollars! What is the rationale for bringing them to NY? It may create another terrorist attack and why risk the death of anymore of our beloved New York citizens?
Helen Ramsey
Michigan

If blacks would seriously think about what the Dems have done for them over the last 20 years I think they may come to the realization that the only way to move forward is to start being accountable for ones self. Whites don't want to hold blacks down; they don't care about blacks enough to spend that kind of time and energy. Whites don't even care about other whites.

Republicans are the same way. They think in terms of themselves, their families, their neighbors and communities. If everyone thought that way, most of the problems society faces would disappear. If you can’t pass the buck or use an excuse it forces you to take responsibility for yourself.

Perhaps, when more people in the black community, start thinking for themselves, and stop allowing the Democratic Party machine to tell them how to think and how to vote, there will be not only more GOP blacks, but also more independent, and ........gasp......even Libertarian party blacks.

Of course, it is likely to be a while, in happening, as the Dems have brain-washed the black community, into believing that the only the Dems know what is good for the black community. That is one of the most prominent reasons, actually, that it has taken as long as it has, for the black community to overcome racism, among themselves. They have listened too much, for too long, to those who simply want to take advantage.

Vernis – Glenn Beck isn't a Republican, he's a Libertarian. You also need spelling and grammar lessons.

Wrong, Roland!
Any black who calls themselves a member of the GOP IS an Uncle Tom and a fool.
Any black who calls themselves a Dem is simply a fool.
As an Independent, I say that political parties are like religion.
All the sheeple want to 'belong', it seems, to one group or another.
Blindly following, not thinking or listening, just shouting how everyone else has it all wrong.
It's real nice that you and Michael had a civil conversation, but I guess as a black guy you don't hear what most GOP whites call "African-Americans". It rhymes with trigger, Roland!

It's actually quite sad. African-Americans are the most disenfranchised voter group out there (although it's entirely their own fault) because the GOP has decided to give up on winning them and the Democrats take them for granted. Until African-Americans stop voting as a monolith, they will continue to be regarded as hopeless by Republicans and guarenteed votes no matter what by Democrats.

Unfortunately recently being a republican has been part and parcel of being a racist, warmongering liar. I am for fiscal conservatism and small government, but that doesn't exist today and hasn't existed for a while. It's just that recently so many republicans have proven to be such hypocrits. Just think about all the sex scandals and out of control spending over the last 8 years and during the Reagan administration. Not to mention the lies about the war and WMD's. Republicans, instead of distancing themselves or denouncing this type of activity, have embraced it. This make it hard to take the party seriously. For me Sarah Palin was the final straw. Someone so erratic, uneducated and ignorant of the world around them put up as the best the Republican party has to offer. It is hard to have a serious conversation with any republican with her mentioned as a the parties best hope and thinker.

Hey Roland!
I used to have a lot of respect for you when I saw you on other networks years before. Yes, I remmeber you like someone who thought for himself, smart, educated who happened to be black. Now, since you became a permanent on CNN, you became a black Democratic loyal partizan. What a shame!!! Even before you open your mouth I already know what you are going to say.
Now, with this article, I can see old Roland Martin. I'll check CNN today to see if it is only on-line or may be you will be courages enough to be yourslef on TV too.

Sure they are......Either that or they are just blind to the fact that the GOP doesn't care much about them. Only two reasons explain this.

Martin conveniently picks a timeframe of 41 years in saying the Republican party has been unsympathetic to black causes. Had he used a longer timeframe, he might have had to acknowledge that more Republicans supported the 1965 Civil Rights Act than did Democrats (both in numbers and %s).

the hell they aint!

The GOP is racist party. I am black and I just said.

What Roland Martin fails to realize is that Michael Steele would never have become the head of the Republican National Committee if Barack Obama didn't win the election. It was a reactionary move because the RNC realized that it was out of step, out of tune, and out of touch, and they figured that one way to right the ship was to put Steele at the head of the line. Any thought of me ever entertaining joining the GOP, after years of being a Democrat and later an independent, went out the window with that move.

Steele, by the way, isn't the only Uncle Tom – just the most visible right now.

Thank you, Mr Martin, for suggesting that our country embrace honest, open debates. Black Republicans should be able to share their opinions without harassment just as white Democrats are allowed to express their views.

I hear the same things being said here about liberals by the GOP supporters that I used to hear from the KKK about blacks. Nice company you keep there, Rollie.

I must say that I have read a lot of great comments but one person named Amy posted a very ignorant comment by stating that every major city run by democrats, the African-American neighborhoods are falling apart. It's white, Asian and Hispanic neighborhoods that aren't doing that great either. First, your facts are wrong not every African-American neighborhood is falling apart due to it being ran by democrats. We have a republican governor in office currently running MN in some of the neighborhoods aren't doing too great. It always takes an ignorant person to take a commentary out of context in run with it the opposite way. The republican party has had a poor relationship with the African-American community and for the most part a lot of them are racist, it's flipped because in the past the democratic party was more racist. I do vote as a democratic and I voted for Al Gore, Clinton and Obama based on some of their beliefs.

to Vernis Robertson:

The whites in the GOP do not make it about race. Why is it that blacks call it racism when you disagree with Obama's socialist policies? Answer that one for me please. I have never heard Beck or Limbaugh say that they dislike Obama's skin color...only his policies.

And the reason that the GOP convention is heavily white is not because of whites...it is because of blacks. The majority of blacks are democrats, for whatever reason. The GOP is not going to throw random people in the crowd to make it appear to be something it is not. If you want to see more blacks at the convention, start recruiting blacks into the party. We welcome anyone into the party.

Roland:

I am usually in total disagreement with your ed pieces, though I do enjoy reading them; however, this article was fantastic and insightful.

I agree with a previous poster that noted anyone that feels that African-American conservatives are sell-outs are completely out-to-lunch. I too don't understand this kind of thought process; are African-Americans unable to make their own choices and have their own opinions derived by their own experiences and beliefs and values? Of course not! I find that kind of thinking repulsive and just plain ol'sad!

Thank you for contributing this article. CNN should re-post this one every time an election comes around to calm everyone down and help us keep our heads.

Amazing how someone can embrace a religion that was used to enslave his own people. And comments here like "show respect with apathy"–what jokes those are.

I always enjoy your columns, Roland. You're absolutely right... We need to heed Dr. King's message and get past our focus on each other's demographic differences and concentrate on important things that will make life better for all of us. I personally subscribe to a libertarian/Constitutionalist viewpoint, which neither major party seems to currently want to respect, but both have been more respectful of states' rights and Constitutional limits on federal power in the past. Perhaps since the genie is out of the bottle, bankruptcy is the only thing that we can expect will end this big-government madness.

Roland great article, however I disagree with some of your analysis. I think at this specific moment in the political discourse, black republicans should be ashame of themselves (and lets be clear, not black conservatives but black Republicans). Given the tone of the Gop and the talking points coming from alot of the people who holds most of the power (Rush Limbaugh etc.- even though he is not a politician he is still running the show). I can't think of one issue that the gop has on their agenda that is of benefit to the majority of black Americans. Black Republicans should either force their party to conform and stop spilling hate or leave the party... but instead of doing so, people like Michael Steele has changed his tone and conform to the Republican strategy of being devisive.

Brilliantly said, Mr. Martin! I admit I sometimes catch myself calling black Republicans sell-outs, but I realize it is absolutely wrong to do that. Both parties (R/D) have their pros and cons, as well as their respectable figures (Clinton/Mccain) and their not-so-respectable figures (Wright/Limbaugh). I do take umbrage though to when Republicans pinpoint a black conservative as if he/she is smarter than all the black liberals. I'm a proud left-leaning moderate and see nothing wrong with my views. So long as conservatives are willing to respect my viewpoint, I'm more than willing to respect their's. I don't like being called a sheep just as much as they despise being called a racist.

"The whites in the GOP make it about race . When you say let's take our country back from him . When you have Rush Limbaugh , Glenn Beck , going around exciting hate , to me they represent the GOP."

Have you ever watched any of these programs or are you just parroting what you've heard others say?

Rush and Beck etc. are not racist at all. They're conservatives who loathe the socialist who's been elected on the rhetoric of HOPE AND CHANGE!

I wish people would look at the issues for once and look at the big picture. Get an education that includes a basic understanding of business, capitalism, economics etc. Then you will be better equipped to understand what's going on.

As a young 33 black American, I'm glad Roland took time out to write this one. I personally don't buy what the GOP or the Dems are selling.

However, I find that Obama has not enacted "change" upon the American government's fiscal actions. The treasury office is full of people who thought like Bush's Treasury personnel.

The monetary policies that the Fed is thrusting upon American citizens seem to cripple America even further. Forget the offered comsumer protection stuff. I shouldn't have to be protected; whatever is causing consumer danger should be eliminated.

I do think this is a subject that continues to divide the black community even further. I haven't caught and flack for not supporting Obama, but I haven't been shown a whole lot of respect for not supporting him either. End the end though...I really don't give a darn, I don't let ppl dictate who I am by the name they call me.

The best thing I heard about Mr. Steele is how ironic it is that he such an outspoken critic of Obama, yet if weren't for Obama, he would have his current job.

Whites don't claim obama b/c he turned his bakc o nthe whtie race. He claims to be black and sat in a pro black anti white church with his chip on shoulder wife who did not like her white room mates. Everyone was warned about his Muslim roots going back to his anti american mom and kenyan muslim dad. He still will not show his birth certificate. 2010-when the Dems are defeated, I hope congress will press him for it and when he balks-I hope they start impeachment procedings.

Blacks have to relize that the democratic party will alway try to keep you down, promising free this and free that. This way they can
always have the argument that they are fighting for you, What they are really doing is keeping you oppressed. The republican party
will fight to cut taxes, and to bring in more jobs by cuting taxes.
If we can offer more jobs and work hard, maybe we might have a better chance to move out of the slums that we are in.
I know i have been there, I worked hard just so i can move from the city and give my family a better chance. the democratic party is not the party that I once new.

The reason Steele is labeled as an "Uncle Tom" by some is because of his views and criticisms of President Obama. Not that he has to get in line and be complacent with everything Obama says, but his speeches and quotes dealing with the current president's (Obama) policies and agenda should definitely be more articulate. Yes, he does need to take and accept the fact that an African American other than him is in the White House; not discount it with heckles and jargon.

People – use your brains – Limbaugh is NOT anyone's elected official. He only represents himself. The asinine comment that he represents all republicans is like saying the Fort Hood shooter represents all Muslims or even that Roland here represents all democrats.

For me as an American of Mexican ancestry, this article is comparable to me liking rock and roll. People of my own race criticize me becasue thee rock music I listen to is not Spansih enough and call me a sellout or that I listen to "white people music".

Well written article.

As a black libertarian, I totally agree with this article. Anytime I criticize Obama and his horrible (mis)management of the economy and record spending I get called a Uncle Tom. When it the madness going to stop!!!

Another great article! I will give a few examples of why Republicans have such a problem with blacks. A community group I belong to invited our state representative, a republican to come speak with to the group which is a black organization. The representative showed up with his gun. The meeting was held in a country club. Second example was during the 2008 elections. we contacted the McCain and Obama campaigns to request a representative to come speak to the same group. We never received a response from the McCain campaign. The Obama campaign sent a representative.

Black republicans are not sell outs, but republicans have a lot of work to do if they ever expect to have a relationship with blacks.

apparently Melissa (the first poster), didn't read Rolands insightful and long overdue commentary about "black-on-black" name calling, just because somebody does not share your idealogy...

Roland, you've made me love and hate you. You're about as independent as it comes on CNN, and this is an issue I thought I'd never see brought up on CNN. There will always be people that choose to ignore the facts and simply take the easy way out in order to take a convenient stance, but you are not one of them. I hope that your bosses value what you bring to the company and you are compensated and treated accordingly.

To America as a whole, white on black hate needs to stop. Black on black hate also needs to stop. You have a black man in the white house, take it for what it's worth and seize the moment. Stop blaming the white man for all your problems. Improve your community and break free of centuries of oppression, both at the hands of the white man and by your own hand.

If you don't want to be treated differently because of the color of your skin, don't take handouts that wouldn't be offered to people of a different skin color. Take control of your lives, take personal responsibility.

If someone is being straightforwardly racist, call them out on it. If someone disagrees with you, don't assume it's because you're black and they're not. If you go looking for racism, you'll find it where it may exist and you will create racism. If racism goes looking for you and you fight it, you will win.

As a black democrat, I find this article ridiculous. It's not that we're against blacks being a part of the GOP, it's just that we don't understand how they could want to be a part of a group whose platform is build on firm foundations of hate, fear and polarization. Not all but honestly, the average GOP could care less about improving the situation of blacks an other minorities in this country. At minimum, we at least have tons of black dems on the inside who keep our agendas on the table. Why don't you drop Michael Steele off at a GOP "meeting" off the beaten path in say... Mississippi and come back for him in a few hours. Good luck finding the body.

Martin, your argument may be sound if you are speaking of the Republican party of 20 years ago, however, the Republican party has never truly embraced Black Americans.

The Republican party of today only accepts Blacks as tokens. The Republican party has strayed so far from conservatism that the party doesn't know what conservatism is. The Republican party has degenerated into a bunch of KKK types who claim to be christians. These psuedo christians would be classified by Jesus as hate mongering charlatans.

Well if anyone knows anything about being a sellout, it's Roland S. Martin.

I am a white republican (so you can put me in the right shoe box with the others) I only wish Obama believed like I do politically. I certainly would have voted for him if he did. Republicans do not change their beliefs as fast as some democrats but they can change if the facts are presented. I have an African-American friend who tells me he votes republican most of the time but he does not tell many of his black friends about it for the very reasons you stated. They would think he was not true to his race. Good thing there is a curtain on the voting booth.

Mr. Martin,

I'll try to keep this article in mind, and your open-mindeness, the next time I see you having to bend over backwards to defend this president's disasterous policies.

Thanks for the well written sensible article Roland. Also thank you for not playing the race card. Black people are smart enough to make their own decisions. It is true the Democratic party takes their vote for granted. Black people should maybe examine some of the core principles of the party. Who knows, maybe some would switch parties. Afterall, what has the Democratic party ever really done for them?

Posted by Edwin:
"Thank you Mr. Martin. I happen to be conservative and black (I am not the darkest piece of chocolate in the box though)."

Everything you say after this statement is meaningless, as sentiments of how dark you "aren't" stem from the same internalized racism vein which causes black republicans/conservatives to be labeled as "Uncle Toms."

Great article Roland! Perhaps we can have more discussions about the role of religion and party lines. Religion has always been a tough nut to crack, especially since we oscillate between fanaticism and aethism. Not all African-Americans have a religion and that should be ok if they chose a party based on other beliefs.

Steele is being "Used". I just hope that he realises this. The "Hard Right" of the republican party will never allow him to have any influence no matter how good his intentions are. Looking at the experience of Colin Powell, I will rest my case.

Blacks should all look at the issues and decide whom to support. I cannot support Republicans becuase they allow the Rush Limbaugh's and Rick Perry's to be leaders. I am a registered Democrat, but will be changing my registration to Independant. Abe Lincoln was a Republican and so was David Duke. , so that means that the Republican party has changed because they have allowed the NeoCons to take ove ther party. When Republicans support issues that will increase the money in my Bank account as well as increasing the Bank accounts of the Wealthy I may consider their party.

I believe the name calling doesnt help anyone, but you have to be honest, most Rebulican issues dont trickle down to the african american communtiy, they don't appeal to us. This is because of the Education and Poverty divide. First address education then porverty if you want any black support. That divide keeps growing and if you were to follow the Rebulican lead, that divide will continue to grow. America is all of ours, we should be more than willing to share in its prosperity. Very good article, but doesnt get to the root of the anger.

They are uninformed, foolish and no nothing of their history. There were blacks who fought for the confederacy as well.

sorry I do feel that black GOP are sell outs, because they affiliate themselves with a racist party, even though not all are racist...the GOP's are becoming more and more ignorant and racially insensitive.

Excellent, very well said...

The Premise of the entire article is rediculous. For the question to even be that a Black person who is a Republican is a sellout is warped thinking. Every black, yellow, green, or white, person is an individual. An individual has the ability to determine what influences them. What influences them determines their destiny. There are many republicans that are black. Most of them are successful, they broke away from their upbringing and determined that they can be different and have the power to be successful in the greatest country in the world IF they put the effort in. That is the main principle of being a conservative, not a republican.

The Republican party welcomes people of color, regardless of what color they are.

Glenn Beck and Rush Limbaugh do not go around and encite hate. They represent a different way of thinking that is about personal responsibility and individuality. Power of the people not power of the government. Funny thing is, that's what the Founders of this great country spoke of. Democrats want the power in the government and don't trust the people, just look at this whole healthcare debacle.

Michael Steele, through the lens of the mass media, comes off as an embarrassment to all self respecting, educated Black men. He allows himeslf to be protrayed as a buffoon and lacky for a group of people who truly don't like him and won't no matter what he does.

It seems to me that he plays this role just for the attention and notariety it gets him.

But let's be serious. How could any Black man who truly accepts the fact that he is a Black man throw his lot in with people like Jim DeMint, Jeff Sessions, Virginia Foxx, Bill Bennet, and Dick Armey?

They're not sellouts, they are however suspiciously compared to Michael Steele in general intelligence though.

Multi-faceted issue, although in general, any minority that supports the Republican party is incredibly naive and ultimately does themselves a disservice. And let's also remember that the Republican party of Lincoln has NOTHING to do with the modern Republican party.

Blacks in the GOP is as wrong as two boys kissing!!!! HAHAHAHA no really, please i don't understand how a black person, or gay person can be part of the repugnant party. it just doesn't add up!!!

I don't see how any intelligent Black person would want to be in the same political party as Rush L., Ann Coulter, etc. There is an Independent party that they could have joined.

I wouldn't call them Uncle Tom's because it's too harsh, but I think something is phychologically wrong with them.

Obama has reached out to the Republican party. As the head of the RNC Steele and a fellow African American, Steele should be working with Obama in getting the two parties to work together on issues and find common ground, this would look good. It would show that two African American leaders who differ in opinion can work together on issues all Americans have. He should also be coming up with a new strategy for his party in regards to the 'catering' of southern votes. That would be one of my top priorities if I was an African American in charge of a conservative white majority party.

i'm sorry but this is nonsense!! KATRINA showed me how much Republicans care about Black people. Republicans put "YoYo Keep It Real" Steele as the head of the RNC as a reactionary move to Obama's election. Black Republicans first and foremost reason for choosing the Grand Ole Party involves money!! Black Republicans are just stupid, greedy and are the worst pawns in "Black America!!!"

Roland Martin is actually worth reading- compared to most of the CNN garbage.

Well I don't agree in Steele's case, I think that he is viewed as a pawn, an anti-Obama, and I truly feel that he was placed in his position to say to democrates see we got one too! Let's be honest about this my degree is in political science and yes I was a soldier and I voted for Reagan. It had not to do with color but I was in the military and when you are in the military you tend to support your commander-in-chief. But where this article fails in that the majority of the african-americans that vote for republicans are not of the average african-americans that vote for democrats. I am middle class and I understand personal responsibility but republican african-americans see themselves aligned with white or hispanic republicans but that could not be further from the truth. Look at these town halls, these fake rallies they are having look how they are reacting to a man based upon his race not his ideas. So-called republicans calling him a terrorist, parents boy-cotting schools he is speaking at, carrying guns outside of a facility that the president is speaking. Had that been Bush the man carrying that gun would have at the least been taking away from the facility and questioned. But because the president has to be above that because republicans are fostering the idea he (Obama) wants to take away your guns. Each time that Steele is put on the carpet for these events he does nothing to denounce the behavior other than say that they are crazy people in democratic parties also. How about the time Steele spoke against Limbaugh then two days later he had remit his words. When Glenn Beck called Obama a racist when asked Steele replied, he entitled to his opinion and blasted the reporters saying he (the reporter) was trying to stir up a controversy. Never will he back away from any commentary made by a right wing nut. He (Steele), Allan Keys, and other prominent black conservatives never do anything but carry water for the true leaders of the party. How about Justice Thomas, he never asks a question on any issue brought before the supreme court, all he does is decide based upon his conservative principles. After he then writes a summation in which speak of his republican values. Anyone can be different and not agree with philosphy that is there right but to support a principle even though you don't agree with for party unity I am sorry that is being an Uncle Tom to me. Example, when asked if he agree with Limbaugh that blacks are taking his puns about black to far, that blacks should just can't take a joke, he said that Limbaugh was right. Even knowing that Limbaugh had made such out of the world racist comments Steele did nothing to denounce such behavior he is an Uncle Tom.

I think the issue with politicians is that it goes beyond Democrat or Republican, its about trust. My experience is that politicians seem to forget about ethics and as a result, are influence by lobbyist and others for personal gain. There has to be a cleansing of Washington with the current resigme and restrict the term of office that each can hold. It has some draw backs, but if change is going to occur, this cleansing needs to happen.

Therefore as a african american, how do you trust someone who is "in someones pocket". Given the same circumstances in civilian life, one would pursue legal action.

I have respected your comments in the past and will continue in my efforts to assist President Obama in any way I can. Its hard to clean up and change things, when the yards needing change are in Washington.

Good column. However, we will really know that things are racially flowing the way they should be when blacks no longer continue to vote 95% for one party.Any group who is voting in that large of a block is not looking at all of the issues that affect their individual daily lives. Diversity happens within races also, and all of one race cannot logically have the same set of issues. We are all different.

Black Republicans make about as much sense as Gay Republicans... why would you want to be a member of a group that loathes you? I think the "Uncle Tom" label is inappropriate, but I have no idea what the Republican party has done for blacks, that would make them feel welcome to the fold.

IMO, both parties take the "black vote" for granted. The Dems take it for granted it'll vote for them. The GOP takes it for granted it will vote AGAINST them. As a result, both ignore it.
In one of his books, Tony Brown once remarked on everything all these years of voting for the party of Jim Crow has brought the black community: safe streets, good schools, steady, well-paying jobs....
And yes; he was bring sarcastic.

Well said Roland, i do not agree with you must of the time but i do here great job!!!

Roland, you are right on. But I got a question for Steele. Is the republican party really interested in having African American members? I mean really can you see a brother standing next to someone at a rally holding the Barack witchdoctor sign? Until, republicans strongly denouce such acts, they will continue to count black votes on two opps I mean one hand.

Because of their blind loyalty the black race will never fully move ahead. They will always be the race of fatherless homes and government housing. They do not care – and in most cases do not know – what Obama's policies are. They only care that he is black. It is truly a shame.

I'd ask how anyone could call themselves a Christian and not be a sellout if they said they were a Democrat today instead Mr. Martin. You put so much more emphasis on the color of a man's skin and so little on the content of his character...

You make some good points Roland but Michael Steele isn't the person you should be profiling. I agree with Lynette above. As a person who lived in Maryland for 5 years, I can tell you that I was not at all impressed by Mr. Steele. If there is truly common ground on the issues that matter to African Americans, then he should spend a bit more time finding that common ground rather then radically opposing President Obama to please his "party." Issues matter, no matter what group you ally with.

Alright Roland, then lets have some straight talk that would arise from a post-racial world. You and I both know that the primary reason Michael Steele was chosen as spokesman for the Republican Party was to have a black voice in opposition of a black president, thereby ensuring the RNC would not be perceived as racists when they began their campaign to destroy Obama's administration. If you deny this, then you are the hypocrite and doing the worst kind of disservice to both black and whites. Steele has about as much freedom to say what he wants as a slave did in the Georgia in 1850. Everytime he steps out and makes his own statements, in his own voice, and tries his own techniques to drum up the base of the RNC, he is shut down by the likes of FOX, Limbaugh and Boehner. He does not run the RNC... Limbaugh, Beck and Palin do and you know it. He is on CNN and MSNBC as much as he is on FOX news. Does that make sense to you? FOX is the publicity arm of the Repub Party and they clearly do not recognize him as their leader.

Your article is real PC and nice, but if you want to have a REAL conversation about this in a post-racial context, then you need to remove the sugarcoating from this dainty little piece of opinion.

I honestly can't fathom how blacks flock to the democratic party 9 to 1 over the GOP. I understand much of why blacks are democrats, because the democrats give handouts to them. But handouts leave the recipients dependent, rather than empowering them. The GOP is about equality, and is the reason that blacks are no longer slaves. The Democrats don't want to level the playing field, they want to engender division. When society learns to become color blind and judge people by their achievements and merit rather than their skin, then there will be equality. As long as people get handouts simply because of their race, then that race will be weaker... it's government mandated, and thus democrat mandated.

sell out? yes, and this is not the first example. blacks have joined religous organizations that previously deniged blacks membership. sell out? no, stupidity yes.

Sorry Martin, if it walk like a duck-it's a duck! Mr Steele is a sellout. We (blacks) know the real reason Steele is over the gop. It so that the white party can have a black face to attack Obama who is black. This is an old trick that was used during slavery and the blacks who were used by the master was a sell-out, uncle Tom! Mr steele-the shoe fits you to a T.

If one tracks the history of the GOP, you will see that they benefited African Americans...opposition to slavery being the obvious, until certain events since the democratic FDR administration and the subsequent uptick of civil rights turned them off and they went "conservative." Do not get it twisted about the transition from Eisenhower to Kennedy, study and watch closely and you will see why MLK switched and how the GOP became the "insensitve party" to African Americans. But are Dems really sympathetic?...or pandering us for staying power. Black baby boomers, go get your history books and read the fine print. I agree with Roland wholeheartedly.

Blacks that oppose things like Affirmative Action, social welfare, and other programs that are used heavily by the African-American to either better themselves, or helpt them live, sellouts.. or just ignorant.

There is a system that has been in play for hundreds of years, and something like Affirmative Action aims to equal the playing field so the cycle of blacks being oppressed will end.

If you are black, and do not support Affirmative Action, you are a sellout.

Yeah, it's hard for me to take this commentator seriously, he who yells and attacks anyone who dares to criticize Obama. martin, get lost!

Is this a joke or something how in the Hell can you get away with mentioning blacks as sellouts to the Gop mr martin or what ever his real name is is a sellout to your victimology. Im sick of cnn playing the race card all the time and never being honest about much of anything

Vernis:
Are you kidding? Taking the country back from Obama has ZERO to do with his race and EVERYTHING to do with his policies. Always bringing up the EXTREME right wing of the Republican party is just a cop out. You have been sucked into the media/left-wing hype and lies just like most Democrats (though not all).

Well said. You clearly show how racist and devisive blacks can be. Even the comments on here such as 'us' 'our people', 'my brothers'. Why are blacks always wanting to seperate themselves from everyone else while demanding equal rights? You're an American, get over it.

Whites must accept that Blacks are a small minority population, thus, in order to have any political representation whatsoever, they must vote logically.

To vote 50/50 as some suggest, would erode any political gains made over the last 150 years. Clearly, that cannot/will not happen.

So, if the balancing test of racial parity is whether or not Blacks vote 50/50 Republican vs. Democrat, then surely they will always fail that test.

I am a black male and I have voted for some GOP in the past..but today's GOP with leaders like Rush Limbaugh and Glenn Beck and tea party goers using race against the president make it very uncomfortable to vote for one again. The GOP does NOT reach out to the black community..most don't even bother to campaign in such areas. And Micheal Steele's hip hop act to me in insulting. What I would love is for some GOP members to come and tell us WHY we should vote Republican...give out good reasons and they might be shocked to find a lot of blacks are more conservative than they think.

The Democratic candidates took a hit in the South for decades following their stance for civil rights in the 60's. If not for that, would Black people still be drinking from separate drinking fountains, use separate restrooms, etc.? Maybe so ... and young Black Republicans carry on as if those days never existed. But I lived in the South during that time, and I remember segregationist signs on public facilities posted in many places.

I would just consider anyone that calls themselves a liberal an American sellout.

If you are black and want to be a Democrat, fine. Ignore the fact that the Democratic Party is supports gay marriage and abortion, and blacks, as compared to other races, are the most church-going ethnic group in the country. And if you think that welfare, affirmative-action(when seen SOLELY as a means of getting representation in colleges and the workplace, REGARDLESS of qualifications), and reparations are somehow means of empowerment for the black community? I really don't care. Feel free to defend those views. On the other hand, if you are against those things, and you CHOOSE to be a Republican, that is your choice too! Stop demonzing people for it! They're not sellouts! I don't expect blacks to go to the GOP in droves, especially after Obama became president, but at least be open-minded, and stop being divisive and hateful just because of what's on your voter registration card.

Mr. Martin:

You and everyone with a bit of intelligence knows that the only reason the party of hate (GOP) selected Steele as its chairman is because the rest of the country voted for the best choice during the presidential election–Barak Obama. The truth is that the neocons want to appear as welcoming non-European-Americans in their ranks. How many black neocons are in the U.S. House of Representatives? None! The neocon party is full of hypocrites just look at Ensign, the idiot in South Carolina (Sanford), et al. As someone once said, "I thank God that I am not a member of the republican party."

When Michael Williams campaigns for Kay Baily Hutchinson I won' t be listening. Not because he is a black republican, but as a Texan I don't believe she has done anything for the state. She is useless, Just llike the current Govenor. The only time republicans care about black people is election time. outside of that they pay us no attention.

It boggles my mind why Steele and Williams can't see it. It's probably because of career advancement and money. It most always is.

I believe that Race has nothing to do with ones' Political Beliefs.
White, Black, Yellow or what ever. We all share conservative, Liberal, independent traits. These values come from how we are brought up.

Its just that unfortunately The Republican as well as some of their Democratic Colleagues spend so much time getting even with each other that they don't have time to serve the people who sent them there. Power corrupts.
Do you think That Lincoln would be happy with his Party today?

We are in a sad state of affairs in this Country.

Both Parties need to GROW UP and work for the BENEFIT of the people.

People are for example against some sort of Public Option,
What will happen to those who lose their jobs and don't have some sort of Health Protection?

We should judge people not by race,color religious beliefs but what values they have to each other

This is still the Wild, Wild west.

If you are black and want to be a Democrat, fine. Ignore the fact that the Democratic Party is supports gay marriage and abortion, and blacks, as compared to other races, are the most church-going ethnic group in the country. And if you think that welfare, affirmative-action(when seen SOLELY as a means of getting representation in colleges and the workplace, REGARDLESS of qualifications), and reparations are somehow means of empowerment for the black community? I really don't care. Feel free to defend those views.
On the other hand, if you are against those things, and you CHOOSE to be a Republican, that is your choice too! Stop demonzing people for it! They're not sellouts! I don't expect blacks to go to the GOP in droves, especially after Obama became president, but at least be open-minded, and stop being divisive and hateful just because of what's on your voter registration card.

Roland, I'd have to agree that they aren't sell-outs, but I'd have to disagree on why they aren't. Sellouts do what they do for money or prestige, and the black Republicans are not really getting much of either.

At the least, they should be working on keeping communication open between the President and the Republican Party, but they are not doing so. Neither are they standing up to the radicals in their own party who want to take the entire party down a road that the majority don't want to go; if they were, they would be denouncing some of their own party for lying and supporting the more moderate party members. Instead they stand aside to avoid angering anyone (and end up not pleasing anyone). Steele is nominally his party's leader, but has shown no leadership, nor independent thought. Used to be, the GOP was the Big Tent party - remember that? Where people of differing ideas or philosophies could work together? Have you seen any of that?

Sorry, they may not be sellouts, but they certainly are not standouts, either.

"Well said Mr. Martin. Perhaps black voters should follow the example of many Christian voters and just change their affiliation to Independent."

They're certainly welcome with us. But seriously, it's quite sad that the black community has aligned itself so strongly with one party, just like I'm sad that Christians have sold their souls to the Republicans. While I disagree with Steele's opinions, I have to respect that he's got the personal strength to endure what he does from the black community. I mean, I have to endure the occasional uncomfortable situation when I let other Christians know I voted for the Democrat this time around, but that's some serious crap he's got to deal with.

Bravo Roland! Well said indeed.

Stated simply, so long as blacks vote as a bloc, black issues will be ignored. Elections are determined by swing votes, not the party faithful. Blacks will continue to get the political equivalent of "walk-around money" until the black community votes for who can best solve their problems, rather than voting for the party that had their back in political ancient history.

Full disclosure: I am a white man, an independent voter, living in Baltimore (in the city).

Of course, Martin is correct: if a particular African-American is foolish and clueless enough to support the Republican party, it's his or her right to do so without being called a sell-out or a traitor.

Having said that, why on earth would any informed African-American support a party that opposed equal civil rights, year after year, for decades; fanatically obstructs every serious effort to make health care available for all; and has hardly any non-white members and legislators? (The token role of the clueless Steele as Chairman of the Republican National Committee makes no difference at all to that reality).

Republicans get a bad rap. I'm told I hate latinos b/c I'm against illegals. I am against illegals, but I love them, I want the best for them, they are human beings for God-sakes. I just want them to do it legally.

Im told I hate blacks because I want well-fare reform and am against hand-outs. But well-fare has destroyed the black community, and Republicans didn't pass it. I want well-fare reform because I hear a 13 year old say, "I'm having another baby so I can collect my check." That poor girl, that is no way to live. The government has done her a dis-service.

I'm told I hate Gays b/c my party is against gay marriage, well there are plenty of Republicans like myself who are for Gay marriage.

Im told I want to reward big business and the wealthy b/c I want to cut their taxes. Guys, if you raise taxes on a business that cost always gets passed on to the middle class. It's simple math.

I love Latinos, I love blacks, I love Gays, I love the middle class, I want to see all thrive, that is why I am a Republican.

Roland,
I have always admired you and your ability to bring issues to the forefront. This is a great topic and I am sure that it can be discussed further. Thank you for your insight and motivation. We as African-Americans should look to those like yourself who help to educate our community.

Thanks for pointing this out.

its not a race thing, its a CLASS thing. I would explain why this article is completely off base, but it would be a total waste of my time. Lastly, racism is a white problem. To make it even clearer, its mostly a poor white southern problem. if they would vote their economic place instead of their colorwe would have been past race years ago.

Wow- I really can't believe I am reading this... A Black Republican? I guess that obviously means that you are successful. No I am not playing the racist card- It is the democrats/ that are holding blacks back from thinking/achieving for themselves. I am proud that you chose to actually place responsibility on yourself rather than ask others to take care of you

Agreed! They are no more sellouts than blacks that voted for George W. Bush in 2004 because of there opposition to gay marriage and/or civil unions based on there religious beliefs or Blacks that joined the Mormon church after decades of ostracism and being told by LDS believers that they were black because they were predetermined to go to hell. However, I would like to point out that historically disenfranchised people/groups and/or minorities would be most effective in helping getting rid of the labels and name calling if they united–simply based on the principle that "Civil Rights" should be viewed as basic Human Rights that any individual should have regardless of party affiliation, socioeconomic status, race, creed, color, religion, sexual orientation, and so on.

I do not trust any republican no matter the color.

It seems many of them are so brainwashed by the neocon/christian agenda that they are doing the work of the devil literally.

Put it like this:

The Bible,God,Jesus are more or less against the so called NEW WORLD ORDER from all the passages and warnings given about the mark of the beast and so forth.

But as of now it is the christians themselves who are building this NEW WORLD ORDER that GOD/the Bible is against but they
call it, "Fullfilling Prophecy" And they consider this to be good in Gods eyes. Fullfilling Temple mount is ok. Red Bull breeding is OK
They also consider Israel taking over 80% of Iraqi land so they can rebuild the TOWER OF BABEL being good also.

So we are in Iraq to keep the Iraqi forces weak to fullful not any wishes of peace but to prepare for more war with the people of Iraq.

Future land grab all for the Bible and the christains smile that they are building the NWO thinking they are so holy in doing so.

WAKE UP! THE UNITED NATIONS IS EVIL YOU SILLY CHRISTIANS!

With all the screaming that blacks do about racism 97% voted for Obama. 97% of whites didn't vote for the white guy. This is pure racism. So basically blacks aren't voting issues at all, just color.

Come on Black Republican's what is this country all about, if you feel that your views are being upheld by the republican party current and past then don't worry about how main stream blacks view you, but if you're feeling insecure about who you are then you might have a problem. Nobody made you vote for, or against Pres. Obama, but if you have a problem with the "man" than you need to check yourself. Name one person in the current Republican Party who has stood up against the racial movement that is being used today about the Obama's, if you're okay with that, then understand the use of the term Uncle Tom, towards you, if you have a problem with his policies then stand up and protest, but when was the last time you saw a black Hitler? Come on black Republicans stand up for your rights. Demand of the leaders in your party to drop this crap and come forward with something other than being black & born in Kenya...Enough said.

LOL!!!! Yes yes yes THEY ARE SELLOUTS!!!

Of course black republicans aren't sell-outs. No more than Jewish Nazis were.

Well said. And when black voters begin looking beyond labels and historical ties to the Democratic Party, I'm fairly certain they'll find a helluva lot more in common with Republicans, namely:
-limited government;
-lower taxes and spending (with the exception of GWB's misspent presidency);
-local control over schools and performance-based criteria;
-leave social laws (abortion, euthanasia, gay marriage) for state legislatures to decide, not the courts;
-conservative judicial appointees who follow original intent in interpreting the Constitution, not their own policy preferences;
-strong military; and
-families as the fundamental unit in society.

great job as always Roland. Keep the honest debate coming

As a black soldier who considers himself a moderate, I have to say Roland makes some great arguments. Many black Republicans get unjust ridicule and reproach. Unfortunately until recently, this generation hasn’t really had a great track record with black conservatives (a la Clarence Thomas and Armstrong Williams). However, as the GOP gets more Colin Powells and Lynn Swanns, the tide for black republicans could become less turbulent.

My ex-wife’s brother and uncle are black republicans, as was the family patriarch who passed a few years ago. I admit they have some strong differences in political beliefs, but strong similarities as well, and I don’t find fishing or cracking open a beer with them. I still see them as smart, admirable men.

I am not against anyone who supports the Republican party, to simply put it; It will NEVER be me. The first comment suggest that I may not be open minded. I resent anyone who imply that I have to be a GOP to be a true christian. The fact is Republicans don't campaign for the Black vote or address any issues that we often face. What Republicans dont understand is you cannot build a house starting with the roof. You have to begin with the foundation. If the poor and middle class has no money to spend, how is the wealthy going to stay rich? They are against anything that benefits the poor and are always defending Corperations. Next elections, go ask the corperations to vote for you.

"Democrats should not get a pass for their ability to depend on black voters while throwing them under the bus if needed."

How are dems throwing blacks under the bus?......They gave america their first black president.......

It is not sad to be a black republican, it is just sad to be a republican who is a blackophobic..

STEELE doesn't help much with sending an invite to African American voters by stating we will be serving fried chicken and etc.....he perpetuate stereotyping of one's race.

My problem with the GOP stems from its lack of support for diversity. The GOP had three strong black candidates in 2008 and no prominent GOP members stumped for them. SHAMEFUL!!! Even worse, the areas they campaigned in were conservative strongholds. It seemed like the GOP would rather have a ‘white-wing’ politician over a ‘right-wing’ in those communities. Again, SHAMEFULL!!!

When Rush Limbaugh makes statements like (and yes I heard this with my own ears),

“Black people don’t swim because of a pre-disposed fear of water passed down from slavery..” and that “..sharks are more familiar with the taste of blacks because the slave traders threw so many of them overboard,”

and no one in the GOP reprimands this kind of talk, I have to wonder why any black people would want to align themselves with this SHAMELESS rhetoric! I suppose one apple doesn’t spoil the whole bunch, but it’s hard to tell from this angle.

That was all flowery and Kumbaya of you, Roland! But, if we really are talking about being policy-based ... what, exactly, have Republican policy issues done to advance the plight of African Americans in this country? There hasn't been a time yet when Republicans/Conservatives had control of the WH and the Congress where Black population benefited from it! And, in fact, as evidenced by the previous 8 years of Republican domination of the government, African Americans now lead in every negative social, economic, political and education category that data is collected on!

Neither party is a BFF to Black folks, but historically, we've always come out a lot less damaged by Democratic policies than we do through Republican control. I'm a registered Independent ... and I will vote for the best man with the best plan, regardless of party affiliation. And I advocate strongly that we as a people should not put all our eggs in one (Party's) political basket and should ALL register as Independents as a political strategy.

Roland, I must disagree with the thesis of your article because it veils the true discontent African Americans have with the Republican Party. No one would contend that a Black Republican is a sell-out because he or she advocates smaller government and individual responsibility. However, given the Republican Party's history and that of some of their individual members that cause distrust. As you mentioned Nixon's Southern Strategy and Republican attack on social programs (especially welfare). Members of their party like David Duke, Strom Thurmond, and Rush Limbaugh may represent a minority, but a very vocal minority. It is no different than the American reaction to Muslims when you have a small few that has raised havoc, it will breed distrust.

Your article is great on the surface and we should have more diversity in thought as a people, but do not misconstrue the source of distrust. We have to be careful not to allow ourselves to just blindly overlook one another simply because we have experienced some level of success. I am extremely far removed from the plight of the average black man, but I still feel very connected to every black man and have a sense of understanding whether I know him or not.

I do not discount the party as a whole, but when I see a black man standing next to or supporting a character like a Rush Limbaugh, what am I supposed to think of him? I assess that he or she doesn't feel that sense of connectedness and is about themself rather than their community. Colin Powell (Republican) seems connected...and that's about it. Can't say the same for Armstrong, can't say the same for Michael Steele, can't say the same for Alan Keyes, etc.

In sum, the sense of sell-out may very well be a sense that these men have given up.

While I can make a judgment of ever AA who is on the Republican party, people like Steele are certainly not sellouts. To be a sellout would require awareness of what the party they belong to is all about.

Naive would be a better term.

Is Steele allowed to sign those RNC checks all by himself yet?

Come to think of it, maybe he is a sellout.

Well written. Bravo.

In short, they should learn how to keep their options open without resorting to mob-mentality rule.

Unfortunately, the Black Republicans are sellouts because they are supporting the very same party that owned their ancestors as slaves way back when. Most Republicans of the south are racist towards blacks.

if the GOP usually vote against social issues, and social issues are usually beneficial for the people of color communities,then voting republican would be against ones interest and yes...foolish

What always surprises me is that there are moral and fiscal issues raised in every political debate, and only two main parties. This forces us to make some difficult compromises in our beliefs to align with one party. As a black man, and a Christian I am morally conservative and fiscally liberal. I believe a lot of us are but are forced to side with the democratic party more as a compromise than a conviction.

Martin you are absolutely correct! However, Republicans like Michael Steele have not done anything substantial, at this point to warrant the attention of African Americans in the voting booth. He speaks a tough game, but as for as action....he and the conservatives are lacking on that issue.

Myke of Maryland, you are one real sad individual. I feel so sorry for you and your obvious hatred for those who have opinions and beliefs that differ from yours.
It must be real tough getting up in the morning with such disdain for your fellow man. What a sad sad life you live.
It is that type of attitude that continues to keep the divide in this country going. You care not for others who might have differences of opinion or who might have something to add to a conversation and are only happy and content when everyone believes as you. Are you sure you're not Muslim because they are the only religion I know of that seek world domination and death to non-believers. Too bad you cannot see the good in all sides and are so stricken with tunnel vision that your eyes only see what they want and not what they should.
Again, you poor sad person.

Garcia,

Rock and Roll was created and perfected by blacks! Chuck Berry, Little Richard. Come on man......I know it is off the subject but that had to be addressed. All of the so called great Rock and Roll artists (Elvis, Jerry Lee Lewis) stole their style from blacks....

Edward Roland:

Thank you!!! I was and still am really bummed out at the John McCain we saw this election. I would have voted for him in 2000 as well.

Mike: What an excellent point about the black vote being taken for granted either way. It's true. And it's sad.

The female vote is also sorely underestimated, which I think was the first (fatally wrong) line of thinking in selecting Palin. It's assumed that all women will vote for a woman, and that a female would vote for Sarah Palin in lieu of voting for Hillary Clinton. This was an obvious mistake.

I'm so tired of folk particular some white people on this board using that tired excuse that the only reason Blacks are in the Democratic Party is because of some perceived handout from the government ! Heck if that's the case...maybe I should be just as ignorant and say the only reason Whites are republicans is because they can feel free to put those pointy little white hoods on without anyone in their party looking down on them..sounds ridiculous huh? Please refrain from making such assumptions.

The main reason there was a shift to the Democratic party in the 60s was because of the Kennedys & Johnson and their effort to make some strides regarding civil rights! Yes there was a mass defection of the dixiecrats because they wanted negroes to stay in their place and not have full rights but guess what...those dixiecrats turned into republicans and that's how things were seen between the two parties, one party wanted full rights for all americans and the other not so much.

So please get the history right, yes Blacks were largely republican at one time because of Lincoln and the Emancipation Proclamation...and later switched to the democratic party largely because of the the 60s civil rights legislation not because anyone promised us free government cheese and unlimited amounts of malt liquor that included beautiful public housing accomodations. *roll eyes*

If you are indeed a Christian, how can you support Gays, Abortions, and those things that go against God's order? Remember, God created Adam and Eve and not Adam and Steve. This is not hatred it is God's order and he did not make a mistake. God says that certain sexual activity is an abormination. "Lev 18: 22 You shall not lie with a male as with a woman. It is an abomination." If you want to call someone a name, look at God's word and you will find your issue is with Him and not with a conservative who happens to believe in God's word. In fact, many so called Christians do not practice God's word at all that is why race is always an issue. I wonder what you are going to tell God when you stand before Him...will it be, "Well many of my relatives voted based on race this is why I ignored your word". Heaven help us All!

Roland,

My issue with Steele and many other minority members of the GOP is that it seems they have no respect within their own party. I am African American and am a registered Democrat, but I would seriously rethink my affiliation if a minority GOP member stepped forward and had backbone. I don't see the effort. Steele obliged Limbaugh after the controversy, and that reinforced my views. Both parties have work to do, but the Republicans have to do more to sway more minorites, as long as they don't do it just to get Obama supporters. They need to do it for the long term. I will only call someone an Uncle Tom by them showing me there actions. I will support an African American in the Republican party who is revolutionary in the fight for people of color (And not just African Americans), in addition to them having a better agenda then the Democrats. They will have my ear!!! Just my two cents!!!

Thought you might be interested.

My question is – why is the race constantly used by government? If we are truly Americans, we are just Americans, not white Americans, African-Americans, not Latin Americans.

Government is the sole cause of racism – every document we fill out has a field for race. WHO CARES??????

We all know that as long as both parties and government forces us to define our race, they have a way to play us against each other. And, as long as people are stupid to allow that, it will never end. Since Obama was elected, it is a religion that is used as a tool in ADDITION to race.

TOTAL BS!!!

It is in fact SELLING OUT when you turn your back on the party that has fought and taken positions on issues and policies that are benefiting you, despite your personal ideologies.

It's ok to be a black conservative, but voting for a party that doesn't care about you is pretty stupid...IMO

(Applause)

All that sounds great.

Once we start being honest with ourselves, THAT will be a great day. Until then, we can pretend that the Republicans actually have major issues that line up with African American(Applause)

All that sounds great.

Once we start being honest with ourselves THAT will be a great day. Until then, we can pretend that the Republicans actually have major issues that line up with African American values and issues.

They don't. That doesn't mean they are bad people, that doesn't mean they are racist, it just means they are looking out for the (almost) 50% White Southerners who have an equal right to representation as everyone! So I support their rights, I respect their efforts, but I disagree with their agenda. It is complete against the black community.

But of course, it isn't PC to say that. And most people in your position are either to scared to call it how it really is – for fear of losing your job I guess- or are really lost, and need to reconnect with the people.

values and issues.

They don't. That doesn't mean they are bad people, that doesn't mean they are racist, it just means they are looking out for the (almost) 50% White Southerners who have an equal right to represenation as everyone! So I support their rights, I respect their efforts, but I disagree with their agenda. It is complete against the black community.

But of course, it isn't PC to say that. And most people in your position are either to scared to call it how it really is – for fear of lossing your job I guess- or are really lost, and need to reconnect with the people.

Fair comments that need to be said more often.

But Blacks vote 90 percent for Democrats, and what do they get? Charity and special perks, but where is the real progress? Dems take teachers" unions over Black citizens and reject school choice. They take environmentalists over working people when it come to oil producing jobs. They create dependency and destroy families. Just what do Blacks get by voting Democratic? It might feel good to see a Black mayor, but if you still live in Detroit what good is that?

I bet the "sellouts" finished school, raise families and have good jobs.

I admit I was one to look down on black republicans as sellouts. but now I look down on black democrats as well because we have allowed the democrats to have an iron hold on "the black vote" without them earning it. They dont even feel that they have to fight for our votes anymore. FYI the democratic party was founded by kkk members. Their biggest issues are the right to kill fetuses and gay marriage!! I dont judge people but those are not issues I stand up for. & republicans like to throw religion up as there call but they voted for BUSH! we still lose thousands of our soldiers to 2 wars that didnt have to happen in the first place. so in essence you voted to get those kids killed. So I hope no one from either of those parties feel like they are better than the other one. Cause your certainly not

Martin's article is silly. He purports to dissociate a man from his beliefs. I am sure that Dick Cheney is a good person, an affable host, and honest citizen. But he is a Republican, and as such he is the ennemy of the poor, the black, the immigrant etc. I cannot agree with an article that puts the Republican Party and the Democratic party on the same moral footing.

Blacks, er, I mean African-Americans identify themselves as and vote with Democrats 90-95% of the time. This is because most Blacks put identity politics above everything else.

The Democrats have done nothing for Black voters over the last 40 years. Yet Black voters consistently reward Democratic politicians. And for what? Remember, Democrats are the party that tried to stop the civil rights laws in the 60's (Al Gore's father, along with Senator 'KKK' Byrd. Democrats are the ones who don't want to allow you to remove your child from a failing school and obtain a voucher to send them to a better school. Democrats push Abortion, which has wiped out untold numbers of potential black babies that could have gone on and been the next MLK, Dr. J, or Albert Einstein.

Black voters can continue to call conservative blacks like M. Steele "sell-outs" and "uncle-toms', but it only shines the light on them, and reveals that they are nothing but slaves on the Democratic plantation.

You're right. They are not sellouts...just Uncle Toms. The GOP is against ANY and every issue that is pro-minority. EVERY SINGLE ISSUE. It almost amazes me. Any brother that jumps on that team is a Tom.

mh posted:
November 13th, 2009 4:11 pm ET

Because of their blind loyalty the black race will never fully move ahead. They will always be the race of fatherless homes and government housing. They do not care – and in most cases do not know – what Obama's policies are. They only care that he is black. It is truly a shame.
....

And once again, a slap across the face to the many successful AA's out there. If you're going to make an argument, don't use generalizations (which was the point of this topic, calling black gop members sellouts, calling white gop members racist). Yes over 90% of blacks voted and support Obama, but did you serious expect them to support a party that is so inclusive. Why anyone black,white,asian, or any other race would want to belong to the group that hosts "klan" rallies calling for the death of Obama is truly beyond me. You my friend, are igNorant hehe

I doubt my comment will ever be posted because they never have been. You must be a comic. It is absolutely hilarious how your credentials are posted as author of, "Speak Brother, A Black Man's View of American" and in the very first sentence speak on behalf of white people, by using the phrase, "If you ask someone who is White...". Maybe you should have changed the name to Speak Brother? Because you qualify your statement with "if you ask someone who is White" doesn't mean your not trying to speak on the behalf of entire race of people. Then in a recent interview you stated, "White Republicans have been scared of Black folks"? What in the hell are you talking about?

I can only hope that the American people wake up one day and recognize you for the sham of some sort of reporter that you are. All you do is focus on race. Are you the CNN race correspondent? You and your opinion have consistently skewed racial views and made blanket racist claims.

PS. Do you think by suddenly including the term Black Folks, instead of people you are somehow speaking for a group of people.

I take your piece as more of a comic hour then a real news segment. Carry on bizzaro Michael Richards.

@mh- the only shame is the way that you sterotype the entire "black race" and put us all in a box. The only shame is that as long as people continue to think like you, we will never be able to get past the politics of race.

I have the utmost respect for Mr. Martin's opinion and I generally agree with what he says. However, I think it is blatantly apparent that the party of No is absolutely clueless when it comes to doing the right thing. The fact is they don't care about progress or bipartisanship. They demonstrate this on a daily basis since President Obama was elected. SHAME ON ALL OF THEM. GOP = Greed, Obstruction and Power.

Well said, Roland.

As a young, black, female republican this was so refreshing to hear. And so true. If you tell another black person your a Republican they look at you like you just committed some horrific crime. I get that all the time. I was a political science major and used to be a registered Democrat. But have since realized that I didn't share the same way of thinking as Democrats. When I was a Democrat I was young and just did the cool and most popular thing. It very unpopular and frowned upon to a be a black Republican. I don't see what the big deal is. I think if a lot more young black people would actually research each party and what they stand for, I think many of them would have a different opinion. Don't just be something because your friends or family is. Think for yourself black people. Think for yourself.

I'm a 44 year old white republican, who believes Mr. Martin is a good man, trying to open the minds of todays electorate. But unfortunately
" We are a house devided " ( Lincoln ) Most of which is based on politics and not on race, Taxation, Abortion, 2nd amendment.
Let us not forget that Mr. King & JFK were both pro life, just like the republicans. Keep up the good work Mr. Martin

Minorities who are conservatives are not sellouts. You have have a choice, you're an American. This last campaign though, brought out the ugly side of racism in America and many conservatives black, white, hispanic, or asian didn't say much to tone down the racial remarks. That's why I will never be a Republican because they don't look at the OVERALL picture .

As a young man of color, who is a registered republican, I found it refreshing to break away from the mold, and support the GOP.......Sadly I have been chased away from the party by all the rhetoric from elected officials, and right wing radio......
I voted for Obama in 2008, and will probably do the same in 2012.

Roland,

I read some of these comments and had to stop. I believe that a lot of these people black and white, dems and republicans, still do not get what you wrote. There is an inherent lack of respect for one another. People need to take a step back and analyze themselves. The problem I see, is that everyone has to be right and they are trying to force what they think is right on the other person. Let's stop the criticisms and the name calling and let's start to walk in love.

Of course blacks in GOP aren't sellouts. In fact it's the blacks in the Democrat Party who are the real sellouts. Don't they realize Lincoln, the emancipator of slaves was a GOP? Don't they realize all the segregation, lynching and persecutions of black folks in the South the past 200 years were all perpetrated by white southern DEMOCRATS?

If 95% of whites voted against Obama it would have been called racism.

Why then is it not racism that 95% of blacks voted for Obama?

Well written open minded piece

I don't think Steele is a sellout "because" he is a GOP member, but I do think he has made many many public statements that demonstrate that he is for the same types of divisive politics that have been used to justify racism, sexism, and closed minded hatred. The only difference is that he is doing it from within the black skin and on behalf of others. His vision of America would not lead to better more enriching lives for anyone, and he is not even that well respected in the GOP. They look at him as a kind of bufoon whereas once he was taken as a serious politician he is now relgated to the same character status as Rush. And for that, he should be denounced in strong terms. His problem is not his political party, his problem is that he is not in sync with anyone in the mainstream, white or black.

No not a sellout, just a ridiculous clown who thinks he knows something.

The fundamental problem with both parties is that they say one thing and do another. Until this changes, nothing will change. There's a reason why the Republican party has become a southern white party; they campaign on an overt and covert message of hate and division; and their actions constantly exhibit an unbridled hypocrisy like no one else in our society. Sure, there are exceptions, but be real and ask yourself, and answer truthfully, why did the GOP nominate Sarah Palin for VP? There inlies the reason why Blacks and Republicans are an oximoron.

according to what i have seen in recent years, they are sellouts, the republicans, seem to run a system of exclusion, not inculsion

Always loved your comments, Roland. As a Christian, let me point out these facts: its hypocritical for Republicans to always use church folks for their campaign while lebeling Democrats as pagans.
Why do White Christian radio stations (in Atlanta), never say anything negative abt Bush but will tell us to disrespect President Obama? Or tell their children not to listen to President Obama.
Are we not to pray for all leaders? Or do we only pray for Republicans. Being a Republican does not make one a Christian.

Here's my problem with the Republican Party of today:
1. They are totally unsympathetic to issues that mean the most to poor people in general, and black people specifically
2. They are putting their own political objectives ahead of the needs of this country.
Anyone who talks about Lincoln being a Republican, needs to look at a calendar...that was a in a past century and has nothing to do with the mostly conservative extremist and sometimes racist lot of today in the republican party.
Do I think Michael Steele and other black republicans are sellouts, I don't know enough about them to make that call, but on the surface they appear to be totally out of touch with the majority of black people in this country, and that's a shame.

You just found out that the economy is not doing well? We knew about it when we saw Bush and Chenney sending our braves to Irak to fight the wrong war. We knew it when we saw the cheerleaders in Congress voting to spend $12B per month in Irak for no reason. We knew it when we saw that everytime you asked questions about WMD, you will be called "impatriotic". Spending $12B/mo since 2003 is not your investment. When Obama run against the war in Irak, he was called Terrorist but John Kerry was not called Terrorist or any other candidate. Obama didn't find the economy or principles. He found nothing that we can call economy. $144B/year in Irak is not your saving but recipe for disaster. We are paying the price for creating the collapse of the world economy because we want to try if SURGES work around the world. When you think that your party is patriotic and another party is full of terrorists, the question is: "Can you tell me if your grandfather or grandmother had VISA when entering Mayflower to settle in Virginia! Spending $1,152 trillions for 8yrs in Irak while voting against healthcare for american children is not being conservatives or against spending or patriotic but it is call HATE for children and this makes you AGAINST LIVES

I hear you Martin and as a black man who is against abortion, against homosexual marriage (heck homo anything), for the nuclear family, for a government of the people and by the people, for Christ (the one in the Bible, not the character the republicans claim) I still could never join the republican party.

The republicans comprise a party that CONSISTENTLY race baits and plays on the fears of whites (especially poor whites) who have no chance of ever achieving the kind of power, social standing or financial clout as those selling the lies.

To take a line from the now defunct show 'Rock' "A black man voting for a republican is like a chicken voting for Colonel Sanders".

I appreciate your' take on the subject...but no thank you. Steele and the others BR's would probably have worn a rebel flag during the civil war.

Don

"yeah I said it"

Roland I wish you would express these views when you are on CNN with the rest of your liberal friends. You never speak like this in front of the audience you have then. The voters in the last election did not take on issues or experience. They were to concerned with making History instead an educated look at the issues. Why does it always come down to a race issue on the left.

John November 13th, 2009 4:12 pm ET

I'd ask how anyone could call themselves a Christian and not be a sellout if they said they were a Democrat today instead Mr. Martin. You put so much more emphasis on the color of a man's skin and so little on the content of his character...

------------------------------–

Okay well let's talk about Mr. Steele's character? When will he ever fess up or open the books to how his sister, Monica Turner, the same Monica Turner that used to be married to Mike Tyson was able to contribute so much money to his Maryland campaigns while she was going to law school at Georgetown? Hmmn Mr Steele, could it have been that she was having a well know affair in the Washington D.C. Metro Area with a known locked up reknown drug kingpin who funneled her tons of money to contribute to your campaigns but refuse to tell where the cash came from. It couldn't have possibly come from Miss Turner so where Mr. Steele did your drug money come from. The evidence and money trail is right there but the GOP is sweeping this under the rug.

It's unfortunate that what you said in your column will find supporters on both side of the fence but it will not change the truth. The Republican party throughout all the years I've paid attention to politics, has never had a platform that specifically said they wanted a President of the United States to fail. The Republican party has never before call our President a Socialist/Communist and Traitor to our constitution.
In their desire to find some solid reason(s) why their policies were rejected in 2008, they have totally lost sight of what they were elected to do. It's all about the unqualified president that was elected with 53% of the national vote. This party being 98% white, is still wondering "How the hell did we lose to a Black man?"

As usual a very thoughtful, intelligent and realistic approach to this problem of labeling everyone and everything.

I totally agree with you. I am a 71 yr old male, grew up poor in a small town in Illinois. I am mexican. I lived and went to school with all races, including blacks. I' have seen things like this where blacks go against blacks and are called uncle toms.

I just wish someone could come with a solution to this problem. It hurts me when I see this and mostly because one or the other side won;t listen to the other and find out who the other person really is and why they believe what they do.

God Bles you

Jim Vallarta

Well, there should be much more talk about this issue around the nation. I am an immigrant from the Dominican Republic (arrived in 1988) who very early in the game was inline with the democratic agenda just because everyone around me was a democrat. While working at an Auto Parts Store for $5.25/hr for about 2 years, I started investigating how hard or easy was to go to college in this country. Of course, this is hard in my country. As soon as I found out that all you needed was the will to get up from your behind and show that you want to become someone better in life, I did it without complaining about who had it made and who didn't. I have noticed that you can pursue many things in this country, and yet many people want it without any efforts. I don't believe in entitlements – they keep your hands tied up and make you lazy. Work hard and don't complain. I don't see a police force telling people that they can't go to school to obtain a high school diploma. I see people in my neighborhood lighting up a joint early in the morning while so many others are busy ready to go to work. Change as a person and there won't be no politician to have control over you - keep up with the issues. I dispise hand-outs.

I can understand a black person holding traditional conservative views and being an independent, but for that person to align himself with the Repugnant party verges on nihilism. The same could be said for Gay people and the GOP. Subjugation of blacks and gays is an unacknowledged tenet of the Repugnant religion.

I recently just learned that the republicans were originally the ones against slavery and Ive never really understood why blacks would be more likely to vote democrat. What is the big pull to that side? I do not mean this in a racist way but the only logical reason I can come up with is because of their take on welfare because many blacks in inner citys are on welfare. (please no rude comments I really have never understood and most of what I know about politics comes from republicans, where as I, consider myself an independent)

But if someone does have a reasonable answer for me I would love some sort of explanation

Not only are they sell outs but they are the quintessential sell out. I gotta agree with you though Mike... like Republicans I am anti gay marriage (and to even compare their struggle with the Black Civil Rights struggle is ludicrous–I didn't say you did that I'm just saying.), and anti several other things. As a Black person though I understand that if they are allowed to "conserve" as they call it I will have to protect myself and my family if they at any point try to reinstate slavery. I think the greater majority of them are racists or so super right wing Christian that their brain cells are fried and they will overlook racist policy just to front their religious beliefs. Michael Steele is no longer black. Clarence Thomas is no longer black. The list goes on of these super sell out sukas. CAN YOU DIG IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hey Roland

I tend to agree with you on most things but this one I have to disagree. I think that maybe you are a little biased because you were called an Uncle Tom. You are no Michael Steele and I disagreed with the comments about you. Michael Steele is being completely used. That is truly my problem. He was elected merely because the GOP needed a face to match Obama's. It's a time and a place to be head of the GOP and this time was not it. He sounds programmed and like someone has their hand in his back. I will never forget when he said something like "come on home to our family" meaning the GOP. It was so strange because the GOP is not there yet. How can he speak for the many biggoted, racist and culturally incompetent people that belong to the Republican Party. He represents a history of hatred and he has allowed himself to be associated with Limbaugh and others like him. I am ashamed of him. He is a smart and intelligent man but he should no better. I pray that history shows him as a different person but it will take a while. GOP has a long history of ignorance and he just associated himself with them. Be careful about defending this guy Roland. You don't have to. Michael Steele is not stupid when you hang around enough hateful people you know it. He will eventually quit. He is black and he can smell a racist a mile away. He needs to stand up and condone all the ignorance in his party before African Americans will defend him. We will support him after he leaves because that is who we are as a people. We will not respect him until he knocks down some of those with power in the GOP. We are waiting Michael!!!!

first of all whoever said foolish is a sadly mistaken. And I am all for what works, i oppose racial hatred and people who oppress the poor, and I am republican yes, I oppose the policies that create disunity in this the country and make it hard for the "least of these" too succeed, why? because I am black experience racial prejudice and am poor. But what is best for the country should be stated; not a political party. If our country progresses opportunities for all people should progress. we should live in a country were if you work hard you should be free to attain your dreams regardless of your color. I am for fiscal responsiblity and a prolife agenda, but don't see that in the demo's policies...and Mr. Martin also why is it that all blacks have to be broke? Hello??? all I care about is an equal country and free economy so everyone can succeed, what's good for the gander is good for the geese! what good does it do if the whole country is broke and in poverty. As long as its equalitable...we will all be EQUALLY BROKE.Sorry Iam for a FREE economy and a FREE country,
Sorry some of the policies of the demos seem to promote unwise spending and a socialist agenda. If there was no capitalism this country would not be successful and you Mr. Martin may be free and equal( like me) but without a job. Sorry there needs to have balance. So if that makes me a .....oh well I guess you can call me Thomas.

Two things:
I agree with someones post that we as blacks need to go independent and stopped being pimped by the Democrats.

Next thing some guy gave us a history lesson on the greatness of the Republican Party and their anti-slavery stance in the 1800's.
First guy the Emancipation Proclamation didn't free the slaves READ IT, the 13th Amendment did unless of course you become a member of the Prison Industrial Complex. The next thing is you guys gave the Confederates everything back by pulling Federal Troops out of the South after blacks had been placed in various offices and then allowing Jim Crow and various other nasty practices to destroy everything you say you stood for. Don't tell me what I owe a Republican. I don't owe a Republican jack.

Interesting piece...but fails to address the reality of our political system. It's a sham...republicans...democrats.

At the end of the day....it's really about the rich and the poor. I have never in my life heard of a gated neighborhood, a golf club, private school, or Church as "Republican" or "Democrat". They can front all day long in Congress and in front of the camera, but they all live in the same neighborhoods and run in the same circles. How many of you really believe Millionaires care about the poor? It's a system and we're stuck in it...as long as you believe in the sham. It's not about repubs and dems...it's about them....and the rest.

The best thing that blacks or latinos or asians or gays or any other specific voting bloc can do...is get involved in both parties so that whoever wins – they won't be left out in the cold.

I think people need to do their research. Nothing irks me more than to hear how the Democrats were "for" slavery yada yada. If people really research, they would find that the Democrats of old of whom they speak are now the Republicans of today. Where was the civil war fought? In the south. What states are notoriously "red" states? The southern states. I listen to what each party stands for. Any people that are against reform that will help the poor and minorities, I can't support. Republicans don't want health care reform, they are for less regulations, and did nothing while they were in power to stop the fleecing of Americans when the price of gasoline went sky high. They stood by and watched people of color suffer after a major hurricane obliterated a major city in this country. Hell they even voted against Medicare/aid which we know 90% of our elderly rely on it. I live in Texas, I am around the idiotic nonsense these "republicans" support religiously. As an American that happens to be black, I can't support a party that could care less about the poor, working class, and minorities. If I were a wealthy person with capital gains and actual property tax and stock portfoilios to watch out for, yes I could perhaps see being a republican. Until then I have to stand with the party that I think is trying to stand up for the little guy. Black Republicans, you should do the same.

Oops. He must stand up and condem those who speak of such hatred. A leader leads and nowt follow.

Roland,
The only reason they are called UNCLE TOM is that they are not fighting for their own race when come to social and economic needs.
Repulican party has conceptualized their base that black people
belong to DEMOCRAT PARTY and therefore they are not supportive
of black people when come to their needs.For a blackman being pro-
Republican, is simply considered as SOLD OUT, TRAITOR OR
UNCLE TOM.

I find it ignorant to label an african-american republican a sell-out. Anybody even metioning the fact is playing the race card (in my opinion).

I wonder what the outcome would be if we, the American people, took Congress to the Supreme Court and charged them with lack of performance.
I truly feel we need to change congress and get people from both sides that are willing to take care of our countries business and forget about attacking the other party just to get public support and start working on the issues that face us.

Typical of so many of my black brother and sisters to evince tribalism. So many of them are barely evolved beyond primative savages. As a black man with a college education, I fear for our race.

None sence. The Republican Party is racist and it has been so for the last five decades period. Any Black guy there no matter if he or she is the president of whatever branch in there is a total disgrace.

That party needs to start respecting Obama, Sharpton,Malcon, Dr King and then we can go ahead and talk.

Nice try Martin very diplomatic and calculated.

thanks but no thanks.

Paul from overseas

Personally I don't care what color you are, if you're republican you're an ideologue, period. The ideology is the problem, not what color you are.

You could easily make the same argument about gay republicans....that makes even less sense to me than a black republican!

The black community had to fight so hard to gain the rights they now have, fighting against a republican ideology that would have liked nothing better than to keep them in their place.

Now decades later the black community largely sides with that same ideology when it comes to gay rights. Can't help but cry hypocrite on that one. I mean, the very thought of a black person voting to deny anybody rights that others have....seriously, have we learned absolutely NOTHING from history?

Again, it's not what kind of individual you happen to be, if you're republican you fall on the side of self-righteousness, selfishness, greed and intolerance....not to mention a strong belief in making the U.S. a Theocracy!

Liberals want people to think for themselves; conservatives want people to think like them.

Roland,

While I agree with the majority of your commentary, I disagree with the statement that labels do not define people. When you faithfully affiliate yourself with a particular organization (i.e label yourself a Republican), whether it's political or not, and blindly profess to that organizations ideology, then you are allowing yourself to be defined by that organization. Michael Steele, since you mentioned him in your article, is a perfect example of that.

also I don't care about no racist republicans, as long as you aren't putting roadblocks in my way, God will deal with people who forget the poor, example : "bernie Madoff", corporations failing(bailouts) Proverbs 13:22 A good man leaveth an inheritance to his children's children: and the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the just.

Roland I think you should step back and check yourself, I don't know how old you are but as a 63 year old Black male raised in the original hood, South Central in L.A, Ca. I can remember going to school and not having to worry about getting shot walking home, maybe a couple of fist fights. I returned during the Regan admin and could not believe how easy it was for anyone to buy and sell drugs just because a Republican President wanted to fund a war in South America. I also remember the so called Black Republicans in my community sell us out. So as I see it History is calling Black Republicans sell outs, the only reason that he is there is because he's Black talking about a Black President. If this man wanted to help the poor and minorities he would work with the President.

Very interesting thread. Right on Roland. By the way, why are so many people here capitalizing "Black" when referring to a man, woman, or folks? Thanks

The Republican Party as it now exists is the party of racism, hatred, and treason. A vote for the Republican Party, in any way, is a vote for the destruction of America.

Political astuteness dictates there be people of color in the Democratic and Republican party who are decisive enough to influence the policies within and courageous enough to cross parties when warranted. This is a vision that must be acted upon now and when the day comes that it is more a reality, there will be no sell outs or sell ins but only astute citizens.

Ronald, I understand your point but at the same time as a black man I cannot vote for a party who constantly use racial divide to try to win elections. For example one of their "leaders' recently said in a radio that "in Obama's America black kids will beat white kids in a school bus" which was about an incident that had nothing to do with race. Comments like "all black women who come on television are angry" that was made by a conservative commentator at Fox News is stereotyping and insult to black women. Though I am a social conservative born-again Christian but I can not vote for Republicans until they stop the politics of insult of black people.

It just shows you that not every black person is so completely misinformed on reality. Not just looking out for themselves but truly concerned about the welfare for all.

There's no doubt that most black Americans discriminate against black Republicans, and white America as well, when the opporunity arises. I noticed this for the past eight years with Rice and Powell. The last election also made it clear that black Americans are willing to overwhelmingly vote for a black Amercian over a white American to make "black" History. This was also true for the New Orleans mayor's election after Katrina. It was amazing to see black New Orleans going back to New Orleans to vote for Nadin on buses when they blamed Bush for their unwillingness to take a bus to leave the city for their own safety. Even the Clinton supporters turned against Hillary in the last presidential election in support of Obama. Its also very obvious that Rice and Powell were not popular with black Americans. I also couldn't help but notice how the recent elections in Virginia and New York were absent of most black voters, now that Obama is President. As a southern Christian white male who has opposed racism for many years now, I am convinced that racism is alive and well among black Americans, and I'm greatly dissappointed. This is a great hypocrisy thats become very obvious to many Americans. Even CNN runs week long news programs, such as "Black in America." All Americans face the same rewards and hardships. When its as politically incorrect, racial, and morally wrong to celebrate "black" America as it is to do the same "white" America, racism will begin to disappear for most of America.

Thank you so much for your spot on commentary. It is silly! Micheal Steele is ridiculous whether he is black or white. He tries to put himself on the same level as Obama. It's not going to happen. We all are on Obama lock down and believe he is doing a great job, so when we hear negative things about him. no matter who says it, we don't like them. If he is black like M. Steele then we become even more mad. It is silly!

I don't have a problem with his article either. But I will say its very simple why blacks don't vote for republicans. He stated many of those issues. People aren't blind. When presented with the worse of two evils you go with the one who best fits your philosophy. I'm sorry, republicans just don't. I don't care how you cut it the are an anti-minority, hate to help anyone they feel is less they what they think of themselves, arrogant group of annals. Plain and simple. I've looked at them. I've know what they stand for and it isn't what I stand for. So why and he &%$# would I vote for one if he doesn't represent what I believe in? I wouldn't vote for a democrat either if he had their views. Steele, I don't think he's a sellout, what's that? However, he is stupid and says a lot of elementary things. I wouldn't want him on my team even if we were selling chocolates.

Foolish indeed. The republican party doesn't represent minorities. Since the 1970's the republican part has been trying to roll back civil rights that this African American enjoys.

"Republicans are opposed to almost everything that are in Black's best interest. Some of which being, freedom of choice, universal healthcare, and most other social programs meant to help the underserved."

The reason some African-Americans are Republican is because they dare to ask tough questions of themselves: "WHY is 'freedom of choice' [abortion] is in our best interest? WHY do so many of us not have healthcare? WHY is our community in need of so many social programs?"

Democrats don't make you ask those questions... they just had you a bandage.

Roland, I agree with your argument, but what is and what should be are two different things. Blacks vote monolithicly Democrat, which pretty much makes them the black people's party. The same cannot be said for white people who vote both ways, so where is the most racism?

Literacy may have something to do with it.
Almost inconceivable that a group of oppressed people can in any way support abortion. Unlike women who view the issue as male control over their bodies, other groups view it as a civil liberty. No wonder oppression continues, its their self fulfilling wish.

Yes, they are sell-outs and Michael Steele is the leader of the pack.

Black Republicans are probably the most courageous voters I know of. They do not toe the racial line, they are not afraid to face down black populism and say loudly – "I disagree!" – they are extremely authentic, sincere, and courageous.

For any black person to criticize a black republican for the sake of their party affiliation, I would say the critic is a weak black-populist that would rather concentrate on the blackness of the candidate, than the righteousness of their positions.

My respect and salute to you, Black Republican voter, for being the most courageous voter in the country.

All of this discussion is well and good but can someone please tell me how the GOP expects black membership when they do not strongly denounce the birthers, and those holding the withch doctor signs... If they say these things about President Obama, then what will they say about their black members in secret. I got family members who vote republican but after some of these recent events and comments have decided to go back to voting for democrats. GOP, here is some advice... Please come out and strongly denounce some of these crazies in your party. Secondly, take some time to speak to African Americans about issues that affect them.

Is anyone else here surprised by the amount of black hate toward whites and those blacks that have agreement with anything conservative? Many of these comments just support what Martin said at the beginning of his article. There is little tolerance for diversity of thought within the Black and Liberal communities. They criticize why so few blacks are Republican and then they demonizing fellow blacks who are conservative. No wonder the Republican Party is having a tough time getting black members to join the party. They don't want the hassle in their own communities. Don't be afraid. You would be surprised at how receptive those "evil" whites can be when you get to know their conservative principles. You may be even be shocked that you agree with them and realize you have been told nothing but lies by your so-called brothers and their democratic plantation owners.

Do you guys realize when you say "Us black people need to stick together" you are literally– by the very definition of the word– being a racist. You are showing preference to a particular group of individuals based on nothing but the color of their skin. R-A-C-I-S-T.

The democratic party consistently and openly engages in racism– simply by showing favoritism towards a particular race, in this case, African-Americans. They do the same thing with the 'poor', the 'needy'. Thye clump individuals into groups that happen to share a couple of the same statistics, give a sweeping vague 'label' for said group, and then proceed to victimize said group. It's a tribal, racist mindset.

'Racism' is showing preference of ANY kind, whether positive or negative, towards a particular race. This is what democrats thrive on: they play the part of crusader-for-the-victimized-African-Americans. The Democratic party is literally and openly built on the foundation of racism– the victimization then exploitation of arbitrary 'groups' of people.

Republican ideology revolves around the smallest minority of them all: The Individual. They don't care to even know what 'labels' and 'groups' you've been catalogued into by a social worker. Republicans DO NOT see color at all, Democrats see color and they exploit it to their own advantage, openly, and yet Republicans get called the racists.

I totally disagree with Martin on this one. Sorry, I am a Puerto Rican woman who knows that Republicans do not want, or care for Latinos or African Americans in their party of haters and racist. Look at their rally's, tea party's, etc. Come on, how many people of color are there at these places? Then they have people like Beck, Hannity, Limbaugh, O'Reilly. Are you telling me these are not the most decisive Michael Steele is the biggest Uncle Tom yet. He gets me sick. Look what the Republicans tried to do to Sonia Sotomayor. Please Roland, get your head out of the sand.

Roland your comments were well said. I pray for an America where people will vote for the ethics, principals, and morals of a candidate rather than voting on their political party or color of their skin. When Americans can face the fact that it is the political parties, (Dems and Reps) are what is ripping this country apart, then maybe we will be able to start healing and getting things accomplished.

Roland, and "that little doubt that Republicans have had a sorry history with African-Americans for the last 41 years", has not just sudenly come to a halt! When a large majority of a party chooses to idolize someone like Rush Limbaugh and bestows the honor of being their voice and leader why in the world would I want to be a part of it. Their good intentions are not intended for a minority like myself. If your readers choose to call Michael Steele a sellout, hey, if the shoe fits. Your article has some good merits but I hope those who read it keep their senses attuned and not be totally misled by its meaning. I say we attentively observe, learn and lest not forget!

I am always amazed why people are so quick to judge a "group" by he actions of a few and not look at the agenda of the group overall. I've read on here where people say that the GOP holds "hate rallies" and that the Tea-Parites are filled with racists and hatred. I read where people say that teh GOP agenda is anti-minority, and that the GOP has pushed them out?

While I am not doubting the personal experiences of some on here and the validity of their experiences, I wonder why they are basing their opinion of the GOP on teir experiences.

I am a conservative and a member of the GOP, although somewhat disappointed as of late in their leadership. The reason is I believe in the conservative principles that allow each of us to be a successful and responsible as we individually choose to be, and that by our individual success, we are able as a society to help those around us on an individual basis, not an institutional basis.

Economics – Lower taxes help everyone, more employment, get to keep more of what you earn to spend how you want.

Education – School choice, if you don't like the education your children are getting, choose a different school. It has worked great in DC, so great the Liberals who run DC eliminated it, because it was a threat to the teachers union.

Welfare – I have family who have been on the take for 20 years and it sickens me. Welfare, food stamps, AFDC, etc shoud be a hand up, not a free-be. require recipients to be in training, or attending classes, drug free, provide day care if needed but ONLY if the recipient is trying to better themselves.

Fiscal responsibility – The govt needs to end the cycle of perpetual debt. spending should be capped at the previous years tax receipts and if we have extra great, pay down the debt.

Drugs/ gang violence/ crime – ZERO TOLERENCE. Build more prisons, lock them up, secure the streets so Americans feel safe in their own neighborhoods.

Are these ideals anti-minority? These are ideas the empower the individual to achieve their utmost potential. We all have burdens and challenges to face, we are not made physically or mentally equal to one another, but we are all equal in our freedom and ability to make something of ourselves to provide for our families.

Thanks for listening.
matt

To vote republican because of beliefts is not in itself a sell out. However, history is littered with prime examples of black sellout republicans that other republicans used as obvious tokens.

Just look back to Obama's senate run and how the GOP put Alan Keys against him despite the fact that Keys wasn't even from the area and didn't live there.

Jackie Robinson's book also makes note of how the republican party uses blacks as tokens. As a black person, I'm not married to any party and Pre-Palin, i was giving serious thought to voting for McCain. I vote based on philisophical ideals and who i think will get the job done the best, not party affiliation. However, as a whole, I can easily see which party cares more.

Labeling the republican party as being the party of racists is a bit ironic, since the democratic party has much deeper associations with the Ku Klux Klan – just ask democratic senator Robert Byrd. In fact, during the civil war, it was the good 'ol boys in the south who were almost exclusively democratic and they could not have built the south without slavery. Also ironic is that to this day, farming in many southern states would not be possible without migrant labor (aka slavery).
Lastly, people make the mistake of thinking the party they support (democrat or republican) is good, and the opposing party is bad. I have news for you, all politicians are borderline criminals who are doing a pitiful job in governing the country.

EDWIN – Kiss your mama for me! She raised you right.

gay republicans, black republicans, brown republicans.... the one I REALLY don't get is POOR republicans, sellouts? perhaps not but is any one really pushing that theory?? I think it is just misguided/dumb! to align your self with a group that actively works against you, I truly don't get it, somehow the republicans managed to brand themselves as the common american party (and no I don't think that JUST means white) and yet they are so NOT, some people seem to become republican because "it's the right thing to do" as dictated by their peer group, churches etc but I think many even some of the most vociferous ones have not really taken a good look at IF that party is actually doing good works... the republicans are most definitely NOT and my african descended brothers and sisters SHOULD know that

This is wishful thinking, but African-Americans have no choice when push comes to shove. People are entitled to vote for who they wish. There are liberals and conservatives who both vote on sincere convictions, but I believe that it is completely illogical for an African-American to be a Republican. The only organization that has been more Anti-Afro-American over the last 40 years was the Ku Klux Klan. African-Americans have every reason to think that a Black Republican is a sellout. It was the Republicans who fought not to make Martin Luther King's birthday a national holiday. It was John McCain who finally decided to apologize for voting against Martin Luther King Day when he was losing a presidential race to an Africa American candidate. It took two Democratic presidents to pass the Civil Rights Bill. It was Ronald Reagan who cut funding for inner city programs that Blacks depended on to fund national defense that we did not need. It was also Ronald Reagan and George Bush that opened the door for the South America drug cartels to freely pour narcotics into this country; most of which ended up in the neighborhoods of minorities. It was also George W Bush who ran from the Confederate flag issue in the early 2000's. It was George W Bush who didnt hesitate to help Iraq, but had to be forced to help the mostly-Black victims of Hurricane Katrina.The only sitting presidents that ever visited Africa were both Democrats. Barack Obama is the most popular man in this country and he still faces virulent criticism based on his ethnicity.The Democrats have not been perfect, but at least they reach out. The Democrats dont pass legislation that has a negative impact on the African-America community like cutting funding for inner city programs . African-Americans saw their greatest period of progress in American history during the Clinton Administration. Mr. Martin I don't know what America you grew up in, but the America I grew up in saw the Republicans embrace a very racist southern constituency and did nothing to change it. Blacks don't want to feel like the token members of a party. They actually want to feel like members of a party. Mr. Martin before you try to spread this false wishful thinking on people, you should think about what you're Republican critics and counterparts are saying about you when the camera isn't recording.

It's a free country and blacks have right to vote republican.
And I have the right to call them sellouts for supporting a
party that constantly shows how racist they are. Especially during
the last presidential election when prominent local republican
officials were frequently caught making racist comments or
distributing racist material.

The only "Racist" statement Rush has ever said was about a quarterback being overrated because he was in fact african american and african american quarterbacks were very rare. It was proven that many fictional racist allegations against Mr. Limbaugh were traced through an IP address to a Law Firm in New York. I urge you to please research things for yourself before making such bold statements.

-------------------------------–
monkyspunk November 13th, 2009 2:47 pm ET

it just seems odd that a black man or woman would support a political party that does not seem to have their best interests in mind. i mean, Rush Limbaugh might be a bit of an extreme example, but have you heard/read some of the things that the has said in reference to black people in general. the concept of black republicans make about as much sense as gay republicans.

it's not merely "name calling", it's a conceptual and ideological paradox.

Mr Martin great article, Don't give up supporting People of color to prove your fairness.People of color have suffered at the hands of the Government and the government has an obligation fo paying its debt to ancestors of Slavery.Black Republicans have a different agenda because most of them have amassed some wealth and station like yourself and Mr.Steele.Blacks should come together regardless of party.All blacks should have supported Obama because he was the best man for the job not because he was a man of color.However whenever the conversation involves People of color it will be enlightening depending on the IQ levels involved.

I do not vote for Republicans because I am in love with Democrats. I vote for Democrats because they far and away agree with my ideology more than a white, red, brown, yellow, or BLACK Republican. That party is anti-anything I am for and pro-anything I am against. It would be damned hard for me to vote for anyone who disagrees with my views. Nice try, Roland. You sit with them and make nice. I will vote against them everytime. They are in bed with the theocratic religious right and we all know it. Let's watch both of them go down the tubes and the sooner the better. MEMPHIS

Wha-what? You mean not only do blacks not all look alike..they don't all think alike? Wow....is that really news?
For those in the black community that attack fellow blacks for their beliefs are just perpetuating a form of mental slavery that is hypocritical and unjust. To all people –you are free to roam the spectrum of political thought and decide for yourself. Just because the
GOP acted unjustly doesnt mean you give up your views. The black GOP'ers are uniquely positioned to change the party (in terms of racism) while being true to their conservative views. Thank God they are there! To themI say, no need to straighten up and fly left–its ok to fly right!

Martin,I think that's a lot of bull. A black republican is just a fancy wraper on a box full of crap. When you said that "I would hope that black voters in Texas actually listen to Michael Williams, chairman of the Texas Railroad Commission, as he campaigns as a Republican for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison. He deserves an audience, just like anyone else." you should have added, in service to the good people hurt by republican policies, that you hoped after they listen and then not vote for them.

I don't have a problem with Black Republicans because I feel we as black folks should have a voice in all political parties. where I have a problem is the type of Black Republican, ie: Colin Powell compared to Clarence Thomas.

Colin Powell has never forgotten his roots and how he was treated and has tried to blaze a path to bring others along. As for Clarence Thomas he despises all of the programs to help blacks level the playing field and even though these programs helped him get to where he is today, he wants them all to end. I think if he could peel his black skin off, he would do so in a heartbeat.

You don't have to be a sellout to be a Republican. I would rather see someone who is Black and a Republican instead of the Uncle Tom Republican many of the black republicans have become. Don't forget where you come from Black Republicans I know White Republicans haven't....

I recall during the 2008 campaigns how everyone said the Republican parties/rallies were full of white racists simply because there wasn't any 'color' present. Lets clarify, it was only all white BECAUSE there was a complete LACK of color.

It takes a keen eye to understand the subtleties. Whites were evenly split between both parties...but blacks were only present at one.

Which implies racism?

PS: Did I just prove a negative? Heh.

Was MLK a Sellout, was Sorjurner Truth a Sellout, was Booker T washington, a sellout

too bad 90% of People of color dont know their own history

lets U-tube some Democrats, lester Maddox, Geroge Wallace,

Anyone who reads US History knows that you have to be pretty messed up in the head to be African American and Republican at the same time....unless you are a masochist! It is absurd for any minority to think they have a place at the table in the Republican party. Tokens...

Matt in Wyoming,

I respect people like you that have a difference of opinion, but you have to acknowledge that the Hannity's and Becks and Limbaugh's have hijacked your party.

Now as far as your ideals, a lot of both sides believe in are not viable in the real-world. Unfortunately the last 2 yrs or so, your party has been more of the party of "NO" than of differing opinions.

To address some of your points:

- Education. If you have completely open enrollment schools, you create a power vaccum and a money vaccum. You will have 3 problems. Only the richest and smartest students will be admitted to the best schools which will draw the best teachers. Not a single good teacher would be willing to teach at a bad school because they would be punished ( monitarily ) for doing so. So basically you would create a brain drain on the vast majority of school districts, causing a huge divide on the haves and have-nots and a potential class-system issue years down the road when those haves and have-nots grow up and settle into their have and have-not jobs and have have and have-not children who are then forced into the same have and have-not schools. It's more complicated than you make it.

- Drugs/gangs/crime Zero tolerance for people who kill, sure. But Zero tolerance doesn't work because in the end all you do is create a better, more hardened criminal. You perpetuate a cycle of repeat offenders who cost the tax payers incredible sums of money. At some point, you have to understand that Zero tolerance doesn't work for the vast majority of non-violent crimes. Look at my lovely state of CA. 3 strikes has locked away a lot of bad people but it's also locked away people for +10 yrs for stealing candybars

Outstanding article from Roland S. Martin. I was brought up to be color-blind, and being in the military this has also reinforced that mentality. I'm just glad there are people like Roland and Michael Steele who base their opinions on the issues and not on race. I don't care what color a person is, if they're part of the problem then that needs to be corrected. We have plenty of people of every color, race, creed, and religion who are both successful contributors to, and detractors of the success of this country. It's high-time for generationally impoverished black Americans step up and quit expecting other black Americans to have empathy for their situation. Most white Americans will call out people of their own race if they're not what's best for the office they hold. Opportunity is here, people need to put their hand back into their pocket, get a job, and quit expecting the government to take care of them. As a hard-working, tax-paying citizen who's had to work for my success I've had enough of the whiners.

Matt from Wyoming gave a typical Republican response:

"Drugs/ gang violence/ crime – ZERO TOLERENCE. Build more prisons, lock them up, secure the streets so Americans feel safe in their own neighborhoods."

Let me translate for him: Drugs/ gang violence/ crime – ZERO TOLERANCE. Build more prisons, lock the Blacks up who can't get a job because of racism and other practices, put them in the Prison Industrial Complex; the new plantation according to the 13th Amendment, secure the streets so white Americans feel safe in their own neighborhoods from these crazy Mexicans and "Negroes" (who by the way became crazy through the racist practices of the republican party).

Just like Jack Nicholson said, "YOU CAN'T HANDLE THE TRUTH!"

I agree with your premise, but having watched your commentary on CNN over the past two years, I don't trust you. When the black liberal community begins to understand how ludicrous it is for most black children, during some period in their life, to receive food stamps from the government, but the government won't provide vouchers so they can receive a quality education, they will then understand how the liberal agenda keeps that social demographic in a dependent state with no opportunity to rise above the fray.

I agree with you on black people voting for either party, but, I don't like the cocky attitude that Mr. Steele has. He can be very sarcastic which I have noticed is common amongst many Republicans. Also, there are many Democratic REAL Christians. Thank you for your time. Bertina

well said. That is an essentialist view, the sellouts are the people that continue voting for a party that thinks that they are an easy vote. I vote green now. I remember Bush II, who had probably the highest number of African Americans in high profile positions in the US Government and all the Black "Community" could do was call them racial slurs like "Uncle Tom" or Aunt Jemima as if Black people don't have the capacity to think critically. However, I do think Black Republicans do need to be more vocal about Republicans widening their base. Blacks in this country are mostly ultra-conservative on social and economic issues. And yes, we too are affected by more issues than "what you gon do fo usssses." We work, we are concerned about national security, unemployment, immigration reform, gun control and gun rights, reproductive rights. All of us are not holed up in our church waiting for the world to end.

As a republican of African descent I have never felt compelled to embrace blindly the republican party’s platform nor the prevailing socio-economic positions of the so called African American community. Questions, like the one posed, attempts to indirectly suppress and victimize those of us who are both African American and republican. And furthermore, infers that by having a non-conforming political philosophy our allegiance should be questioned.

"For the most part, we agreed on issues such as education, family, accountability of public servants and community service but disagreed on public policy positions that were more about being wedded to an ideology as opposed to personal principles."
What does that mean, except that you have sold out?
Shame on you. You know where to get what you say you want. You just won't change parties to get it.

To Robert:

Do you live in cave? There is a natural tendency for people with a common heritage and tradition to flock together. While black people in this country have similar heritages that may depart based upon their
family trees, they all share a common historical experience: slavery and the fallout from slavery. There is still a very sizeable segment of the population that hates black people; whether they are all Republicans is another question. Richard Nixon's political advisors
developed a plan for the South that would inflame and instill fear in white voters against black people in the hope that these alarmed white voters would vote how? Republican!!!

I cannot agree more. Good debate and thought over all the issues is incredibly vital to the health of our political system!

The problem I have with minority republicans is this, they try to fit in with their white conterparts, they marry white women, they will sit with them and trash the President to fit in, and the funny thing is before they are out of earshot, they are getting trashed by the people they are trying to impress. Some white people act like they own the republican party, they automatically assume that if you are black you are a democrat, I am white and some of the most racist people I know are always republican, they say things around me they would never say to a black person, the birthers, the teaparties, Rush and Glenn Beck are reasons, I could never be a republican, these groups have racist overtones. I have been a independent since high school. I think both parties have issues.

Carol, as a Hispanic Independent leaning towards Republic, your comment is just blatant ignorance. Party affiliation should NEVER be about race. I refuse to be force-fed information or ideas of any party, any media, and such. Instead, we need to educate ourselves and not just listen to what he/she/they say.

African Americans who voted for Obama because he was black are the Sell-outs...They sold out their Christian faith and their fundamental beliefs. Black Republicans are the educated voters who are conservatives by their faith in God.
By voting for Obama they support killing he unborn (abortion), gay rights, a weak military, socialism, communism, liberal left wing ideologies.
I blame the African Americans for abandoning thier faith in God and all that Christianity stands for. They we're fooled.

God bless the African Americans who are starting to wake up.

Mr. Rolan Martin need to leave a tape-recorder on to hear what his nice white republican friends really think about black republicans. I know this comment won't get posted, for some reason my comments never pass moderation. I guess the truth hurts, this is coming from a southern white woman.

I totally agree with you. You made some valuable points. I am a registered democrat but I vote for who I feel is the right person for the job. My family don't always agree they feel a black man has no business being or voting republican. To me the issues are more important than the color of someone skin,

Jazzpianist–

With all due respect, as a 25 year old white male I feel -zero- 'common heritage' with white people. I grant them no special status, and if I do it's on a subconscious level. I literally and truly am drawn to people who I find have good character, integrity, and are genuinely honest people. I don't care what they look like– what matters to me is who they are.

That's it, and I'm not sugar coating it for the sake of argument. And truthfully, black people my age seem to be the same way– racism in my generation is dead. Your era may have been entirely different and I respect that entirely, you citing Richard Nixon is evidence to that.

But truth be told, the vast majority of the times I encounter racism it's from somebody in an older generation of Americans.

Perhaps instead of still judging the Republican party by citing a president who was last in office 35 years ago, you should set it aside and assess the situation as it is, today. Because from a birds eye view, I see a highly integrated younger generation being silenced by a vocal older generation who still hold a grudge.

I'm not making a young vs. old argument, it's nothing like that. But I from many of the comments, including in some degree your own, I see old battles being waged in a much more modern era. Put the grudges away, and lets focus on the issues and work together to find truth– as soon as race starts to sway your opinions, you've made an error whether you realize it or not.

Really good article Roland. I just dont understand why the GOP doesnt have more black followers? I mean I understand what your saying that they aren't " tokens" but it just so looks like it because so few minorities will have anything to do with the GOP. They have very few minorities and when they get a women like Palin its usually for a poltical move. It just looks bad. Thanks for bringing the otherside of the issue to the table.

I'm sick of some black folk telling ALL of us how we should act, speak, walk and dress. Who are these people. Success and thought must scare them.
Too bad. I don't know how back people got locked into the Dem Party. Is it the "gubment" cheese they always promise, but rarely deliver? Is it fear of being ANYTHING else?
What has happened to us? We ridicule, chastise, threaten and shun those of us that what to for talking to the police! That's insane. Imagine being hated for trying to stop a crime in our community!
I'm sad.

I believe in open and fair debate, What am against is the republican party's misuse of Philosophy,taking advantage of under educated America with excess fallacy in every thing including Michael Steele. The Republican party has been nothing but shameful to the WORLD. Obama was voted in by one America. The Republican party has NO good intentions for any other race but "white America" PERIOD. No health care reform!! who needs help more minorities.I am done with the cash hawks who think we belong in jail for them to capitalize on it.
No carbon trade!! All they care for is endless wars to and protect wall street and big oil companies and big business.I have tried to have an open mind but hell, I can't.
This is the 21st century, the era of Idoctrinition is over.

To Eyes wide open:

I think your eyes may be more closed than open. For you to say that when blacks start voting 50/50 like whites do, that we would then be considered a post racial society shows that you have a poor understanding of a more complex issue. What is more important is that minorities, in general, should be able to vote the issues. Most voters (whites and non-whites) align themselves with parties that they THINK gives them a voice. Both parties pander. That's politics. The Dems, as a party, have history on their side when appealing to minorities. Repubs have history against them (especially in the South) when dealing with minorities. That is a fact. People have memories and both parties play on those historical aspects of both parties to affect the change they want to see.

As to the Christian aspect. It is hard for me to see how a Christian could make such a mindless statement that you did. You all scream about socialism and all the ills that are ruining our society as if the sins that the Repubs commit are somehow not as bad as the sins that teh Repubs commit. Do you not see that the religious zeal that most so-called Christians in this nation have is equivalent to the Pharisees of Jesus' time. Jesus was a socialist. Please read the scriptures. Salvation is a socialist act. Look at all that Jesus and the disciples did and tell me how that is not socialism. By socialism, I do not mean that abortion is right, but the right to choose is God-given and must deal with the consequences that God has for us. I do not believe gay-marriage is right, but it is up to people to choose how they live, not you. We are called to pray for people, not tear them down. Let's not be self-righteous and ignorant and think that God favors the Rebublican party or the Dem party. He does not favor either. He looks at us individually. So, just as you have a problem seeing how a Christian can be Democrat, I have a problem seeing a "Christian" making a statement like you have made.

My beef with mr.steele is that he,s in a party that dosen,t care about him and he can,t see that. He,s in a party that realized that a black man was running for president so they went and got a black man
and through him on the front lines thinking it would make a difference
in the election.He,s in a party that thinks that all of our soldiers in the
war are all republicans and no democrats. He,s in a party of dangerous people, people that believe,s in order to be an american
you have to be republican. What a waste of talent

Roland:

You are on target. You offer rational and good explanations to the problems of politics in this country. The true issue is the haves do not want to share with the heave nots. The gap grew tremendously during the Bush Administration and will continue if the Republicans and Blue Dog Democrats are able to defeat Health Care Reform.

It"s tragic that the land of the Free and the Home of the Brave,and the richest c ountry in the world, can not help our fellow person who is in need.

Keep up the good work and continue to place the feet in the fire of those who refuse to help the needy and support the greedy.

Albert E. Fitzpatrick

Blacks, Browns, Yellows, Jews, Christians nor Muslims shouldn't be voting for anyone who supports abortion.

Blacks, dispite what the media reports, do not feel Mr. Steele or Mr. Watts, or any other Black Republican is a sell out because they do not vote Democratic, it is because they support a political party that is obviously anti-black, anti-minority, anti-poor, and anti-working class. Republican policies always, ALWAYS, support the wealthy class. During the Bush reign none of the tax cuts the Republicans pushed through reduced payroll taxes, or any other cut aimed at the working class. Just a one time tax rebate. On the Health care debate we see which side the Republicans are on and who supports them (Big Insurance, Chamber of Commerce, Teabaggers, and soon Big Pharma) and we see which side the Democrats are on. Consider this; every Republican is not in the KKK, but I'm sure every member of the KKK, if they vote, are Republicans.

wake up African Americans,stop giving the republican party what they want,"DIVIDE US" can you see!!they just destroyed your votting block the NWACP.

I'm sorry Rollin, if any black person is a part of the Republican party to me, they are a sellout. Why would anyone want to be apart of a group that, for decades, has done nothing more for your group than discriminate against your race, pass laws to keep your people down, call your people racist names, run racist ads about your people, oppress your peoples votes, support the far right of this country, support the Klan, send racist e-mails to each other, makes a picture of the first African American Pres. as a monkey being shot by police, etc;, I can go on and on but you get the point. So if you as a person of color have no problem with them doing this to your people, then you are a true SELLOUT!!!!!!!!!

To address your point about a party owning a bloc of voters: Your statement is not necessarily true because there are certain areas of voters that parties do in fact "own". For example, lets use your own article which cited the "Southern Strategy", lo and behold most of the South votes Republican. On the opposite side, most of coastal California votes Democrat. No offense, but you might want to check your facts before making statements like that.

A good friend of mine and colleague asked me why do black people vote in a Democratic block, regardless of their social economic class? Honestly, I had to think about it for while. Was it just blind group think, or socialized party affiliation, or was it something deeper? After a little thought and discussing it with my wife, I came to the conclusion that our legal rights and freedoms as true first class citizens in the eyes of the law and our political rights where to freshly attained for us to put them in danger by our own votes to a party that we regard endanger them. Especially African Americans who reside in the south, the ascendance of the Republican Party in our part of the country came from a disproportional number of people who were Dixie-crats, (the former segregation supporting and George Wallace wing of the Democratic Party). Its hard for us to fathom these people empathizing with our struggle, as we feel that many of them would like to return us to our former position in America’s caste if they could. Even if this perception is misguided, we continue to see efforts to shore up those long fought for rights, just recently obtained just 40 years ago in 1968, continually and publicly undermined by those from the Republican party, with no apparent regard whatsoever to our perception of it. Contemporarily, we see a party that have people with thought leadership within the party like, Rush Limbaugh, David Duke and the like, who are obviously hostile to minorities in general, as the base of the Republican party. So regardless of what our household incomes are, or our education, our seamless solidarity response appears to be that regards or whether we are pro-choice or traditional marriage, which many of us are., or regardless if we are among the upper echelon economically, which many of us are as well. THERE ARE NO RIGHTS WITHOUT POLITICAL AND CIVIL RIGHTS, and too many of our ancestors,our great-grandparents, grandparents, and some parents even, gave their last measure for us to have FREEDOM, and that is to valuable for us to entrust it to anyone gingerly.

History shows majority of black people have voted democratic. Now for the first time in history we have voted for a then democratic candidate who happened to be a half white and half black man who won the Presidency. It is so obvious Michale Steele was a reaction to Obama winning in an attempt by the Republican to use him as a pawn in their strategy to appeal to blacks. Bottom line, who cares was his party affiliation is, HE NEEDS TO DEMAND RESPECT AS HEAD OF THE RNC, because it's obvious he gets none.

You are on target. You offer rational and good explanations to the problems of politics in this country. The true issue is the haves do not want to share with the heave nots. The gap grew tremendously during the Bush Administration and will continue if the Republicans and Blue Dog Democrats are able to defeat Health Care Reform.

It"s tragic that the land of the Free and the Home of the Brave,and the richest c ountry in the world, can not help our fellow person who is in need.

Keep up the good work and continue to place the feet in the fire of those who refuse to help the needy and support the greedy.

Albert E. Fitzpatrick

JESUS WAS A SOCIALIST and he had a 2 POINT PROGRAM
Point 1 – Love the Lord your GOD with all your heart, soul, and mind.
Point 2- Love your neighbor as yourself.

African Americans do not normaly vote. They just happen to vote for Clinton and Obama because they liked them, they did not come out for Al Gore they just were not into him. African Americans do not vote on issues because they never believe their issues will be resolved by either parties.

LOL.... The Republican Party is NOT even the Republican Party anymore. The Republican party of today has been taken over by the Southern bigots of the past. Personally, I'm not a member of either party, but anyone with half a brain know blacks are not welcome in today's Southern Republican party. Those are facts. I don't think black Republican are called uncle toms or sellouts anymore. I just call them crazy.

Well, said, Mr. Martin. But, I disagree with you. Why would any black person who cares about himself or his people ever want to be affiliated with a party whose main mission is promote and maintain white supremacy? Abortion, gay marriage, Christianity, and fiscal conservativism is really not the issue. White male supremacy is. The Civil Rights Act, The Voting Rights Act, the Liberation of Nelson Mandela, Title IX, Integration, and Affirmative Action have all been opposed by the Republican Party. I liken black Republicans to those poor, misguided 20,000 black soldiers who fought and died for the old Confederacy during the Civil War. They were sellouts, too.

Roland Martin,
As a student of history and avid reader of your column and commentaries, I doubt very seriously that the Hon. Dr. Martin Luther King, Malcolm X, Joseph Lowery, W.E.B. DuBois, Marcus Garvey, Nat Turner, Huey P. Newton, Stokley Carmichael, H. Rap Brown, Elridge Cleaver, Maulana Ron Karenga, Angela Davis, Sojourner Truth, Harriet Tubman, Langston Hughes, James Baldwin and Medgar Evers would agree with you. As a matter of fact, you would be better served by emulating these past leaders than projecting a love for Michael Steele and his beloved Republican Party. I would only hope that in the future, you would remember and reference the essence of the struggle for equality from the numerous contributions that these men and women have sacrificed and even died for. As a minister you are sworn by your own beliefs to be a champion for the downtrodden and poor. You by your own admission, should be on a "Gospel Mission" , tell the TRUTH!

Sincerely,
Craig A. Cole

@ meb:
The difference is that a conservative tells you what you need to hear and the Dems tell you what you want to hear–i.e the Dems say you are a perrenial victim and that government assistance is the the way to go–keeps the slavery thing going....it is one thing to know our history, it is another to be held captive by it...no man of any color can keep you from your potential...
I am certainly not saying the GOP is the best thing since sliced bread-see all of the anecdotes in th other threads–but it will remain lilly white until those people of color brave enough to voice their conservative views join it and push crush the racist element. They ar to be commended for their trial blazing.
I have seen a lot of ignorant comments by others on this thread all dissing the GOP because it is not for a littany of entitlement programs! Is that what defines the needs of the black community? Freebies? I hope not. We are better than that.

Are black Republicans sellouts? As Sara Palin would put it, You betcha! The behavior of Rep. Joe Wilson (R) South Carolina, and the incident of the now infamous picture of our current President being blackened out while the other White Presidents are clearly seen, and the references by the Republicans that likened First Lady Michelle Obama to an escaped gorilla are some of the a prime examples of why I believe that black Republicans are sellouts.

Melissa November 13th, 2009 2:32 pm "They aren't sellouts, just foolish."
====================
That's an odd opinion given that the bulk of cities and states with the worst crime, unemployment, and highest corruption are run by Democrats. One would think that blind support of such incompetency would transcend racial lines.

Roland I listen you almost everyday. During your interview with Mr. Steele, you should have talked to him about respecting President Obama.

Some Blacks are sell-outs. Mr. Seele needs to show President Obama some respect. He so negative when it comes to President Obama. Actually he make us Black folks look bad!

Peace

That's just it. People do not want to talk about the issues, because the truth is revealed. I think President Obama made a good attempt at discussing the issues. You saw how he was attacked by the Conservatives. At the Republican rallies, they called him everything but a child of god. One person had a monkey as a depiction of the President. I find it crazy to see people avoid calling this man the president, and i am talking about people who represent the media as well.

Sometimes you feel like no one really wants to here your voice. I sat and watched the campaign, getting frustrated most of the time. For instance, where was my representation when the candidates addressed the evangelicals(conservatives)? I did not feel like a part of that process. Every election they address the same issues,like gay marriage and abortion. What about all the other sins in the world, like infidelity. This is what we entertain every election. The same convictions the conservatives feel so strongly about and the democrats are prosecuted for, are being violated moreso by the conservatives.

The conservatives say President Obama is dithering about sending more troops to Afghanistan because the soldiers already deployed need more support. Yet, thousands are dying every day due to the lack of affordable healthcare, and the conservatives say what is the rush. The healthcare fight did not start during the Obama presidency, this fight has been ongoing for years. Does the president have to provide troops, just because it was recommended.

As for Michael Steele, I really do not know if I should dislike him for his political position he represents, or should I feel sorry for him. My question to you Roland, do you think that Richard Steele would have been chosen if President Obama had not been in the picture. This is Chess, not Checkers. He is being used to attack the President issues, and hopefully there would not be any repurcussions because he is black. It almost seems as if he himself is saying, I know what the conservatives are up to. For my own personal gain, I will play the game. "SELLOUT"

Are you kidding me? I wrote something with a republican slant earlier and when it was posted it was done so with grammatical errors. I wrote 'right' and in the post it's written 'write.' I'm no Glenn Beck fan but I'll be sending him an e-mail tomorrow on this one tomorrow!

To:Eyes wide open:Apparently they are not open enough to see that the statements you just made are typical of the "christian"right wing extremists.It would be nice to think that all Americans could come together at least long enough to listen to what the other side has to say,but Roland is dreaming if he thinks for one minute that the extremists who have brought hatred & racism to a new height,could ever stop their hateful rehetoeic long enough to listen to anything!!!

gerard

I appreciate your comments but isnt that what we have now? the have's send theirs to private school while the rest of us attend public school. You know there aregood teachers and bad teachers and because of the current system, the good aren't rewarded and the bad are because they stay employed. In my community, the district has instituted school choice, any one anywhere in the district can attend any school they wish provided there is room for them. Priority is given to returning students then the rest is first come first serve. My children were on the waiting list for the school I wanted, and instead I enrolled them in the next school on our list. There wasn't much of a difference between them. The beauty of the system is I didn't have to buy a house i couldn't afford just to get into the right neighborhood for the school i wanted. In a way, the district has introduced a voucher system within the public school ranks.

The problem I have with the current education system is
1. It is partially directed by the federal govt. This should be a state issue, not a federal issue and should be directed and funded by each individual state. federal guidelines are great, but not federal direction
2. Democrats are beholden to the Teachers union, not the best interest of the student. My biggest problem with all unions is they don't self police. Instead they protect the bad apples at the expense of the good apples and thus spoil the whole bushel. If the union would get rid of bad ineffective teachers, then quality of education would increase.
3. Too many people are not accepting personal responsibility for their childs education or for themselves when they are old enough to. Teachers can only do so much, parents must motivate and encurage their children to succeed, and teenagers need to motivate them selves to want to succeed.

On the issue of crime, the biggest problem is light sentences, revolving door jails, a culture of glorifying criminals and the no-snitching phenomenon. I believe we the people need to say enough is enough. Put the criminals away and keep them there to provide safety to all. Obviously these short forum comments aren't going to delve deeply into any topic.

Mr. Wood – You show your own bias and racism by your comments. I never said anything of the sort that you did. I said lock up the criminals so we are all safe.

I ask again, why are the ideals i briefly mentioned anti minority? My belief is in the human spirit, let each person achieve to their level of ambition and benefit from the fruits of their labors. Anytime we the people believe we need to depend on the govt. to provide help or a program to help guarantee our success, we all become less.

CARPE DIEM SIEZE the DAY!!!

Rebublican party,what rebublican party!!...

We can see how pro-Black the Democratic policies are by looking at the state of Black America. With all of the problems in our community, I find it hard to see how Democrats are "for Black people."

After 50 years, we have the highest unemployment, highest crime & incarceration, and highest dropout rate. This we cannot blame on the "Racist White Republicans" because all of our City Councilmen, Mayors, State & Federal elected officials have been Democrats.

We would be well advised to try a different political strategy because clearly the one we have is not working.

A black person is not a sell out because they have the poor judgement to be a republican. They become one when they sell out the issues that keep their minority second class citizens, which by the way means republican trickle down poverty. Bush the elder was right for once when he described Ronnie's economic ppolicy as voodoo. The people today that have not realized the truth of it are all wealthy and all republicans. Very few are black. Uncle Tomas (Clarence) on the Supreme Court is an example of the worst sort of sell out. But he is not an example of the plack people in this country who continue to realize where their problems start.

I suspect that Steele is only the Republican's party "Black man up front" and that many Republicans would like him replaced. But then, I thought the same thing about Colin Powell. I don't think that the Republican party has evolved much.

I am amazed how we allow ourselves to be labeled REP or DEM. But for the sake of the disccusion, I am a registered DEM. And I take issue with being labeled a liberal. I to am also believer in CHRIST. So I am not a Liberal. And I don't think black REP are sell outs. But my issues with the REP is that they use people who are christians to further their agenda. Most are no more christian than a mule is. The hypocrisy is astounding. The Dems are no better. They say they are concerned about the defficit. Where was their concern when they had both the senate and the congress majority. Our previous President gave huge TAX CUTS and INCENTIVES to the corporations to take jobs over seas. He called it helping the global economy. Where was their concern then? He gave 750 billion dollars to them without any oversight. Where was their concern then. There are many more examples. the point is, REP attitudes about helping poor people is anything but christlike. In the interest of being fair. This administration will make a hugh blunder if they tax small businesses who fall in their tax rate. more jobs will be lost. And there are more examples for them also. As a nation, we are in trouble. Because no MAN has the answer. Remember, If my people who are called by my name would humble themselves and pray, seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways. then will hear from heaven and I will heal their land.

This is spot on, Roland. No one in this country should be told how to vote simply based on the color of his/her skin. Well done. Minorities should stop bashing each other for their choice of political affiliation.

Roland,
the differences that exists between both parties are as follows:

Dems: Come in all races, religions, creeds, sexual orientations and the party embraces this diversity
Reps: We too! except gays, women, minorities & non-christians

Dems: had a "diverse" electorate elect a President in Barack Obama
Reps: We too! except the diverse part!

Dems: Are allowed to voice their opinions, even if it means saying that a Republican Idea is credible.
Reps: We too! as long as those views belong to/are supported by B.O'Reilly, R.Limbaugh, G.Beck or S.Hannity. Everyone else pretty much just tows the line.

Dems: Are a passionate and diversely informed group, whom when given the facts / allowed to research the facts can make the right choices.
Reps:We too! except who has got time to check facts when the choice makes a whole lot more sense!

All told, every great democracy has had parties of opposing views. it is not the singularity or the "best" idea that makes the US a pure democracy, but her ability to accommodate differing views to come up with the ideas that "work". In summary democrats tend to embrace some republican ideas in their policies and republicans tend to embrace some democratic ideas in their policies, it is how our system works and we as individuals are not completely defined by any one party.

To Eyes Wide Open: I think your post shows that you have your eyes closed. Do you actually think that if black people voted 50/50 like white folks, you think we will become a post racial society? Please, there will still be some people that will have racial hatred on people of color, including black people.

As for the article, I think that Roland Martin is on point with this article. I personally do not think that anyone black that is conservative and/or Republican is a sellout. Personally, I have certain views that could be considered conservative, but most of time I vote Democrat, I just do not have the nerve nor the patience to vote consistently for a party that is not willing to engaged me on various issues, because, in my honest opinion, I think that many GOP leaders are really scared to talk to the African American community.

To Matt in Wyoming you said that my comments to your response were racist and biased. Hey, I can accept that... history made me that way. You ended by saying Carpe Diem. Well...when my day comes I will definitely seize it.

Republicans hate and fear us. Democrats exploit and take us for granted. We need to form a third party and decides which of the 'major' parties wins the election. If that party fails to deliver, then we switch. Since both parties like to cling to power by all means, sooner or later one will begin to deliver.

My argument is clearer than that of Mr. Martin. He wants to muddle the issue of politics so that people are confused about the rhetorical fallicies of conservative thinking. Trickle-down economics fails America, as well as business de-regulation and pompous arrogance.

It appears that no one saw the treatment President Bush received. Need I remind you there was a movie depicting his assassination. The previous 43 presidents have been criticized, starting with George Washington. Why do people whine about it being racism?

Furthermore, after the Democratic presidential primary, we can certainly conclude there are racists in both parties; we do know Robert Byrd is a former Klansman.

You take issue with being labeled a liberal? That is exactly the problem. You've allowed "them" to make liberal a dirty word. Have you looked up liberal in the dictionary? A liberal is open minded, tolerant, accepts change. Have you looked up conservative in the dictionary? Its just the opposite, close minded, xenophobic, does not easily accept change. Now, what is wrong with being a liberal and proud of being one. Anybody that calls me a liberal gets a thank you from me. What is amazing to me is that the Republican party, so fond of waving the flag are such stauch supporters of business. Now, I fully understand that the business of America is business, and there is nothing at all wrong with Capitalism or making a fair profit but, who can argue that most large corporations and businesses place the old "mighty" buck and profit ahead of their Nationalism? If not, why did they turn their backs on the American worker and took the jobs overseas where they can exploit people of other countries, make a healthy profit and not worry about all those costly additional burdens associated with American workers, such as overtime pay, holiday pay, paid holidays, paid maternity leaves, health insurance etc. When it comes to a choice between people and a fast buck, guess which one loses out? The Republican party was also opposed to bringing cheap electricity to rural America because it would impact the profit margin of the power companies. It took the Democrats to bring electricity to the folks in rural America. I tell you one thing, if Jesus were alive today, I believe that a liberal Democrat is more aligned with his principles than a Republican. "For it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle...."

Kudos Roland for trying to take the high road, but you're WRONG, WRONG, WRONG...
YES, the republican party WAS the party of Lincoln, but NOT ANY MORE. As you mentioned, when the southern strategy came into play, blacks were chased out of the party as well as poor citizens of every color...I call them uncle toms (yes, ive read the book) because of their unwillingness to see that party for what it is; voting for their own destruction; and supporting people who don't even want them in America. When the republicans reject racist ideology, language and people, and throw out the conservative "Christian supremacists" in this country, then they might have a HOPE of regaining black voters....Lincoln would be ashamed of the ruining of his legacy by this party of Racists, and Religious bigotry!!

As a fellow minority Hispanic heritage. I have seen the scornful looks for my beliefs. I vote for the best canidate. My personal beliefs lean me to the GOP. I dont believe in handouts.( yes the recession aside)
I like small gov't. I dont believe in the gov't forcing themselves into our lives. The health care debacle. My largest peeve there I am in the health care field 10 plus years. Do the Dems send their children to medicaid/medicare clinics?(GOP is not for gov't healthcare why I did not include them) I have worked in them and had the unfortunate experience of attending them as a child. Those who have been there can attest. The list goes on and on so I will not bore you with my beliefs. Just before you criticize this list your personal beliefs and see if they line up with who you vote for.

hey melissa, we are foolish because we use our brains to pick a candidate instead of following the democratic party in it;s hopes to keep us in it;s "pool" of black voters, who can work,want to work, stay in our own beds, and have conservitive views?

Yes they are! I'm a 53 year old African American male and they are traitors plain and simple. They do not represent the majority of African Americans or White Americans for that matter. They are different than BAGHDAD BOB! The Republicans have never done anything for low and middle income Americans. Never! Nothing! The only represent the rich and privilaged. Don't think for a minute that 88% of African Americans don't despise and hate Clarence Thomas and Michael Steele. They are nothing but shameless, mis-guided Republican lapdogs. I have more respect for Benedict Arnold who wasn't actually a traitor. "The needs of the many outway the needs of the few" .

They aren`t sellouts.
Y`know what I think? You people are way to close minded. Like gosh, he can be whatever party he wants..I`m sure he doesn`t care about the opinion of some bums. I wouldn`t.

Maybe think about this before you sign up to the democratic party; what have they really done for you except give you the illusion of concern ? The republicans are a better long term solutions because they support low taxes and prosperity. The democrats want mediocrity for all, personal achievement is not allowed unless you are stuffing ballot boxs. The democrats say they care about you but just what is their vision of the future ? .. everyone stuffed into cities, talking about equality, having a Starbucks coffees, and making everyone a low end robot. I also see that they are more concerned about 'marriage rights' then actually putting food on your table. As so well put by Groucho Marx, "I would never want to join a club that would have me as a member".

Ask yourself another question..."Just what is my BIG problem with companies making profits and protecting their interests ?". I don't see where they are hurting anyone in particular...after all wasn't it the company that actually made the money and took all the risks ?" Just what exactly is the arguement against them ?" Take a close look at how all the tax money was generated...it was inovators & business !! NOT near-do-well talkers, lawyers, liberals, and complainers. Busy doing nothing.
Join the party of profits, wealth, fun, and achievement...break free of the democratic wet blanket brigade of complainers and big crocodile tears.
They are loosers. That is why they don't have real jobs or pay for anything.

Beelo....Well said...well said...I am a Christian and a registered DEM...
I do not understand why it's so important to "label" anyone. As the good book says...I can do ALL things through Christ which strengthens me...

I can't see why any Black person should support the republican party because all they have done is shut out Black people for years. You never see them looking for votes in the Black community . After the Joe Wilson you lie burst' it showed that even white people in public office hate the fact that a Black man is in charge of the country . They will never go on the record and say it' but it's the truth .

The problem is that we group all African-Americans together, while saying that "white people vote 50/50."

Within the white race, there are various cultures and ethnic origins. Same with the black race. Just as there are white Jews, Christians, Irishmen and Greeks, there are also black African-Americans, Haitans, Jamaicans, and Cubans.

And that's not even mentioning Hispanics, Asians, or Middle-Easterners.

So realize that while 90% or so of African-Americans voted for Obama, so did 78% of white Jewish Americans. And, predictably, an even greater percentage of white Jews voted for Gore/Lieberman.

Even within African-American and Jewish communities (as with any group) there are many different ideological factions. I'm Jewish, and while I'm a bleeding heart liberal, my Jewish college roommate had Rush Limbaugh for a hero.

As has been common knowledge for decades now, every individual is different.

Does anyone look over Steeles remarks before he makes them...does he understand that if he stays with the same insurance company they are paying for abortions even if they take it our of the RNC's policies, it only means that the RNC employees cannot get an abortion, OMG someone needs to advise this man before he opens his mouth

A good friend of mine and colleague asked me why do black people vote in a Democratic block, regardless of their social economic class? Honestly, I had to think about it for while. Was it just blind group think, or socialized party affiliation, or was it something deeper? After a little thought and discussing it with my wife, I came to the conclusion that our legal rights and freedoms as true first class citizens in the eyes of the law and our political rights where to freshly attained for us to put them in danger by our own votes to a party that we regard endanger them. Especially African Americans who reside in the south, the ascendance of the Republican Party in our part of the country came from a disproportional number of people who were Dixie-crats, (the former segregation supporting and George Wallace wing of the Democratic Party). Its hard for us to fathom these people empathizing with our struggle, as we feel that many of them would like to return us to our former position in America’s caste if they could. Even if this perception is misguided, we continue to see efforts to shore up those long fought for rights, just recently obtained just 40 years ago in 1968, continually and publicly undermined by those from the Republican party, with no apparent regard whatsoever to our perception of it. Contemporarily, we see a party that have people with thought leadership within the party like, Rush Limbaugh, David Duke and the like, who are obviously hostile to minorities in general, as the base of the Republican party. So regardless of what our household incomes are, or our education, our seamless solidarity response appears to be that regards or whether we are pro-choice or traditional marriage, which many of us are., or regardless if we are among the upper echelon economically, which many of us are as well. THERE ARE NO RIGHTS WITHOUT POLITICAL AND CIVIL RIGHTS, and too many of our ancestors,our great-grandparents, grandparents, and some parents even, gave their last measure for us to have FREEDOM, and that is too valuable for us to entrust it to anyone gingerly.

I would hope no one thinks Michale Steele, is ignorant because he is Republican. He is just an ignorant (BLACK) man. He should look in a mirror while speaking, maybe he could see himself. I don't think he would like that picture.

The Republican Party is supposed to be the party of Lincoln, but some where over the course of history that has changed. Most likely during the time when segregation was coming to the end, many of the southern Democrats joined the Republican Party hence influencing it with their views. I am not saying that the Republican Party is a racist party, but rather often times racist views and comments tend to come from members or supporters of this party. I hold many views that are different from the Democratic Party and end up voting for them, because the other group appears to have absolute abhorrence towards minority groups. This rally that occurred in Washington recently is an example of that. They had racist depictions of President Obama in the form of cartoons and pictures. People there were making racists comments about minorities groups. There was hardly any Blacks or Hispanics in the rally.

Do I believe that those minority groups that join the Republican Party are sellouts? I don't know but may be and I hope that perhaps this is the case that they are trying to change the system from within.

MY statement to this issue is ALL republicans in this country have an over-inflated view of the self - always preaching that boot-strap crap when EVERY day their main goal is to take away people's boots in the first place. if you are african-american and are republican, you are not a sellout BUT you are selfish, short-sighted, attention seeking, probably on the snobbish side and most important, simply wrong on issues. lastly, stay republican – we normal people (black, white, latino, asian democrats) really dont need your vote. when Republicans speak on ONE thing other than dollars, guns and God, then maybe the party will make sense. Until then, get out of the way as the world progresses.

Reading through comments from some self-described liberals/Democrats who make critical remarks about Mr. Martin's commentary, isn't it apparent their notions of "diversity" stop when it comes to having different ideas and opinions?

Vote for people, not for parties!

they are sellouts and losers....

Over the last year, as many racial issues have been brought to the surface and old wounds reopened by the recent presidential campaign and subsequent debates on policy and legislation, I have found myself drawn back to one of the best movies of all time. "Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner" is as relevant now as it was in 1967.

After reading this article and some of the comments, it is obvious we are in need of two things in America–another political party and some growing up on the part of some black people. I am a black person and my political views vary. I am conservative on some issues and liberal on others. What does it say about our race when we cannot have a civilized discussion on the political issues of the day without becoming hostile or personal? I hate to say it but, from my viewpoint, the majority of the time it is black liberals spewing the hateful venom at black conservatives. This really needs to stop. I do not rubber stamp a candidate or person simply because they are Republican or Democrat. I find it shameful that Republicans try to defend guys like Rush Limbaugh when they say controversial and/or hateful things. However, I am still appalled that some blacks continue to support guys like Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton, who have shown themselves time and time again to be charlatans and crooks. They are revered in the black community while others like Colin Powell, Condeleeza Rice, and Michael Steele are villified for no other reason than their political views. Republicans and Democrats have both been on the wrong side of the issue at times in our history. It is foolhearted to blindly support either party without looking at the issues and where all candidates stands on each issue. Do not believe for one second that Democrats stand pat behind the black community. See how quick Democrats will turn on the black community if the vote ever swings Republican. At the same time, be wary of some of the tough love tactics Republicans believe will restore American greatness. I would love to see a third or even fourth party emerge in America just to have different viewpoints aired. Just for the record, I voted for Obama in the last presidential election. Yet, I have no problem voting against him in the next presidential election if I feel he is not doing an effective job. Performance and platform trump blind partisan politics for me every time.

To me it depends on whom and what they support. Being a conservative is nothing more than being a person that believes in fiscal responsibility and enabling those who are willing to do the work to better themselves.

Those aren't particularly noxious ideas. Hard work – good, bettering oneself – good, improving quality of life – good.

These people don't like extremism of any kind, they just want to quietly earn their living in a law abiding, polite and socially acceptable manner.

The only problem is these people are almost extinct within the Republican Party. This party has now become the party of lawlessness, lies, torture, extremism and greed. Anyone who is part of this craziness is a sellout, not just minority voters. You've sold out to a tiny minority who sent out jobs overseas, bankrupted our pension accounts, foreclosed on our homes and in process became the most wealthy individuals ever seen in history. What the ethnic makeup of that minority happens to be is as irrelevant as the ethnicity of those that have allowed them to do as they please to such an extent they almost bankrupted our entire nation.

Being an black conservative is not being a sellout, there's as much to admire in conservatism as there is in liberalism. But assisting this minority divide our nation into groups opposing each other – men against women, blacks against whites, gays against straights, or whatever – while they laugh at us and make billions from our sweat and labour, is more than just selling out, it's utter stupidity. They can sit back and watch the Limbaughs and Palins of this world inflame the unemployed, homeless and destitute to fight amongst themselves, while they gather up our money and laugh at us all.

I don't understand what makes people think that being a certain race makes you obligated to think a certain way. But I guess that there is still some sort of racism today.
Bravo, Mr. Martin! I respect that you posted this up. I'm sure that, though other people will call you 'closed-minded', your conscience is clear. Besides, the only closed minded people are those who can't accept other views.

Bush-Cheney sold out Black Republicans many years ago. I'm amazed there are any black members remaining in the GOP. Especially as the Health Care fiasco has exposed the GOP as the horrific party of NO, no ideas, no solutions, no help and no relief.

Black Americans have very specific and special health care needs. Why would they have anything to do with the GOP? Black American's sheer survival depends on having a Health Care system which can treat their special needs and biologic diversity.

I have to agree with you Roland Martin about the name calling, and the need to focus on issues. As a West Indian living in the USA during the elections, one memory etched in my mind is that of a NPR story of a young African-American female in tears about Obama's victory, because as she alleged he was not a Democrat but a socialist! Coming from a self-described socialist democracy, out little rock that is Barbados has accepted that capitalism requires a healthy dose of universal access to health care and education if our most valuable resource (our people) are to be successful, maximise our potential, and enjoy an acceptable quality of life. For those reasons, even though I admired John McCain, I could not support the Republican party.

I'm not sure who roland martin is speaking to.. most anyone intelligent would already know what time it is with communities of color & the "morality-hot-button issues" that some cling to the GOP for as their dealbreakers (abortion, gays).. but as long as the mainstream GOP (and even now with the Tea-party 'fringe') makes their hay being as anti-urban, anti-civil-rights, anti-immigrant, pro-profiteerism as they can, and prominent conservative blacks do/say zippo about the neo-con/Tea Party crowd, Rush/OReilly disciples, what the hell do people expect to really change? You think Sarah Palin's going to go to urban districts all on her book tour? Please..
... This guy in Texas had better have something substantive to say, besides the typical neo-con party line.. more often than not, black republicans don't have anything to offer that doesn't just parrot the most staunchly Repub talking points..

I remember Not long ago Mr. Steele took a stand against Rush Limbaugh regarding some defamatory comments he made, with end twenty four hours Mr. Steele showed that he was a man without a spine and recanted his comment. Mr. Steele acts like a man that has lived during slavery and Jim Crow... He cowers when his handlers aren't pleased... He took a position to lead the GOP knowing that he was there answer to PRESIDENT OBAMA.. Instead of being a thorn in his side he should work to be an ally knowing you came in riding his shirttails.. BE CONSTRUCTIVE not Destructive!!

Mr. Roland, your point is well taken. You and Anderson Cooper has always been special to me in terms of honest reporting on essential issues. When someone is fair and unbias and comes across in an intelligent manner, it inspires us all. I have read many Blogs, and for the first time, I can truly say I am very impressed with the majority of intelligent responses given to your comment.

Huston Smith once said, in more uncertain terms, "Anyone who is American, Cuban, Irish or occidental is but half human; the other half that does not beat with the pulse of all humanity, has yet to be wakened." We should love one another while we can, knowing that one day we will all loose our youth, our health, our love ones and everything we hold dear: and finally, life itself by the very nature of being human. Thanks for keeping us honest.

I agree Roland since it was the democratic Party that opposed Lincoln abolishing slavery. I am a Black Democrat and I protect all my parties leaders through tough argument and facts. It is no longer a black thing. It an American thing. And the choice is still here "America Love it or Leave it"

Hello Roland. Why is CNN so heavily-bent towards the Democratic party? Everytime 360 has a Republican on their show he/she gets crowded out by the presence of about 3 or 4 Democrats, including Anderson. I no longer watch CNN360 primarily due to the imbalance of party and agenda. I know that other tv broadcasters do the same in the other direction, I don't watch them either for those same reasons. Anyways, on another topic, DNA; since it cannot determine a persons race, only where your ancestors came from, then the so-called 'racism' would be more adequatley temed 'culturalism'.

Have a very merry xmas & a safe & happy New Year:)

Larry

Michael Steel was elected to counter Obama influence, just as Sarah Palin was to counter the influence of Hillary Clinton. Both of wich failed in their objective

I am an frican American Christian and I have supported the Republicans. I vote policy not party. I supported President Oama this year because although the Republicans are the party which is most often aligned to Christian values, I couldn't support the hate they espouse and continue to espouse through the birthers, the Hannity show, Beck, Rimbaugh, and because I have seen how they disrespect the president. As a Christian, the bible tells us we are to pray for our leaders, regardless of the party, so we can live in peace. I have been dismayed to see Christian Evangelicals praying for the Presidents death, that he fail, and this coupled with a lax Secret Service..... He needs our continual prayer and support.

P.S. Roland, I sure do miss you in that 8:00 P.M. CNN slot.

Amen. Just because a black person does not share the same views and/or party affiliation as "the majority" of the black population does not warrant them being classified as an Uncle Tom. This comment is just as ignorant as a white person making a racial comment toward a black person. We as a country need to get past this racial divide. Holding on to false truths (on both sides) is not the path to progress.

RE: "A member of al-Qaeda probably would give a black Republican a run for his money in terms of who is more disliked in the black community."

A MEMBER OF AL-QUAEDA WOULD NOT GIVE A BLACK REPUBLICAN A RUN FOR HIS MONEY IN TERMS OF WHO IS MORE DISLIKED IN THE BLACK COMMUNITY!!!

'African-Americans are loyal to President Barack Obama and fiercely protective of him."

Is this not racism? If almost 100% of whites voted for a white president they would be considered racist, but when almost 100% of blacks vote to a black president, no one says a word.

There is a saying that Repulican think with there head and Democrated thinks with the heart. The Deomorcrates are for the working man, The Repulican are for the Business man. If these two power political parties "Stop" competing with each other, Just maybe this country will be the Great America it was destine and blessed to be. Both the Dem/Rep in there politcal seats bagger and brow beat each other because there views are different, the new media bagger and brow beat each other for top ratings. In America our skin color is different, (so what) there dialect is different (so what), I am right and you are wrong. Why can't our political parties work harder on meeting in the middle on common ground for the good of all American citicizen. They represent, and show the world a true democracy. We look like fools in other nations but yet we want to be considered Superior and can't even agree to disagree without the name calling and back lashing, the right winger the left winger, both of parties need to be seated in the middle. And bring this country together for all man kind, our blood is all the same. Red

okay i voted for obama because he was hands down the best candidate. Who cares what "color" he is. Everyone knew the country was mess.No the fundamentals of the economy were not strong, If I had 7 houses I am sure I would think that too. We have been in a recession since early 2000's nobody would admit it. If it was dealt with properly when it started we would not be knee deep. And I am so sick of people saying the president is spending us into a huge deficit. People in congress need to stop acting childish and let him take care of business. Why would anyone want him 2 fail? If he fails then we are toast. Power shift to China, India and Brazil. Grow up(YOU LIE) people trickle down clearly was not the way 2 go.

OMG Eyeswide shut chill out. Gop exploited ure lack of intelligence and then scared the crap out of you!

I believe that a person has the right to choose whatever political party they desire. In doing so, it is important that you do not get so enthralled in that particular party that you are not open to at least listen to issues of other partie.

I could not agree with Mr. Martin more when he stated that he has voted for Republicans, Democrats and Independents.

Whatever party you choose is your personal choice, just dont fall victim to the convience of becoming a party voter, and pay attention to the issues.

I hear you Roland, ninty percent African-Americans are Democrats what wrong with that, do that mean they dont know the issues, what concern me is how is that Republicans and Democrats in washington vote 100% togather regardless to the issues is it that once you get to washington you not aloud to think or vote out side your party wishes, how is it possible for each member of both parties feels the same way or think the same about every issue. Now thats scary, and thats a problem. It cant be about the party It got to be about the people.

I am a black republican (on the issues) and helping haiti displaced students and teachers to continue on with education in spite of that chaotic state of things after the earthquake. We care beyond just politics. Support a child at haitiecole.com

Roland,
I want to say I appreciate the article you wrote about Black Republicans. I am not a member of any particular party, but as a minister I have some basic beliefs that places me in the conservatist column. I do not condemn anyone for their beliefs and don't want anyone to condemn me for mine.

I want to see our country push forward on all fronts. I must say that I am a capitalist. I believe that the free market should be allowed to work with certain limited regulatory guidance from the federal government. I believe Bill Cosby was correct when he admonished Blacks to stop blaming the 'man' for his errors. We (Black farthers) should step up to the plate and do what is right. We have looked to the other side of the railroad for far too long for our existance. I believe what we need is opportunity. This is what America offers. I believe the poor should be supported more by the community and the church than the government. I personally would rather help others willingly than have the government take from me and give to someone else that they deem need it. That system has been tried over and over and it has never worked.

Roland, Roland, Roland I think you are great however I don't agree with you all of the time in this case you are right but it is difficult for a black person to wrap his/her hear around either party because for 200 years blacks continue to be disenfranchised and treated as second class citizens or less than human even you will never get the opportunities a dumb white man can get although you educated yourself and were lucky to get what you currently enjoy as a career but you are one of the lucky ones. Many educated blacks are not accepted in various careers simply because they are dark skinned you are a realist and I am sure you know this to be true so let's just say we are allowed to exercise our limited freedoms based on the will of the elitist plantation owners we are not there (equal) yet we are still trying to get there but we have a long way to go to be considered equal just pay attention you will rarely see more than two blacks working in a high profile job at the same time one is o.k. not too much of a threat but more than two fear sets in. face it we are still deep in the throws of racial divide. Michael Steele has a right to participate in any party he chooses without being judged as anything other than a citizen exercising his right to choose. how he disrespects the president is another story He should be professional enough to respect the chair of the president even if he don't respect the man.

You are right about one thing Roland, being a black Republican is worse than being in Al-Qaeda. It is selling out completely. As black people we should instinctively know better than to follow the evil ways o the GOP. The republican party is heartless and doesn't care about people's lives. Only do for yourself and make money no matter what, this is white folks way of life, not ours. We are a caring people who want to share in the benefits of our labors as a society. This is why we don't thrive in this system of devilish capitalism. Especially in a society that is openly hostile towards and against blacks, we should all take care of each other. Republicans don't agree with this concept and that is why we don't support them. Ruthless capitalism leads to poverty, violence, and crime. There is no disputing that. So if a black person is a republican, then you agree with poverty and withholding resources from your fellow citizens.You have sold out the entire human race. This is the white man's evil, let us not fall into it. If we didn't handcuff ourselves with an incompetent economy, we could truly be an advanced species, but instead we are primitive and barbaric. Someone shouldn't have to give someone else some money for us to do the things we need to do as a society. If we lived by equality, folks wouldn't mind working for the benefit of all. Now we can't complete simple tasks such as suring up our levees and dams because of money. There are millions of people looking for work and there are millions of jobs that need to be done, but we won't do them. what does that say bout our society. Republican doctrines keep us divided. United we stand... You can't keep someone down without staying down with him. Let's elevate and progress. Whether black or white, you are a sellout if you are GOP.

Roland, I do not believe that African Americans just belong to any one party afffiliation but at present I am disappointing in our current legislative body. There are members in the GOP and in the Democart party that I am very concern about. It is as though they are in living in a different world. I really think the public should be able to call congress out when they do not do the will of the people. We should respectively request term limits or better yet let them offer a solution to the President for moving the country forward. I beg of the President to stand strong against his foes as there are many who are hateful and militant against his policies, because they want to retain the throne of their party. Well, I want to convey a message as an American, we want jobs so that we can contribute to bringing the deficit down so both parties need to work together or their will be a price to pay for all.