THE SHOCK and disgust which the Bush administration's actions over the last three years have caused used to be relegated to the sophisticated, highly educated classes, who predominantly fall squarely on the left side of the political spectrum. Since this administration's first acts in office (like the United States-imposed "gag rule" against international organizations that counseled women on contraceptive options, including abortion), those with the interest in and luxury of reading in-depth news coverage and keeping up to date on world events have been treated to one example after another of arrogance and greed (not to mention ignorance -- remember the "country of Africa?") on the part of the Bush administration and the GOP congressional leadership. But as the Iraqi occupation roils bloodily onward and the economy continues to founder, even the rest of the American public is beginning to seriously question whether President Bush deserves another term. Clearly, the answer is no -- but electing a fresh, honest leader in 2004 will require more than financial donations to the Democratic candidate: Some important and long-absent members of the American electorate need to appear in the voting booths.
In the great political movie classic "Bulworth," Warren Beatty's character goes to speak to an overflowing crowd at a black church in Harlem. When many congregants angrily demand why they should vote for him, although the federal government has shamefully dragged its feet in addressing critical problems facing large urban centers (and, thus, minority communities), Bulworth, the candidate running for re-election, chuckles and responds, "What are you gonna do -- vote Republican?" This sentiment is what Al Sharpton -- demagogue, noted civil rights leader, walking bullhorn, you take your pick -- was referring to in last week's Democratic primary debates hosted by the Congressional Black Caucus. Sharpton sounded an ominous warning to the Democratic Party when he cautioned them not to take black voters for granted -- because traditionally the party has, in fact, done so (similarly with Hispanic voters).
It's clear that the Democratic Party -- the only one with a serious history of standing up for the rights of minorities and women -- is the only coherent choice for non-white male voters. While often imperfect in its defense and advocacy of issues like urban renewal, economic development and opportunity, practical welfare strategies, affirmative action and Title IX, the Democrats are obviously a better choice for anyone concerned with these issues than the Republicans. But there's actually a good reason why the Democratic Party hasn't worked harder to press these issues; and more broadly, why our political, judicial and legislative systems are grossly skewed towards benefiting the wealthy.
Not only must overall voter turnout improve generally, but voting rates among minorities and the poor must improve before anyone can realistically expect major changes in our political system. It's a cliche by now that if minorities voted in commensurate numbers with whites, no Republican -- or Republicans as we now know them, like those guardians of popular goodwill and harmony, Trent Lott and Rick Santorum -- would ever be elected. While it's a provocative point, the fact remains that the American political atmosphere reflects the opinions of those who take part in it.
As measured by the U.S. Census and every other major monitoring organization, voting rates among minorities (blacks, Hispanics and Asians) are significantly lower than those among whites, and those of poorer citizens as compared to wealthier ones show an even greater gap. In short, poor people and minorities vote in far fewer numbers than more affluent whites (even as a proportion of the population). Why then should we be surprised when this is the demographic least represented in government or when laws are passed that ignore the poor in lieu of treating the rich (see the Bush tax cut)?
Americans cannot now ignore the fact that the Bush administration blatantly lied to the public and the world about its motivations and rationale for going to war with Iraq; that its massive tax cuts to the wealthy enacted during a recession were grossly unfair, coldhearted and haven't helped the economy; that its enormous underfunding of schools has led to a crisis in local education; that its cuts to a host of public and social services are directly harming the poor and ignoring the needs of minority communities; and generally, that its extensive ties to corporate America have resulted in excesses of cronyism and skewed priorities not seen for a generation. Defeating this agenda of the radical right will depend on all of the Democratic Party's core constituents. It's up to us -- and them -- to follow through.
(Blair Reeves's column appears Mondays in The Cavalier Daily. He can be reached at breeves@cavalierdaily.com.)
Read More
PATEL: Personal development courses support students beyond the gradebook
By Heer Patel | 2 days agoThe University must rethink its approach to education beyond traditional major-specific requirements and mandate personal development courses.
EDITORIAL: Commercialization threatens U.Va.’s educational mission
By Editorial Board | 3 days agoAfter all, measuring the University’s worth in terms of accrued capital, operational efficiency and numerical rankings molds this space into just another cookie-cutter institution.
YOUNIS: Why every U.Va. student should say yes to English
By Ayat Younis | January 9, 2025Every student at the University, regardless of their primary field of study, can professionally and academically benefit from engaging with the English department.
