“Political affiliation without genuine consideration of interests and benefits can result in a meaningless display of ignorance and recklessness“ —Anthony Ogbo
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Oil and water are known for their stark differences in chemical compositions and physical characteristics, making them the most opposing properties in nature. Oil, a non-polar substance, refuses to mix with water, a polar substance, due to its contrasting polarities. This results in the formation of distinct layers when the two are combined, showcasing their inability to easily blend together.
Similarly, the relationship between former President Donald Trump and Black people is just as incompatible as oil and water. However, in a surprising move last week, Trump launched a Black voter coalition group in a bid for a November comeback. The announcement was made at a community event in Detroit, with prominent Black Republicans such as Ben Carson and John James in attendance. Trump even mentioned Rep. Byron Donalds as a potential vice-presidential candidate, highlighting the support he has garnered among Black voters. Traditionally, the Black voting bloc has supported Democrats, but recent polls have shown openness to Trump.
Despite attempts to appeal to Black voters during his presidency, his actions and rhetoric consistently alienated and marginalized the Black community. From his refusal to condemn white supremacists to his implementation of policies that disproportionately harmed Black Americans, Trump’s presidency further widened the divide between himself and the Black community. His lack of empathy, understanding, and respect for the struggles faced by Black people only solidified the impossibility of any meaningful relationship between him and the Black community. Just like oil and water, their differences are too vast and irreconcilable.
The stark contrast between Black voters and Trump is not mere speculation, but rather a reflection of his actions. Trump’s lack of popularity within the Black community is rooted in his policies. For example, as president, he supported a healthcare repeal proposal that would have left 8.7 million people of color without Medicaid coverage by 2026. Additionally, he backed a proposal to defund Planned Parenthood, a vital organization for nearly 1 million people of color who rely on its health services, including physicals, cancer screenings, and contraceptive care.
On January 27, 2017, he signed an executive order, the initial version of his Muslim ban, which discriminated against Muslims and banned refugees. Later that year, on May 12, his administration announced the abandonment of the Smart on Crime initiative, a program aimed at rehabilitating drug users and reducing the costs of incarcerating inmates.
Furthermore, the Trump administration halted the implementation of the Obama-era Employer Information Report, or EEO-1 form update, which would have collected pay data confidentially broken down by gender, race, and ethnicity. This data was crucial for federal enforcement agencies to uncover wage discrimination against women of color, who experience some of the largest wage gaps across all industries.
The upcoming November election has once again highlighted the importance of the Black vote as a significant stakeholder. Historically, the Black vote has been a powerful force in American politics, capable of influencing elections and shaping policy decisions. In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the necessity to engage and mobilize Black voters, especially in key battleground states. The upcoming election is no exception, with issues such as racial justice, police reform, healthcare access, and economic inequality at the forefront of many Black voters’ minds.
As a crucial stakeholder in this election, the Black community holds the power to amplify their voices and demand change from elected officials. Voter suppression tactics are on the rise, and efforts to undermine mail-in voting are increasing. This underscores the importance for Black voters to be well-informed, actively engaged, and proactive in ensuring their voices are heard at the ballot box.
It is essential also, to recognize that African Americans have the right to not only align with any political party but also to make informed decisions about policies and politics. However, how these decisions are made is critical. Blindly supporting a political party goes against the fundamental purpose of politics. Political affiliation without genuine consideration of interests and benefits can result in a meaningless display of ignorance and recklessness.
Last, it is important to acknowledge that a relationship between Trump and the Black community is like oil and water – they do not mix. This highlights the need for Black voters to carefully consider their choices and ensure they align with their values and interests.
♦Publisher of the Guardian News, Journalism and RTF Professor, Dr. Anthony Obi Ogbo, is on the Editorial Board of the West African Pilot News. He is the author of the Influence of Leadership (2015) and the Maxims of Political Leadership (2019). Contact: anthony@guardiannews.us
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