Trading Symbolism for Substance

[sheshe2]

This is exactly the kind of thing Rev. William Barber was talking about.

Taking down the flag is a good thing. But when we look at the voting and policy records of most of the political leaders who helped to lower it, we should be careful with equating its removal as a history-altering event. Systemic racism is alive and well; they show no intention yet of dealing with the fundamental inequalities racism still causes in our society...

Let us be clear about what’s being said: nine Black deaths may get the flag lowered, but it will not get you one pen to sign Medicaid expansion throughout the South, which would save thousands of Black lives. Black deaths will not get full voting rights, which saves Black political power and produces policies that save black, brown and poor white lives. It will not get criminal justice reform, which liberates Black lives. Nor will it get you full funding for public education, a living wage, or economic empowerment that will lift the lives of black people, minorities, and the poor. It will not get gun reform.

What Rep. Clyburn and the Congressional Black Caucus are saying is that they're willing to put aside arguments about symbolism in exchange for some substance on an issue that is the bedrock of civil rights...the right to vote.

Read More http://immasmartypants.blogspot.com/2015/07/trading-symbolism-for-substance.html

[guillaumeb]

1. Agreed.

You can take the robe and pointed hat off the Klan member, but it is the racism in his heart that counts the most. The robe and the flag are only the outward symbols.

Any talk of change by GOP southern politicians must be measured against the many laws that the southern states are passing to disenfranchise minorities.

[LoisB]

2. Agree.

[cantbeserious]

3. Agreed

eom