One thing I can virtually guarantee you: If any of the past, present or future victims of police brutality in Cleveland — and most likely anywhere else in the United States — had, have, or will have a political party affiliation, it’s a lead pipe cinch that the Donkey is (or will) be their animal of choice. Republicans don’t get their asses stepped in or blown away by police … you can make book on that.
So it’s with mild amusement that I read a missive from the Cuyahoga County Democratic Party that was forwarded to me:
“Dear Executive Committee Member,
In light of major national media coverage of the deaths of Michael Brown, Eric Garner, and Tamir Rice at the hands of police officers, as well as the uprisings sparked in over 37 states in response to those cases, our nation has necessarily taken up discussions of race and equal protection under the law. Communities across the country have pushed for attention to issues of police brutality and excessive use of force, in particular.
While these are challenges that impact all communities, the rising conversation in the country is focused on how these issues impact communities disproportionately, according to race. The Cuyahoga County Democratic Party has been reviewing its Constitution and mission and asking the question, how can we as a party help to organize the stakeholders in the community to talk with each other about racism and inequalities.”
No shit?
They finally got the memo, did they? Where were they before, off somewhere making buggy whips, or engaging in some other out of date endeavor? Did someone at Democratic Party Headquarters (located in one of the most solidly Democratic counties in the entire United States) finally crawl out of the cave they must have been living in for the last year, stick their finger in the political wind, and say, “Gee, it looks like we got a problem!” The problem has been here, where were they?
The missive then goes on to regurgitate some boilerplate themes that read as if they were lifted directly from a 9th grade civics textbook:
“Some of the core values and beliefs that directly relate to this discussion are:
- There is no substitute for fair and equal representation and strong public participation in a government chosen by election.
- A government that stands on the side of families – that listens, understands and addresses their concerns.
- All reap benefits when we meet our challenges together.
- Equality of all citizens and condemn any discrimination, including, but not limited to, classifications based upon race, sex, gender identity or sexual orientation, age, religion, national origin or disability status.
- A society that strengthens families and protects our children.
- Rights of all to achieve economic security and find affordable housing; to seek good jobs at livable wage; and protection for our workers in a growing robust economy.
- A society that puts the health, safety and prosperity of its citizens first; that promotes excellence in education, choices in quality health care and a healthy environment for all citizens.
- A society that values community and protects all citizens from violence and crime.”
I can just imagine Thomas Paine doing back flips in his crypt over these lofty pronouncements. Hark! Is that the “Battle Hymn of the Republic” I hear in the far off distance?
“In keeping with these principles, we at the party feel compelled to challenge ourselves to be sure that we are fighting for equality for all members of the community. We would like to take a robust, multi-stakeholder approach to examine the issues and craft policy initiatives that respond to the needs of the community. We will eventually organize and facilitate meetings between all party members like you to encourage open dialogue about racism and inequality and what it would take for us to achieve equality for all in our communities.”
Uh, I hate to inform these dudes, but the window for making suggestions in regards to the consent decree just closed. Or, was that what they were waiting for? Stalling until it was too late to have any impact so as to not offend any police union members, who, by the way, are mostly Republicans.
The fact is, blacks are the most loyal constituency the Democratic Party has, and the tardiness displayed by local party leaders in terms of raising their voice in support of an issue of great and grave concern to the minority community only reinforces the notion that persons of color are taken for granted … that is, until Election Day.
But hey, at least they’re saying something on this issue, which is more than you can say about the Republicans — who haven’t uttered a word.
From Cool Cleveland correspondent Mansfield B. Frazier mansfieldfATgmail.com. Frazier’s From Behind The Wall: Commentary on Crime, Punishment, Race and the Underclass by a Prison Inmate is available again in hardback. Snag your copy and have it signed by the author by visiting http://NeighborhoodSolutionsInc.com.