(ThyBlackMan.com) I know alot of Black conservatives. I agree with alot of Black conservative points. Some of my best friends are Black conservatives. Too bad I’m not one. Moving right along.
Despite strong support for muzzling gorilla government; community policing; mutual aid institution building; anti-Abortion activism and the 2nd Amendment to name a few, I can’t call myself ” the C-Word. ” I’m an Individualist who creates views independent of ideological straight jackets. My individualism has been hilariously mislabeled “ militant ” and “ ( Republican ) uncle tom ” often by the same critics. My acquaintances include Black nationalists, White nativists and folks across the political 
spectrum. Which associates could I keep in order to maintain good standing with current ” C-word ” overseers? Conservatism has become the rightward pole of liberalism: a rigid worldview with little patience for dissent. One divergent item on a checklist miles long becomes grounds for express excommunication. If it’s wrong when Democrats and the Left does this, the same holds true on our side of the aisle.
Canonizing George W. Bush instead of calling a spade a spade on his Iraq deception undermines the conservative cause. Riled up rallies denouncing Obamanomics are one administration too late if opposing big government spending is really the goal. Black conservatives shouldn’t be so willing to fit in that gross presidential misconduct is either rationalized or ignored. One role of Black public intellectuals is to serve as America’s moral compass. Abdicating this role because the Spender-in-Chief ( Monarch-in-Chief, etc. ) had an ” R ” behind his name abdicates a central conservative duty to stop official overreach. Add intrusiveness of the Bush Homeland Security State and the silence is appalling. If the current conservative mission is just Birther bingeing and ritual recitation of the “ smaller government; lower taxes ” litany it’s moribund just like liberalism. Folks aren’t ready for libertarianism in big doses so by default conservatives should be the mainstream champions of individual freedom and tight governmental oversight.
Black conservatives are a largely cultural phenomena. Less driven ( in most cases ) by hard right political theory, religious and social issue sensitivities inform our brand. It is also similar yet different from peers version across town. This difference prompts a more community-centered majority to address shortfalls in the movement. While some politically conservative Black folks support the Tea Party institution, community conservatives join liberals and others warily watching this development. Community conservatives break ranks with the pack on matters that traditionally negatively impact the Black community. While more politically conservative brethern enter attack mode over panic button topics like police brutality, conservatives who reflect community concerns loudly speak up. Giving liberals free reign to monopolize civil rights and related issues is a costly mistake.
This alone is one huge reason why I’m not the ” C-word. ” Hostile elements in conservative institutions like the criminal justice system need challenges from the Right also. Otherwise, America becomes yet another bannana republic turning a blind eye to harshly selective enforcement of certain citizens. Opposing police brutality or prosecutorial misconduct aren’t the same as condoning criminals. Liberals shouldn’t continue being the only worldview recognizing this fact.
Black conservative bashing isn’t my objective. This is merely an illustration of why numerous Black center right types may not identify with this worldview. The ” C-word ” isn’t necessarily a bad word. It’s current definition is bad for those valuing a more open minded brand of Conservatism in the Black community and nationwide.
Written By Nadra Enzi
Official Websites;
http://www.captblack.info
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/nadraenzi
