Well What Do Conservatives Really Mean When They Spit Out the Word ‘Liberal?’

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• Also, and back on point. Eric, you still look at the political system as a dichotomy, and either or binary system. That is your fundamental flaw. You are so caught up in the illusion of grand ideological differences between democrat and republican that you fail to see one simple truth...they have both abjectly and dramatically failed Black folks.

  Until you get past your simple minded analysis, your writing will always be based upon your lack of critical thinking and reasoning skills.

  If you want to write a propaganda piece, simple say that that is what you do, but please don't attempt to make us think you deal in logic and rationality.

• Eric, I just read back through. LOL did you really call me a Black conservative?

• CD,

  You're making a lot of unwarranted assumptions here in an attempt to tell ME what I think. Since it's impossible for you to get into my mind, don't you think that it makes much more sense for me to tell YOU what and how I think? I'm pretty sure it does.
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  As one who has always tried, with varying success, to be progressive in my thinking, I'd like to make a few personal observations on the contemporary progressive movement. I want to preface my remarks, however, with the assurance that I have long since recognized that I corner the market on neither knowledge, wisdom, nor intellect, but I'd like to share my thoughts nevertheless - not as a condescending edict handed down by a self-appointed pundit, but in the hope that the thoughts of an average man with common facility are worthy of public discussion.
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  It is my firm belief that the appropriate attitude for a progressive to bring to every discussion is a firmness of thought and an open mind to divergent ideas. A progressive, by definition, should have the intellectual capacity to recognize that one can neither scream, nor insult, one's way to a solution to any problem. And what should always set a progressive apart from all others is an affinity for humanity, independence of thought, and a fierce determination to remain a seeker of truth above all else, regardless to where that truth may lead.
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  But those values no longer seem to be the case among many who define themselves as progressives today. Many contemporary 'progressives' tend to possess the very same rigidity of thought, and mean-spirited, knee-jerk adherence to ideology that the progressive movement was created to combat. The response that many of these people bring to even the slightest divergence from their rigid ideological beliefs can only be described as one of radical reactionism.
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  That concerns me greatly, because while conservatives and today's so-called progressives remain completely divergent in their views toward governance, in terms of intellectual disposition they've become different sides of the same coin. I've often heard it stated that the regimented intolerance of reactionary conservatism is reminiscent of Nazi Germany. That may, or may not be true. But if it is, it must also be acknowledged that the intolerant regimentation of many contemporary radical 'progressives' represent the USSR at best.
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  Many modern progressives have allowed themselves to become infected with the exact same kind of intellectual rigidity that we previously associated with the radical conservative mindset. In fact, many who define themselves as progress today could very accurately be called latter-day conservatives. They have a slightly updated set of values, but their rigidity and rabid defense of those values will surely morph into the closed-minded conservatism of tomorrow.
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  That's the primary reason that the conservatives' reckless campaign of rampant disinformation is winning the battle over reasoned and logical thought. So many contemporary progressives have taken on the conservative mindset of anger before contemplation, and reaction over reason, that there's no one left who's actually thinking. Everyone is simply reacting through anger, ignorance, and disinformation. That's an environment in which the Republican Party thrives, since as any thinking person would know, radical conservatism is reactionary by definition.
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  Progressives cannot out-scream the Republican Party, and we shouldn't try. The disinformation that's currently being disseminated by the GOP must be met with facts, a well thought-out plan of action, integrity, and character.
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  The American people are not stupid. They desperately want these qualities in their governance, but the current progressive movement is not giving them a viable alternative. Regardless to what our intent, we're acting with just as much thoughtless anger and reckless abandon as the Republican Party.
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  The problem is, we have not coalesced into a solid front with a clear and viable agenda. We've divided ourselves into so many factions with so many different agendas that the people no longer know what we represent. And the reason for that is that too many of us really don't know what it means to be progressives ourselves.
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  Too many of us fail to understand that the primary goal of the progressive movement is to create a viable democracy that serve, respect, and honor ALL of the people. But due to the destruction of our educational system, the corrupting influence of Republican governance over the past twenty years, and an irresponsible media, our ideals and what we represent as a people is only a rumor up for debate for an entire generation of Americans.
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  But what's worse, and the subject of this contemplation, is the above is also true of young people of the left who consider themselves progressives. The fact is, while they know that their political orientation is liberal, what they don't know is there's a vast difference between being simply liberal, and being a progressive. As a result, many of these young people approach our democracy like it's a sporting event - our team against their team. Period.
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  What they fail to realize is that the progressive movement is much more than just a synonym for left-wing liberalism. Progressives have also served as America's philosophers, intellectuals, and conscience. Thus, true progressives don't see conservatives as the enemy. They understand that both liberals, and conservatives, play an important role in our society. They recognize that both are necessary in order to maintain a balanced America. And they clearly understand that while there's a burning need for a Martin Luther King to remind America of its humanity, there is also a need for a Gen. MacArthur to ensure our security.
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  Thus, the progressive movement is not so much a political ideology as it is a philosophical attitude towards human behavior. A true progressive, as oppose to an ideologue of any stripe, will always give truth, logical thought, and the interest of humanity priority over ideology. And regardless to how much he or she may admire any politician, he will always hold that politician accountable for truth, justice, and his fidelity to mankind.
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  I can cite an example of that in my personal life. I'm a huge supporter of President Obama because I agree with more of his positions on public policy than I do with the Republicans. But I have both friends, and family, who go absolutely crazy on those occasions when I write a column critical of him when I disagree with something that he does, or something that he fails to do. They take the position that I'm only serving to help the Republican Party drag him down.
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  I take the position, as both a journalist, and a progressive, that while I support Obama, it is not my job to censor information when in my opinion he's taken a position that's not in the best interest of the people (failing to follow the rule of law regarding the atrocities of war committed by the Bush Administration, for example). Neither is it my job to protect Obama's presidency. It is Obama's job to protect his presidency, by making the right decisions in office.
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  Barack Obama is a politician, and a democracy can only remain viable by holding EVERY politician's feet to the fire. So it doesn't matter how I feel about him personally, as a journalist, and as a progressive, all I'm concerned with is what he does to, and for the people.
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  In my opinion, that's what it means to be a progressive, and I find it extremely disheartening to watch the corruption of such an essential component of our political environment. What's even more disheartening, however, is the impact that it's loss is sure to have on American life. With the demise of a vigorous and thriving progressive movement America is becoming a place where power and political ideology takes precedence over justice and the welfare of humanity, and that's a scenario that can only lead to our ultimate destruction.

• CD, you said,
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  "Affirmative Action has never been a threat to white people."
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  Whether or not Affirmative Action was actually a threat to White people is academic. The problem was, it was perceived to be. During the late seventies Allan Bakke, a White applicant to UC Davis Medical School who was denied admission, filed a discrimination suit alleging that he was denied admission while lessor qualified minorities were admitted:
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  “By the late 1970s, federal affirmative action programs are under attack in higher education. After a decade in practice, the policies have doubled the number of black students attending colleges and universities. Yet some white applicants who are denied admission blame affirmative action for their troubles. In 1978, the Supreme Court hears a case filed by Allan Bakke, a man who has twice been denied admission to the University of California at Davis for medical school. He claims that affirmative action policies have kept him out, violating his rights. The case commands the nation's attention.” http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Regents_of_the_University_of_California_v._Bakke
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  The case gained nationwide attention and ultimately led to millions of formerly moderate White votes flooding over to the GOP. That, in turn, led to the election of Ronald Reagan in the 1980 Election - and the Reagan’s flooding of the nation’s inner cities with crack to support his illegal war in Nacaragua, his attack on collective bargaining, his tripling of the national debt, etc.
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  My point is, the Black community should always seek to get it’s fair share of America’s pie. But we should always do it in a way where we don’t end up cutting our own throats. Obama recognizes that throwing his fit in the air and screaming, “power to the people!,” is counterproductive, and so is your approach of embracing conservative ideals. We can neither out-scream our opponents, nor should we even try to butter them up. The Black community is going to have to OUT-THINK those who seek to oppress us - and that’s exactly what Obama is doing:
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  Forbes Magazine: Economically, Could Obama Be America's Best President?
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  Firstly, let’s review just how bad things were in 2009. In 2000 America was completing the longest bull market in history. But by the end of President Bush’s tenure the country had witnessed 2 stock market crashes, and the DJIA had fallen 58%. This was the second worst market decline in history (exceeded only by the Great Depression,) and hence the term “Great Recession” was born.

  In 2000, at the end of Clinton’s administration, the Consumer Confidence Index was at a record high 140. By January, 2009 this index had fallen to an historic low of 25.3. Comparatively, when Reagan took office at the end of the economically weak Carter years the Confidence Index was still at 74.4! Today this measure of how people feel about the country is still nowhere near 2000 levels, but it is almost 3 times better than 4 years ago.

  Significantly, in 2000 America had a budget surplus. By 2009 surpluses were long gone and the country was racking up historic deficits as taxes were cut while simultaneously outlays for defense skyrocketed to cover costs of wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Additionally, banks were on the edge of failing due to unregulated real estate speculation and massive derivative losses.

  Today the Congressional Budget Office is reporting a $200B decrease in the deficit almost entirely due to increased revenue from a growing economy and higher taxes on the wealthiest Americans. The deficit is now only 4% of the GDP, down from over 10% at the end of Bush’s administration – and projections are for it to be only 2% by 2015 (before Obama leaves office.) America’s “debt problem” seems largely solved, and almost all due to growth rather than austerity.

  We can largely thank a fairer tax code, improved regulation and consistent SEC enforcement. Also, major strides in health care reform – something no other President has accomplished – has given American’s more faith in their future, and an increased willingness to invest.
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  http://www.forbes.com/sites/adamhartung/2013/05/16/economically-could-obama-be-americas-best-president/

• Eric,

  On some aspects in your last post, there is some common ground that I can agree with you. However, once again, your recounting of history in regards to Affirmative Action is a bit shaky.

  Affirmative Action has never been a threat to white people. Why?

  1. As Dr. Claude Anderson, author of "PowerNomics", has stated that once Affirmative Action included every other group instead of "just" black people, it's effectiveness was destroyed.

  2. Affirmative Action in your own words should have been based on "need". Therefore, a black kid from a middle class family would more than likely be the recipient that a black kid from a disadvantaged family as that kid would not be "prepared" to take advantage of a Affirmative Action situation.

  3. The current double digit unemployment levels among blacks show that Affirmative Action has not made much of an impact.

  However, I feel it is counterproductive for you to infer that those of us who may vote Republican are aligning themselves with racists because they hate other blacks.

  To tell you the truth, I would rather be hated than "pitied" as I feel white liberals do to blacks.

  Their are racists in both parties.

  However, the core PRINCIPLES of parties is what is important to me no LIBERAL has been able to point a specific conservative principle that is harmful to the black community.

  Ref: http://www.freedomsjournal.net/tradition/

  Thanks,

  C. Dejuan Smith, Android App, "Being Black and Conservative" available on Amazon and Google Play

• CD,
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  I’m sure it may sound like I’m engaging in ad hominem attacks. If it does, I’m very sorry about that, but that is not my intent. the fact is, I’m dead serious about what I'm saying and it's not intended as a mean-spirited slander. I’m saying the things that I'm saying because I think they constitute that facts that need to be said.
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  As for your position that Black people need to be more self-sufficient, I’m in total agreement with you there. I’ve been writing articles on that very issue for years. But we don’t have to be conservative to recognize that, and it’s not conservative Republican’s intent to “Help us” by bring that point out. The primary reason they keep hammering that point home is to send the message that Black people don’t DESERVE consideration because they’re just a bunch of lazy and good-for-nothing niggas. They use it as raw meat to serve the social bigots within their constituency.
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  But again, CD, I’ve long since recognized the Black community’s shortcomings in this area, and I’ve written several articles on it, so you’re preaching to the choir in this regard:
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  “I'm not here to defend President Obama, because I don’t agree with everything he does, or fails to do, myself. But there are those in the Black community who need to come to terms with the fact that there are some things that even the president can’t do - and signing a bill abolishing ignorance is at the very top of that list. That's what it would take to accomplish some of the objectives that they're trying to force upon him. That’s also what lets me know that much of the ranting and raving of some of these so-called Black intellectuals are disingenuous at best, and blatant intraracial bigotry at worst.
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  “The president can’t just wave a magic wand and instantly make everyone upwardly mobile. It doesn’t work that way. There’s an educational process that goes along with upward mobility, and that goes for whether the person is Black, or White. While there are many in the Black community who have the skills to hit the ground running, there are others who need to be trained, motivated, and refocused in order to simply maintain a job that pays wages high enough to lift them out of poverty, even if it was given to them. So if these educators, intellectuals, and pundits were serious about their concern for the poor, instead of holding televised seminars and book signings, they’d be in the community with their sleeves up, helping to upgrade the skill sets of those who need it.
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  “We made a huge mistake while formulating affirmative action legislation. We should have insisted that it be based on need rather than race. That way, Black people would have still been at the head of the line, but we wouldn’t have given the GOP the leverage to convince poor and middle-class White people that it was an assault on their rights.
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  “So shortly after it went into effect, White people started to protest, and hordes of formerly moderate White people raced over to the Republican Party. That ushered in the Ronald Reagan era, with his “trickle-down economics,” the assault on Fair Labor Standards Act, and the abolishment of the Fairness Doctrine. That , in turn, led directly to the rise of Rush Limbaugh, Fox News, the policies that led to the Wall Street collapse, and directly to the dire straits that we find ourselves in today.
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  “Yet, once again, many of these Black “intellectuals” are criticizing President Obama for having the good sense not to repeat history by refusing to throw his fist in the air. While they say it’s all about advocating against poverty, just like with White demagogues, they’re conflating the term “poverty” with race, in spite of the fact that they know full well that even the scent of racial politics is grist for the Republican mill. That's exactly why Obama has to avoid the issue, because the Republicans can use it to drum up support to block anything he tries to do for the people at all.
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  “So if these "intellectuals" were actually concerned about the best interest of the Black community, while President Obama is trying to navigate the Republican minefield they’d be in the community organizing, educating, and discussing what we can do to improve our own condition in the meantime. But of course, that's too much like real work.
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  “These people should be educating Black people to understand that more money passes through the Black community than through most countries, so we could create our own jobs. But we don't, and I’ll tell you why - because Black people are the product of the very same racist environment as White people, so we’re just as reluctant to patronize Black businesses as any Hillbilly. Unlike any other community in the world, we’d rather take our money and patronize other people - ANY other people - as long as they aren’t Black. That’s a hard pill to swallow, but it is, what it is.
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  “So our bigoted attitude towards other Black people is the primary reason why we’re lingering at the very bottom of the social and economic ladder”

• I never said that 90% of the black community is wrong..Those are your words.
  Nice try...

  I have noticed in all your previous posts, you never acknowledge the assertion that I have made that black people should strive for economic self-determination. If that is delusional, then Malcom X, Marcus Garvey, Fredrick Douglass, Claude Anderson are delusional.

  Free blacks in America before 1864 did not have Affirmative Action and the Federal government was pushing a movement to ship them back to Africa and most of the states added other prohibitions which made life difficult for free blacks.

  However, they had to survive and they did through self-reliance, faith and unity. Basic conservative principles in other words, to conserve their "freedom" and "dignity".

  Since your commentary is mostly ad hominem attacks, I have to assume that you either refuse or cannot articulate an argument which supports why LIBERALISM is the best option for the black community.

  Apparently, you believe the government to be immune from practicing racism against black people. If so, state it.

• CD,

  You're living in a world of delusion - you have to, just to be a Black conservative. Everything seems to be "if, if, if" with you. I live in the world as it "is, is, is," so I don't suffer from those delusions.
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  Here's a little something that you should consider. In order for you to embrace your conservative philosophy you have to assume that well over 90% of the Black community is wrong, and you're right. There's a very old and profound truism that applies to your king of thinking. It says, "Whenever a man begins to think that he's right and everybody else is wrong, more often than not, he's delusional." I think you'd be well served to consider that.
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  One of the reasons that the GOP can't find a competent Black conservative to front for the party is because Black conservatives are delusional by definition. Their philosophy makes about as much sense as a Jewish Nazi.

• Eric..

  With respect, you really need to bone up on your BLACK History in America.

  There have always been free blacks in America..

  Black people have been proven to be a strong and resilient people.

  Free Blacks were holding conventions to discuss the issues up until the early 1860's.

  Most free blacks had a rough time BUT many did quite well.

  I recommend you read, North of Slavery by Leon F. Litwack and The History of Black Business in America: Capitalism, Race, Entrepreneurship: Volume 1, To 1865 by Juliet E. K. Walker

  Leon F. Litwack is big time LIBERAL but his work on this subject is highly respected.

• Eric,

  The reason why we are knee-deep in a class war as you stated is because nearly half the country is receiving some form of federal assistance, the rich are taking advantage of government sponsored tax loop holes and the Middle-Class is paying the BULK of the tax burden.

  Believe it or not there are thousands of multimillion dollar corporations are ran by LIBERALS. I wonder why the MEDIA neglects to mention that JayZ and Beyoncé has 4 times the wealth of Mitt Romney enjoying every tax loopholes that every super rich person enjoys.

  Eric, as a responsible journalist, you should highlight that fact.

  In other words, the lopsided, burdensome tax system is creating the class disparities.

  The GOP did not create the tax system. All the politicians are involved.

  Why should a corporation pay nearly 30% in taxes when they can operate overseas for 12%? As you stated in a previous article, businesses are not charitable organizations. They have shareholders and investors to answer to as well.

  Obviously, you are appear to ANTI-Capitalist so you make the classic liberal assumption that you can control the government easier than controlling a corporation. That is a false assumption.

  The problem is that we have never seen a purely capitalist system. In such a system, the CONSUMER is in control.

  When there is collusion between government and business, PURE capitalism no longer exists and the people suffer.

  The government makes the laws, so they can control the game. The government has the power to kill you. The government can outlaw hotdogs and pizza. No corporation has that power without GOVERNMENT assistance.

  Therefore, a smaller, accountable government in the long term is the best option.

  Lastly, in reference to black empowerment, I may run a big corporation, so why would you want to LIMIT my ability to hire other blacks and use my capital to uplift those in my community? If more blacks owned corporations large and small, don't you think that would go a long way reducing the number of unemployed, poor and uneducated among us?

  Wouldn't that be a great legacy for our children?