It never ceases to amaze me that Afro-Americans can be so unceasingly devoted to a Democratic Party that has fostered so much of the ideology that has stripped and decimated our people. As a Black clergymen, I have often been grieved by the massive deception and ploys of special interest groups and politicians that play upon the fears and stereotypes of Afro-Americans.

This past election wasn't about race, though ads run by the NAACP linking
George Bush to the chain dragging death of James Byrd, a black man, was a perfect example of deceptive manipulation of Blacks. It was a replay of the Klan's use of the film "Birth of a Nation", only this time it was Afro-Americans under the hoods deceiving their own people. It was nothing short of liberal propaganda resurrecting our worst fears of southern bigotry to further the Democratic Party's stronghold on Afro-Americans..

Did it work? Oh boy did it! 92% of the Afro-Americans that went to the polls bought it hook line and sinker. Where was the outcry from the Black Community for foul play? At the fear of being called racist or bigot much of the Bush Administration said little or nothing of this blatant character assassination plot of the NAACP. Al Gore was painted upon the canvases of our hearts as the succeeding savior and friend of the Afro-American community. Yet there was only one afro-American out of 200 of his top aids as opposed to 43 for George Bush. So much for affirmative action!

It's deplorable when such a large percentage of current Afro-American leadership attempt to identify with the courageous Black leaders of the Civil Rights movement of the 50's and 60's. It would seem they have neither the integrity nor the God of those faithful men who laid down their lives for the sake of others.

How can Afro-American leadership ignore 12 Million Afro-American babies that have been devoured by abortion since 1973? How can they ignore the victimization of our women by the abortion industry? Why do they ignore the silent cry of 1,452 black babies each day who die for dishonest gain? I'm for a woman's right to choose! Choose your husband; choose what water fountain to drink from, choose what Woolworth's counter to eat at, Choose whether or not to sit in the front or the back of the bus but you cannot choose to take a life! Political affiliations cause righteous men to become silent. Politics now shape values instead of values shaping politics.

My fellow Afro-Americans we are being had! It's the ole okie doke all over again and many leaders have willfully fallen prey due to their lust for position and wealth. We must remember the Dream and the God of the Dream in order to restore our lost families and confused children. We must adhere to truth not political rhetoric.