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The Maroon Page 6 Monday, November 4, 1996 So how come I'm not voting on Tues day? Let's see we have three choices. Choice A is like, three hundred and eighty six years old, swears that Shaq is a place where farmers keep their tools, and basically doesn't give a damn about black people (unless they're voting for him). Choice B has enough loot to give everyone in the country a million dol lars each-as a tax write off-and wants to run the country like a corporation, which I guess means that his first piece of legislation would be the Glass Ceil ing bill for women, minorities, and any body who tries to enact change. Choice C is a media-created Tom Sawyer with a blue suit and an overactive libido; he's gotten in trouble for his morality, his fis cal irresponsibility, and his taste in life partners, though his worst crime, was cooning with Arsenio back in '92, when brothers actually thought he was worth believing in. Not exactly the cream of the crop. But to hell with the players, let's talk about the game. Matter of fact let's look through the visionary lenses of Malcolm X who didn't exercise insight, but hon esty when he noted that any revolution in the course of mankind has always been over land. A landless people, as Marcus Garvey was well aware of, is a politically powerless people. America doesn't sweat Haiti because she needs a place to grow mangoes y'all. Sure the land itself is a great strategic military piece, but on a deeper level, keeping an area of spirited black folk dependent is the American way. Check your history books and TRY to prove me wrong. This isn’t about Haiti, though, it's about an economic system which feeds the rich on the alleged theory that their loot will eventually get back to the poor (I'm still waiting for the Reaganomics of the 80's to "trickle down" to my folks), and a political system which passes laws, waits eight years to implement them, and then removes them from the books when a new majority comes in. You wanna know why we're still talk ing about Roe vs. Wade? Cuz ain’t no other laws have been passed in the last 30 goddamn YEARS! Am I angry? Hell yeah! And now YOU want me to chan nel that anger into a vote? Nah kid, I'll take my chances with prayer, self-cor rection, and a belief in the one TRUE means by which Black folk can get their independence in this nation called America. Those who do not vote in an election have no reason to com plain about how their government works. Not that I truly be lieve that Clinton, Dole, or Perot really have the best interest of Black folks in mind. This country has never had Blacks folks' interest at heart. However that does not change the fact that there are referendums and candidates that WILL affect our communities, like it or not. Given a voice to express my ap proval or dissatisfaction with these politicians and statutes, you best believe I'm going to use it. It is no wonder why people of color complained when issues like California's controversial Proposition 187 passed; yet they were the ones who sat at home and let it happen. Passivity is not in my game plan. If one were to watch any political commentary show or the nightly news, they'd see various politicians discussing Blacks like commodities (some things haven't changed). Jack Kemp stated in a recent speech that by the year 2000 he hopes that the Democrats and the GOP will split the Black vote 50-50. I knew then that the politicians play us like children by promis ing us pacifying things that we want in order to coerce us into voting for them ( i.e. a 15% tax cut). By voting, I am telling them I will not vote for random promises, but because I think that certain ideas and policies are going to help strengthen my family and community. In addition to my civic and political responsibilities, cultural legacy is holding me accountable to enter the polling station on November 5th. The Voting Rights Act of 1964 came on the’ backs of slaves, and through the blood of my ancestors. It is with that spirit and belief that I am exercising my right. I am voting because my ancestors secured the promisary note. And, I am going to the bank to cash it. Two Sides of a Coin