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The Aittwta News-Review - July 25,1974 -1 ■Walking ■ With h|f Dignity 11 by Al Irby THE CURRENT SUCCESS OF BLACK POLITICIANS IS BEGINNING TO GET THE COOL SHRUGS FROM MEMBERS OF THEIR RACE, WITH THE GLIB REPORT, SO WHAT? SOME OF THE REASONS ARE THAT BLACK OFFICE-HOLDERS HAVE FAILED TO LEARN THE BASIC RUDIMENTS OF THE WAYS POLITICS ARE APPLIED LN AMERICA. WHEELING AND DEALING INSTEAD OF SULKING IS THE NAME OF THE GAME. BLACK POLITICIANS ACT AS IF THEY ARE ENTRUSTED WITH A SACRED DESTINY TO SAVE HUMANITY. The Black Congressional Caucus is politically bankrupt as far as meaningful action is concerned. The parliamentary gymnastics, horse swapping, bargaining and dealing, that are integral parts of Anglo-Saxon legislative process must be mastered. Political scientist William A. Gamson calls the American political hassle a system of pluralistic democracy. If that is true, the Congressional Black Caucus made its first tactical error when it made the Nixon regime a permanent enemy; because today’s adversary just might be your friend next time around. Politics is a tug-of-war for power and favors. If there are problems, and Blacks have gangs of them, get organized, play the establishment’s game, and bargain for change. Don’t be greedy and try to win every time or grab for the whole hog, compromise is the gut-life of pluralistic politics. One is bound to find some friends who are willing to help you, because they believe you can help them farther down the road. Os course this reciprocal stance does not work every time, because human nature can’t always be depended upon. For example the Republican Party sold the Southern Black Republicans out to the Ku Klux Klan in reconstruction days. Nevertheless “give and take” is the basic rule of workable politics. Some, like old-time Soufhem politicians, shoved and swindled their way into powerful committee chairmanships, yelling and hollering Nigger! Nigger! MANY CRITICS REFUTE THE PLURALIST CONCEPT, BUT IT EXISTS JUST THE SAME - C. Wright Mills, whose book “The Powar Elite”, attacked a pluralist theory vigorously, trying to deny the pluralist premise, and arguing that America has no single center of power. Political Scientist E.E. Schattschneider expanded upon the pluralistic controversy:” The heavenly chorus sings with a strong upper-class accent in the pluralist firmament. Ninety percent of the people are barred from the pressure system.” A vigorous group like the American Blacks face two problems at the same time. They are different from a well organized group like the American Jewry. An aspiring group cannot send out calls for help and expect most of its loyal members to follow into action, this kind of ethnic loyalty must be developed. Secondly, an aspiring group like Blacks in the U.S. must demand for some things its members cannot provide, The Blacks are basicly religious, therefore, they want changes in laws and social institutions as well. As much as the average Black detests violence, he has learned the Hard way that America pays more attention to violence than moral persuasion. For example, A. Philip Randolph’s March on WashingtorCommitteethreatened a mass march on the Capitol in 1941 to pressure President Roosevelt into a more active role in ending racial discrimination in employment. The Government was creating a war climate with Natzi Germany’s racism, so such a march at that time would have been very embarrassing to the American image. Because of this determined stand by Blacks, the President promised a policy of nondiscrimination in all federal hiring, and by executive order created a Fair Employment Practices Co (nm it tee to carry out this policy. BLACK CONGRESSIONAL CAUCUS’ INEPTNESS IS THE “HALL MARK” OF ALL BLACK POLITICIANS IN AMERICA. Political maneuvering was shown in all of its shrewd expertise by the Southern bloc in Congress. In its action on import of chrome from racist Rhodesia, which was a blatant violation of the United Nations’ sanctions. The Dixie-crats found out that chrome comes from Russia as well as Rhodesia. With this knowledge in their hands, and pressured by two giant American firms holding fat contracts for Rhodesian chrome, they began to do their thing, politically. Senator Byrd got a bill passed prohibiting the United States from barring the imports of any strategic material from a free world country, as long as the same items are being imported from a Commui st country. Since Russian chromium is the world's best, the intent was clear and smart politics. .This type of political stratagem is what Black politicians must learn to be effective. American affairs could be manipulated more expertly if Rep. Chargles Diggs, Democrat of Michigan applied his talent to African affairs rather than domestic Civil Rights. Mr. Diggs has the big chance to become a power in the activities of Black Africa, if he develops the political skill to play smart legeslative gymnastics of give and take. His efforts to date Bhve been isolated and racially rhetorical. Congressman Diggs is not to be played short, he is a talented lawmaker and has made some enormous contributions in many domestic areas. But on broader grounds where knowledge is required in ethnic foreign policy, lawmaking expertise in electoral threats,lobbying style and bargaining leverage, there is much to be desired. For example the Poles, Italians, etc. flex their political muscles at the right time, but American Blacks, the largest minority, have not learned its ABCs in the in-fighting ways politics are played in America. The successful groups in American politics are not the one-track petitioners, who carefully avoid lending their support to associates, so as to draw upon them when in need. Don’t be habitually moody, but rambunctious with well laid out A challenging group must be able to fight, if need be, but above all things it needs organization and discipline. Black political groups do not have strong committed memberships, they also are lacking in unity and loyalty. It is not enough to have followers, if they have no direction. Blacks cannot expect much more in politics than they have acquired already, unless they learn fast. THE AUGUSTA NEWS-REVIEW PUBLISHED EVERY THURSDAY Mallory K. MillenderEditor and Publisher James Stewart Circulation Manager Frank Bowman Advertising Manager Mailing Address: Box 953 Augusta, Ga. Phone 722-4555 Second Class Postage Paid Augusta, Ga. 30901 SUBSCRIPTION RATES Payable in Advance jfgp in Richmond Countyss.oo tax ind. »Monthss2.so tax ind. Ine Year elsewheres6.oo tax ind. ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT Classified Advertising Deadline 12 noon on Tuesday Display Advertising Deadline 12 noon on Tuesday News Items Printed Free AMALGAMATED I IL * PUBLISHERS, INC. MATKMAL ADVERTISING WFWESENTATfVtS /> MEW YOM • CHICAGO *1 Page 4 i ■ fl IMi x JflA fl* / Speaking I Out I I Xi JF By V Roosevelt Green, Jr. < Violence on television and movies is bound to have a very harmful effect on children as well as emotionally unstable adults. I am sure many of my readers will join me in expressing alarm at the increasing rate of violence on TV and in movies. Having just observed another so-called blaxploitation film which portrayed a high degree of violence by Blacks against Blacks as well as whites, I came away with disgust and dismay. Movies showing Blacks ripping off the man are making a fortune for greedy Black and white movie makers. Perhaps Blacks will get tired of that garbage and boycott those movies that not only glorify violence but portray the Black woman as a mindless sexual toy. Children are quite prone to imitate the violence they see on TV and parents should be particular about the programs their children watch. 1 strongly believe that current crop of “handkerchief head” “Blagk” movies with their dehumanizing and depersonalizing of “the man” will have a very negative effect in the national Black community. “The man”, in case some persons do not understand that terminology, refers to white people. Quality Black movies and television specials like “The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman” and “Sounder” are needed by Black and white citizens. Drug pushers and pimps should not be glorified and .ield up as successful models for Black in general and especially our young people. There is a need for Black movies that show the strength of Black men and women in away that positive aspects of the Black experience can be highlighted. Issac Hayes was a sad disappointment in his new movie entitled “Tuck Turner” is so many ways, especially citing the pathological violence. The “Super-Fly” film has probably had the most negative effect in the Black community in terms of the Black identity movement. Young Blacks are once again straightening and processing their hair to look like so-called “white hair.” Black and white movie goers are subjected to new violence and sex without any quality acting in movies or TV, sex and violence as ends in themselves have no redeeming social value nor do they portray the best in human nature. Sex is a beautiful experience when it expresses the commitment and love of two human beings. Violence as an end in itself is commited only by sick people. May I suggest that you begin to examine the violence on television police or law enforcement programs, western movies, Saturday morning kiddie cartoon shows, and in popular movies and form an opinion for yourself about its influence on the general public. No human being has the right to take the life of another human being except in rare cases of self-defense or for protection of innocent victims, whose lives are at stake. Human life is a precious possession and it should not be played so cheap in this country. Only God has the right to control life and death. Capital punishment should be forever outlawed with the necessary emphasis being shifted to the rehabilitation of criminal offenders. I will hasten to say that I do not by any means approve of censorship of movies or television except by the individual viewer. No group, religious or otherwise, has the right to dictate what other people will see or read. The R ancTX rating of movies only serve to promote those films that might otherwise be ignored by movie goers. The jumping up and down by religious groups also serves to promote movies’ garbage and make the film maker richer. When will we ever learn to think and make mature judgments for ourselves? I will give a brief overview of violence in this country next week while describing the implications for the future of our country. We would all do well to study this issue thoroughly and with wisdom and love. HARAMBEE!!!!!!! The Essence Os Augusta by Augustus Miller The campaign trail is again open for present office holders and, those seeking public office. There is a wave of negative criticism going on throughout our community. Mainly concerning some of the present office holders. The most common negative expression is “He or she isn’t doing anything.” Everyone has a right to his or her opinion. However, that opinion should not always be in the negative. Those persons making such a statement should ask themselves several questions. When was the last time I went to a city council or county commissioners’ meeting? What democratic procedures are used to pass a city or county proposal? How many times have I voted, and especially for whom? • Answers to these questions will show if there is a need for negative criticism. Any voter should know that one man or one woman cannot change the present system in city or county government. Neither can one or two people fulfill some of the promises or dreams they would like to see come true. The support of other responsible elected officials is greatly needed. If those already serving, for the benefit of the community, and those seeking to serve, present a sound program, then it’s up to the voters to give them a chance to make progress. We may then see how much negative criticism follows our elected officials. “Together We Build”!!!!! /xb /Vi VM7 TW ( ■*■** fjw w W w "Hr i \^» SEN <s f ISS Kic®zisw t jwywM 4k^, SeM \<'/ SaMu *. . . Relax, Lester, We’re Just Protecting Our Investment s FORMER CHIEF JUSTICE. MAT 17, !?S4-HISTORIC DE- CISION TO END SEGREGATION. WW THERE IS A"LACK OF NORAL > W® COMMITNENT'TO CIVIL RIGHTS Zfe W AMONG THE MAJORITY OF ®' W AMERICANS AS WELL AS WITHIN THEGOVERNMENT"SAYS FATHER 1 / THEODORE HESSURGH,FORMER J chairmanofcivilrights J Jr W COMMISSION, # z HE FURTHER STATED IN THE 1? MOST PROFOUND SENSE,HERE IS th* : .'flfl AN ISSUE THAT IS REALLY A W second eman- MAT TER OF LAW AND ORDER: Vk CZ/. WjBI CIPATION FOR XRSXITfc black „ ASKwE PEOPLE" ,■ "7, hoy Wilkins LETTER™ EDITOR Dear Editor: In assessing the many gains we, Blacks, have achieved, through bitter fight, I have found, in most cases, we have been totally unprepared to capitalize on such. There are far too many Blacks, this day, who view gains thus achieved in the past decade, as events outside their frame of reference. There are too many of us who, just ten years ago, could not have visualized Blacks entering certain schools, living in certain neighborhoods, holding certain jobs, occupying important public and private offices, serving on important governmental committees, and belonging .to certain organizations. How then can the masses of us expect to take advantage of opportunities and accomplishments we, ten years ago, could not have imagined? Too much of our time was spent achieving goals, and not enough time, if any, preparing us to live in a society free, of, to some extent, economic, social, political and religious barriers. Our very survival will depend on how much knowledge we, as a race of people, can secure about our possible status next year and years to come. The lack of such knowledge could prove to be the surest way to complete genocide of our race. It is no wonder that today, with all of the accomplishments in civil and human rights and technological changes, millions of Blacks have become “human scraps”, alienated from the mainstream of society, instead of being integrated into it. It is no longer sufficient for Blacks to understand the past. The Black man must learn to make repeated, probabilistic, increasingly long-range assumptions about his future. It is only by generating such assumptions, defining, debating, systematizing and “WHERE THERE IS INJUSTICE, WE SHOULD CORRECT IT” continually updating them, that we can deduce the nature of knowledge that. Black ' people of tomorrow will need in order to survive. Grady Abrams ' 1216 10th St. . “A RAP FOR TAP” Dear Editor: Your article on the misfortunes (?) of City Councilman Aaron Tappan raises a number of questions concerning the administration of local government. Foremost among these questions is the motives for seeking public office. Councilman Tappan stated, “Why have an office if you’re not going to use it for your own benefit?” Speaking as a layman, I could think of several reasons why one would seek public office for someone’s benefit other than his own. A great deal of work needs to be done in this city, particularly in low income and Black communities. A number of streets need paving and resurfacing and several communities have empty lots that are ill-kept by property owners who more often than not live in some other community. Hundreds if not thousands of people need centrally located agencies in the community to inform the people of the services available to them through the local, state and federal governmental bodies. With all the corruption in the federal government, the people could appreciate someone in local government who would look after the needs of the public primarily if not exclusively. Councilman Tappan could follow the example set by Sister Carrie Mays in the local political arena. The impression Councilman Tappan gave was that there is nothing wrong with using a public office for one’s own benefit and I wholeheartedly agree with this position. However, when one uses his public office for personal gain at the expense of using it for the public’s benefit, then this is definitely a conflict of interest. This is not to say that Councilman Tappan is not performing his public duties, but prior to this Canal Committee business I knew of him only as “one of the Black City Councilmen”. Councilman Tappan also hinted that fellow Councilman C. Thomas Huggins called for a grand jury investigation of the case for reasons of personal revenge. If local politics have degenerated to the point where personal vendettas dictate the actions of politicians, then Councilman Huggins had better call for an investigation of the entire Council on the grounds of abuse of office. Finally, if Councilman Tappan is being framed as opposed to just having fallen into one of the “Man’s” many traps, then it would be to his advantage to inform the people who put him in office of this. With the support of the TO BE EQUAL By Verno" B. Jordan, Jr. The media have discovered the Black middle class. Television documentaries and magazine articles have recently appeared purporting to show that Black gains in the past decade have enabled a slim majority of Blacks to enter the middle class. It’s just not true. It wasn’t true last year when political analysts RichardScammonand Ben Wattenberg first pushed the thesis and it isn’t true today, even with major media sources hopping on their bandwagon. This supposed “new” middle class is very much like the “Old” Black middle class -a group whose incomes and professional status lag behind that of whites. Throughout our history the class structure of Black people has been parallel to that of whites - on a lower level. An income or job that would place a white worker solidly in the “working class” is deemed sufficient for a Black to be placed in the “middle class.” For example, a documentary on CBS News on the Black “middle class” included a postal worker and a handyman. Would they be called “middle class” if they were white? From the publicity given Black doctors and lawyers one would think they form the core of the Black middle class. But less than two percent of the members of those professions are Black. And by their incomes, education and profession these individuals - if they were white - would be considered upper middle class. The core of the so-called Black middle class are working people who have decent incomes and whose acquisition of the attributes of middle class life -a home, a car and a color tv -- where achieved through several family members working, often at more than one job. By almost any . measure of incoipe distribution the average Black family is still short of the middle class living standard. The typical Black family makes about $5,000 a year less than the average white family and far less than the government itself stipulates is needed for a middle class budget. In fact, the typical Black family’s income is less than the federal budget for “lower, non-poor” living standard. In away it is gratifying to have the media finally paying attention to that majority of Black families that are stable, that work and earn and produce. After all the negative publicity helping to create the stereotype of Blacks as lazy, criminal, etc., it is good to have Middle Americans made aware of the true picture of Black people. But there is danger in assuming that this supposed Black middle class is made up of people who have made it in our society. With such an image of Blacks, the nation will only be confirmed in its withdrawal from the struggle to make further important social reforms. Only about a fourth of all Blacks can be said to have made it into jobs and salaries that place them on a par with middle class Americans. About a third are officially defined as poor, and among them are a majority of Black children. The rest of the Black population is clustered in those income groups that, while not poor, still struggle to put meat on the table and to pay the rent. They are not middle class. They work hard. They sacrifice for their kids’ education. They strive to better theirselves. They are battered by inflation, imperiled by recessions, are the first to lose their jobs in an energy crisis, and live, not in affluence, but in dignity and self-respect. This is the typical Black American, not the small minority who were the basis for the negative image of Blacks held by some, and not the small minority of relatively affluent Blacks currently featured by the media. It is time these folks were heard from and paid attention to, and it is about time the government and industry started doing something to help them to a greater degree of economic justice. constituents who elected him, Brother Tap (no offense intended) could handle this or any other problem and come out of it as fresh as a daisy. I’m almost certain that the Black community would stand behind the councilman as I would, if he came to us for help. When you get right down to it, Councilman Tappan, even if he is guilty of misdeeds, isn’t doing anything that other (white and Black) councilmen haven’t been doing. That, however, is the one thing Black elected officials need to be very cautious about- falling into the same “bag” as / ► traditional elected officials. That “bag’.’ is one of the main reasons why Blacks as a people are still so far behind. Gene A. Andrews 2432 Norton Drive ’awn Shop 549 Broad St. VI BUY OB LOAN MONff ON ANYTHING 9 \ f