If former President Donald Trump were a black Democratic candidate, would he receive 95 percent or more of the black vote, similar to the high approval ratings that black Democratic candidates often enjoy? Absolutely. Would black Democrats be concerned about his positions on critical issues like the economy, health care, education and immigration? Probably not.
It’s disheartening to have to admit that far too many black Democrats vote based on race rather than policies and values. How do I know? I used to vote that way too. As a former Democrat, I was raised to believe that voting based on race was the right thing to do.
But I’ve moved away from that mindset. I’ve stopped making the color of my skin the god of my life.
I was recently asked the question: “As a black man, will you do the right thing by supporting your race and electing a black woman as President of the United States?”
When I explained to her that I based my voting decisions not on race but on a candidate’s values, political views, qualifications and campaign funding sources, she became visibly agitated. It was clear that she believed supporting a black candidate was a matter of duty and racial pride – as if not doing so would be letting her community down.
Voting for a candidate based on the color of their skin was a difficult decision. It required a lot of self-reflection. However, this journey helped me understand the importance of doing my homework, gathering facts, and making informed decisions that truly reflect my beliefs and the needs of my community. I realized that by focusing solely on skin color, I was limiting my options and overlooking better alternatives.
Thank you, God, for saving me!
I have always been the one to cheer for the black quarterback out of racial pride, but choosing a political candidate – especially the President of the United States – requires deeper considerations than just the color of his or her skin. The role of a quarterback does not affect the most crucial aspects of my life. A black quarterback is not in a position to sign an executive order that attacks my faith, harms my family, weakens my finances, and takes away my God-given rights.
However, the President of the United States has tremendous power to influence our daily lives. With the stroke of a pen, the President can approve policies that affect the quality of life of families across the country. Voting for someone simply because he or she is black can lead to voting for people whose interests do not align with your own, leading to tyrannical and oppressive policies.
There is too much at stake to rely on superficial criteria such as skin color when choosing a candidate whose decisions could change our lives and those of future generations. Take the time to research the positions and qualifications of the candidates you are considering voting for. You may find that the person closest to your values is not the black candidate you thought would best represent your interests. Don’t give someone a free pass just because they are black.
Put your values first, not the color of your skin.
To contact KCarl or to schedule a speaking appointment, visit www.kcarlinc.com. The views and opinions expressed here are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the policy or position of 1819 News. To comment, please send an email with your name and contact information to [email protected].
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