Last night on the local news
Ron Redwing asserted that TN-09 should only be represented by an African American in the House. The reason? Only a member of the black community could effectively understand the sensitivities and the needs of a majority black district.
Several days ago, in a diary by Jpmemphis the question was asked; Is it important to have African-American women in Congress? The diarist goes on to assert that it is important, because there aren't enough women, and certainly not enough African-American women in Congress.
I couldn't agree more, there aren't enough African Americans or African-American women in Congress, or government as a whole, but that's not an issue to hang your campaign on.
I live in Memphis. I'm not from here, I'm from Little Rock, which has had it's share of race issues in the past. Since I moved here 2 years ago, I have witnessed and experienced more racism, from...well...damn near every side of the spectrum, than anywhere I have ever lived.
Racism in Memphis isn't something that's relegated to the fringe of society. Racism is a way of life in Memphis. Both light and dark skinned citizens regularly use race as a means to divide the city. To what end? Memphis has more poverty, teen pregnancy, less education, and more crime than any other city in the deep south besides New Orleans. Does the race of our representatives in all areas of government have ANYTHING to do with these realities?
NO
In the TN-09 Dem. primary there are 24 candidates (at last count). Of those, 1 is white, 23 are black. The choices available partially represent the demographics of the community and availability of an open seat, in a district that was Ford Jr's to lose. Memphis has had African-American representation in Congress since 1974. Should that representation end now? Not necessarily, but people should be open to the narrow possibility that there will be two white candidates for Congress in November.
I don't give two shits on a Wednesday afternoon what color your skin is. I only care about 1 thing in looking at the primary field. Competence.
Competence is the ONLY issue that should be considered when selecting representation in government period. Competence to best reflect my views, competence to help my community, competence to bring positive change to a community that resists change at it's own peril.
Competence is not race specific.
So people in Memphis, let's get off the race issue, and move to something that can actually positively impact our community by selecting the most competent candidate to win in November.
Those who would divide us will never be able to lead us.
-Steve Ross