Comments on: What is the CBC going to do about Joseph Cao and Steve Cohen?

By: Steven

Steven — Sat, 10 Jan 2009 00:22:14 +0000

The issue of Cohen and Cao are just symbolic of the larger issue of the role of the CBC in the 21st Century. I don't subscribe that we are in a post-racial world defined by the Right and Center as a world of no racism; however, we are far past the day when just being “Black” was sufficient to adequate address the needs of most Black folks. For instance, the Employer Free Choice Act should be on the “Black” agenda because most Black folks are working people and unions increase the quality of life for workers. I bet that some members of the CBC are lukewarm on this issue at best because of their ties to Corporate America

By: Steven

Steven — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 21:22:14 +0000

By: zulu426

zulu426 — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 17:39:42 +0000

As a born and reared Tennesseean living and voting in DC, I honestly belief that people ultimately have the representation that they demand. Remember, this the district that initially elected the Dark Sith. I am not surprised by the complacency of the former residents of Boss Crump.

That being said, the real question is: “Have Cohen and Cao requested membership in the CBC?”

By: skeptical brotha

skeptical brotha — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 09:27:40 +0000

rikyrah

The CBC is for African American Members only. I don't really have a problem with that. Membership is pretty straight forward. Progressive members can join the progressive caucus, open to any and all, and represent their people that way. But the CBC is for blackfolks. New York State has a combined Black and Puerto Rican Caucus, which is a good idea and more strategic. The CBC and Congressional Hispanic Caucus should combine because there is strength in numbers and the issues that we face as communities of color are the same.

The important thing, though, is the adherence to some principles. The CBC is all over the map and the corporate agenda of the DLC pretty much has free reign, which is both a sin and a shame. It makes the insistence on a blacks only rule absurd because the caucus does not have a progressive, pro-black agenda.

I can see why you advocate for the inclusion of Cohen and Cao, but I'm old skool and satisfied with the membership policy, I'd just like to shake up the membership.

By: heartsandflowers

heartsandflowers — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 21:28:46 +0000

Well considering how sexist the male members of the CBC have been they really don't need to be playing the race card. I'm certain that Shirley Chisholm would've been pleased to include all those who are representing their districts, particularly when many members have not acted in the best interest of their constituents in the first place.

By: Nardwilly

Nardwilly — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 19:47:42 +0000

If the CBC is about constiuents, shouldn't other congressman form other idstricts be invited. Could the CBC exist because the membere share an interest and a point of view. The Blue Dog caucus is based on the views and interest of the members not the status of the citizens.

I do not believe CBC is about constiuents. It is about the member. Ellsion and Burris, once seated, will be members.

By: TariqNelson

TariqNelson — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 18:30:51 +0000

Not only was Cohen voted back in, but by a LANDSLIDE over a black candidate that made race an issue. The people of the 9th Tennessee District not only were disgusted with that candidate, but Cohen is a GOOD and honest elected official (better than Harold Ford, Jr ever was).

This is a new era. Let them into the CBC

By: sdg1844

sdg1844 — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 18:23:14 +0000

I agree and let this be a lesson to them all that you too can be voted O-U-T!

By: Denise

Denise — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 17:58:30 +0000

I agree, Rikyrah. Time to add some new rules to the playbook. LOL

On a slightly related note, I noticed that Mr. Cao's wife and daughters were dressed in lovely Vietnamese attire at the congressional swearing-in ceremony. I thought that was a nice display of cultural pride.

By: rikyrah

rikyrah — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 17:37:49 +0000

AFTEROON THREAD IS UP