Tuesday, May 25, 2010

May 17, 2010

NRAAC's National Chair
Dr. Jean Howard-Hill

National Republican African American Caucus [NRAAC] Blog
http://nraac.blogspot.com
http://www.nraacaucus.org

The National Republican African American Caucus Has Its Say!: 18 Day Political Revival


Day 18: The need for a true spiritual and political revival of thought and practices within the GOP, if it is to continue to make claims of being the party of moral values.


[Every good preacher ought to know when it is time to end a revival. I should hope I am among the good preachers. So today ends the 18 Day Political Revival.]


This last political sermon I want to spend talking about the need for a true spiritual and political revival of thought and practices within the GOP, if it is to continue to make claims of being the party of moral values.


There are a lot of benefits of being a united party that returns to its historic roots not just for the purposes of embracing African Americans, but also to restore its core values.


As I have talked about the history of the Republican Party, inclusion, and the redeeming values of the original Republican Party of Lincoln, many have been shocked to know the rich history of the Republican Party and its core values, that makes it the right party for the right times.


With America being in such a political upheaval, where many citizens are openly expressing their displeasure, GOP core values are exactly what most Americans are searching for. These values are something which are needed, not just within the Republican Party, but also across partisan lines. We are a party blessed to have values such as these:


That the right of the individual to achieve the best that is within him, as long as he respects the rights of others, is the source of our nation's strength.


That government exists to protect the freedom of opportunity in which each individual's creative ability can flourish.


That government activities should be limited to those things which people cannot do at all, or cannot do so well for themselves.


That the most effective government is government closest to the people.


That those who cannot provide for themselves should be assisted by both government and society, but that every effort should be made to help them become self-supporting, productive citizens with pride in their independence.


That equal rights, equal justice and equal opportunity belong to all, regardless of race, creed, age, sex or national origin.


That the preservation of our nation and the security of our citizens depend upon the Constitution, the laws and the courts, and that respect for these, is the responsibility of every individual.


That government is accountable for maintaining sound money and a responsible economy. Individual rights, liberties and properties are continually eroded when citizens are oppressed by excessive taxation, inflation, government waste and over regulation.


That government is responsible for national defense and that only a strong America can remain a free America.


That it is absolutely essential to maintain a strong national defense posture in order that we may at all times negotiate from a position of strength, not weakness, in our continuing efforts toward world peace and friendship.


That these concepts are the foundation of our national strength and that the Republican Party, which is committed to their preservation, is the Party of today and the Party for the Future.


These are the core values that have caused so many of us to stay and fight, and even endure racism and humiliation in hopes that we can cause the party to take a look at itself and see where it has veered off track and where it has allowed the tare to overtake the wheat.


These values are pure. They are patriotic and American. They embody the American spirit of freedom, liberty and justice for all. They are honorable, compassionate, responsible, strong in resolve, accountable, just, and good. They are powerful and compelling. They have the power to even cross partisan lines and to end its bickering, because they are not just the core values of Republicans, they are the values of Americans.


We called this political revival of "our" beloved Republican Party, not just because we seek to be included at the table, but also because as a political party, we have lost our values and in doing so, we have lost our vision and our way. Our core values are missing and until they are restored, the party lies in ruins, contrary to its own nature and beliefs.


If the GOP can humbly bring itself to the political altar, see its failure to adhere to its own core values, repent of that, change the paths it is taking, turn from the foolishness it has allowed to tarnish its image, then it will not only hear from heaven, but it would hear the sounds of those who once left running swiftly to return home! It also would cause others to join at its side to preserve the true spirit of America. This of itself would heal the land!


This is the power of true Political Revival!


As members of the National Republican African American Caucus, we look forward to this day, and will continue to preach the message of Revival of the Republican Party! We also will not fail to do our part to re-gather those who share this birthright. We will continue to extend the olive branch and to preach a message of civility, integrity and inclusion - a message to return to the very core values in which we were a part of, in the birthing of this Grand Ole Party.


If we can return to those original core values, not only would we cause African Americans to migrate back to the party, but I am convinced that along side them a host of others would come as well.


I also challenge white Republican clergy to join with us and take a stand for what is right. You no longer can sit on the sideline and do and say NOTHING! Nor can you raise other issues, without also dealing with race and the erosion of core values within the GOP. You too are just as much a part of this political revival as black clergy. Therefore, you are obligated to preach the same message of racial inclusion and values. To do anything less, is to compromise and tarnish the call that is on your lives, which is to "cry loud and spare not, lift up your voice like the trumpet of Zion and show the people to whom you shepherd their errors, so that they can find a better way of governing with integrity".


Thank you for listening so attentively over the past few days, as we have had our say in preaching a message of Political Revival for our Grand Ole Party - the true Party of Lincoln.

This brings to a close the NRAAC's Political Revival! ...At least for right now.


One final thing from the preacher: With arms stretched out wide, bring them in to yourself, ...and what you have is a big hug from me!


I love you all from a deep place within my heart - even those who may have been offended by the sermons. But sometimes it takes being offended, before you can get it right. It is my prayer that God will grant us the humility to do what is right and to open our arms to each other in the American spirit of being one nation.


To reach the NRAAC national chair:


Jean Howard-Hill
423-702-5622 NRAAC office
nraachowardhill@gmail.com
Jean.howard.hill@gmail.com

[Dr. Jean Howard-Hill is the author of Black Eyes Shut, White Lips Sealed. She has serves as the national chair for the National Black Republican Women with her late husband, Attorney Bobby Lee Hill serving as the head of the Black Republican Men for Change from 1987 to his death in 1991. After his death up until 1993, she remained head of the organization, and in 1999 combined the two groups to form the National Republican African American Caucus.

She has taught full time and as an adjunct, American Government, State and Local Government, and International Politics and Culture of Nonwestern Countries at the University of Tennessee Chattanooga, and was voted 2006 Outstanding Professor of the year. Additionally, from 1976 to 1979, she designed and directed the "Democracy In Action" Program, which was a civics program taught in the local school systems. Howard-Hill also is a local political commentator and holds a law degree from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville College of Law. She also is ordained clergy and heads The Healing Place Ministries International, overseeing 47 ministries throughout Africa.

She also is a TN third district congressional candidate. If elected, she would be the first African American Republican and female to be elected from the third district. Her campaign website can be found at: http://ladyjforcongress.com and http://jeanhowardhillforcongress.com; http://jeanhowardhillcampaignnews.blogspot.com; http://blogwithladyjforcongress.blogspot.com; http://jeanhowardhillforcongress.ning.com; http://www.youtube.com/JHHCongress; http://twitter.com/ JHHCongress.]
The National Republican African-American Caucus is an organization that is comprised of Spirit filled people of faith within the African American community, that works in conjunction with local, state and national party efforts to embrace, and offer African-American Republicans opportunities for inclusion and involvement in the Republican Party, and builds bridges between the African-American community and the Republican Party. In doing so, it seeks to carry out the philosophy and mission set before President Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglas to build a stronger and more inclusive Republican Party, where those guiding principles are more important than politics.

More information on the NRAACcan be found at:
http://www.nraacaucus.org; http://nraacaucus.ning.com [NRAAC] National Republican African American Caucus Social Issue Network (members only); http://nraac.blogspot.com [NRAAC Blog]; http://youthonthehorizons.blogspot.com [NRAAC Youth on the Horizons Blog]; http://the-twig.blogspot.com [NRAAC New Generation-New Direction Blog]; and
http://theblackolivebranch.blogspot.com [NRAAC National Chair's Blog]. Each State Caucus can be accessed by state. See related links at http://www.nraacaucus.org/index_files/Page816.htm. Also can be found on the RNC group page at http://our.gop.com/Groups/National_Republican_African-American_Caucus_NRAAC.

Monday, May 24, 2010

May 14, 2010

NRAAC's National Chair
Dr. Jean Howard-Hill

National Republican African American Caucus [NRAAC] Blog
http://nraac.blogspot.com
http://www.nraacaucus.org

The National Republican African American Caucus Has Its

Say!: 18 Day Political Revival



Day 17: What an organization like the National Republican African American Caucus with a 76% clergy membership could offer the Republican Party, if they had the good sense to be more welcoming and less concerned with gate keeping and fear of changing the complexion of the party!


The American black preacher and the black church throughout history always have played a very integral part in the lives of those within the African American community. In no other race of people, have we seen this kind of influence. This relationship was forged during slavery and has continued to remain intact.


During slavery the only time slaves were allowed some degree of freedom was in worship services. Sometimes there were slave churches, and at other times slaves were made to worship in the loft of white churches or held services after whites held theirs.


Often white preachers distorted passages of scripture used to indoctrinate slaves to accept their forced lot of being enslaved. Jenny Proctor, William W. Brown and West Turner tell of those experiences.


They wasn't no church for the slaves, but we goes to the white folks' arbor on Sunday evening, and a white man he gits up there to preach to the niggers. He say, "Now I takes my text, which is, Nigger obey your master and your mistress, 'cause what you git from them here in this world am all you ever going to git, 'cause you just like the hogs and the other animals - when you dies you ain't no more, after you been throwed in that hole." I guess we believed that for a while 'cause we didn't have no way finding out different. We didn't see no Bibles.

Jenny Proctor

Lay My Burden Down: A Folk History of Slavery, B. A. Botkin, ed.


...in Missouri, and as far as I have knowledge of slavery in the other states, the religious teachings consists of teaching the slaves that he must never strike a white man; that God made him for a slave; and that, when whipped, he must not find fault - for the Bible says, "He that knoweth his master's will and doeth it not, shall be beaten with many stripes!" And slaveholders find such religion very profitable to them.

William W. Brown

Narrative of William W. Brown


This the way it go: Be nice to massa and missus; don't be mean; be obedient, and work hard. That was all the Sunday school lesson they taught us.

West Turner

The Negro in Virginia


It wasn't until slaves learned to read that they found there was a different gospel in the Bible - one which spoke of a man named Moses, who God sent to Egypt to let God's people go. Of course the white master did not know this was being preached, so it had to be coded out in messages and in songs we now call Negro Spirituals. When slaves sung, "Still Away to Jesus", or the slave preacher gave a sermon on going home to live with King Jesus, they really meant it was time to run away with hopes of reaching the North. When another slave had news that the master was the wiser, they sung, "King Jesus is a Listening".


The black preacher was seen as a messenger of God who had the real truth of what the Bible said. There are stories of slave preachers being divinely taught how to read, as in the case of Rev. Jea. Therefore, they were greatly revered.


[Although it makes this blog even more lengthy, I thought it prudent that I share at least a portion of Rev. Jea's story from Chapter 10 of my book, Black Eyes Shut - White Lips Sealed, entitled, Black Bearers of the Gospel Bound By Chains of Prejudice.]


My master's sons also endeavoured to convince me, by their reading in the behalf of their father; but I could not comprehend their dark sayings, for it surprised me much, how they could take that blessed book into their hands, and to be so superstitious as to want to make me believe that the book did talk with them; so that every opportunity when they were out of the way, I took the book, and held it up to my ears, to try whether the book would talk with me or not, but it proved to be all in vain, for I could not hear it speak one word, which caused me to grieve and lament, that after God had done so much for me as he had in pardoning my sins, and blotting out my iniquities and transgressions, and making me a new creature, the book would not talk with me; but the Spirit of the Lord brought this passage of Scripture to my mind, where Jesus Christ says, "Whatever ye shall ask the Father in my name, ye shall receive. Ask in faith nothing doubting: for according unto your faith it shall be unto you. For unto him that believeth, all things are possible." Then I began to ask God in faithful and fervent prayer, as the Spirit of the Lord gave me utterance, begging earnestly of the Lord to give me the knowledge of his word, that I might be enabled to understand it in its pure light, and be able to speak it in the Dutch and English languages, that I might convince my master that he and his sons had not spoken to me as they ought, when I was their slave.

Thus I wrestled with God by faithful and fervent prayer, for five or six weeks, like Jacob of old, Gen. xxxii. 24. Hosea xii. 4. My master and mistress, and all people, laughed me to scorn, for being such a fool, to think that God would hear my prayer and grant unto me my request. But I gave God no rest day nor night, and I was so earnest, that I can truly say, I shed as many tears for this blessing, as I did when I was begging God to grant me the pardon and forgiveness of my sins. During the time I was pouring out my supplications and prayers unto the Lord, my hands were employed, labouring for the bread that perisheth, and my heart within me still famishing for the word of God; as spoken of in the Scriptures, "There shall be a famine in the land; not a famine of bread, nor of water, but of the word of God." And thus blessed be the Lord, that he sent a famine into my heart, and caused me to call upon him by his Spirit's assistance, in the time of my trouble.

The Lord heard my groans and cries at the end of six weeks, and sent the blessed angel of the covenant to my heart and soul, to release me from all my distress and troubles, and delivered me from all mine enemies, which were ready to destroy me; thus the Lord was pleased in his in finite mercy, to send an angel, in a vision, in shining raiment, and his countenance shining as the sun, with a large bible in his hands, and brought it unto me, and said, "I am come to bless thee, and to grant thee thy request," as you read in the Scriptures. Thus my eyes were opened at the end of six weeks, while I was praying, in the place where I slept; although the place was as dark as a dungeon, I awoke, as the Scripture saith, and found it illuminated with the light of the glory of God, and the angel standing by me, with the large book open, which was the Holy Bible, and said unto me, "Thou hast desired to read and understand this book, and to speak the language of it both in English and in Dutch; I will therefore teach thee, and now read;" and then he taught me to read the first chapter of the gospel according to St. John; and when I had read the whole chapter, the angel and the book were both gone in the twinkling of an eye, which astonished me very much, for the place was dark immediately; being about four o'clock in the morning in the winter season. After my astonishment had a little subsided, I began to think whether it was a fact that an angel had taught me to read, or only a dream; for I was in such a strait, like Peter was in the prison, when the angel smote him on the side, and said unto Peter, "Arise, Peter, and take thy garment, and spread it around thee, and follow me." And Peter knew not whether it was a dream or not; and when the angel touched him the second time, Peter arose, took his garment, folded it around him, and followed the angel, and the gates opened unto him of their own accord. So it was with me when the room was darkened again, that I wondered within myself whether I could read or not, but the Spirit of the Lord convinced me that I could; I then went out of the house to a secret place, and there rendered thanksgivings and praises unto God's holy name, for his goodness in showing me to read his holy word, to understand it, and to speak it, both in the English and Dutch languages.

I tarried at a distance from the house, blessing and praising God, until the dawning of the day, and by that time the rest of the slaves were called to their labour; they were all very much surprised to see me there so early in the morning, rejoicing as if I had found a pearl of great price, for they used to see me very sad and grieved on other mornings, but now rejoicing, and they asked me what was the reason of my rejoicing more now than at other times, but I answered I would not tell them. After I had finished my day's work I went to the minister's house, and told him that I could read, but he doubted greatly of it, and said unto me, "How is it possible that you can read? For when you were a slave your master would not suffer any one, whatever, to come near you to teach you, nor any of the slaves, to read; and it is not long since you had your liberty, not long enough to learn to read." But I told him, that the Lord had learnt me to read last night. He said it was impossible. I said, "Nothing is impossible with God, for all things are possible with him; but the thing impossible with man is possible with God: for he doth with the host of heaven, and with the inhabitants of the earth, as he pleaseth, and there is none that can with stay his hand, nor dare to say what dost thou? And so did the Lord with me as it pleased him, in shewing me to read his word, and to speak it, and if you have a large bible, as the Lord showed me last night, I can read it." But he said, "No, it is not possible that you can read." This grieved me greatly, which caused me to cry. His wife then spoke in my behalf, and said unto him, "You have a large bible, fetch it, and let him try and see whether he can read it or not, and you will then be convinced." The minister then brought the bible to me, in order that I should read; and as he opened the bible for me to read, it appeared unto me, that a person said, "That is the place, read it." Which was the first chapter of the gospel of St. John, the same the Lord had taught me to read. So I read to the minister; and he said to me, "You read very well and very distinct;" and asked me who had learnt me. I said the Lord had learnt me last night. He said that it was impossible; but, if it were so, he should find it out. On saying this he went and got other books, to see whether I could read them; I tried, but could not. He then brought a spelling book, to see if I could spell; but he found to his great astonishment, that I could not. This convinced him and his wife that it was the Lord's work, and it was marvellous in their eyes.

This caused them to spread a rumour all over the city of New York, saying, that the Lord had worked great miracles on a poor black man. The people flocked from all parts to know whether it was true or not; and some of them took me before the magistrates, and had me examined concerning the rumour that was spread abroad, to prevent me, if possible, from saying the Lord had taught me to read in one night, in about fifteen minutes; for they were afraid that I should teach, the other slaves to call upon the name of the Lord, as I did aforetime, and that they should come to the knowledge of the truth.

The magistrates examined me strictly, to see if I could read, as the report stated; they brought a bible for me to read in, and I read unto them the same chapter the Lord had taught me, as before-mentioned, and they said I read very well and very distinct, and asked me who had taught me to read. I still replied, that the Lord had taught me. They said that it was impossible; but brought forth spelling and other books, to see if I could read them, or whether I could spell, but they found to their great surprise, that I could not read other books, neither could I spell a word; then they said, it was the work of the Lord, and a very great miracle indeed; whilst others exclaimed and said that it was not right that I should have my liberty.

The magistrates said that it was right and just that I should have my liberty, for they believed that I was of God, for they were persuaded that no man could read in such a manner, unless he was taught of God.

From that hour, in which the Lord taught me to read, until the present, I have not been able to read in any book, nor any reading whatever, but such as contain the word of God.


Also the black preacher was the only one of whom the master allowed to congregate slaves. When they were in the presence of the master, they adhered to the same script as the white preachers of "obey your master". However, when they won the confidence of the master to be left alone, they preached of Moses, the deliverer message - one which God broke fetters and set them free! Where the black preacher was forbidden to gather slaves for worship, often they stole away and worshiped in secret without the master being the wiser.


In dese meetin's ole Jim Bennett, de preacher, didn't know a letter in a book, but he sho' could preach. Dar wasn't no Bible in dem days 'cept what de white folks had, and' dey wan't qwine let no slave see hit even if he could read.

Old Jim would keep a knot of lightwood handy, an' he'd stick hit close to de fire to draw de pitch out it. When de patrollers come to de door 'twas already hot, you see. Preacher would run to de fireplace, git him a light an' take dat torch an' wave hit back an' fo'th so dat de pitch an' fire would be flyin' ev'y which a way in dese patterollers' faces. Out de doors de slaves would go; dar was a mighty scramble an' scuffle in de dark, an' de slaves would scatter in all directions. You see, patterollers was mostly atter de preacher 'cause he was de leader o' de meetin'. Was a terrible lashin' comin' to him dat got cught.


But there was ways of beating the patterollers. De best way was to head 'em off. I 'member once when we was gonna have a meetin' down in de woods near de river. Well, dey made me de lookout boy, an' wne de paddyrollers come down de lane past de church - you see dey was 'sepctin dat de niggers gonna hold a meetin' dat night - well, sir, dey tell me to step out f'm de woods an' let 'em see me. Well, I does, an' de paddyrollers datr was on horse back came a chasin' arter me, jus' a-gallopin' down de lane to beat de band. Well I was jus' ahead of 'em, an' when they got almost up wid me I jus' ducked into de woods. Course de paddyrollers couldn't stop so quick an' kep' on 'round de ben', an' den dere came a-screamin' an' cryin' dat make you think dat hell done bust loose. Dem old paddyrollers done ride plumb into a great line of grape vines tripped up de horses an' throwned de ole paddyrollers off in de bushes. An' some done landed mighty hard, cause dey was a-limpin' roun' an' cussin' an' callin' fo' de slaves to come an' help dem, but dem slaves got plenty o' sense. Dey lay in de bushes an' hole dere sides a-laughin' but ain't none o' 'em gonna risk bein' seen. All right dat night, but in de mornin' he done forgot all 'bout how you help him. All he know is dat you was out. So after ole paddyrollers go on limpin' back to de town, we go on to de woods an' hold ourmeetin'.


Arter dat, ole paddyroller got wise an' used to tie dey horses an' come creepin' thew de woods on foot, tell dey fin' whar dis meetin' was gwine on. Den day would rush in an' start whippin' an' beatin' de slaves unmerciful. All dis was done to keep you f'om servin' God an' do you know some o' dem devils was mean an' sinful 'nough to say, "If I ketch you here servin' God, I'll beat you. You ain't got no time to serve God. We bought you to serve us."

West Turner

The Negro in Virginia


The one thing that slavery could not do - it could not separate the slave from his or her relationship with God. Even a good beating could not do it!


We also see the influence the black preacher and the black church have had on the black community during the Civil Rights Movement. It was black preachers who led the protests and the black church was the central location for meetings to think through, offer prayer and plan protests. Although that influence may not be as necessary in the 21st Century, without a doubt, black preachers, especially within certain Protestant denominations, still have considerable influence and the church remains the core of black culture.


In the black community, very seldom does anyone speak against a black preacher. It takes a lot for that to be done. This is why a Jesse Jackson or an Al Sharpton , so long as they have a "Rev," in front of their names are not likely to be criticized, regardless of whether they are right or wrong. Unless it is done by a fellow clergy, it almost never happens.


Congregations also have great respect for the opinions of their spiritual leadership. Whether a preacher says who to vote for from the pulpit or not, a church's membership more than likely sees his or her decision as being Godly orchestrated and will follow that lead.


Knowing all of this, the black preacher and the black church is a ripe vineyard for the GOP to bring its message. This is what leads us to believe that the Republican Party does not truly want an integrated party. Because if it did, an organization such as the National Republican African American Caucus with 76 percent of its membership being clergy, would not only be welcomed, but the Party would be thrilled to have us!


Perhaps a lesson in history might be in order for the GOP to get it! ...Then again, if the lessons of history have shown the courage of the black preacher to stand up against racism, and testifies of the strength of the bond that blacks had with God, which resulted in their miraculous endurance and deliverance, maybe this is all the more reason why some within the GOP might steer clear of this kind of inclusion. Could it be a fear of spiritual vs. political power that can indeed bring down political strongholds?


This is an interesting way of viewing this, which up until now, even I had not considered.


To reach the NRAAC national chair:


Jean Howard-Hill
423-702-5622 NRAAC office
nraachowardhill@gmail.com
Jean.howard.hill@gmail.com

[Dr. Jean Howard-Hill is the author of Black Eyes Shut, White Lips Sealed. She has serves as the national chair for the National Black Republican Women with her late husband, Attorney Bobby Lee Hill serving as the head of the Black Republican Men for Change from 1987 to his death in 1991. After his death up until 1993, she remained head of the organization, and in 1999 combined the two groups to form the National Republican African American Caucus.

She has taught full time and as an adjunct, American Government, State and Local Government, and International Politics and Culture of Nonwestern Countries at the University of Tennessee Chattanooga, and was voted 2006 Outstanding Professor of the year. Additionally, from 1976 to 1979, she designed and directed the "Democracy In Action" Program, which was a civics program taught in the local school systems. Howard-Hill also is a local political commentator and holds a law degree from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville College of Law. She also is ordained clergy and heads The Healing Place Ministries International, overseeing 47 ministries throughout Africa.

She also is a TN third district congressional candidate. If elected, she would be the first African American Republican and female to be elected from the third district. Her campaign website can be found at: http://ladyjforcongress.com and http://jeanhowardhillforcongress.com; http://jeanhowardhillcampaignnews.blogspot.com; http://blogwithladyjforcongress.blogspot.com; http://jeanhowardhillforcongress.ning.com; http://www.youtube.com/JHHCongress; http://twitter.com/ JHHCongress.]
The National Republican African-American Caucus is an organization that is comprised of Spirit filled people of faith within the African American community, that works in conjunction with local, state and national party efforts to embrace, and offer African-American Republicans opportunities for inclusion and involvement in the Republican Party, and builds bridges between the African-American community and the Republican Party. In doing so, it seeks to carry out the philosophy and mission set before President Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglas to build a stronger and more inclusive Republican Party, where those guiding principles are more important than politics.

More information on the NRAACcan be found at:
http://www.nraacaucus.org; http://nraacaucus.ning.com [NRAAC] National Republican African American Caucus Social Issue Network (members only); http://nraac.blogspot.com [NRAAC Blog]; http://youthonthehorizons.blogspot.com [NRAAC Youth on the Horizons Blog]; http://the-twig.blogspot.com [NRAAC New Generation-New Direction Blog]; and
http://theblackolivebranch.blogspot.com [NRAAC National Chair's Blog]. Each State Caucus can be accessed by state. See related links at http://www.nraacaucus.org/index_files/Page816.htm. Also can be found on the RNC group page at http://our.gop.com/Groups/National_Republican_African-American_Caucus_NRAAC.

Thursday, May 13, 2010

Day 16: The National Republican African American Caucus Has Its Say May 13, 2010

May 13, 2010

NRAAC's National Chair
Dr. Jean Howard-Hill

National Republican African American Caucus [NRAAC] Blog
http://nraac.blogspot.com
http://www.nraacaucus.org


The National Republican African American Caucus Has Its
Say!: 18 Day Political Revival



Day 16: Why the Republican Party needs more than a few "token" and "Kodak Moment" flies in the bowl of buttermilk.

The Republican Party has some major challenges that lie ahead. Mainly because of the dwindling numbers of it base, it must begin to seek ways to attract new voters.

Very few realize that it was President Nixon of all people, who was the first Republican to understand and use the potency of the white southern Christian vote. That was a little more than forty years ago. But now, that once powerful and politically dominating voting block of white Christian Conservatives are losing strength in the Republican Party. Also, the Tea Party, which now enjoys the fellowship of those who have fled the Christian base because they feel the Republican Party has not delivered on its stand on moral purity, if its followers ever decide to break away to form a third party, this will even more impact the GOP's Christian Conservative voting base.

Interestingly, there is a shift in the trend of the married white Christian voters which also adds to the declining Republican vote. This voting block has proven in the past to be one of the most loyal and reliable voting bases. However, they now make up less than half of all voters nationally and less than one-fifth of voters under the age of 30. The inherent problem lies in the three categories of married voters. According to NES data, from the 1970s to the 21st century, the conservative married white Christian vote increased by 26 points, going from 64 percent to 90 percent, with the moderate married white Christians increasing by only five points, going from 38 percent to 43 percent. It also shows that the liberal married white Christians actually declined by 10 points, falling from 23 percent to 13 percent. This shift further impacts the GOP base.

Then there is the generation gap among young republicans. From my own research and experience in teaching Political Science at the college level, I have been amazed at the number of students whose parents were Republicans, who now identify more with the individual candidate, rather than the party. Also I have seen a shift in fundamental moral values. The younger white Republicans tend not to be as die hard on moral issues as are their parents and those generations before them. With this change, it adds to the instability of the Republican voting legacy that has been handed down from one generation to another.

Another eroding base is the Republican elderly vote. This is a voting block, which tends to remain Republican no matter what. However, once the baby boomers have reached an age where they are no longer are able to vote or as they die out, the Republican Party also will have to find new recruits to replace this very reliable group of voters.

Let me just throw this in as food for thought. Closing the voting gap between those whose income is higher than $100,000, the past presidential election exit poll conducted by CNN showed that it was pretty much split down the middle with 49 to 49 percent of those within this income range voting for both McCain and Obama. This seems to dispel the myth that only the rich votes Republican.

A good voting prospect was seen in the Hispanic vote. President G. W. Bush certainly was able to leverage off of it, as he gained significant support. However, as the subject of immigration becomes more highly charged, this base seemingly is falling apart for Republicans.

All of this leads to the discussion of the need for the Republican Party to rethink the strategy for recapturing the black vote.

Blacks began their exodus from the Republican Party in the 1960s, and since then have become almost a rare breed. This was the beginning of the Southern Strategy, which has allowed the Republican Party to gain its foothold within the southern white voting base. President Nixon's Republican strategist is quoted as saying, "The more Negroes who register as Democrats in the South, the sooner the Negrophobe whites will quit the Democrats and become Republicans. That's where the votes are. Without that prodding from the blacks, the whites will backslide into their old comfortable arrangement with the local Democrats." How prophetic indeed this has proven to be true.

If the Republican Party plans on surviving as a political party, it will have to renew its political base from African American voters who once aligned with the party. It is not enough to have a few of "us" within the Republican Party. This is not the way it was when the GOP was birthed, and neither should it be now. When the GOP realizes this, they also will understand two things:

That Black voters are more aligned with the moral core values than any other group of voters. Most are churched or have had some church within their upbringing. Whether they follow those teachings, they are very quick to say they still believe in those values taught by the church. Make no mistake about it, black folks take very seriously their relationship with God, which goes back to slavery and the Civil Rights Movement, where they witnessed the power of that relationship in being delivered out of the hands of those who held them racially captive. This makes organizations such as the National Republican African American Caucus a perfect conduit through which to galvanize the support of the black preacher, the black church and the black Christian vote. [I will talk more about this in Day 17.]

That Blacks also yearn for economic empowerment. If somehow the GOP can repackage this one core belief and get that message out to especially younger blacks, it would bring in voters by the thousands. A prime example of this is the rising influence of such groups as the HipHop Republicans, led by a politically brilliant young African American man from Harlem, Richard Ivory. In his organization lies the key to attracting young blacks who have a taste for entrepreneurship.

In my own experience in working with young black men on the streets, their desire is to be "in business". Whether it is legitimate business or illegal trade, they consider themselves businessmen. This is an entrepreneur cry that has not yet been heard and a dream not yet made a reality. This is why we have young black men who can successfully sell drugs. Whether we agree with the product or not, this is economic empowerment to them! So what we have to do is encourage a legitimate product or service, and help them to understand that the Republican Party is the political party who believes in their ability to build wealth.

Having said this, it is time for the Republican Party to carefully reconsider its relationship with the pristine soul of the African American voters. ...Because there is one thing that is eminent, the GOP as it is today, certainly will not be the GOP of tomorrow, based upon its present GOP voting base.

But there is one thing which is worth mentioning, regardless of the dwindling numbers, according to a recent April Gallup poll, 57 percent of Republican voters are expressing a higher level of enthusiasm than 37 percent Democrats in the 2010 midterm election. So regardless of the dwindling base, it is the party who gets the voters to the poll that will determine the outcome of the election.


To reach the NRAAC national chair:

Jean Howard-Hill
423-702-5622 NRAAC office
nraachowardhill@gmail.com
Jean.howard.hill@gmail.com


[Dr. Jean Howard-Hill is the author of Black Eyes Shut, White Lips Sealed. She has serves as the national chair for the National Black Republican Women with her late husband, Attorney Bobby Lee Hill serving as the head of the Black Republican Men for Change from 1987 to his death in 1991. After his death up until 1993, she remained head of the organization, and in 1999 combined the two groups to form the National Republican African American Caucus.

She has taught full time and as an adjunct, American Government, State and Local Government, and International Politics and Culture of Nonwestern Countries at the University of Tennessee Chattanooga, and was voted 2006 Outstanding Professor of the year. Additionally, from 1976 to 1979, she designed and directed the "Democracy In Action" Program, which was a civics program taught in the local school systems. Howard-Hill also is a local political commentator and holds a law degree from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville College of Law. She also is ordained clergy and heads The Healing Place Ministries International, overseeing 47 ministries throughout Africa.

She also is a TN third district congressional candidate. If elected, she would be the first African American Republican and female to be elected from the third district. Her campaign website can be found at: http://ladyjforcongress.com and http://jeanhowardhillforcongress.com; http://jeanhowardhillcampaignnews.blogspot.com; http://blogwithladyjforcongress.blogspot.com; http://jeanhowardhillforcongress.ning.com; http://www.youtube.com/JHHCongress; http://twitter.com/ JHHCongress.]

The National Republican African-American Caucus is an organization that is comprised of Spirit filled people of faith within the African American community, that works in conjunction with local, state and national party efforts to embrace, and offer African-American Republicans opportunities for inclusion and involvement in the Republican Party, and builds bridges between the African-American community and the Republican Party. In doing so, it seeks to carry out the philosophy and mission set before President Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglas to build a stronger and more inclusive Republican Party, where those guiding principles are more important than politics.

More information on the NRAACcan be found at:

http://www.nraacaucus.org; http://nraacaucus.ning.com [NRAAC] National Republican African American Caucus Social Issue Network (members only); http://nraac.blogspot.com [NRAAC Blog]; http://youthonthehorizons.blogspot.com [NRAAC Youth on the Horizons Blog]; http://the-twig.blogspot.com [NRAAC New Generation-New Direction Blog]; and
http://theblackolivebranch.blogspot.com [NRAAC National Chair's Blog]. Each State Caucus can be accessed by state. See related links at http://www.nraacaucus.org/index_files/Page816.htm. Also can be found on the RNC group page at http://our.gop.com/Groups/National_Republican_African-American_Caucus_NRAAC.

Wednesday, May 12, 2010

Day 15: Nat'l Republican African American Caucus Has Its Say May 12, 2010


May 12, 2010

NRAAC's National Chair Dr. Jean Howard-Hill
National Republican African American Caucus [NRAAC] Blog
http://nraac.blogspot.com
http://www.nraacaucus.org

The National Republican African American Caucus Has Its Say!: 18 Day Political Revival

Day 15: More on why those of color are reluctant to sip the tea, until we know for sure, what's in it; and why the GOP will not denounce racism, lack of civility or other unacceptable conduct displayed by some within the Tea Party Movement or within the Republican Party.

In an earlier blog, Not Sure What is in the Tea, I shared meeting and chatting with a member of the Mid-South Tea Party, and how although I still wasn't sure what exactly was in the tea, I was encouraged by his willingness to listen and to try to gleam some understanding of how most African Americans viewed the movement. Today, I thought it good to revisit the Tea Party.

Ironically, I received a call from a white Republican friend who shared with me a recent incident where members of the Tea Party seemingly were very aggressively moving to the helm of the local party. This did not surprise me since most of us Republicans know that this is a part of the movement's strategy - to capture the Republican Party at the grassroots leadership level across the country. But what did surprise me was that there are many white Republicans who are not in support of this invasion.


I call the movement an invasion because I believe that is exactly what it is - a political invasion of Republican politics which demands, either you take what they are forcing upon you or you leave the party and denounce patriotism. This kind of thinking suggests that to be in opposition to the movement is to be un-American, a socialist or one who is out to destroy or who supports those who are destroying America! Well nothing could be furthest from the truth.


There are many Republicans and even non-Republicans, including some Democrats who do not like the direction in which our country is being driven. They abhor the lack of accountability and the inability to listen to the will of the people. However, the way in which they seek to change this may or may not be "tea-ish".


The Tea Party Movement has every right to be a part of the Republican Party. But everyone does not have to see the future of America through reading tea leaves.


There is a plausible explanation as to why blacks are wary of the Tea. The failure of its leadership to denounce racism and mean spiritedness, and the belief that this is the resurrection of a new breed of political racism, are top of the list. But why is it that there are those within the GOP who walk gingerly when it comes to the "tea-ers"? Perhaps I can explain.


Number one, the Tea Party has media attention which allows it to groom itself into political maturity before the cameras. This allows it to appear to be a major political player. Having this media lime light, allows America to see it in a much grander light. While in the lime light, all they need do is draw a crowd, say curtain time, while we sit back with a coke and popcorn and watch the angry American patriotic tea drama live! Sometimes that performance is well warranted. Without a doubt, government has in many ways over stepped its boundaries and is out of control. This allows its message to resonate with those who are fed up and can take no more. Other times it is nothing more than the opportunity to spew hatred, racism and anti-everything. The problem is - you cannot tell always which is which. This creates an opening where those who are on the dark side can find refuge and a voice, as the pot brews.

Number two, the Tea Party has a Sarah Palin.
Granted the movement claims it has no leader, but to her personal advantage, she has moved into the lime light and has cast herself as leading lady. To those who want to identify with the common or average John or Jane Doe, Palin to them is their Jane. The more she gives the moose call to alert the middle class, hard working white Americans, that government's social justice and entitlement are the culprits for all of the ills of America, the more she is allowed to move to the head of the class, as leader. This makes the movement one in which is cast in even greater degrees of media attention. Because after all, it was Senator McCain and the Republican Party who gave her the second highest potential place in American politics as a vice presidential running mate. Say the name Sarah Palin and say where, and the national media will be there! Perhaps the reason is to hear her say something which is beyond comprehension. Unfortunately, this is no more than scripted drama, calculated to produce for herself both wealth and fame, while using the GOP tea leaves to read herself into over 12 million dollar profits and national GOP leadership, with plenty of tea backers.


Number three, the Tea Party is seizing control of positions of leadership within the Republican Party at the grassroots level.
This is easy to do, since the majority of Republicans while they may vote Republican, they are not involved in grassroots politics beyond going to the polls and casting their votes. For the most part, there are only a few who are at the top and who actually run the party. Taking over at this level provides an opportunity to seizing control by strategically placing "tea-ers" where they can vote each other into appointed and elected positions within the party. This allows them to control GOP politics at the local, state and then the national level, and to change even the core values and direction in which the party is headed. This is the greatest fear among the non-tea Republicans, and behind closed doors, it is a reality which no one knows how to really deal with. For now, the remedy is to remain silent, don't necessarily add any fuel to the fire, and to gingerly walk among them, until they either leave to form a third party or until they fizzle out.


Bottom line.
Appointed and especially elected GOP leadership dare not utter a word against the Tea Party or its Palin pseudo leadership for fear that if this movement does prove to be the cancer or the miraculous cure for the Republican Party, either way, it may cost them votes needed to win an election. So mum's the word in public. But behind closed doors, there is a fear that unabatedly, the movement is very assuredly taking root within the Republican Party and will outgrow those who are not exactly fond of tea. Of course this gives the Tea Party Movement just what it needs to grow more leaves and to brew more pots of tea within the GOP.

My Prediction?

The first among the GOP leadership, who can find the courage to step forward and question some of the motives, the racist rhetoric, as well as the lack of civility that have been added to the tea, will become the anointed new leaders of the silent majority of the Republican Party. Because from what is brewing in another pot behind closed doors, ...is a growing distaste for the cup of tea being served within the Republican parlor that seemingly is driving the GOP further and further away from its original core values. It is interesting to know that we are not the only ones who are not sure, what's in the cup of tea!


I guess now we just will have to pray for a courageous one, and wait to see who will emerge.


To reach the NRAAC national chair:

Jean Howard-Hill
423-702-5622 NRAAC office
nraachowardhill@gmail.com
Jean.howard.hill@gmail.com

[Dr. Jean Howard-Hill is the author of Black Eyes Shut, White Lips Sealed. She has serves as the national chair for the National Black Republican Women with her late husband, Attorney Bobby Lee Hill serving as the head of the Black Republican Men for Change from 1987 to his death in 1991. After his death up until 1993, she remained head of the organization, and in 1999 combined the two groups to form the National Republican African American Caucus. She has taught full time and as an adjunct, American Government, State and Local Government, and International Politics and Culture of Nonwestern Countries at the University of Tennessee Chattanooga, and was voted 2006 Outstanding Professor of the year. Additionally, from 1976 to 1979, she designed and directed the "Democracy In Action" Program, which was a civics program taught in the local school systems. Howard-Hill also is a local political commentator and holds a law degree from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville College of Law. She also is ordained clergy and heads The Healing Place Ministries International, overseeing 47 ministries throughout Africa.

She also is a TN third district congressional candidate. If elected, she would be the first African American Republican and female to be elected from the third district. Her campaign website can be found at: http://ladyjforcongress.com and http://jeanhowardhillforcongress.com; http://jeanhowardhillcampaignnews.blogspot.com; http://blogwithladyjforcongress.blogspot.com; http://jeanhowardhillforcongress.ning.com; http://www.youtube.com/JHHCongress; http://twitter.com/ JHHCongress.]

The National Republican African-American Caucus is an organization that is comprised of Spirit filled people of faith within the African American community, that works in conjunction with local, state and national party efforts to embrace, and offer African-American Republicans opportunities for inclusion and involvement in the Republican Party, and builds bridges between the African-American community and the Republican Party. In doing so, it seeks to carry out the philosophy and mission set before President Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglas to build a stronger and more inclusive Republican Party, where those guiding principles are more important than politics.


More information on the NRAACcan be found at:
http://www.nraacaucus.org; http://nraacaucus.ning.com [NRAAC] National Republican African American Caucus Social Issue Network (members only); http://nraac.blogspot.com [NRAAC Blog]; http://youthonthehorizons.blogspot.com [NRAAC Youth on the Horizons Blog]; http://the-twig.blogspot.com [NRAAC New Generation-New Direction Blog]; and http://theblackolivebranch.blogspot.com [NRAAC National Chair's Blog]. Each State Caucus can be accessed by state. See related links at http://www.nraacaucus.org/index_files/Page816.htm. Also can be found on the RNC group page at http://our.gop.com/Groups/National_Republican_African-American_Caucus_NRAAC.

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

Day 13 & 14: The National Republican African American Caucus Has It’s

May 11, 2010

NRAAC's National Chair
Dr. Jean Howard-Hill

National Republican African American Caucus [NRAAC] Blog
http://nraac.blogspot.com
http://www.nraacaucus.org


The National Republican African American Caucus Has It's
Say!: 18 Day Political Revival


Day 13 and 14: How money controls the leadership and political outcomes within the party to the political detriment of African Americans within the GOP; and the disparities within the GOP, when it comes to support and financial backing of African American candidates with equal and even superior qualifications to those of white candidates with lesser qualifications and GOP service.

Recently I received the rather unusually gutsy, "Unbought - Unbossed" Award from Girls Inc. Of the many awards I have received, this was right there at the top of the list!

Since the age of 21, I have prided myself on being "neither bought, borrowed, nor sold". This has become not just my motto, but it is how I live my life. I learned the value of not allowing myself to be bought, borrowed or sold especially within ministry and politics.

In ministry, this is important because if you are truly an instrument through which you can be used for divine purposes, you cannot be controlled through human constraints. It makes it really hard to take a stand and do what is right, if you have allegiance to that which is contrary to the call or mandate that is upon your life. It is sort of like the pastor who said that if he preached against adultery, he would lose his entire deacon board! Therefore, because they also were his biggest givers, he avoided any message on the sin of adultery, like it was the plague.

In politics, it is the same way. If you are given monetary support from those who use it to control you, then when it comes time for you to take a stand for what is right, you cannot! No matter how much wrong you see, and how much you wish to change the wrong, you can't. You are muzzled and relegated to a position of non-effectiveness. This is why being anything other than "neither bought, borrowed nor sold", was never an option for me, whether it was ministry or politics.

Going on 32 years now as an African American Republican, I have seen the detrimental effect of being "money controlled". I have seen blacks sell their souls to the devil to get just a few crumbs from the Republican table. Make no mistake about it, what you get are mere crumbs. Yet we have not been wise enough to figure it out; that political power does not come from selling out to what we truly believe and know is right, but it comes from having the numbers and the monetary means to create our own base of political power.

There are two things that matter in GOP politics: Having the numbers to impact the outcome of an election, and being able to write the check! Other than that, nothing else works in procuring political power.

This is true, yet we insist upon isolation and being the only fly in the bowl of buttermilk or in starting our own little pockets of political power, often competing with each other for attention and power. Oh how the leadership of the GOP laughs at us! They know that it seldom amounts to anything, because there is one thing black folks are known for - the crab mentality! You can count on it! We organize our little whatevers, and fail to work together or fail to work with anyone other than those within our own little cliques, and when one seems to be getting ahead or receiving more GOP or media attention, we reach up to pull them back down with the rest.

I have extended olive branches to many African American GOP groups and leaders to become a part of the National Republican African American Caucus, and even have extended our willingness to get behind their efforts. We need not merge and become one organization or all see eye-to-eye on every issue, nor do we have to employ the same method for change. But we do need to be allies and to share the power and strength of membership. Nevertheless, very few have obliged. Fortunately for the NRAAC, we have sought the membership of those who were not previously Republicans or previously involved in politics. Otherwise, if we depended upon our fellow "A-AR ers", we would be void of significant membership and voting power.

Secondly, we truly don't understand what it means to be self-supporting. It troubles me when I see organizations with the "contribute to us" attitude. Granted there are some efforts that have legitimate reasons to ask for support. However, there comes a time when we need to self-support our own efforts! Write the check! Then you don't have to compromise the message.

It is sad to see African American GOP organizations bowing down, compromising truth or bending under pressure, because of those who are behind the contributions they receive.

There is one thing for sure. You cannot effectively call white Republicans out or take them to task for things that are wrong within the Republican Party if you are taking their money! Now how hard is that to understand? You cannot raise hell or cast out political demons, if the devil or his demons are your financial backers! There is no one in their right mind who is going to give you money to fight them and to call them racist or wrong, if this is indeed the case! It just does not work this way. Nevertheless, the GOP has its share of "colored" Republicans who are on the "take".

This also makes them disassociate themselves with those who are not on the take, and are able to freely speak out on less than popular issues. However, when those who are not on the take prevail, then EVERY COLORED REPUBLICAN in the GOP will rush to come abroad. I call this the "coward syndrome". They distance themselves during the thickets of the battle, but as soon as there is a breakthrough, they rush out of hiding where they have enjoyed Republican goodies, while others have taken the hits and have paid the dues.

There are those good white Republicans who give and desire nothing in return, other than to do the right thing. However, this is not the norm. Instead there are those who use money as a stabilizer, controlled substance and as a pacifier. It stabilizes the few of us in the party, to keep us from becoming outspoken. It controls those who are on the take, to keep us in line and to keep us quiet. It pacifies us so that we do not ask or want more than what is being carefully incremented to us.

Money also is used to prevent us from aspiring to elected office. You see this more in an election where blacks are running in Republican primaries against other white opponents. The white opponents can ALWAYS find white Republicans to donate to their campaigns, even if they are first-time candidates with no Republican service history. They need only to say they are Republicans. However if you are black, you have to prove your Republican ties and pass the litmus test or get beyond the third tier requirement.

Also, if you are black, regardless of your qualifications, which often are superior or at the least equal, giving to us is seen as a risk. What's the risk? It is a preconceived notion that whites are not going to vote for even a qualified black candidate. This of itself is a form of racism. But it is often a fact.

Even where there are no white Republican opponents, most black GOP candidates find it extremely hard to raise enough to get their message out! Again, there is a different standard for determining if financial support should be given.

All of this goes back to the original theme of "us" being able to write the check!

If money controls the outcome of elections and even our ability to be a force to be reckoned with in the Republican Party, then we had better wise up and understand that in order to have true political freedom, we have to be "neither bought, borrowed or sold". This means instead of coming looking for something, come with something in your hand - in both hands!

Just like the preacher who refused to preach about adultery because of his deacons who all were committing adultery, we need to think twice about who is going to support our efforts to expose their secret sins, if they are the same ones who are financing us?

Also, just like there are no free lunches, there is nothing "free" about having political freedom. There is a price that is attached to being and staying free, and until we as a race realize that, and stop begging and depending upon handouts from the same GOP we say is oppressing us, we will always be bound by those who write "us" the check and give "us" the GOP goodies.

Simple solution? Write your "own" check. Even if it is only for a dollar or two, at least you can say, I gave what I could and what I had to remain untangled by the financial strongholds of party politics! Then you can enjoy the freedom of speaking out when it is necessary and when things are wrong.

...And to my fellow GOP African American clergy brothers and sisters, we ought to be the first to lead the way! If not, then we need to change places, and try following the lead of others who know the power of the unity of the masses and the power of giving out of their own pocket, to support our own cause!

"Ouch!" But Amen.


To reach the NRAAC national chair:

Jean Howard-Hill
423-702-5622 NRAAC office
nraachowardhill@gmail.com
Jean.howard.hill@gmail.com


[Dr. Jean Howard-Hill is the author of Black Eyes Shut, White Lips Sealed. She has serves as the national chair for the National Black Republican Women with her late husband, Attorney Bobby Lee Hill serving as the head of the Black Republican Men for Change from 1987 to his death in 1991. After his death up until 1993, she remained head of the organization, and in 1999 combined the two groups to form the National Republican African American Caucus.

She has taught full time and as an adjunct, American Government, State and Local Government, and International Politics and Culture of Nonwestern Countries at the University of Tennessee Chattanooga, and was voted 2006 Outstanding Professor of the year. Additionally, from 1976 to 1979, she designed and directed the "Democracy In Action" Program, which was a civics program taught in the local school systems. Howard-Hill also is a local political commentator and holds a law degree from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville College of Law. She also is ordained clergy and heads The Healing Place Ministries International, overseeing 47 ministries throughout Africa.

She also is a TN third district congressional candidate. If elected, she would be the first African American Republican and female to be elected from the third district. Her campaign website can be found at: http://ladyjforcongress.com and http://jeanhowardhillforcongress.com; http://jeanhowardhillcampaignnews.blogspot.com; http://blogwithladyjforcongress.blogspot.com; http://jeanhowardhillforcongress.ning.com; http://www.youtube.com/JHHCongress; http://twitter.com/ JHHCongress.]

The National Republican African-American Caucus is an organization that is comprised of Spirit filled people of faith within the African American community, that works in conjunction with local, state and national party efforts to embrace, and offer African-American Republicans opportunities for inclusion and involvement in the Republican Party, and builds bridges between the African-American community and the Republican Party. In doing so, it seeks to carry out the philosophy and mission set before President Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglas to build a stronger and more inclusive Republican Party, where those guiding principles are more important than politics.

More information on the NRAACcan be found at:

http://www.nraacaucus.org; http://nraacaucus.ning.com [NRAAC] National Republican African American Caucus Social Issue Network (members only); http://nraac.blogspot.com [NRAAC Blog]; http://youthonthehorizons.blogspot.com [NRAAC Youth on the Horizons Blog]; http://the-twig.blogspot.com [NRAAC New Generation-New Direction Blog]; and
http://theblackolivebranch.blogspot.com [NRAAC National Chair's Blog]. Each State Caucus can be accessed by state. See related links at http://www.nraacaucus.org/index_files/Page816.htm. Also can be found on the RNC group page at http://our.gop.com/Groups/National_Republican_African-American_Caucus_NRAAC.