Missing the mark on the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

Rand Paul, Republican congressional candidate, from the “Blue Grass State” of Kentucky is an interesting fellow. Apparently he takes issue with civil-rights statutes being enforced on private businesses through Federalism. Because he is a Libertarian I understand what he is saying but it still sounds troubling. You can’t be against discrimination and for it at the same time. Is it not alright for Government intervention when human or civil rights are violated? Business owners should have the right to decide whom they will and will not serve (based on factors besides Race and Gender). And as customers, we have the right to patronize whatever establishment we want to. BUT! Equality should not be up for debate by rule of law. Especially in a so called “Christian Nation” as America claims to be. Today it’s the small business owner turning people of color away. Tomorrow it’s the major business corporation that’s following suit. This is a never ending argument because (in my opinion) it comes down to whether we are led by laws or our conscious.

Citizen Ojo’s pre-inaugural address to Black America. You know, before Barack starts work next week.

As Barack Obama begins his presidency, black folks need to have realistic expectations. Sometimes I hear the strangest things from people. Obama is running a country were black folks make up 13% of the population. To think that we are going to have run of the joint is ludicrous. The following things are not going to happen:

1. Al Sharpton is not going to get a post in an Obama administration.
2. No reparation checks will be sent out in the mail.
3. Black men are not going to be suddenly released from prison.
4. You will not be able to curse at your supervisor and expect to keep your job.
5. “Urban Issues” are not at the top of Obama’s agenda.

I do hope that some of the legislation that is passed will be a plus for minorities. Don’t get me wrong because Obama is going to do things that will make you mad. I truly believe that he will be a better president than Bush. The bar is so low so he can’t go any lower. While I am supporting Obama and wishing him well. He is still a politician so I reserve the right to keep a critical eye on him. That means I might criticize him on this blog if he does something I disagree with. Just because he is black doesn’t mean he gets a pass. Condoleezza “Sally Hennings” Rice has been horrible for black folks. If I had of started this blog earlier, I would have been blowing her up on the regular. But I don’t just take issue with “conservatives”. I have taken issue with Bob “Pimping Ain’t Easy” Johnson and Jesse “Nut Cracker” Jackson. I do not have a problem holding black folks accountable when they aren’t doing what’s right.

The next 4 years will be about Accountability. It will be about holding our politicians accountable…..especially our black politicians. We should expect more from people we place in office. We should also expect more from ourselves. For black folks, that means carrying ourselves with dignity. Doing the best in all we do and not being complacent. People will never give us respect until we respect ourselves.