A Vote Imagined Is Not A Vote Counted

We will write about one of the right wings, the oldest, longest-lasting, and most successful battles this week. That being the literal war, they are fighting against the local municipalities. And particularly their struggle against the local school system. Blacks have allowed themselves to be manipulated by something as simple as the vote. They were going back to scenarios that existed before many modern-day constituents were alive. But, it is incredible how some of them have managed to step right into the shoes of their forefathers and continue to play the same games. Games allow them to manipulate and maneuver their way around doing what is right into a far more nefarious operation. They play the game so well that one can hardly tell that they are playing a game. But, a game is one where they utilize every advantage to turn the operation in their favor. Who does not know that voting plays right into their hands? Most White children understand that voting is a fundamental right that you don't take for granted. While on the other hand, most Black children grow up not understanding the need to vote. So far the most part, they don't vote. Whether they have fallen into the misguided malaise of thinking that their vote doesn't count, they have come under the impression that things are so contrived that it won't make a difference anyway. That might explain why most oF Florence's boards and commissions do not reflect the makeup of Florence. Just take a look at the board that deals with voting in Florence. If that does not give you an eye-opening suggestion of how things are done in Florence, then I don't know what will. You will find that every other political or business institution has the same racial dynamic. But then, to understand the inner workings of such a carefully put-together system, you must realize that some mysterious, clever individuals did not do it. But by those who used the government, courts, law enforcement, and every other means available to them, including viciousness, maliciousness, and trickery, to maintain the upper hand.

The worst thing that Black folk ever did became complacent with the gains made during the seventies and eighties. They seemingly didn't realize that they were trying to overcome a system put together by men like Willie Lynch and others, who had the longevity of the systems in mind while crafting it. So we shouldn't be surprised that many of their racist systems are still standing. And nor should we be surprised that there are those still around to keep the systems in place. That is why you have got some of the old heads still around because they know the way of manipulation. Getting a few of us to think we are better or different from the rest. It is incredible how much of Willie Lynch's influence we still see in operation today. We don't bother to consider the person best suited to meet the challenges of the position that we want them to fill. More or less, we let anybody ascend to the role of leadership. And after we see that they cannot do anything, but go along to get along, then we start talking about them. When what we should do is stop and consider that if we don't start doing something different, we will continue to get the same results. And if you have surmised that you are one of those, we are trying to get through to you. So let's organize and put forth candidates that have the potential to make a difference if they are elected. There is nothing magical involved, and it's time to start doing the old tried and true measures of recruiting good, qualified people to run in every election. While continuing to fight to make the playing fields even, at the same time, we must subscribe to the philosophy of supporting those candidates with our time, talent, and treasury. And don't forget to talk to that young person in your church or community that has fallen victim to the know need to vote mentality, and try and convince them of the importance and necessity of voting. We must take all of this seriously because, in many instances, we are talking about completely dismantling some systems to make them equitable. But, be that as it may, the time is now to overcome past impediments that kept us from moving forward progressively.

Sincerely Yours,

A Vote Imagined Is Not A Vote Counted

Elder James W. Williams,

Chairperson, Advocacy Organization, LifeLinePlus