Tea and Sympathy: Some readers say Kevin Jackson's got black Democrats all wrong, and Tyler Perry's movie is just right

FEATURE, NOVEMBER 4, 2010
WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT KEVIN
Fail whale: Kevin Jackson is far from representative, or even an open-minded pundit. I follow a lot of conservatives on Twitter and he was the only one who blocked me before I even commented on a single tweet. What's up with that?
Liberal St. Louis, via the Internet

A proud black Democrat: Shame on you, Mr. Jackson! How dare you suggest/infer black folk have been conditioned or enslaved by our right to vote Democrat. How dare you undermine our intelligence by suggesting we are not informed voters, but simply following a tradition of politics. How narrow-minded you are to really believe staunch Democrats, such as myself, have not studied political history and reached our own conclusions. The right-wing, radical group you call the Tea Party is the very reason I'm proud to be a Democrat. I concede I'm still learning and do not know all political nuances and intricacies, but I do know how to make a decision based upon what is right for me, and for that reason, Mr. Jackson, I have a made-up mind that I will follow the party of my choice, Democrat. You should be proud of the grandparents who raised you to know and understand what commitment and loyalty to party really means, in spite of its shortcomings. Unfortunately, your grandiose ambitions have catapulted you to a place from which I fear you cannot return. I suggest you examine reality, consider the source — and allow black folk who dare to believe in the party of their choice to do so without the scorn and ridicule, especially from a person who looks like you!
Morgan, via the Internet

She's a believer: Unlike the others who have shared their comments, I have seen Mr. Jackson speak at Tea Party rallies. He encourages attendees to think for themselves and not to be hypnotized by their chosen party's leaders — Democrats or Republicans.

I ask Morgan this: Was the rush job of getting the health-care bill passed something that was "right for" you? Did you fall for Pelosi's statement that "we have to pass the bill so you can find out what is in it"? Is that because you wanted to be loyal to your party and ensure that Obama "accomplished" something during his presidency? Morgan, is your anger directed at Mr. Jackson because you think he is a traitor to black people? Do you think it is possible for blacks to own businesses? Is that something you would like to see more of — or would you prefer black people to continue to be supported by government-run programs that keep them and their children in a certain socioeconomic group? As a black business owner, are you eager to pay the high taxes Democrats want you to pay to run your business?

I'm sure, Morgan, that you and Mr. Jackson share something in common. You both want the best for your families. You want to have the comfort of knowing that Dr. Martin Luther King's "I Have a Dream" speech was only the beginning of a long history of prosperity, success, happiness and safety of black Americans. Don't vote for a party because your grandparents voted for it. Vote for an amendment or candidate because you know what you are voting for. That's what Mr. Jackson is trying to convey.
Sissy, via the Internet

FILM, NOVEMBER 4, 2010
THE RAINBOW IS NOT ENUF
Watch with your heart: Seeing part of the original years ago, I believe on PBS, and now seeing Perry's adaptation, I can say so far this is the best of his works, and I have seen all but one ["The Rainbow Disconnection," Melissa Anerson]. I saw a part of me in each character, and I believe I am going to buy the novel. I saw the film with my mom and we are still encouraging all — male and female, heck, even families — to go see it and start the dialogue. Maybe you should go see it again with friends or family — and with your heart instead of for money to write an article.
Shawn, via the Internet