A New Year’s Resolution For Black America’s Two Biggest Talkers

Dear Mr. Postman:

This correspondence is to be delivered to brothers Tavis Smiley and Dr. Cornell West. It was written on behalf of the 41,122,739 Blacks (this number represents the United States’ Black population— minus them two— and the 17 Black Republicans), in this country, that have for the last 60 months endured both of them. Parading around this country on radio, TV, and that bus trying to convince us that this president was concerned with everything except our issues. Although Al Sharpton tried kindly to persuade them both of their errors, they ignored his warning, and even tried labeling him a fraud. Well it must be said, the two of them have successfully forfeited the little credibility they had in our community.

My dear brothers, let new history not be quickly discarded. For in doing so you run the risk of looking imprudent, or worse; passing the perception that your motives are your only real concern. Purposeful criticism of any kind—and of anyone—has and will always have place, even if its not welcomed by the majority; but when it is petty we must douse such trifles without hast. And so we shall . . . .

You two have argued that this president has not addressed issues that plague the Black community of this country, and that such behavior by this president is disgraceful. Please receive the following as evidence that either proves your complete disregard of truth or the negligence of your research. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, enacted by this president during his first days in office, kept 1.3 million Blacks from falling below the poverty line (as stated by the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities). After being in office for less than a month, this president reauthorized CHIP (Children’s Health Insurance Program) which expanded health coverage to Black children who would have not otherwise had insurance. Along the same lines, this is the president that gave us the landmark Affordable Care Act which, when fully implemented, will give as many as 7 million more Blacks health insurance. The current president signed the Fair Sentencing Act, which among other things sets out to reduce unfairness in sentencing and employment discrimination.

It is also worth noting, that it was this president that signed a bill to pay Black farmers 1.15 billion dollars for their discrimination claims against the USDA.

My dear brothers, I heavy-heartedly penned this correspondence for no other reason than to condemn your silence on this president’s recent announcement that, for the rest of his presidency, he will focus on issues of poverty. Especially, since you traveled this country on your “poverty” bus tour, so loudly criticizing the president for not commenting on the level of poverty in this country.

And though I condemn your actions; I shall close with love and hope. The hope that you two take affirmative actions (no play on your education Dr. West) correcting your errs, or risk Blacks placing you among the ranks of all other armchair philosophers.

P.S. Be advised, brother Al Sharpton’s life has been greatly affected by his work in the struggle; standing when many others sat, marching when it was bad, dangerous, and unpopular. So if you see it wise to depreciate his sacrifice and commitment then my community— the Black community— and history will not look favorably upon your legacy for such actions.

and Mr. Postman, please handle with care, as this correspondence is of the utmost importance.

Kinetically Here,

W. Mondale Robinson