Carroll G. Robinson, ESQ. is running for Chairman of the Texas Coalition of Black Democrats. Please feel free to contact Carroll G. Robinson, ESQ. at (832)863-8092 or by email at Robinsoncarroll97@gmail.com to discuss this article. He’s pictured on the cover of this edition of Houston Business Connections Magazine© with distinguished leaders from Harris County, Texas. This magazine is published by Aubrey R. Taylor Communications. Please call (832)212-8735 for more information. Or you may call (281)788-3033 to speak directly to the publisher.
I am
really worried and frustrated about this idea that for some reason in 2018
& 2020 some Democrats believe that the Party needs a different message for
white working class voters than the message they have for Black Democrats and
other people of color because of a difference in values. I find that idea somewhat
insulting.
I
can't speak for all Black people or other people of color, nor would I try to,
but I know I want to be treated fairly by the police and government and I
believe everyone in America wants and expects to be treated fairly as well.
I want
to live a long and healthy life, with access to quality, affordable healthcare and
good food and fresh fruits and vegetables (at an affordable price) in my neighborhood.
Again, I believe other people, regardless of color, want the same things too.
I am
willing to work hard and want equal access to good paying jobs and contracting opportunities
as an entrepreneur to build a better life; turn income into wealth and ensure
an opportunity to do better for my son and hopefully, my future grandchildren.
I
believe all Americans want an opportunity to do better for themselves and their
family.
Which
Americans don't want such an opportunity? Which Americans want their children
to be less successful than they are?
I am
an educator, an immigrant, a naturalized citizen, and I know the value of a
quality education,
from both professional experience and a personal perspective. Which Americans
don't want quality public schools in their neighborhoods? (Yes, some Black,
Hispanic, Asian and white parents send their children to private and Charter
Schools, but they still pay taxes that help fund and support public
schools.)
Regardless
of where our children go to school, parents (and grandparents) want them to be
safe, healthy, get an education, be prepared for college and also be workforce
ready. Taxpayers are willing to invest more in education, especially if it is
to modernize our system to reflect the reality of a changing economy and the
new workplace requirements for success in the emerging "gig" economy.
Which
Americans want to miss out on the jobs and wealth opportunities of this new
economic transformation? We don't need to leave anyone behind.
In the
years ahead, retirement security will be a bigger issue than simply saving
Social Security. Democrats need to lead
the way now in preparing for the impact of the elimination of private sector
Define Benefit (DB) pension plans, the on-going assault on public sector DB pension
plans and the reality that most people have little, if any, personal
savings for retirement.
Which
Americans want our children or senior citizens living in poverty or being
homeless on our streets?
Finally,
protecting the environment-environmental justice-and eliminating the negative
health effects of pollution on children, senior citizens, families, and
neighborhoods, are important, I believe, to all Americans. I could be wrong,
but I hope no one wants to get sick or die early because of pollution that could
be prevented.
Democrats
don't need multiple messages, the party needs to focus on a core set of values
then offer policy solutions to achieve those values. The policy ideas may vary
from district to district or by region but they will grow out of one core set
of values. The needs of black Americans are the needs of all Americans.
Please
feel free to contact Carroll G. Robinson, ESQ. at (832)863-8092 or by email at
Robinsoncarroll97@gmail.com to discuss this article.
