Equality often unfolds the politics of political diversity
Derek Joy
The aftermath – Election 2014. . .
Let the bloodletting begin. Or, as they say, to the victor go the spoils.
Sure. Republicans, like the Lions did to the Miami Dolphins in Detroit last Sunday, delivered a blow to the gut of Democrats. Not only in Florida, but around the nation, too.
Just the time when Republicans are quietly saying what the late rhythm and blues singer Billy Paul sang about in the words of his Gamble and Huff hit tune of the early 1970’s: “The Whole Town’s Talking ’Bout Us.”
The same could be said for the winners of some municipal elections.
Ah, yes. Those municipal elections, the often forgotten, or at least the least publicized prizes on the ballots.
So, take a look at just a few of the winners in four of Miami Dade County’s municipalities having a Black American majority population.
Miami Gardens Councilman Ehrabor Ighadaro, a Nigerian American, defeated former Councilman Andre Williams in a runoff.
And in Opa locka, Lady Myra Taylor defeated two challengers to hold onto her Mayor’s seat, while Commissioner Timothy Holmes won re-election at the same time voters approved term limits.
In North Miami, Dr. Smith Joseph, M.D., defeated former Commissioner Kevin Burns for the Mayor’s seat that was vacated when Lucy Tondreau was suspended by Gov. Rick Scott following her indictment on mortgage fraud charges.
El Portal Village Councilwoman Claudia Cubillons, the youngest of nine children, defeated long time Mayor Daisy Black, to become Miami Dade County’s first Columbian American female mayor.
El Portal also saw three other changes leaving only Councilman Omar Nickerson in the same position. Councilwoman Linda Markus retired. Councilman Adam Olde was defeated By Roxanne Isaacs. Former Councilman Harold Mathis, Jr., and first time candidate Aubrey l. Brunson won seats to round out the five member Village Council.
So, here we are. Just over 238 years after the July 4, 1776 beginning of the Republic of the United States of America became a free and independent nation, a Democracy governed by the Constitution.
Black Americans, who were once slaves treated as chattel property in this capitalistic society, are still seeking equality. That search is expected to be challenged in the aftermath of the Republican victories that gives them control of both Houses of Congress.
Without a doubt, Republicans gained a leg up on the next Presidential Election in 2016. In so doing, perhaps they learned the lessons that Democrats seemed to have forgotten.
It is a rather simple lesson: Listen to the people and serve the will of the people, not just the wealthy and well connected few.
