Political values often reflect the politics of issues
By Derek Joy
President Barack Obama celebrated his 52nd birthday on Aug. 3.
It was his fifth birthday celebration in the White House.
And it came at a time when his words about the tragedy of Trayvon Martin’s shooting death at the hands of George Zimmerman still resonated throughout America and much of the world.
President Obama shocked some, when he said: “I could have been Trayvon Martin 35 years ago.”
Just like that, Zimmerman, who was acquitted of second degree murder charges in Martin’s death, was served notice that his actions are being scrutinized in a different light.
Interestingly enough, President Obama celebrated his birthday as candidates begin gearing up campaigns for two local offices.
The battle is on for the District 3 Miami Dade County Commission seat currently occupied by Jean Monestine, the first Haitian American elected to the County Commission.
Monestine is being challenged by the man he beat four years ago, Dorrin Rolle, who held that seat for 12 years. Rolle is Monestine’s lone challenger thus far.
Another battle brewing for people of color is the District 5 seat on the city of Miami’s City Commission. Term limited Michelle Spence Jones lost her appeal in a bid to run for a third term.
The Rev Richard P. Dunn II, a two time Commission appointee, and Dr. Robert Malone, an educator and community activist, are the only two candidates who have qualified for that race.
That President Obama made such a riveting statement noting how he could have suffered the same tragic fate as Martin was a notice indeed. Not just a notice to citizens, but to elected officials, too.
It is a special notice to local politicians since Martin was a South Florida – Miami Gardens – resident.
Consequently, it is a battle that must focus on real issues. Monestine in his bid for re-election. Rolle in his quest to unseat Monestine. Dunn and Malone, as they seek to replace Spence Jones.
Each must answer the call to answer the challenge presented by President Obama.
His uttered words are nothing short of a challenge for Americans to face the obstacles posed by the reality of life in America.
Monestine, Rolle, Dunn and Malone should not dilly dally with the typical campaign rhetoric void of substance as is the case when it comes to winning the votes of people of color.
No way will such contempt for the Black American vote be tolerated this time around.
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