I'm shocked: Memo calling for a Black agenda in Atlanta

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Excerpts of the memo

TURPEAU'S REPORT AND EMAIL

"The debate over the best strategic option for black leadership and the African American community as we approach the Mayoral election in Atlanta has become critical based on the fact that for the last 25 years Atlanta has represented the breakthrough for black political empowerment in the South," Turpeau wrote.

"It is debatable to what extent the objective socio-economic and political position of the African American community has improved. At the same time, most would agree that the Jackson breakthrough represented an unprecedented opportunity for black political representation nationwide," Turpeau wrote.

"A passionate argument has been made for us to develop a unity of purpose and position, and for that to be defined immediately, given the short amount of time remaining between now and November 2009 election day (two and 1/2 months from now)," Turpeau wrote.

"There is a chance for the first time in 25 years that African Americans could lose the Mayoral seat in Atlanta, Georgia, especially if there is a run-off," Turpeau wrote.

"Time is of the essence because in order to defeat a Norwood (white) mayoral candidacy we have to get out now and work in a manner to defeat her without a runoff, and the key is a significant Black turnout in the general election," Turpeau wrote.

Black voters typically vote less frequently in run-off elections than White voters do, so Turpeau's notion that a candidate supported by White voters has a better chance in a run-off is supported by historical trends.

"The reasons support should be given to Lisa Borders is: 1) she is the best black candidate in the race who has a chance to win the election because she can attract downtown white support; and 2) based on polling data drawn from a host of sources between May 2009 and July 2009, the numbers suggest Borders is growing stronger as we move closer to the election, while the most recent polling data suggests that the other black candidates are falling further behind over the same period," Turpeau wrote.

"By coming out for Borders now would eliminate Reed, Spikes and Thomas as viable candidates. Some would argue that if the polling data is correct then those candidates who are only polling at 8%, 2% and 1% respectfully, are already effectively out of the race; and... It is unlikely that there will be a unified preference among existing black leadership and in the African American community for one candidate prior to the general election," Turpeau wrote.

Turpeau cited a WSB TV poll in May and June 2009 showing Mary Norwood with 37%, Borders with 14%, and Reed with 4%. Two months later, WSB found that Borders had gained but that State Sen. Kasim Reed--a front-runner candidate who is also Black--remained in the single digits. In that August 2009 poll, Norwood still led with 30%, Borders had 28%, and Reed had 8%.

"While some may think that Franklin represents the last link to the Jackson Machine, it is not widely known that both Borders and Reed are directly connected to Franklin; or that Spikes and Thomas are Republicans, as is Norwood," Turpeau wrote.

It should be noted that neither Mary Norwood, Jesse Spikes, nor Glenn Thomas is a Republican.

Atlanta's "changing demographics... show a more rapid growth in the city's white population (faster and a higher percentage than anywhere else in the country)," Turpeau added.

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Submitted by PTC Avenger on Sun, 08/30/2009 - 2:05pm.

www.blackatlanta.com

Look who has a write-up on the mainpage.

Hmmm...

Submitted by Whiskers165 on Fri, 08/28/2009 - 11:50pm.

The majority group out of the voters rules. Democracy is a terrible form of government for this very reason, but still better than all other forms. If you don't support the black candidate for calling for race based voting (I honestly think race shouldn't even be acknowledged in the first place. The genetic differences between different races are so minuscule it's not even notable when compared) then get involved in the campaign of someone running against them.

But honestly, after reading Plato's "The Philosopher King" I wish we could abolish democracy and have a government like that described in the writing

Submitted by Whiskers165 on Sun, 08/30/2009 - 3:01am.

Both the republic and democracy have the weakness of the masses ultimately deciding the fate of the country. Either way though, compared to every other form of government around at the moment, I'd have it no other way

dawn69's picture
Submitted by dawn69 on Sat, 08/29/2009 - 10:07am.

The words 'republic' and 'democracy' are often used interchangeably but refer to two different forms of government. We are a Republic, modeled after the republic of Rome.

A republic is a representative form of government in which we elect those we want to 'represent' our interests, the representatives then cast their votes 'for us' (LOL). As opposed to a democracy, in which the people would vote on all matters concerning the public. It is democratic in that we have a vote as to who takes the honor of representing us, but after that...it's in their hands. That is unless the voice of the people becomes too loud to ignore!

"Democracy is two wolves and a lamb voting on what to have for lunch. Liberty is a well-armed lamb contesting the vote." - Ben Franklin


Submitted by Bonkers on Sun, 08/30/2009 - 7:21am.

Trying to define true democracy is what causes most people of the world to want Kings, or dictatorships.

People in groups trying to decide doesn't work due to the ones getting the least votes feeling disenfranchised.

After all 50.1% as opposed to 49.9% doesn't seem to be fair to all!

Even 70-30 doesn't suit the 30!

Gore still won the most votes but lost! That was using a definition of democracy!

Two wolves and a lamb explains the dilemma of the lamb, doesn't it?

I don't want to be a lamb, do you?

dawn69's picture
Submitted by dawn69 on Sun, 08/30/2009 - 6:31pm.

No, I'd rather be the shepherd, protecting the lamb from the wolves.

Odd, though...when the government eradicated the wolf from the northern states, the ecosystem suffered. There was an imbalance in the food chain and nothing to keep the bison, deer, woodchucks, etc. from eating all the vegetation. I believe Yellowstone National Park suffered tremendously. We have now brought the wolf back from near extinction, much to the dismay of the ranchers.

Still...I'd rather be a well-armed lamb or a well-armed shepherd than lunch! Smiling

"Well-armed" is a metaphor - doesn't necessarily refer to a riffle.

"Democracy is two wolves and a lamb voting on what to have for lunch. Liberty is a well-armed lamb contesting the vote." - Ben Franklin


Submitted by Spyglass on Sat, 08/29/2009 - 6:53am.

So you don't have to worry.

Submitted by skyspy on Thu, 08/27/2009 - 11:57pm.

This type of voting is why ATL is bankrupt. Hello...

Voting based on race has not worked anywhere. Look at Atlanta, DeKalb, East Point and Clayton County. Voting based on race leads to FAILURE! Way to go.

Submitted by PTC Avenger on Sat, 08/29/2009 - 12:40pm.

I don’t see a problem with blacks urging other blacks to vote for a black mayoral candidate. Who do you expect them to support? What I would like to see is whites urging whites to support a white candidate. 21st century American politics is a racial headcount, let's quit pretending otherwise.

Since blacks took over Atlanta 30 years ago, it’s become a crime ridden shabby place. Atlanta is an example that just because a higher than average ratio of blacks have college degrees from fourth rate black colleges doesn't make them any more intelligent or learned than their forefathers, in fact it's the opposite.

suggarfoot's picture
Submitted by suggarfoot on Sat, 08/29/2009 - 7:39pm.

I think they would find it illegal. In fact, I'm pretty sure, they have made it illegal.

What is happening because of it, is a lot of Whites are leaving. They want to live somewhere they have =equal= rights.


Submitted by PTC Avenger on Sat, 08/29/2009 - 8:03pm.

Whites urging people to vote for white candidates is not illegal, not yet anyway.

The race that once pined for a colorblind society sure has a hard time focusing on anything other than pigment these days. In this "post-racial" period in America, we are bombarded daily with news stories having to do solely with race and charges of racism.

“For the last 25 years Atlanta has represented the breakthrough for black political empowerment in the South,” reads the memo. “In order to defeat a Norwood (white) mayoral candidacy we have to get out now and work in a manner to defeat her without a runoff, and the key is a significant Black turnout.” God, I wish white people would organize and think like this.

For the last 25 years, corruption has been a common theme under the various black mayors. So has race baiting. The current black mayor said before her election “voting for the white guy would be like going back to being hosed down with water hoses.” Remember when Mayor Bill Campbell was investigated for racketeering, bribery, and wire fraud? It is no surprise black leaders encourage blacks to vote for blacks…it is what they do. THIS, davidsmom, is partly why Fayette county is in trouble. Why do you think there is such a strong push to go to district voting? Who is doing the pushing?

Ever notice that the mainstream media doesn’t criticize black racism? Whites are held to a much higher standard. We must love, appreciate, and honor cultures that often create the majority of the world’s problems. I detest the ghetto culture of many black people. I despise the ignorance, crime, and overall problems it creates in the United States. Yet I can support a black man (conservative Michael Williams) to replace Kay "Bailout" Hutchinson as U.S. Senator if she steps down to run for Governor. Martin Luther King’s dream of a colorblind society was naive. However, white people as a whole have succeeded in judging a person on their character more than any other race. Think not? Did 96% of white voters vote for the white man??

White Americans are tired of the double standard that political correctness imposes on us. We are tired of being painted into a corner while other races and cultures can openly do or say anything without criticism. Just read the memo sent out by the black advocacy group in Atlanta and change “black” to “white.” Any white advocacy group (that would be racist) would be condemned publicly by the mainstream media and any white politician in reach of a microphone. But this black group? Hah, just another day in the life.

Submitted by Spyglass on Sat, 08/29/2009 - 5:03pm.

is driving certain folks crazy.

Submitted by Davids mom on Fri, 08/28/2009 - 12:08am.

So why is Fayette County in trouble?

Submitted by grizzlyadams on Fri, 08/28/2009 - 2:55pm.

Davids Mom,

Why is Fayette County in trouble? Hahaha!!! I occasionally read the opinions here and curiously your name keeps popping up. Race and racism seem to be your favorite subjects. It's no surprise that you attempt to inject your sickness into yet another discussion. The very fact that you would attempt to defend voting based on race screams of your ignorance! I feel sorry for david, and even sorrier that you chose to move here. I think you must be a very sad pathetic individual. Why don't you stop making excuses and feeling sorry for yourself, go out and do something productive.

Robert W. Morgan's picture
Submitted by Robert W. Morgan on Fri, 08/28/2009 - 6:03am.

We have a much lower unemployment rate than the state average, PTC will have a surplus in its operating budget according to the mayor's (somewhat creative) explanation, things are swell at the county level, Horgan will almost certainly be replaced by a person of color, SAT scores are among the highest (in a state that is 47th in the country) - life is good.

Why do you ask?


Submitted by Davids mom on Mon, 08/31/2009 - 2:46pm.

I've been following some of the comments regarding the dissatisfaction with the leadership on the FCBOE and the Tyrone elected officials. What is the difference between poor leadership actions in Fayette County and Atlanta?

Submitted by Davids mom on Fri, 08/28/2009 - 7:41am.

. . and that's why we moved here. I checked those stats - and you're right. It will be nice to see a person of color in a leadership position. . .but not a necessity. I know very little of county politics - but so many here report gloom and doom.

Submitted by Spyglass on Fri, 08/28/2009 - 11:46am.

I lived in Clayton County when it was one of the better suburbs in the Nation..that wasn't been all that long ago.

I went to Morrow High when it was considered one of the 10 best schools in the State. Now their SAT scores are the LOWEST in Clayton County, which in case you didn't know, stinks overall in that regard.

You make no statement other than to say, "it will be nice to see a person of color to be in a leadership position". When you vote strictly on Color, you can see what you get. You fail to mention qualifications, or reasons for why you want this so...just walking the line, I guess. Why do folks continue to walk down that path?

I find statements such as yours very disappointing. But it falls right in line with the Atlanta Memo.

S. Lindsey's picture
Submitted by S. Lindsey on Thu, 08/27/2009 - 8:27pm.

This reminds me of the 60's.. It is not about who is best qualified.. he/she just has to be the right ethnicity. Rasicm in reverse.. Still stinks.

"Any People who expect to be both IGNORANT and FREE, in a state of CIVILIZATION, expects what NEVER was and NEVER will be."
THOMAS JEFFERSON


Joe Kawfi's picture
Submitted by Joe Kawfi on Thu, 08/27/2009 - 7:29pm.

....in Atlanta

You cannot help the poor by destroying the rich.
You cannot strengthen the weak by weakening the strong.
You cannot bring about prosperity by discouraging thrift.
You cannot lift the wage earner up by pulling the wage payer down.


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