In looking at this election it is very interesting to see how each candidate nationally and locally here in New York reaches out to the black community. They recognize that we have the most powerful voting block. I was watching Good Morning America as I was preparing to go to the Polls and finally to my office and I saw VP Gore speaking at a black church last evening. Everyone jumps on him about this but he is going to where the strength of this country really is. I remember a few years ago Bush was also doing the same thing before he made his bid. He teamed with T.D. Jakes for his Vision 2000 program. In New York Hilary Clinton made a number of appearances at Black Churches especially Allen in Jamaica, NY, First Bethel and Metropolitan AME in Harlem to name a few. She made an appearance at our Annual Conference this past may along with H. Carl McCall. We have a strong voting power that is why all of the candidates are doing their best to get us out to vote. I received taped calls from President Clinton and just about every other Democratic leader her in New York. I have been a registered voter for the past 10 years(I'm 28) and I have always counted it a privalege to be part of the process. I urge everyone today to email and call everyone you know to vote because we must be part of the process and not a victim of the process. When you look at history the entire period after reconstruction when things turned the worst we were victims of the process because we were sold out for votes. Let us cast our votes and hold all elected officials responsible by writing and making them accountable to those who put them in office. We have the power first Spiritually and second Economically. Whatever your party, choice, or concern. VOTE! It is a right that many people died for.

-- Anonymous, November 07, 2000

Answers

I agree we need to go out and vote, not just as black people, but as the body of Christ. I voted early this morning. However, I didn't like the candidates visitation of the churches, black or otherwise. I think campaigning & the like has its place. The pulpit should only be used to spread the word of God. We must also remember, that as the body of Christ, we should vote for the candidate who echos our values & morals, but most importantly what lines up with God's word.

-- Anonymous, November 07, 2000

Pastor Jerome, it is always good to here your sage advice. And it is good to hear what is happening in NYC. I voted last week. Montana has a new law that says you can use an absentee ballot instead of going to the polls if you choose. The largest minority group in Montana are the Native Americans about 60,000 on eight reservations, and they tend to vote democrat. No matter what happens God is in control!!

-- Anonymous, November 07, 2000

The black vote has the potential to be powerful as you describe, but it is not powerful now. The democrat party can count on 75% of the black vote without spending any time, money or effort. When Gore realized that blacks were not going to vote at all, he went to a few major black churches, hugged the pastor for TV, watched the choir dance, sometimes he danced with the choir, pretended to be a preacher, sent Clinton to do the same and that is all that it took to get 90% of the black vote! QUESTION: How can a Christian support a candidate (Gore and Clinton) that favors giving women the choice to kill their babies through the third trimester of pregnancy for no other reason than it is inconvient to give birth to the baby? That question is not olny directed to the black Christians but to the white Christians as well. What possible bibical justification can we find for that practice? This nation will be judged by God and will be found wanting. The Church will be judged for not crying out against this practice. Where do you stand on this?

-- Anonymous, November 07, 2000

"How can a Christian support a candidate (Gore and Clinton) that favors giving women the choice to kill their babies through the third trimester of pregnancy for no other reason than it is inconvient to give birth to the baby?"

Good question, Mr. Paris. The answer is that a Christian should be able to....

-- Anonymous, November 07, 2000

My apologies....

A Christian SHOULDN't have the conscience to vote for someone you described.

-- Anonymous, November 07, 2000

The same can be said about supporting a candidate who is in favor of the death penalty. That is why it is important to vote and let your voice be heard. We as christians cannot seperate ourselves from the political process. Jesus was caught in the political process. He was taken from Pilate to Herod and back to Pilate. Two politicians looking for the favor of the Romans and the people. Pilates exposure to Jesus not only changes his wife but himself. The matter is that we have the power to create change on a social level, economic, and spiritual level. Voting should be a primary concern because it was here in NYC when we blacks stayed home that we now have a monster as our Mayor. We did not exercise our voting power. As I watched BET the other night and I saw Rev. Jackson and Bobby Jones discussing the Democratric Party I could only wonder "what if Ron Brown were still alive?" His presence in the Democratic party had a major impact on policy making. Without Brown Clinton would not of had the support and insight that he used to stay for 8 years. Brown was Secretary of Commerce. If Brown had lived perhaps he would be the Vice Presidential candidate or dare I say Presidential. We have a power that is hidden under a bushel. The light we hide can't be seen. Christians let's use our lights to shine upon all of the houses(White House & House of Representatives) To vote is to use your voice. Like James Brown once sang, "say it Loud, I'm Black and I'm proud!" Vote and show that Selma, Jackson, and Montgomery were not in vain.

-- Anonymous, November 07, 2000

Bro. Stembridge's speculation about Ron brown is an interesting one. Brown may have been the only African-American from the first administration fully above scandal ( Espy, O'Leary, Herman - later acquitted, I believe). In addition to his significant and positve role at Commerce in the first 4 years, Ron may well have been a candidate to succeed Reno as AG in the second 4, moving from the Second Tier Cabinet to the Inner Cabinet.

As to whether he'd be a candidate in 2000, I find that unlikely.A quick perusal of the teams in the last 50 years reveals some blending of regions or factions on the national ticket. Ron's perceived liberal leanings would have left Gore defending the conservatives from a very Centrist position. The trend since Lyndon Johnson has been toward the center. (i'd do a list, but I'm tired).

Now if Gore were to lose in 2000, I could easily have seen Ron emerging in the national picture in 2004, or possibly in a Congressional seat in 2002.

-- Anonymous, November 07, 2000

We should also all know not to vote along political lines, but prayerfully vote on the responses to the issues plaguing this nation today.

-- Anonymous, November 07, 2000

In a perfect world filled with Christians,we wouldn't have to discuss abortion. The truth is people have always gotten abortions. The rich were able to go the the doctor and the poor were doing it illegally and many were dying because of it. I could be wrong about this, but I believe we find so many democratic politicians for women's right to have abortions, because they were trying to protect many of the poor, who have been having the procedure done illegally and dying. It's a legal situation now. And because it is, the politicians, feel they have an obligation to protect the rights of all people.

It's a subject that should cause Christians to be concern. But it is a method behind the madness as why it is being brought up at this time.

Someone mentioned it's funny how those who say they are against it are usually for capital punishment. What class of people are sentenced to death? If these politicians who are for capital punishment and against women's rights to have an abortion, have their way, in the long run, what class of people will be most effected by their decision-making.

It is definitely prayer time. We need to use wisdom in all things.

-- Anonymous, November 07, 2000

I think that when a nation passes a law that allows abortion for any reason, it is different from an individual choosing to abort. The nation has a responsibility to lead its citizens toward God (in spite of what our government says). We have national guilt as well as individual guilt. Just as God judged Israel and allowed them to be taken into captivity, He will do the same to the nation that I love and offered my life for from Korea to Viet Nam. I'd like to leave my children and my children's children a nation better than it was when I received it. The death penalty for criminals cannot be compared to killing innocent babies. The criminals are guilty of murder plus in Texas. I consider abortion a HATE crime. Somewhere in the millions that have been aborted since Roe vs Wade may lie the person that would have developed a cure for AIDS, Heart Disease, Cancer, etc. I can see God now saying to us as we pray for a healing: "I sent you a healer for [AIDS,you fill in the blank, etc.], called him/her while they were still in the womb, and you aborted them before they could be born!"

-- Anonymous, November 07, 2000

I may be the only African-American Republican minister in this forum, but I will not be partisan in my comments. I understand the issues surrounding both candaidates and indeed both are questionable. Abortion support should be thoroughly opposed by any Christian or moral person for that matter. The death penalty seems to have gained popularity since G.W. Bush's tenure as governor of Texas and I must agree with many that the rate in that state is by far to high, but at hte same time very necessary. The Democratic Party has long courted the Black church. We had the candidate running for the 4th District in Arkansas in our service Sunday and President Clinton here in Pine Bluff,AR for a rally later that day. They (White Democrats in general)realize that all it takes to persuade many of us is a very emotional, persuasional speech that appeals to both our needs and their wants. That coupled with good gospel music, charasmatic singing, testifying, and handshaking, they will get elected. It doesn't matter whether they accept PAC money, whether they lie, or whether support issues Blacks really disagree with, they will still pull a large majority of the Black vote. The only thing that differentiates this election from those of old is that now the Democrats really have to fight for the Black vote because it is not falling into their hands.

-- Anonymous, November 07, 2000

You are not alone. I, too, am a minister republician, and black. I don't vote a straight ticket--I vote my convictions as to who is the best candidate for the country/state/office. I believe that the interests of the nation supersede and cross racial boundaries. The same for state and almost any office. Sure, in some positions, race such as electing a black person in a predominantly black area serving certain segments of the public may be appropriate, but not necessary. During my time in the military, I supervised and was supervised by both black and white troops. The military is a fine example of how integration ought to bve in this country. Not perfect, however much better than the general public. Blessings Pastor Paris

-- Anonymous, November 08, 2000

If ever there was a day to be proud to be in a democratic system, Tuesday, Nov. 7 was the day. For months the pundits and the candidates have touted how close this election would be. I don't believe any of them could have imagined this.

Throughout the evening the networks bombarded us with the historical parallels - the Burr/Jefferson decision thrown into the House, the close races of 1876, 1888, 1960, 1968, 1976. But this one day stands as a monument to the Power of the People.

What was only being realized after the false starts, false calls, and false conclusions was the significance of Bob and Mary, Shamika and Jamal. Each of us who is a registered voter had the power to make a difference, not only Tuesday, but for the next four years.

Consider the remaining question mark: Florida. At last check, and depending on the network you were watching, the difference in the two candidates was as narrow as 234 or as wide as 1210. Suppose it ends up closer to the former. That means that any moderate-sized congregation that had not turned out 100% of its vote might have made the difference. Did all our members from Bethel Miami vote? Bethel Tallahassee? St. Mark in Orlando? Not only could our individual votes make a difference, but our collective commitment could have made a difference.

Bro. Stembridge rightly referred to the blood that was shed to make last night's signficiance possible. From the time of Crispus Attucks and the Revolutionary War to the victorious marches on Selma, Montgomery, Washington, and other places in the Civil Rights movement, the sacrifice of those that have gone before us was nearly made worthy on Tuesday.

For those of you who exercised your highest responsibility in a democracy, I commend you. For those who felt their vote wouldn't make a difference, perhaps this day will help you understand that in the voting booth you are just as important as Bill Clinton, Al Gore, or George Bush. Don't let future opportunties pass you by. Remember this Tuesday, and commit for yourselves and your descendants to always carry out the solemn task that falls on each of us.

-- Anonymous, November 08, 2000

Jerryl, As usual crisp, well-reasoned commentary. Speaking as one member of Bethel AME Tallahassee both my wife and I voted. The real anomaly however is why the percent of national eligible voters was only 52-53% for this general election. This figure was actually down from the '96 turnout of 55%. You would think with all the pre-election hype, turnout would've been at least 10-15 percentage points higher. All of the post-election whinning about alledged electoral malfeasance and misconduct in FL would be moot if more people participated. But, voting is still a choice in the US compared to other countries around the world where it is mandatory. Therefore, if people choose not to vote they are simply exercising their right to be disenfranchised. While I agree that choosing to vote signals responsible civic duty, I would be somewhat temperate to suggest it is the highest form of civic responsibility. IMHO, the highest form of civic responsibility is military service.

-- Anonymous, November 08, 2000

Bill, good point on the military, and arguably correct. I can defer to military service, putting one's life on the line in the defense of "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness." 55% is rather low. Thanks for providing the number. I was looking at the national totals (49M each) and thinking, "Gee, aren't there more than 100M registered voters in this country?"

Tuesday should be a cornerstone lesson, though, to every Lay Organization within African Methodism, or every local Social Action Commission. We must move beyond Acceptance of Disenfranchisement to full exercise of our constitutional rights.

-- Anonymous, November 08, 2000

This is response rather we should support those candidates who support abortion. Unfortunately politics can be like a demon. It can be very deceiving with an ultimate purpose to destroy. We as the people of God must not look at politics in the same limited parameters as the world. As if it was our savior. The demon of politics would chose an issue, just that it could deceive many and but ultimately bring death! Concerning issues like abortion, the church must have the mindsets that we can cause a change in our world. This change must transcend our government! Sure, we would rather have a leader that opposes this. Yet, we have to see the bigger picture. What difference is going to make if one says they are pro-life, but then they destroy people by oppressing them? The devil is liar! The enemy would say he loves you, but really he wants to destroy you. I think we must have discerning eyes when making our decisions in order to see what the ultimate end will be. Yet still pray for the President. Peace and Blessings

Aaron Johnson

-- Anonymous, November 08, 2000

As I was watching CNN last evening and they had a focus group of individuals who were from Florida remarking about the election that took place and the confusing ballot. I pulled my copy of "Shades of Freedom", by A. Leon Higginbotham. I opened to the chapter on the election between Samuel J. Tilden(Democrat) & Rutherford B. Hayes (Republican). This election draws a large number of comparrisons. Like that election we are caught in the crosshairs of both parties. In the Tilden/Hayes election, Hayes made a deal with the Southerners to withdraw federal troops and allow states to enforce the laws, this ended reconstruction. Each party wants to win the election but the question is what compromises will be made and how will we be affected. At stake in this election for blacks is federal funding for education, minimum wage increase, marriage tax relief, HUD programs, medicare, social security, and jobs. African Americans were urged to get out and vote but what happens to us as a result of what is transpiring now? Who is the real winner? or is the headline for the national newspapers to read "Either Way African Americans lose yet AGAIN!"

-- Anonymous, November 10, 2000

Being an historian this is an exciting time to be alive. I have been talking about this election with the young people I work with and they are excited for the first time they see the importance of every vote. If nothing else I think this election will encourage young people to get out and vote the next time. I too have been watching CNN and was very proud to see African-Americans in west palm beach at a rally with Jesse Jackson and voicing their dissatifaction with the results of the election. I was sharing with my daughter a story she did not remember. 20 years ago when I was a jazz singer I performed in a jazz club in west palm beach. My daughter had a severe asthma attack and since we were staying in a hotel in palm beach I took her to a hospital in Palm Beach my daughter was 3 years old, and they refused to treat her because we were black. They told me to take her to the colored hospital. My daughter said "mom that was twenty years ago, things have changed." But when I listened to stories of how Black people were told they could not vote when they were in line after a certain hour. (the law says if you are already in line you can vote) and when blacks questioned the look of the ballot they were turned away. Things have not changed in Palm Beach. But I am proud that African Americans are saying we are not going to be treated this way. We have fought hard to get the right to vote in this country. People have lost their lives so that we can vote. We have passed every ridiculous test thrown our way so that we can vote. I say to our sisters and brothers press on! But as christians let us remember God runs this world.!!

-- Anonymous, November 10, 2000

Rev. Rogers, May I respectfully disagree with you. You see both the Democrats and Republicians are putting what they call "spin" on this to get what they want. The news media are aware of this spin and contribute to it by placing emphasis based on their bias. So you have to try to understand what they mean rather than what they say.

-- Anonymous, November 11, 2000

The media has and will probably always be biased when conveying information. There has been a lot a talk about the campaign, as it will assuredly go down in history. Things have not changed as far as the media is concerned, but it is rather good to know that blacks are standing together and not accepting unfair treatment.

What will be the outcome? I don't know, but I'm thankful that God does. And with him it is a story already told. Isn't it good to be on the Lord's side. Love, Carmen

-- Anonymous, November 17, 2000