What happens when two Black iconic activist go at it head-to-head on national tv? The black blogger news gets to buzzin', positioning two important voices against one another, like Tupac vs. Biggie. Both are relevant and important so why do we have to choose a side?
Dr. Cornel West and Rev. Al Sharpton where featured on Ed Schultz's, "The Black Agenda" expose'. The program focused on how current government policies, particularly those enacted under President Obama's administration, can make a stronger America from the perspective of the Black discourse. A couple of questions that initiated this spirited debate, 'is the President actively working to relieve the plight of the poor?' and 'what exact policies has he initiated to that resolve?'
Rev. Al held in support of the President. Dr. West charged him accountable for helping the poor and called into question his effectiveness. Critiquing policies of a Commander-in-Chief isn't a new phenomena (God knows Black folk gave George W. the blues) African-Americans have long questioned the actions of past presidents and their commitments to resolving poverty.
President Obama brings the Black narrative to the office of the President. A narrative rich in the tradition of championing those who are at the bottom of America's 'pot'. Black folk have an instant connection with him like a 2nd cousin or even better...like Will & Jada...as if we know either of them. But because of our shared experiences, our ebonic connections, there is a bond we have with our President and a measure of support and loyalty expected in return.
Dr. West has long questioned President Obama's commitment to the poor even before he was President. During Obama's campaign, West expressed nervousness because he was only hearing Obama's discourse on the middle class and nothing referring the poor. During the "Black Agenda" program, Dr. West continued to question this lack of discourse and policy coming from the Oval Office.
Rev. Al, another advocate for the poor and vulnerable, has maintained his same view of Obama pre-election as well. Rev. Al had frequently commented that Obama is not a civil rights activist, he is a politician and should not be expected to maintain an activist level of social commitment. During the program he put the onus on Congress to initiate and push policy for the poor that could later be signed by the President.
As they debated and shouted across Ed Schultz, like two 'brothas' arguing whose better Jordan or Kobe, the logic and reasoning began to be difficult to decipher over the heated exchanges. The show ended on a adversarial note, without conclusion or a bridging of positions. Leaving viewers wondering if the conversation had moved from an intelligent debate to a personal confrontation.
How most of us should have viewed this and future debates, is remembering the importance of keeping the best interest of the people the priority. Rev. Al has been committed to the work of service for decades. Dr. West has been a leader, mentor and advocate for our community for the same. Both have love, desire and an earnest will to uplift those who are being left behind. Both warriors in the Jihad against poverty, crime, poor education and all inequities that plague poor communities. Both have the same objectives and goals just a difference in achievement.
Different roads can be taken to get to the same destination. How we get there shouldn't become the focus and blur the vision for our future. Sharpton and West had a difference but both desire the same end. So let's not get confused over some entertaining antics and heated discourse. The upliftment of a people is important business and will take warriors on all roads to get us to our destination...including the warrior sitting in the Oval Office.
