The Coming Power Struggle
Barack Obama's election to the presidency has delighted blacks and Hispanics alike. The two largest minority groups are celebrating a new era in America politics. Blacks are obviously joyful that the doors of access to the highest level of American politics have suddenly swung open. There have been discussions about black power brokers who have been on the fringes of political power now having an opportunity to sit at the big table.
The X factor in this new political landscape- Hispanics- now the largest minority group in America turned out ten million strong to vote for Obama. Hispanics are expected to project even greater political leverage in the coming years which has not gone unnoticed by them or the Democrats. They are certainly looking for a return on that ten million vote investment. The Democrats will certainly attempt to exploit that voting block in order to maintain a firm grip on power in the coming decade. The question is what will Hispanics want in return? They will no doubt want to see a few Latino faces in the Obama administration- which is exactly what African Americans want. The Democrats have romanced the black vote for over 40 years with promises of jobs, education and support for affirmative action. Hispanics, who have largely voted Republican in past elections- were successfully wrestled away from the GOP camp during this election cycle.
I predict that this will result in a power struggle between African Americans and Hispanics who each see Obama's election as a chance to grab a piece of the political power grid. There has been brewing tension between the two groups for years with regard to competition for jobs and illegal immigration. Obama is in the precarious position of having only one Hispanic in serious consideration for a high level cabinet post- Governor Bill Richardson of New Mexico who is in line for Secretary of State. If the job goes to Hillary Clinton as rumored, this won't be well received in the Latino street-which could seriously damage Baracks re-election bid if he chooses to run in 2012.
I realize that I'm a bit contrarian in this view, however I don't share the euphoria about this historic event. On the one hand, it proves to those that still maintain a sense of victimization that success can be achieved in America in spite ones race, ethnicity or religion. I am however, fearful that an Obama presidency has signaled a shift toward a major class and ethnic war in America. There is a large segment of our country that wants "payback" in order to gain some measure of revenge against what they perceive as a country that is still racially and gender oppressive. They are fighting antiquated battles from the 1960's of race, class and womens rights. I will remain cautiously optimistic that my country will come to its senses and think as John McCain's campaign slogan reads , Country first, not race or ethnicity first.
The X factor in this new political landscape- Hispanics- now the largest minority group in America turned out ten million strong to vote for Obama. Hispanics are expected to project even greater political leverage in the coming years which has not gone unnoticed by them or the Democrats. They are certainly looking for a return on that ten million vote investment. The Democrats will certainly attempt to exploit that voting block in order to maintain a firm grip on power in the coming decade. The question is what will Hispanics want in return? They will no doubt want to see a few Latino faces in the Obama administration- which is exactly what African Americans want. The Democrats have romanced the black vote for over 40 years with promises of jobs, education and support for affirmative action. Hispanics, who have largely voted Republican in past elections- were successfully wrestled away from the GOP camp during this election cycle.
I predict that this will result in a power struggle between African Americans and Hispanics who each see Obama's election as a chance to grab a piece of the political power grid. There has been brewing tension between the two groups for years with regard to competition for jobs and illegal immigration. Obama is in the precarious position of having only one Hispanic in serious consideration for a high level cabinet post- Governor Bill Richardson of New Mexico who is in line for Secretary of State. If the job goes to Hillary Clinton as rumored, this won't be well received in the Latino street-which could seriously damage Baracks re-election bid if he chooses to run in 2012.
I realize that I'm a bit contrarian in this view, however I don't share the euphoria about this historic event. On the one hand, it proves to those that still maintain a sense of victimization that success can be achieved in America in spite ones race, ethnicity or religion. I am however, fearful that an Obama presidency has signaled a shift toward a major class and ethnic war in America. There is a large segment of our country that wants "payback" in order to gain some measure of revenge against what they perceive as a country that is still racially and gender oppressive. They are fighting antiquated battles from the 1960's of race, class and womens rights. I will remain cautiously optimistic that my country will come to its senses and think as John McCain's campaign slogan reads , Country first, not race or ethnicity first.
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