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Volume 3 Issue 45… Dedicated to the Dialogue on Race… November 17, 2000

Note: The DISH is based on themes from T.H.I.N.C. (Teaching Humanity In New Consciousness): The Chrysalis of Evolution. According to the President's Initiative on Race, "The issues that this book brings to the forefront are important in our efforts to achieve the goals set forth by the President for the Initiative. This work will serve as a solid resource for us as we begin to examine these critical issues." For your copy of T.H.I.N.C., The DISH or to submit comments, contact ICIM, Inc. at (404) 244-6023 or email us at icim@bellsouth.net. The DISH © 2000

Living in a democratic country does not mean democracy. Freedom to choose among different parties to select a national leader is not democracy. Whether or not the choices made represent the choosers bears the weight of self-determination. What or whom a country represents is the sum of it disparate parts. Their collective interest is what is in the "best interest of a country."

Snidely, George W. Bush, Jr. demands, "for the good of the country," Vice President Albert Gore should accept an obviously flawed outcome without examining the flaws. How does not examining facts about thousands of disenfranchised Florida voters serve the people’s best interest? America is a Republic, not a democracy. This means citizens vote in presidential elections but their votes do not elect the President. The founding fathers did not trust the people with such awesome power.

White men wrote the Constitution. They believed important business like choosing a leader must be reserved for the privileged, like themselves. These white men felt representation should be determined by property not citizenship. Therefore, the Constitution is designed so the masses vote for people they do not select, who then vote for the President. A minor point for some because they can vote, this is the built in inequality of Article 1 Section 2 of the Constitution. The Great Compromise made white men of property better than everyone else. They run everything, and the system is rigged to maintain this advantage. Amendments allowed others to vote, but the basic concept remained intact as symbolized by the Electoral College.

Slaves were not even considered human beings by the founding father. They were property owned by those privileged individuals who wrote the Constitution. Direct election of the President by individuals, rather than states, would mean true equality. The problem with that is, if everyone’s vote counted the same, those suggesting it would hurt the country would lose power. Campaign 2000 has shown Presidential candidates pick and chose which states are worth their effort, based on electoral votes. Consequently, winning states determine who becomes President. If each vote counted the same, they would have to campaign everywhere for votes. Presently, candidates campaign to white folks and ignore the poor, the powerless, slave descendants and other minorities.

The situation in Palm Beach County, Florida is not about Al Gore or George W. Bush, Jr.; it is about the people who tried to vote but due to no fault of their own could not access America’s so called "democratic process." Getting the right answer regarding who becomes President is not the major issue. The question is did the ballot design favor certain voters, in effect, discriminating against some minority (the visually challenged, uneducated, those who experience anxiety in test situations, etc.), thereby placing an undue burden on some voters to guess about their choice. As in previous elections, if the problems experienced by voters in South Florida are not examined before the decision is known, the problems will be swept under the rug and the next election 50,000 voters may be disenfranchised.

If former President Jimmy Carter monitored an election in a third world nation and thirty thousand ballots were thrown out because of a confusing ballot in a state where the winner’s brother is governor, he would declare election fraud. Campaigning, George Jr. claimed, "I trust the people." Now, he is in Court fighting the people, saying, "I trust the machines." This is truly scary in a democratic country. John 2000

CNN’s Inside Politics co-host Bernard Shaw is quitting. Unlike the news that Viacom purchased BET (Black Entertainment Television), Bernie’s resignation is good news. It could signal positive change on the horizon.

Though the announcement caught some fans by surprise, insiders knew his days were numbered. According to them, he was gone the moment he asked Dick Cheney about racial profiling during the vice-presidential debate. Like a torn curtain or the screech of chalk across a blackboard, Bernie asked Cheney how he would feel were he a profiled African American. Uncovered in mainstream media, Bernie’s question about being black did not fit the one-mind script.

How Shaw stayed so long at CNN is a mystery. Even sponsored blacks grow weary of one-mind dribble. If he possesses any backbone, Bernie is sorely tired of biting his tongue to prevent voicing an informed opinion.

Like other media, CNN spent the better part of two years keeping the lid on Dubya’s "youthful indiscretions" and obvious lack of gravitas, a grave disservice to the country. Bernie knew his scripts gave Dubya a bye. He must have found it difficult to be silent and still consider himself intelligent and informed.

A work in progress (AWIP), Bernie is recasting himself by severing his CNN umbilical cord. Without this noose, Bernie may find his voice. We hope he becomes an activist in the struggle for equality. He has experiences to draw from to help define the issues. As a conscious mind with the power of one, his input is sorely needed. We pray he will enter the fray.

Disgruntled wants to know: Some African Americans on Chicago's City Council refuse to recite the pledge of allegiance to the U.S. flag to start council sessions. They contend its ending "with liberty and justice for all" is hypocritical. For them, the nation's history and their experiences make the pledge unfair. Can we blame them?

Disgruntled says: America is not a one-man, one-vote democracy. Americans can claim otherwise and many do, including some that should be more informed, such as media talking heads. However, with the spotlight on Florida, there is no disguising the truth.

Disgruntled feels: Robbed! When the networks announced Bush took Georgia, Yohannes and many others still stood in line to cast their ballots. Clearly, their votes did not matter. Democrats stole Georgia for Dubya.

The Dark Knight-Batman/White Ninja/Zorro was caught red-handed in a complete fabrication. Like any good liar, the Dark One/Ninja/Zorro said, "I lied, but I have a better story!"

The Carter Center - named after former President Jimmy Carter- monitors worldwide elections "to promote democratic government." His presence assures the people's voice is heard in the selection of the country’s chief executive. Located in Atlanta, Georgia, the Center’s services are in great demand, according to press clippings.

Some observers wonder where were they during America’s election. America could have used some of those monitors the Carter Center sends to foreign countries. More than a need for election monitors, America’s nonwhite citizens should be given the same international consideration extended to third world countries. If one objectively examines the black American profile, it fits a third world nation. As a group, they exhibit similar disadvantages, such as lack of capital, access to health care and technology. An honest overview of election 2000 would find a strong case that America’s much vaulted one-man, one-vote system does not exist as a mechanism for changing their third world condition. There is a need for an impartial third party.

It is past time for a constitutional amendment to repeal Article 1 Section 2 and make all people equal, which is the presumed standard that America applies in judging other "democracies." Election 2000 shows America failed its own test. A Carter team of monitors should have been dispatched to American polling places. We should empower Americans before trying to do it in foreign nations. America needs election monitors more than anyone. The Carter Center should get involved, pro bono, of course! It is American election fraud.

To resolve the question of representation, the founding fathers struck a compromise to settle disputes between small-large and free-slave states. Delegates to the 1787 Constitutional Convention bickered through the summer. On July 16, 1787, the founders struck a Compromise. The Great or 3/5ths Compromise was based on a report developed by a committee of twelve delegates, one from each state, excluding Rhode Island, which had no Convention delegation.

The Compromise provided for a bicameral legislature. In the Lower House, House of Representatives, states were represented in proportion to their population. Large slave population states counted three-fifths of their slaves in determining representation and taxation. The three-fifth formula was based on the assumption that a slave, "in contributing his labor to the wealth of a state," was on the average three-fifths as productive as a freeman. In the Upper House or Senate, the Compromise provided that each state would have two members.

Obviously, America’s founders did not want majority rule. Only white male property owners could vote. Moreover, to select the country’s chief executive, they established the Electoral College.

For the world’s premier "democracy," the Electoral College is an anomaly. Generally, Americans harbor the misconception the United States is a democracy. However, the president is selected by electors, which are members of the Electoral College. Not an institution of higher learning, America’s Electoral College is composed of 538 electors; all 50 states have electors. The number for each state is equal to its congressional representation. They elect the President.

A direct outgrowth of the "Great Compromise," the Electoral College is outlined in Article 2 and the 12^th Amendment. The Electoral College system bypasses the popular vote of the people. Frustrating majority rule, America’s founders felt one-man, one-vote democracy meant mob rule; they sought to avoid it.

The resulting system sacrificed the very democratic principles on which the nation declared its freedom and independence from Great Britain. The Electoral College symbolizes this historic hypocrisy.

Georgia polls opened at 7 A.M. Georgia is in the midst of an historic drought, but when the polls opened, the sky did likewise to release just enough precipitation to discourage the undecided. Schools were closed in some counties. This holiday for schoolchildren created a hardship for working parents. Some employers gave workers the day off. With schools closed and some employees enjoying a holiday, traffic was lighter, making the commute less hectic for a rainy day.

Blacks voted in record numbers. Some people knew blacks exist in vast numbers well beyond what is reported by the Census Bureau. Election day proved it. Blacks, young, old and in-between showed up crowding polling places across the state and nation.

Blacks gave Gore a mandate to make one-man, one-vote a reality. They overwhelmingly supported him in every one of the states with large black populations. In Georgia, Democrats sent Zell Miller to the Senate. Democrats, mostly blacks, elected Roy Barnes as governor, on the heels of electing Miller for two terms in that office. For Bush to carry Georgia by double digits, white Democrats voted for Dubya in vast numbers. Otherwise, Bush did not take Georgia, at least not based on one-man, one-vote.

Congratulations Turnout 75% for a job well done. Participation reached new highs among certain voter groups and showed significant improvement among others. The DISH’s highest praise goes to slave descendants all over America for a tremendous response to our plea. Total black turnout is not possible to gauge because thousands of black voters went to vote but were denied access to polls for various reasons. Some with felony convictions wanted to vote but were prevented by discriminatory state laws. Still, others were given erroneous information about their registration or polling locations. For some, voting was like an obstacle course, only the very persistent successfully negotiated the many hurdles placed before voters. Braving long lines, rude poll officials, intimidating security guards, bad information, confusing ballots and threatening telephone calls or mail outs, we went to the polls big time. Even though we were robbed, black people made a difference. The DISH Salutes You!

By Yohannes

Praises are due to the ATL Vibe for weathering the storm. Venues have come and gone, yet the core remains strong. Shedding its skin, ATL spoken word has produced ten different weekly open mics. Constant prayer and meditation has seen us through the lean times. Now, we bask in a bountiful harvest.

I commend all the poets and lovers of the art for their faithful support of genuine efforts to develop local talent. In its second week, E.S.P. (Experimental Spoken-word Performance) further defined itself as a sanctuary for the arts. A place where we, not only commune and give testimony to the power of spoken word, but perform healing rituals to more effectively channel the will of the creator. Not bound by the material, the space we manifest is sacred, and I for one am awakening to my personal responsibility to build a stable foundation to spiritually ground all of our poetic endeavors.

Special thanks to Kamotion for bringing our attention to the young Black girl raped by 29 men. Also, specials thanks to Tamara for leading us in a prayer circle for the young and all those who have been raped. Remember, collectively we have the power to shape our own destiny. 

A recent DISH focus group discussed the media on black issues. The group felt black spokespersons did not speak to the role law and economics play in our socioeconomic and political condition. Therefore, they felt their issues were not represented in media coverage.

Despite this lack of coverage, blacks all across America are talking about slavery and reparations. Individuals are standing up and demanding their civil rights. This groundswell for change has lead to blacks working to limit the display of Confederate symbols, suing employers that maintain hostile work environments, demonstrating against profiling and police brutality, etc. Newly elected Senator Hillary Rodham-Clinton has voiced support for a constitutional amendment to eliminate the Electoral College. This is tacit support for the African American Equal Rights Amendment, which includes reparations.

Kudos to Hillary! Her assistance is welcomed. With her voice weighing in and our determination, African Americans can end the death penalty, racial profiling and socioeconomic and political inequality.

An attorney, Hillary’s voice gives our argument for repeal of Article 1 Section 2 gravitas. She has shown more backbone than most of those assuming leadership positions. It is time those who claim to be leaders follow Hillary’s lead and do something relevant. Amend the Constitution to repeal Article 1 Section 2, end the Electoral College and pay slave descendants reparations.

In this dream, special agents secured the street. Accompanied by two advisors, Vice President Al Gore knocked on my door and asked for my vote. Right before Gore showed up, the television networks declared Bush the winner in the race for the White House.

Gore, his advisors and I sat around the kitchen table lamenting the news. Even though he came too late to ask for my vote, I voted for Gore. In the middle of this revelation, as if by magic, cakes and other treats complete with servers appeared. Gore ate ravenously, while squirreling away treats for later. Embarrassed, his advisors- turned handlers -ushered him out the door.

What does this nightmare mean? With no known skills interpreting dreams, I feel deep in my soul, Gore did not want to ask black people for their votes. Like his major competitor - George W. Bush, Gore is a son of the South. He embraces white superiority. While campaigning, he shrilly promised, "I will fight for you!"

Blacks turned out in record numbers. Ninety-eight percent voted for Gore, not because we like Gore, but because he is the lesser of the two evils. We did not - do not - want Bush back in the White House. A second term as his son is no comfort; one strict constructionist is as bad as another. The fact that we do not have a Florida vote count is suspiciously like Richard Nixon’s CREEP. Remember their dirty tricks? Bush, the elder, is a by-product of that era of winning at any cost. A Bush Administration would make the nightmare of being robbed reality.

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