Oftentimes the very people that call for purity in DC politics do so not because that is really what they want. In most cases, they simply want their piece of the action.
I personally do not have a problem with folks getting their groove on from time to time as all of us need that from time to time. However, when everything you say up until the DJ drops the first track suggests that Black folks are about to fall into non-existence–thanks to the economy, it makes me wonder about your seriousness sometimes.
“It’s a Beltway Freaknic…” writes Jenée Desmond-Harris for theroot.com. Here is more of what she had to say about the recent Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s Annual Legislative Conference.
“Designed to advance the CBC’s mission to develop leaders, inform public policy and educate the public, the event includes dozens of forums addressing issues of interest to the black community. But for the young, professional target audience of the conference’s Emerging Leaders Series track, the highest-priority theme is not always “creating a progressive black agenda for the 21st century.” Instead, as a jaded lobbyist friend put it, much of our enthusiasm is for ‘partying with people in suits.’
I have a girlfriend who claims the pretentious atmosphere of CBC Weekend socializing “inspires unparalleled levels of douchebaggery,” and is planning to hide out in northern Virginia. But I’m not in a position to take part in the condescension. There’s a thread stacking up in my Gmail account right now, in which four friends are coordinating attendance at receptions of all varieties — welcome, networking, red carpet, anniversary, women-only (probably not gonna happen), cigar and cognac — over the next few days.”
She later writes~
“Still, I worry that for my peers and me, party priorities during CBC Weekend reflect all that’s left of involvement in political, civic and social issues. Stripped of the built-in opportunities for activism and involvement that school provided, we’re still willing to participate … but only if it involves a little black dress, champagne or the virtual equivalent (like a celebratory, “That’s my president!” post after a moving speech, or a hot picture of the first couple after a state dinner).”
Blogger Kym Alston also was in attendance this weekend.
“First, lemme say that I only attended one CBC-sponsored event and that was a party (Heyyyy!) But as I looked around at the beautiful, well-heeled, superbly educated black folk sipping expensive cocktails and eating overpriced rubber chicken, it occurred to me that the difference in buying power between poor and middle class black folk has polemically displaced the folk who are caucusin’ from the folk who are strugglin‘. So, what the hell is the purpose of this conference again? After all, shouldn’t the plight of strugglin’ black folk in America be at the top of the agenda for the CBC? That would make sense to me but I didn’t see any poor black folk in the room. C’mon! There’s an endless supply of poor black people in D.C. – seems to me, with those kinda numbers, it would be harder to keep ‘em out then get ‘em in.”
She later wrote “So, the whole thing just seemed like a masturbatory exercise designed for the black middle class to showcase not only our own perceived success but also our continued willingness to push black dollars out of our own communities where they are sorely needed. How very liberal indeed.”
Now this same organization was blasted for spending more for catering than on scholarships, at least two members accused of diverting funds to family members. But this weekend, none of that really mattered. It was partytime.
No need to get angry. They will simply be re-elected.
Right, Charlie?
We Finally Got A Piece Of The Piiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiie
by Duane on September 21st, 2010 at 1:40 pmOftentimes the very people that call for purity in DC politics do so not because that is really what they want. In most cases, they simply want their piece of the action.
I personally do not have a problem with folks getting their groove on from time to time as all of us need that from time to time. However, when everything you say up until the DJ drops the first track suggests that Black folks are about to fall into non-existence–thanks to the economy, it makes me wonder about your seriousness sometimes.
“It’s a Beltway Freaknic…” writes Jenée Desmond-Harris for theroot.com. Here is more of what she had to say about the recent Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s Annual Legislative Conference.
She later writes~
Blogger Kym Alston also was in attendance this weekend.
She later wrote “So, the whole thing just seemed like a masturbatory exercise designed for the black middle class to showcase not only our own perceived success but also our continued willingness to push black dollars out of our own communities where they are sorely needed. How very liberal indeed.”
Now this same organization was blasted for spending more for catering than on scholarships, at least two members accused of diverting funds to family members. But this weekend, none of that really mattered. It was partytime.
No need to get angry. They will simply be re-elected.
Right, Charlie?