[starbase]

[We need to capitalize on this big time and roll out the red carpet for them! This will give us a chance for a permanent Conservative makeover for America. ]

Only when it becomes a class thing, and not a race thing, will we reach our goal.

Could you elaborate on what you mean, such as on who is holding what view, in your opinion, and how that's being shown?

Thanks.

[caryatid]

Certainly, starbase, I can explain what I mean by my post ... but cannot pre-determine whether or not it fits with what you are thinking, or what view anyone else is holding and/or how anything is being "shown?.

By "class thing" I mean that the day will come when blacks and whites of the middle class will become united by commonly held political beliefs, will share socioeconomic similarities, and will want the same things: good schools, safe neighborhoods, lower taxes, smaller government, honest politicians, a self-reliant population and a ratcheting down of the entitlements for those who choose not to work.

We should encourage anyone who shares our values to join us to work toward mutual ideals and goals. Only then will we become an homogeneous party ... as race/color will be irrelevant to those things. We should encourage black participation in the political process ... and we should support [as I think we already do] worthwhile black candidates for office. I am encouraged by the quality of some of the black politicians I see now ... Blackwell in Ohio and Steele in Maryland come immediately to mind but they are certainly not the only ones.

Just "rolling out the red carpet" and shouting "Y'all come on over" ... just to increase the black membership in the GOP ... will not necessarily accomplish the same thing.

Please let me know if you understand my distinction between class and race and please let me know if you agree that the distinction will be key in progressing beyond the point where we are now. I would really like your opinion.