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Press Release/Position Statement
-From the desk of the Candidate-
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
40 years after his death of Martin Luther King, it is hard to imagine that, had he lived, he would be smiling. More likely, the crushing realities of continued division, economic disparity, and cultural regression would foster tears of frustration. As we celebrate this man’s birthday, we might do well to take a moment to reflect on the realities of race in America today. For some thirty years prior to the “war on poverty”, prosperity for blacks in America was growing at unprecedented rates. The family unit, a dedication to church and community, and a strong work ethic were foundations for success that required no special legislation or government “we are here to help you” programs. Blacks in America were reaching for their dream with their own hands – and by all objective measures succeeding. The sixties brought a parade of entitlement initiatives, civil rights legislation, and culture vultures that have since framed race relations in America for the better part of 40 years. The previous march of progress was arrested and reversed. There are few facts to suggest that America’s black culture has benefitted from abandoning family, church, and King’s “We Shall Overcome” call for personal responsibility for the hollow promises of liberal socialism. There are some measures of progress. Although the benefits have not met expectations, we have integrated our schools. The average person is no longer indifferent to the harms of racism and the “N” word has faded from the lips of most people of conscience. Unfortunately, that hurtful term has been replaced with another descriptor “African American” which, though intended to uplift, has more realistically fed the racial divide. Some of the biggest racists in America today are those who advocate a permanent victim status for black members of our society. Unfortunately, one cannot be equal and at the same time a victim. Those who riding the coat tails of past harms are in essence stealing from those who really suffered. Artificially created victims are usually angry and angry people tend to surrender their dignity, identity, and accountability – none of which is conducive to a future of hope. The true legacy of Martin Luther King is a call for an equal shot at the vision our founding fathers created in the Constitution and what I call the American Success Equation – liberty, opportunity, and responsibility. It can be argued that his dream for black Americans has been subverted in recent decades and replaced with hollow celebrations that mock Dr. King’s authentic values, goals, and sacrifice. To honor Martin Luther King this year, I have made a personal commitment to do something real. I will not be marching or sitting in an auditorium listening to another victim advocate tell me why America has a debt to our black citizens. Instead, I am going to permanently lay aside the term “African-American”. Going forward I am going to take the position that people are simply Americans and work quietly to assure that the promise of America has no filter for color. Unless I am mistaken, that was MLK’s real dream.
Carl Mumpower
11th District Republican Congressional Candidate
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