Florida

New Black Republicans Coming to D.C.

Newly elected Black republican members of Congress should not feel obligated to join the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC). I do, however, think they should join the CBC to diversify the ideas offered by the group. Representative-Elect Tim Scott of South Carolina, a Black republican, has declined to join the group. While I understand that he is committed to themes that unite us regardless of our race, he is missing a golden opportunity to have republican ideas and ideals gain more exposure in the Black community. If Black republicans are really serious about bringing more Black people into the Republican Party, then they are going to have to join the most identifiably Black presence in Washington, D.C.—the CBC. I’m not questioning Representative-Elect Tim Scott’s passion for ameliorating the lives of Black people, but I am asserting that he is hurting his party by not recognizing his potential to recruit more Blacks into the Republican Party by joining the CBC. Representative-Elect Allen West of Florida, a Black republican, has decided to join the CBC. He is looking forward to challenging the ideas and policies of the members of the CBC. In the end, Allen West will be the more visible and more valuable person for the Republican Party’s efforts to recruit more Black voters.

It would not surprise me to see these two men, especially Allen West, become very prominent members in the Republican Party. They may even be successful one day in gaining the Republican Party’s nomination to become President. With the Republican Party increasingly becoming a more conservative party, these Black men have arrived at the right time to gain prominence in the party. They are both very fiscally and socially conservative. Although I want these two Black men to be successful members of the Republican Party, I don’t ever want them to forget that they are Black. I don’t ever want them to feel like they have to surrender their “blackness” to appease any member of the Republican Party. I am not saying that there are currently people in the Republican Party who will attempt to make them relinquish their blackness, but I just hope that if any people like this surface they will strongly resist their efforts.

Even though many Black democrats and liberals will not like these men simply because they are conservatives and republicans, I greatly encourage them to give these men a fair chance. You should wait until they gain a voting record before negatively criticizing them. I also encourage you to wait until they write, co-sponsor, and/or support legislation (as members of Congress) that you oppose before negatively criticizing them.

I hope that Tim Scott and Allen West will not feel like they have to be the chief attack dogs on President Obama simply because they are Black. If they feel passionate about criticizing President Obama, and this criticism genuinely comes from their deepest convictions, then I think they should vociferously promulgate their disagreements with him.

I congratulate Tim Scott and Allen West on their recent election victories to become two new Black members of Congress.

Antonio Maurice Daniels

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Proud of the Performance of the Arkansas Razorbacks against Alabama

On Saturday, the Arkansas Razorbacks performed tremendously well against top-ranked Alabama. Until the 4th quarter, Arkansas really dominated the game. In the 4th quarter, Alabama was able to control the time of possession so well that it did not leave the Arkansas offense many opportunities to get on the field. Ryan Mallett had an outstanding game, but he did have a few costly interceptions. He is not the reason that Arkansas lost the game. Arkansas did not lose the game because of its defense. Everyone played tremendously well. The Arkansas Razorbacks lost the game because Alabama dominated the 4th quarter—the quarter that you have to win the game in.

The Arkansas players have nothing to hang their heads about. I have to be honest—I did not think that Arkansas could match Alabama’s physicality, but they certainly proved me wrong. Now, I knew Arkansas was more talented than Alabama and that talent proved to help them against Alabama, but Arkansas just did not perform well in the 4th quarter. The Razorbacks will need to improve how they perform in the 4th quarter of games if they want to win all of the remaining games on the schedule. I certainly believe that they are going to win the rest of the games on the schedule. Although the Razorbacks will need some help from some other teams in the SEC, they can still win the SEC Championship and play in the national championship game.

I would like to thank the Arkansas Razorback fans for how supportive and Hog Wild they were at the game. Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium had its largest crowd ever. Arkansas fans, I know that the players appreciated your great support and your support will be needed for the remainder of the season. Continue to give our great Razorbacks your super support! Go to road games and let them know you really support them. The Arkansas Razorbacks are going to do some special things this year!

I heard some people really trying to downplay how great of a program Arkansas is—saying that we are not in the same class with Alabama, Georgia, LSU, and Florida, but I would like you to know that Arkansas has won a national championship before in football. Arkansas is 4th all-time in overall total number of national championships. Arkansas has outstanding academics and tremendous facilities. Fayetteville, Arkansas is one of the most pleasant places to live and with some of the nicest people you can find in America. Please don’t try to downplay the value of the University of Arkansas! Arkansas is a Tradition like none other!

I would like to congratulate Alabama on defeating Arkansas. You certainly beat what I think is the best team in the nation. You were simply the better team on Saturday. I take my hat off to you for overcoming great adversity to find a way to win on Saturday. Arkansas is the best team you will face all year. This Saturday Alabama will have to face Florida and things are not going to be easy for you. Next, Alabama will face South Carolina in Columbia, South Carolina. As we all know, going on the road in the SEC is always tough. Plus, having to deal with the Old Ball Coach, Steve Spurrier, is not any fun.

Finally, I would like to congratulate the Arkansas Razorbacks’ Special Teams—you performed wonderfully against Alabama. Keep up the good work! Good job, Arkansas defense! Keep playing hard and improving!

In closing, I would just like to tell the Arkansas players to get over this tough loss because it is not the end of the world. Go out and win the SEC and win the national championship! Keep fighting!

Antonio Maurice Daniels

University of Wisconsin-Madison