First, it is a great mistake to identify our political parties as the prime movers for social change in our country. Government of, by and for the people is the political reality of our very free country. Political parties are institutions of our national political apparatus. However, change takes place through the initiative of citizens. It is undeniably very hard work, which is why only the most committed will make a difference.
Consider the civil-rights movement, a major defining moment for change in the lives of Americans of every color. Black citizens, under the leadership of a brave and committed visionary, made this happen. Where would we be today if the approach had been waiting for political parties to take the leadership to initiate change?
Second, where are the ideas? The proposals for change that Gates discusses are different detailed programs for social engineering. But they all are based on the same idea _ that the way to improve the economic state of affairs of African-Americans is through government-administered programs. The professor leaves this premise unchallenged. Ironically, if there is anything that should be challenged, it is that social engineering will solve black problems. It never has and only has made our problems worse.
Several weeks ago, Gates conveyed in a column a discussion he had with White House National Security Adviser Condoleezza Rice. Rice pointed out in that discussion that the Bush administration believes that ownership and choice are what's needed in the black community. Rice pointed out that 50 years ago, when ownership and choice were far more prevalent in the black community, the community was, on average, in better shape socially and economically.
The No Child Left Behind legislation as initially proposed by the Bush administration had a key provision for school choice. This was removed under pressure from Democrats. No one questions that education is of central importance for the black community. The arguments for school choice are very powerful and have wide support among blacks. Yet, I am unaware of a national black political leader who is championing this issue.
Bush's proposal to offer a private retirement account option as an alternative to paying the Social Security tax is a vital reform for the nation and for blacks. The Social Security tax drains wealth from black citizens who are trying to build and accumulate savings. Yet, I am unaware of a single member of the Congressional Black Caucus who is supporting this imaginative reform.
Tomorrow will resemble today if we continue today what we did yesterday. It is time to challenge conventional wisdom among African-Americans, as Bill Cosby has done. It is time to appreciate that change will reflect our own courage, vision and imagination. Let's at least have the debate.