Reply #51: Well, you're rare. I'm not the only one who "took it" that way.

[MADem]

I am not suggesting that his "offense" rises to the level of ten whacks with the ruler and go stand in the corner with the Dunce Hat on, but it came off as presumptive and cavalier, as though to say "If ONLY you 'peeps' would just get with the program, 'WE' black folk will have a WIN!"

To me, he sounded as if he wished to just not have to deal with these black folks, that they should just hurry up and get on board, get the spirit, and then he could devote his time elsewhere. He probably didn't intend it to come out that way, but that is how it came out.

Rookie mistake. People, as Tip O'Neill learned and oft-repeated, like to be ASKED for their vote. Not told to get in line and "consolidate" based on membership in a group--any group.