Ballots or Bullets

The last issue of the Baystate Banner reported that the Black and Latino vote were the key for the Mayor's and At-Large Council races. Since 2005, there have been increased talks about the power behind "minorities" becoming the majority.

It makes me think back to Malcolm X's speech.

For neighborhoods like Mattapan, Dorchester and Roxbury to be neighborhoods that are critical for politicians to win elections, what do these neighborhoods get in return ? Mind you these neighborhoods are not monolithic but the issues that these neighborhoods face are all too common.

Oh we get events, a few public appearances, some slick mail pieces. . .but right after the ballot, we get the bullets again. These 3 neighborhoods continue to have the highest poverty rate, health disparities, and crime rates. Isn't it only right that those we elect focus on economic development, better health resources and crime prevention ?

Or are we just political chumps ?
If you could ask Brother Malcolm, I think he would say yes. And I agree.
If we knew better, we would do better !