West Hosts 1st Black Conservative Forum on the Hill – CSPAN Airs

Today Rep. Allen West held the Conservative Black Forum on Capitol Hill.  Black leaders in conservative thought and ideology from around the country came together to participate in a round table discussion hosted by Star Parker.  The long list of distinguished guest panelists included Rep. Tim Scott (R-SC), Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH), Rep. J.C.Watts (R-OK), Rep Emanuel Cleaver (D-MO) and Pastor and tea party activist C.L.Bryant. The discussion centered issues of concern in the Black community such as high unemployment, abortion and incarceration rates.  “The conservative voice in the black community remains mostly unacknowledged by politicians and the public alike,” West said. “While the conservative black voice has always existed, it is more important than ever that it be recognized and encouraged. More than 95 percent of black voters voted Democrat in the last election. I am hoping this forum will begin to shed light on how we can change this status quo.”

Star Parker was an excellent moderator as she kept the panel on focus and directed questions with intelligence and respect.  Emanuel Cleaver represented the Congressional Black Caucus and it was clear from the beginning he was not pleased to be there.  He repeatedly stated that he didn’t understand why we (Black people/conservatives and Democrats) had to keep “fighting” and making things an issue of one side against the other.  I wonder if he’s ever asked the Congressional Black Caucus that question?  Maxine Waters called the tea party, who were represented in the forum, sons of bitches.  Them sound like fightin’ words to me, Rep. Cleaver!  Abortion has had a devastating and disproportionate effect on the Black community and Cleaver was asked several times to address the fact that over 300 million in taxpayer dollars go to fund Planned Parenthood every year despite the fact that law prohibits tax dollars from funding abortion.  Cleaver stated he would not vote to defund Planned Parenthood.  This conservative woman does not find that surprising, considering the fact that its people like Cleaver who derive their livelihood directly from the harm inflicted on the Black community. That may sound harsh, but hell…the entire situation in the Black community is harsh.

It is that harshness that West formed this forum to address and address it they did indeed.  Not only was it an excellent platform for Black leaders in conservative thought to come together and exchange ideas, it was a fantastic opportunity for Americans from all walks of life to see Black conservatives in action and get a better idea of what concerns us as a specific community within the larger conservative movement.  This was an excellent and much needed discussion.  I hope West and his colleagues will continue to host such events on the Hill.  Tonight, Congressman West will be on popular blogger and radio host Stacy Swimp’s show – Contagious Transformation – to discuss the forum and dispel some of the myths of Black conservatism.  Dr. Alveda King will also be a guest.  You can tune in here at 5pm EST to hear the Congressman and Dr. King.

crossposted at kiradavis.net