Juanita’s Perspectives: True Leaders Don’t Sell-Out Their Community for “30 Pieces of Silver”

If you’re not part of the solution then obviously you’re part of the problem…pure and simple

By Juanita Bratcher

Author, Editor & Publisher, CopyLine Magazine

It’s not a pretty picture in regards to what is happening here in Illinois in regards to the Governor’s race. Already some blacks are up in arms and lashing out at each other as to which candidate – Democrat Gov. Pat Quinn or his challenger Republican candidate Bruce Rauner – is best suited to lead Illinois for the next four years. This specific race has brought untold anger and divisiveness in the black community. Some blacks allege that Rauner is “buying up the black community,” and are pointing the fingers at blacks who have received contributions from the candidate and others who have their hands out wishing to get in on the action (money). They are labeled political sell-outs, and sometimes in much more demeaning terms…expletives.

There have always been political sell-outs and deceitfulness in politics, and I don’t see that changing anytime soon as long as there’s such a thing called politics, and of course, the sometimes favors that come along with it. I’m talking hard core politics, that of not being concerned about the masses but that of playing the game for self aggrandizement, which is in their interest only and certainly not in the best interest of others.

I’ve been a professional journalist for 38 years, and the author of six books – two of which were about political icons, seasoned politicians who were well abreast in politics and never once thought of selling-out their community for 30 pieces of silver. Those politicians were Mayor Harold Washington and Cook County Board President John H. Stroger, Jr. – now both deceased. I was assigned to the mayoral campaign trail of Washington and served as Press Secretary to the re-election campaign of Stroger for County Board President. I was also a Press Assistant to the late Alderman Lorraine Dixon.

What I’m seeing and hearing in regards to the Governor’s race is outright dogma.

In a 1991 interview with CopyLine Magazine, Stroger said African-American political leaders, including himself, must develop strong political organizations to educate the community about the issues – how politics operate, and to generate funds to be independent of downtown sources.

“That way,” Stroger said, “They won’t have to come downtown with hat-in-hand making deals that are not in the best interest of the community just for the sake of getting money.”

That was something noted Journalist Lu Palmer recognized and gave a lot of time, effort and value to. He held numerous political education workshops at his organization office that focused on the ins and outs of politics, political structure and the know-how needed to win elections.

In Stroger’s biography, “Beyond The Boardroom: Empowering A New Generation of Leaders’, written by Juanita Bratcher, in describing his philosophy about life, stated: “It is my belief that all men were put here on earth to try to make life better for their generations; that they must use their lives to the best of their ability to improve the quality of life for all men. That has always been my motivation in life.” And his life was a clear and sterling example of that philosophy.

When Harold Washington talked about leadership, he stated that “All a leader can do is set a standard and norm for others to follow. We shall do our part.” He also talked about blacks discovering the art of “selective voting” and that of recognizing the power of the ballot.

The late Illinois Appellate Court Justice R. Eugene Pincham, in discussing the power structure with me in an interview, pointed out that “Since the beginning of time, the power structure has been capsule and engulf a movement of people into leadership, then destroy the leadership, and destroy the movement. The black political arena, by and large…people rely on the political arena for their livelihood,” noting that the political empowerment of African Americans must be put ahead of any selfish or personal interest. I concur.

Blacks must continually make black leadership accountable – politicians, ministers, and heads of community and political organizations. If necessary, we must call those to task who would politically deceive and sell-out for 30 pieces of silver. Blacks must also become politically astute about the overall political process; that way, they won’t need the thinking of others but will be able to think for themselves.

The bottom line is: Leaders who are not part of the solution are certainly a part of the problem.

Juanita Bratcher is an Award-Winning Journalist, the Publisher of www.copylinemagazine.com and the author of several books, songwriter and poet. She has been a Journalist for more than 38 years covering politics, education and a wide-range of other topics.