Newspapers / The Charlotte Post (Charlotte, … / Nov. 1, 1984, edition 1 / Page 2
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Politics Of Polarization Events leading to next Tuesday’s general election have some unique features that are unfortunately polarizing the nation, and especially the South, along racial and economic lines. Undoubtedly, the Rev. Jesse Jackson’s apparent success in getting an increasing number of blacks to register and hopefully vote, and mounting evidehce that President Reagan may receive as little as two percent of the black vote, has caused alarm among some whites. In somewhat typical paranoia fashion among some whites, this has led in part to a, conservative white backlash. Spearheaded by the Rev. Jerry Falwell’s Moral Ma jority, the so-called white Christian con servatives have njounted a massive “get out the vote” campaign aimed at off setting Jackson’s efforts and contributing to the racial polarization between the races. In *thh$ regard, the Jdqral Majority claims credit for having been responsible tor the registration of some three million potential new_j»nservative voters of which a re ported 200,000 are In North Carolina. ; It should not be assumed that the po larization is necessarily a new form of racism in America. It is in fact rooted in economic issues, some of which might be said to be rooted in the racism that underlies the continuing unemployment rate among black males that continues to be twice that of white males. Other economic factors in the polarization are that busi ness people - large and small firms - and most working people perceive themselves as living in an era of prosperity. This has been confirmed top by a Roper Pofi that shows: (l) over SO percent of the popula persinaUives are gJtagfandT^)15?perceni " of those surveyed felt very positive about the “way things are going for the country in general.” Significantly, this is the first year that a majority of those polled answered this question positively. A recent article in TIME magazine appears to confirm the Roper Poll findings. However, the majority of blacks and some other minority, groups feel that the nation’s trickle-down pros perity of the present has left them in a continuing state of economic depression. This is evidenced in part by the fact that Hia mnmWAw *-*-• A.1_ straight year (and)...it’s getting worse.” As expected, children, senior citizens, minori ties and female-headed households are suffering the most. Another factor involved in the polariza tion has been the attempt by conservatives to lump a number of issues under the liberal banner; issues that all blacks or other mi^pritie^ do. not necessarily agree on. Thesfe issdbs Include support for abortion, • nuclear weapons freeze, prayer in the public schools and civil rights for honio sexuals. Many blacks resent the lumping of . their views, for example, on civil rights with that of civihHghts for homosexuals. These issues in-part transcend the questions of race and political Party affiliation and focus more on the philosophical differences between what are called conservatives and liberals. By whatever definitions, these terms best represent the differences in the two political parties and presidential can didates. • Finally, whatever your views .or political philosophy, VOTE on Tuesday, November 6. . ' • Letter Was Timely In an excellent letter to the editor of The Charlotte News (10-30*1) Kelly M. Alex ander Jr. commended the late Phil Berry for his contributions and then said elo quently, “I urge the powers that be to took beyond the criteria of ‘let’s get an old political pro,’ and search the district to find the best possible candidate.... The district needs someone who has at least a working knowledge of state government, some experience with local government...and most important, someone who has a sense of Charlotte that goes beyond the district boundary. ” Reflecting on what he felt was a — “spngp nf ftnrrnW" ^ he witnessed the initial to "nti n rfpilli i mi ui lor hin late uncle, Sen. Fred D. Alexander, Kelly . fully understands the damage that can be done if the wrong person ik, selected. We commend Mr. Alexander for his timely and thought-provoking letter. Your Privilege To Vote We have said it repeatedly time and time .. again that it is your privilege and right, your obligation, and your need - whether you know it or agree witti it to vote, vote and vote on Tuesday, November 8. Undoubtedly, HOW. IF THS BLACKS S' WANT POWBR- THSY ® WILL HAVE T0 GST tT -± THROUGH THS BAU0TW BOX" AGH£W By Sabrina Johnson Post Columnist It is a destructive, invisi ble illness, one that affects many Americans from child hood-compulsive gambling. Many begin gambling as children, others develop the habit later in adult life. No matter when it begins one trait persists among gamblers - their lives can be considered success stories on the surface. It - gambling - is the addiction of the 80s. Gambling is progressive, T*‘I 1 discos*. much like alcoholism, with" only one cure - abstinence. A compulsive gambler looks normal - unlike compulsive drinkers - is usually friendly and a clever liar. The dis ease is hidden from public view. However, today’s American society appears to be taking toward gambling. In many instances the U.S. Government seems to be encouraging gambling. F'nrtv-cTV of a Iim. k..... Sabrina Johnson able, more people are trying it, especially young people. One note: In the state of i1 "fn n rnmhln anonymous organizations existed 25 years ago; today ‘over 500 exist in the eastern portion of the state alone! A recent survey in New York City found that 32 percent of the high school students surveyed gambled at least once a week. Basic ally speaking, that’s one in thirty-two teens between the ages of 16 to 18 who gamble. /I- _ LI!__ M • M sive gamblers also reach all time lows in their lives, where no path seems to lead to success - only despair and destruction. Suicide is their answer. Many attempt and most succeed. The pressure of gambling is terrible. The compulsion is so strong and intense that it causes so much unhappi ness for the gambler and loved ones that they feel they cannot co itinue on and con quer the problem. Lack of sympathy is part of the destruction route. Most - people feel sorry for drunks nnn rtni| illllli h ilm In Him element of fear. People are afraid of (fcunks and drug addicts but not of compulsive gamblers. He is viewed as a person who doesn’t need “our” help. • Many experts believe gam blers can be singled out in a crowd as gamblers are the ones who look anxious and profoundly unhappy. The
The Charlotte Post (Charlotte, N.C.)
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