It's Time We Hold Them Accountable

t seems like yesterday we were preoccupied with plans for Y2K, the year 2000. The century has arrived and we are rapidly approaching the year 2004. As African-Americans, this year has more significance than the prior three years. Yes, you guessed it. It's an election year.

We should take a moment an assess the performance of our elected leaders particularly the president of the United States. During this assessment period, we should revisit those issues that are most important to us, our families and this country. Then we should be asking ourselves, have their stance on issues that directly affect our life styles, helped or hindered what we expect and deserve.

If you are like me, you're very disappointed. I'm not just disappointed in the system. I'm more disappointed in the people we've elected, and the process that's used to foster their personal agendas. It wasn't too long ago that Alexis de Tocqueville in his book titled, "Democracy in America" described public servants as those who served the people. He went on to say that a true politician had the interest of the people as foremost. I don't think that's the case with most of our elected officials today. In fact, I think it's quite the opposite — personal gain.

How can we hold them accountable? First, we have to be a reckoning force that they can't over look. We have to register and vote every time there's an election. When issues arise in our communities that cause us concern, we have to make them address those concerns, by loading their phone system and emails with messages. Remember politicians have a strong disconnect for public criticism. We should arrange protests and town hall meetings to voice our concerns. Using the media is a great way to confront a politician regarding his or her ineffectiveness.

We live in the greatest country on God's earth. We have more resources than any nation on the globe. We are the greatest of the G-eight nations and yet we still have people without health care, many of our public inner-city school resources are substandard and outdated. Unemployment is extremely high particularly for African-Americans. Our social service system falls short of its mission. Most of our senior citizens are living below the poverty line. Many of them go without needed medication and forego doctor visits because of the expense. They also face many days without proper meals, due to the limitations put on them by Medicaid and Medicare.

As this year rapidly comes to an end, it's time that we as African Americans get back into the political arena in a big way — voting. It's the way for us to be included in the process. It's the only system afforded to us by law. It's the only way we can ensure a better quality of life for our families. So in 2004, let's hold them accountable by not voting for those officials who have missed the mark and challenging incumbents to establish programs and services that will aid the quality of life for the poor and elderly.

These are my personal thoughts and opinions. They do not represent Northside High or those individuals associated with the planning and creation of the Alumni website. Nothing in this commentary was intended to embarrass or offend anyone.