I want to express my deepest gratitude to President Biden for his remarkable achievements this week, in August 2024. His unwavering determination and diplomatic efforts have resulted in the successful release of hostages from the clutches of a ruthless Russian dictator, finally allowing families to reunite with their loved ones who were unjustly imprisoned. President Biden’s actions have safeguarded lives, restored hope, and brought solace to countless individuals.
Only two weeks ago, he made the selfless decision not to seek reelection and immediately endorse his Vice President, Kamala Harris, for President as the Democratic nominee. Biden selected Harris, the first African American woman, to lead with him. Furthermore, he appointed the first Black woman to the Supreme Court. While some see slow progress or not enough and argue against the Democratic ties and opt to support the MAGA parties white Christian rule, a majority of black people remain democratic, realizing slow but actual progress (VP Harris and Judge Jackson) is far better than obsessive rage and disingenuous feigned support to their community for black people. MAGA offers “what do you have to lose (black people),” instead of an actual seat at the political decision-making table. Black MAGA surrogates Tim Scott and Byron Donald may argue that they are in the room, but standing by the coffee bar is not the same thing.
Meanwhile, the tangible efforts of President Biden and Vice President Harris show the leadership to acknowledge the pain of all families by reaching out to Sonya Massey, a black woman killed in her house by a white sheriff’s deputy. Harris has already stated on the campaign trail her commitment to enact justice in policing and the Civil Rights Act to protect all citizens, most notably the minority Americans in marginalized communities. Sonya Massey should be alive. Someone slaughtered her in her home after she called “911” for help.
Byron Donald advocates and supports Governor Desantis's stance that slavery was a job training effort, and black families were “more together” during Jim Crow. Tim Scott worked on a bipartisan policing reform bill, but stalled it out in the wake of George Floyd’s murder — another black casualty at the hands of a white policeman. MAGA black political supporters may use their anger to help Trump install his dictatorship so they cannot untie themselves from Project 2025. What is interesting? The “devil you know” perception often evoked by black conservatives and black MAGA supporters falls silently to the muddy, sticky floor where ideas die and wither away.
Project 2025 does not have a chapter for black or female citizens. In fact, when you read it, their plan to abolish all the social and community protections for minorities leaves you shocked. So when grandma can’t get medication or children lose education opportunities, please remember to own it. Still, the democratic party not only has black-led initiatives, but they have a black female presidential nominee, something you will never find offered in the oppressive Project 2025 “bible” agenda.
While it is true that some black political supporters of the MAGA movement may feel anger and frustration, it is essential to recognize that the desire to support Trump does not equate to a singular desire for dictatorship or an inability to disengage from Project 2025. It is unfair to assume that all black supporters are driven solely by anger and are blindly following Trump’s agenda. Many individuals within this group may have various reasons for their support, such as economic policies, national security concerns, or a belief in conservative values. However, engaging in open dialogue and understanding the diverse perspectives within this community is crucial, rather than making assumptions about their motivations and intentions. Regardless of the reasons, it is undeniable that project 2025 is an integral component of the Make America Great Again (MAGA) agenda. Conversely, opposition opinions hold the same merits.
The prisoner exchange deal was comprehensive, involving not only the release of three American citizens — Evan Gershkovich, Alsu Kurmasheva, and Paul Whelan — but also the liberation of six more Western prisoners, four individuals who were incarcerated because of their political beliefs and activism for human rights, and three Russians who had ties to Aleksei Navalny.
The actions taken serve as a powerful testament to diplomacy’s effectiveness and showcase its immense potential for bringing about positive transformations on a global scale.
President Biden and Vice President Harris’ exemplary leadership is a shining example for all of us to admire. While the GOP continues to downplay and celebrates its unmasked and widely publicized Project 2025 agenda and attempt to enforce what some individuals perceive as objectionable white Christian values, it remains crucial to recognize and appreciate the altruistic endeavors undertaken by our esteemed leaders.
Working together with our foreign allies, they skillfully negotiated the release of a crucial political hostage, showcasing a stark contrast to the self-serving actions of the GOP.
While Trump was often associated with his willingness to align himself with despots, President Biden, and Vice President Harris has taken a different approach by prioritizing collaboration with our foreign allies and democratic partners, highlighting a clear contrast in their strategies. The approach that we are advocating for, which is rooted in the principles of respect and collaboration, stands in stark contrast to the isolationist and white supremacist ‘Make America Great Again’ vision.
Considering the recent hostage negotiation and subsequent release, it becomes abundantly clear that Trump’s return to the White House could have significant and far-reaching consequences. Additionally, it highlights the significance of democracy, a system that the actions of any individual, irrespective of their personal situation, can undermine.
Democracy is a political system that values the collective decision-making process and the equal participation of all citizens. It is based on the principle that no individual should be able to undermine or manipulate the system for personal gain. But, then we examine the recent US Supreme Court decision granting literal immunity for former President Trump’s transgression to usurp the rule of law and obstruct the sacred, peaceful transfer of power — the American presidential election.
While South America grapples with various difficulties, it is crucial to bring attention to the fact that in Venezuela, the very essence of democracy — the freedom for citizens to elect their leaders — is currently being jeopardized. When we emphasize the significance of democracy, we stress the crucial nature of preserving its integrity and taking measures to prevent any actions that may undermine its fundamental principles. The SCOTUS decision, as a result, serves as a clear sign that there is a pressing need to reform the court system to guarantee that every citizen is subject to the law and no one is exempt from it. Unfortunately, the nation’s highest court no longer accurately portrays the statement that billionaires wielding their power have been corrupted.
The Republican party has undergone a significant transformation, with MAGA supporters now taking the forefront and the traditional Republicans finding themselves in the minority within their political party. The last remaining residue of conservatism is now being fueled and overtaken by greed, corruption, and racism. If the GOP continues to ignore crucial issues and remain blindfolded, they will lose any significance they once held and can no longer be compared to the Republican parties led by Ronald Reagan and George Bush. Embracing MAGA, a concerning agenda that advocates for overt racism, misogyny, and the establishment of white minority rule, overshadowed and replaced conservative pragmatism.
While it is essential to acknowledge the inclusion of Tim Scott and Byron Donald as representatives of the black minority within Trump’s campaign, Project 2025, and advisory team, it is unfortunate that there is still a prevailing perception of these individuals being in subordinate positions when compared to their predominantly white, Christian counterparts within the MAGA party. The scope of this observation encompasses not only one specific minority group but also extends to others, including individuals from Latin, Asian, and female backgrounds.
Sen. Tim Scott jumped through virtual political hoops attempting to get the Vice President nomination. Instead, Trump selected a white-bearded senator from Ohio, J.D. Vance, an anti-abortion extremist. The white hate that fuels the MAGA party limited Tim Scott and Byron Donald’s chances for honest consideration. The MAGA party treated them as gardeners, only allowing them to water the plants outside the house, but never granting them access inside to water plants or use the facilities. At the Republican National Convention (RNC), Byron Donald had the privilege of sitting near Trump. Notable figures like Amber Rose, a celebrity model and paid performer, further highlighted the event. It is worth mentioning that Rose openly criticized Trump in August 2016, referring to him as an idiot and further saying that “he’s so weird. I hope he’s not president.” However, her appearance at the 2024 RNC allowed her to reverse and endorse Trump. However, the weirdness tag on Trump still sticks, as highlighted by the newly appointed Democratic Vice Presidential nominee, Governor Walz of Minnesota.
Breaking Ranks supports a diverse, inclusive society where everyone is accountable to the rule of law and granted equal, inalienable rights to establish a safe of law and grant the freedom to pursue happiness unencumbered by race, religion, creed, sexual orientation, and/or gender.
The fascinating aspect is how effortlessly people can abandon their integrity, as if it were a simple act of changing their clothes, and become susceptible to manipulation like marionettes dancing to some selected tunes from a dust-covered jukebox in a 1930s diner with a sign-out front “No colored or dogs allowed.”
This post originally appeared on Medium and is edited and republished with author's permission. Read more of Wayne Ince's work on Medium. And if you dig his words, buy the man a coffee.
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