>>>> Sharp On The Issues
The Voting
Rights Act
You could
lose the right to vote. This is a little known fact that the Black
community. Did you know that African and Caribbean Americans are
the only ethnic groups in this country who need permission
to vote ?.
Hello, I'm Wellington Sharpe and this is the first in a
series of social, economic, and political issues that I intend
to bring to both the community and the elected officialdom through
this simple medium. I hope that you find this first bulletin helpful,
informative, and that it moves you to take positive action. Because
this is the only way we can truly empower ourselves as a people.
The Voting Rights Act of 1965 is one such measure that we must
stand and act in unity - NOW!
It is important that you pay close attention to this development
speaks to the issues of individual enfranchisement and democratic
rights.
The Voting
Rights Act was signed in 1965 by President Lyndon B. Johnson but
was never constituted in a LAW. In 1982 President Ronald
Reagen amended the act and gave it a lifetime of 25 years. What
this means now in 2003 is that in the year 2007 the ability of
Blacks to to exercise their democratic rights to elect their leaders
by voting could be jeopardized.
In 2007 the U.S Congress will again convene, debate and then decide,
if to extend the right to extend this "privilege" to
the Black community, 38 states in the Union must approve. No other
group in the United States is treated this way.
Apart from highlighting the fact that Blacks never had a right
to vote under the United States Constitution, but were granted
it by an act of Congress, this arrangement is a SHAME. After of
forced servitude, prejudice and bigotry, Blacks are able to exercise
the right afforded to other communities only if Congress feels
it is necessary.
I am calling on the Congress of the United States to make the
voting rights act a LAW. I am calling on presidential candidates
to publicly state their position on this crucial issue and to
say if they will support this law.
One Democratic Presidential Candidate, Bill Bradley, has already
indicated that he will fight for the legislation to become law.
Perhaps its time for Vice President Al Gore, Republicans George
Bush and John McCain to publicly state their positions on the
Voting rights Act.
Finally I
am calling on Brooklyn's two distinguished Congressmen, Edolphus
"Ed" Towns and Major Owens, to lead this fight in Washington.
Their constituencies are overwhelmingly populated by Blacks -
both African and Caribbean- Americans. The Voting Rights Act will
therefore impact their districts very, very heavily. While the
decision will be a political one, the issue of the Voting Rights
Act has undertones of fairness, justice and equality.
Write
or call your Congressman and have him get involved in this important
issue.
This text
was produced by The Friends of Wellington Sharpe. You can reach
the organization and Wellington Sharpe at (718) 230-0011
