Urban League Treat McCain Rudely

A few days ago Senator John McCain spoke to the National Urban Leagues' convention in Orlando, Florida. The organization that dates back to 1910 when it was founded in New York City cites itself as a progressive movement that assist Blacks in making positive transitions to urban life. Under the leadership of great men like Whitney Young, Vernon Jordan and John Jacob the League surfaced as a hard hitting civil rights organization that practiced sound judgment, fiscal responsibility, and American virtues, honor, and moral respect throughout the 20th century. However, its trek into the 21st century under the leadership of former New Orleans mayor, Marc Morial, is an organization that lacks behavior decency and endorses crude and rude arrogance and hostility. Specifically, I am speaking of the John McCain talk last Friday.

Senator McCain, the Republican candidate will never be confused with presidential legend Ronald Reagan, who was called the "great communicator." However, he along with his delegation was worthy of respect that the Urban League did not grant. Of course, some readers would say--McCain has little respect for Black America. Regardless, the National Urban League from its beginnings focused on the promotion of Black sophistication and class. This upper lip manner has allowed a host of presidential candidates throughout the years to speak at forums like the NUL, the NAACP and the African Methodist Episcopal Church. Therefore, political ideology has never stopped us from being cordial. If so, Richard Nixon would never have spoken at any Black meetings.

First, the Executive Director--Marc Morial, did not recognize Florida's chief officer--Governor Charlie Crist and fellow Republican Micheal Steele, a Black and NUL member, who ran for the Governor's office in Virginia. But really, not to recognize the Governor of the State that is hosting your meeting is insulting and mean spirited.

Secondly, the questions that where fielded from the field in a town hall style was charged with accusations, attacks and insults. For example, a minister like character hollered, styled, and acted about the "green, yellow, white glass ceiling" that negates the rise of the Black intelligentsia and professional class. When the Senator attempted to answer the question, the polemic shouted that "you really don't understand" with an arrogant smirk. Another question came from a New Jersey female physician who voiced concern about the closing hospitals in her state and insurance problems that M.Ds face. Well, when McCain responded, she attempted to embarrass the Senator about his recent examination for skin cancer.

The issue is not about fair or hard questions. Indeed, difficult topics should be presented to individuals who are campaigning for the most important job in the world. But, it should be done with class. The Urban League is supposed to be, according to another questioner, the organization that houses the best minds in the Black world. But, on the day McCain spoke--brilliance did not show--but, rather hatred and arrogance.