This could easily become a regular occurrence if Blacks continue to be one-dimensional voters. Blacks cannot throw all of their support to one side blindly. They must become more bipartisan, if not in the voting booth, then at least in theory.
Blacks are in a similar situation to the last two elections. There is the pick between Massachusetts Governor Michael S. Dukakis, and Vice President George Bush.
Some ask exactly what Dukakis has done for Blacks during the Massachusetts Miracle. Most answer that he has done little. And that may be true. A recent phone call to the "Dukakis for President" headquarters revealed that the Duke has no campaign literature pertaining to Blacks, none on his civil rights record, and nothing on what he had to say during the busing debacle in Boston during the early 1970s.
But then there is the alternative. George Bush--and what he could do to Blacks. In order to satisfy his right-wing support, Bush would probably have to select a conservative Supreme Court justice. And with the possibility of several openings on an aging court, the prospect of twelve years of Reagan-Bush judicial appointments is scary.
BLACK voters have made a mistake by sitting out the last two elections. And once again, if instructed by Jesse Jackson, they may be tempted to sit at home again. But maybe the third time will be a charm. Sitting at home will leave the presidency in the hands of others. Whether or not if Jackson gives the go ahead, Blacks must vote all-out for the candidate with their interests at heart.
And in this case, since there may not be such a candidate, vote for the one who will cause the least amount of damage.