In an op-ed for TIME magazine, PBS host Tavis Smiley talks about his fears that blacks in America might one day return to slavery if Donald Trump wins the election.
Smiley explains that he was asked by a student during a visit to Lehigh University in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, “Do you believe that given the crisis of our democracy, we black folk could ever find ourselves enslaved again?”
The short answer, according to Smiley: “Yes.”
He writes:
When I hear Donald Trump suggest that he wants to “make America great again,” it always triggers the same three questions in my head.
One: How is Trump defining “greatness?” Two: Since so many fellow citizens have yet to experience the true “greatness” of America for the first time, for whom are we making America great again? And, three: To what specific period of American greatness are you wanting us to “return?”
Smiley remarked that he didn’t see that question coming, nor did “the mostly white audience.” But as it turns out, he was sure prepared with an answer.
“In my lifetime, I have never seen Congress so blatantly mock our Constitution. It’s especially striking that it comes from the political party that’s always lecturing us about the ‘rule of law’ … I wonder what other Constitutional mandates Congress could just decide to ignore,” Smiley contemplated.
He concludes:
So, could the Constitution be thwarted and black folk end up enslaved again? Legal scholars, of course, will find the question ludicrous and laughable.
It wasn’t farfetched for the young student who pressed me at Lehigh that evening. And, honestly? With the hair-raising, bone-chilling, spine-breaking, nerve-wracking path we’re on right now, I shudder to think where this democracy could end up one sad day, if we don’t get off this low road and make our way to higher ground soon.
For some time now, Smiley has been anywhere but near the kind of destitution the slaves in America were accustomed to. Earning his way into the $10 million dollar club, Smiley leads a pretty great life — one that would reap a substantial benefit from a Trump presidency considering his tax bracket.
It would appear his theory is unfounded, at least for a one-percenter like himself.
The Freedom Center is a 501c3 non-profit organization. Therefore we do not endorse political candidates either in primary or general elections. However, as defenders of America’s social contract, we insist that the rules laid down by both parties at the outset of campaigns be respected, and that the results be decided by free elections. We will oppose any attempt to rig the system and deny voters of either party their constitutional right to elect candidates of their choice.
