This is Part 2 of a two-part series regarding my political awakening.
Lyndon B. Johnson (LBJ) on Civil Rights
In the majority of history textbooks across the country, the second deceptive image that led to my political schizophrenic behavior was the photograph of President Johnson signing the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
Just seven years earlier, while serving as the Democratic Senate Majority Leader, it was Senator Johnson who sent the 1957 civil rights bill to the Judiciary Committee. The racist senator who led the committee was Senator James Eastland from Mississippi. As a result, the bill was stripped of the provision "protecting the voting rights of Black Americans."
LBJ picked up the civil rights bill introduced by President Kennedy. However, even though Democrats held almost two-thirds of the seats in Congress at the time, LBJ could not garner sufficient votes from within his own party to pass the bill. LBJ needed 269 from his own party to pass the bill but could gain the support of only 198 of the 415 Democrats in Congress.
According to The History of Black Voting Rights by David Barton, the 1965 Voting Rights Act signed by LBJ was a resurrection of Eisenhower’s original language before it had been watered-down by Democrats. When it was finally approved under LBJ, of the 18 senators who opposed the Voting Rights Act, 17 were Democrats. In fact, 97% of Republican senators voted for the Act.
In view of his indifferent support of the Civil Rights Act of 1957, did LBJ have a change of his racist heart prior to signing the Civil Rights Act of 1964? I hardly think so!
In light of the national television broadcast of “Bull” Connor's brutal attacks against protest marches in Birmingham, the federal government had to act quickly. Fortunately for the Democratic Party, they were the ones occupying the White House. This gave them an excellent historical photo opportunity.
The Democratic Party appeared to be heroes to the Black community. What another masterful manipulation scheme! I am in complete agreement with Frederick Douglass when he said, “I knew that however bad the Republican party was, the Democratic party was much worse.”
FDR Engagement Success Story
The Frederick Douglass Republican (FDR) Engagement Strategy is an inspiration from God. The concept is based on my real-world experiences. It has been thoroughly test-marketed with mind-blowingly positive results. Allow me to share this FDR success story with you.
In 2014, the church I attended was located in an economically depressed, predominantly Black and heavily Democratic section of Birmingham, Alabama. One morning, I decided to wear one of our trademarked Frederick Douglass Republican dress shirts to Sunday morning service for the first time.
A unique and powerful design, the phrase Frederick Douglass Republican was neatly embroidered over the left pocket. The word “Republican” was prominently exhibited because it was three times larger than Douglass’ name.
Always the agitator, as I entered the church building, I was met at the door by an usher, Mr. Patterson, an older Black gentleman and a staunch Democrat. As intended, the word “Republican” immediately caught his attention, and in a shockingly disgusted voice he asked, “Smith, are you a Republican?” “I’m more than a Republican. I’m a Frederick Douglass Republican,” was my reply.
Mr. Patterson immediately stepped back and threw his hands up in the air saying, “Oh! Oh! You’re a Frederick Douglass Republican. I can't touch that.”
“Wow! It works!” were my thoughts. I had Mr. Patterson on the ropes. This was my opportunity to seize control of the narrative. I asked Mr. Patterson a series of introspective questions to determine our shared values.
I asked him, “Do you respect and believe in the U.S. Constitution?” He replied, “Yes.” (Respect for the U.S. Constitution)
I asked if he would like to keep more of the money he makes. Again, he replied, “Yes.” (Belief in the Limited Power of Government)
Mr. Patterson, I asked, “Do you believe life is precious?” He said, “Yes.” (Respect for Life)
Finally, I asked if he believed in the Biblical teaching, “If you don't work, you shouldn't eat.” He replied, “Yes.” (Belief in Personal Responsibility)
I said, “Mr. Patterson you may not be a Republican, but you are definitely a Frederick Douglass Republican. The questions I asked are the life-empowering values of Douglass.”
Mr. Patterson stood silently for a moment. Then replied, “Smith, you got a point there. I never thought about it like that. Wow! I'm a Frederick Douglass Republican. I like it.”
The Frederick Douglass Republican Engagement Strategy is a transferable skill. I can provide you the strategy, but I cannot give you the willingness to learn and master this persuasive messaging model.
Click here to register for our FREE Mini-Course.
A former member of President Trump’s Coalition Advisory Board, KCarl Smith is the President and CEO of KCarl Consulting Group, empowering freedom advocates with the confidence, knowledge and skills to trump the race card. His column appears every Thursday in 1819 News. To contact KCarl or request him for a speaking engagement go to http://kcarlinc.com/bookingsandfees . The views and opinions expressed here are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the policy or position of 1819 News. To comment, please send an email with your name and contact information to Commentary@1819News.com.
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