Rep Clyburn of South Carolina is close to making an endorsement and word is that it is Gephardt. That is a relief for a Kerry supporter like myself. A Dean endorsement would have sealed my loss of faith in the Black leadership, who seem to be tripping over themselves to kiss the feet of Dean and or Clark. Never mind that Kerry, Gephardt, Liebermann and Edwards have fought for Black issues for many, many years! Dean has never done anything for the Black community, so the embrace of this figure is nothing short of baffling.

IMO, this is why the Black community is not taken to seriously. Because we refuse to grow up and take prudent actions in this regard. Here Black leaders are bringing in supporters who are whipping themselves up into a frenzy about Dean. It is a clear signal to politicians that one need not address Black issues, just woo the leaders during election cycles and then whip the faithful up into a frenzy and that would be great.

I am glad that Kerry has the support of thoughtful and well respected Black leaders, most notably, Harold Ford, Jr. Kweisi Mfume had also spoken very highly of Kerry last year and suggested that the party would embrace him.

As a community, we are at a vital point, are we looking for a savior or are we looking for a leader? If we want a leader, then John Kerry is the logical choice. If we want to remain as political babies in need of a savior, then I suppose the community can run and chase after candidates with no record of support for the Black community.