Sen. Harry Reid Says Thank You To Tavis Smiley and the Black Community

Harry Reid: Here’s How Democrats Plan to Say Thank You to Blacks Who Elected Them
Date: Wednesday, December 06, 2006
By: Sen. Harry Reid, Special to BlackAmericaWeb.com

During his commentary on the "Tom Joyner Morning Show" after last month's mid-term elections, Tavis Smiley noted that the Democratic Party enjoyed overwhelming support from African-Americans and that it was important for the Democratic leadership to say thank you.

Today, on behalf of my party, I offer that thanks. For the first time in 12 years, Democrats enjoy a majority in both houses of Congress. This would not have been possible without the tremendous support from the African-American community.

As Senate Democratic leader, I’m often asked the question, “Does the Democratic Party take African-American support for granted?” Absolutely not. We’re not above criticism, but we don’t take anyone for granted, as our record of the last two years shows.

-snip-

For years, Congress has sat on the sidelines, doing nothing, while challenges in health care, energy, the economy and Iraq have grown worse. I believe it’s time for Democrats and Republicans to work together to achieve results. By results, I mean an increase in the minimum wage and improving access to affordable health care. I mean increased funding for college education, reduced tuition costs so that all deserving students achieve their dreams, and the creation of new jobs that don’t just help families keep their heads above water, but that help them get ahead.

These are the issues Democrats campaigned on, and they are the issues Americans, including African-Americans, came out to support. Democrats are ready to move this agenda forward and move America forward with it. Delivering a new direction for America is how we’ll really say thank you to African-Americans, and we'll keep earning your support.

Entire article is at: http://www.blackamericaweb.com/site.aspx/bawnews/stateof/harryreid1206

:hi: Tavis Smiley, Tom Joyner! Thank you so much!

One of the things I really love about Tom Joyner is that he educates as well as entertains.

I really respect him for dedicating such a tremendous part of his morning show, to discussing issues that effect the African-American community, and for having Tavis Smiley and Al Sharpton provide weekly commentaries.

Tom and Tavis have done so many advocacy campaigns, and really helped shine the spotlight on issues that never make it to the mainstream media.

They should feel very proud.

I've been following those two(loosely) since I saw them on c-span in a Black symposium a few years back.

Though I disagree with them sometimes, they do a good job of presenting issues that are most importatant to the Black community.

Too bad the replies to this article are snarky.

:patriot: