According to the 2000 U.S. Census, the African American population in my state, Alabama, is 26% While it is certainly more than the national percentage (12%), it is still far from a majority.

That said, that 26% of Alabama's population continue to give the vast majority of their votes to Democratic candidates. Kerry easily carried the counties in Alabama with the largest black populations last year. I would guess the same is true in other states across the South - black voters remain the most consistent and faithful supporters of our party, yet they still have to endure accusations of apathy and ignorance from within the party. Too many still expect blacks to do a great deal of the heavy lifting in electing Democratic candidates, and then are far too quick to blame them when things don't go well for the party. The popular "they are voting against their own self-interest" is particularly offensive and paternalistic.

I don't mean to attack you, paulidee. Just offer a different perspective on this issue. One thing we'll have to agree to disagree on is Tavis Smiley - an "idiot"? Yikes! I think he is one of the best broadcast commentators on issues of community and politics in this country. Don't always agree with everything he says, but I really respect the man and his ideas.