CLERICS TURN AWAY FROM DEMOCRATS CHURCH LEADERS SEEK NEW HOPE WITH GOP

By Barbara Sherlock Tribune Staff Writer January 1, 2001

Contending the nation's prosperity under the Clinton administration eluded the poor of Chicago, three South Side pastors joined together Sunday in a pledge to reach out to Republicans for help.

"We are here today, hopefully, to express a new leadership for a new Englewood and surrounding communities," Rev. Gregory Daniels said at a news conference at Beth-El All Nations Church, 6250 S. Justine St.

Saying they represent traditionally Democratic-voting congregations totaling about 1,000 parishioners, the pastors denounced "the monarchy and dictatorship style of the local Democratic machine," announced their respect for President-elect George W. Bush and extended an "an olive branch" to Gov. George Ryan.

"We need someone to start the healing process in this country especially in Chicago, and begin a dialogue with Republican leaders on how African-Americans can benefit from the Bush presidency," Daniels said.

A spokesman for Mayor Richard Daley could not be reached for comment Sunday.

The group also pledged to create an ad-hoc committee to find a suitable mayoral candidate.

"It will be a committee for right and righteousness, and address our city's deplorable affordable housing, the public housing which has been taken away without adequate replacements and the dilution of the vote of African-Americans by moving those former tenants to outside Chicago," Daniels said.

The group also said it was sending a message to African-American politicians who have felt "we should vote for you just because you are black. You will be rudely awakened when your term comes up again."

Daniels, pastor of the Greater Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church, 5115 S. State St., was joined at the podium by Bishop Edgar Jackson, pastor of Beth-El, and Rev. A. I. Dunlap, pastor of Mt. Olive AME Church.

Jackson also is president of the Chicago civil rights organization, Martin Luther King Jr. Coalition.

Jackson said he hoped Bush would lead an assault on drugs and crime and also admonished local leaders for turning "a callous ear" to the city's poor.

"We need an upliftment of the poor Americans, especially African-Americans," he said.

Daniels said he has received positive response from 10 pastors to a letter about the group's plans to address the "problematic relationship" with the Chicago Democratic Party and is awaiting a response from 10 other pastors.

Chicago Black Preachers Tired Of Democrats, Turn To GOP

-- Ain't Gonna Happen (Not Here Not@ever.com), January 02, 2001

Answers

We need someone to start the healing process in this country especially in Chicago, and begin a dialogue with Republican leaders on how African-Americans can benefit from the Bush presidency," Daniels said.

A spokesman for Mayor Richard Daley could not be reached for comment Sunday=======================================

That's because Daley was choking on his bile!!! 'Bout time these people woke up to the fact that kissing democrat ass isn't gonna improve their lot in life. Not that smooching up to republicans will help them either, but at least they aren't to just blindly follow someone due to his/her political affiliation. Who knows, maybe someone who last year they wouldn't give the time of day to will come up with a very workable solution to an issue of theirs. FWIW, I am a registered Independant who usually votes Libertarian (sp?), but I was born and raised about 100 miles west of Chicago, so I was exposed to the worst of the "Chicago Machine". Just because you die in Cook county, doesn't mean you lose your right to vote. People may cry and complain about the goin' on's in Florida, but you ain't seen nothing until you live through a Chicago election! Thank goodness I moved 2000 miles away, the stench was making me sick!

-- Rob (celtic64@inficad.com), January 02, 2001.

i'm sure dubby was working his dirty tricks in all 50 states.

-- Mother of Jehosophat! (for@cryin'.outLoud!), January 02, 2001.

“We need someone to start the healing process in this country especially in Chicago, and begin a dialogue with Republican leaders on how African-Americans can benefit from the Bush presidency," Daniels said.”

While this ‘healing process’ is taking place it might be a good opportunity to include the white middle-class population. You know, the folks that are funding all of the welfare give-aways with their hard earned tax dollars. The folks that are tired of supporting this massive and expanding group of leeches that have never worked a day in their lives. I don’t give a fuck about these assholes getting ANY benefits until they are willing to get up in the morning and go to work.

-- Barry (bchbear863@cs.com), January 02, 2001.

-- Let the "Healing" Begin (Bush@racist.com), January 02, 2001.

While this ‘healing process’ is taking place it might be a good opportunity to include the white middle-class population. You know, the folks that are funding all of the welfare give-aways with their hard earned tax dollars. The folks that are tired of supporting this massive and expanding group of leeches that have never worked a day in their lives. I don’t give a fuck about these assholes getting ANY benefits until they are willing to get up in the morning and go to work. ========================================================

Now Barry, don't be shy..... tell us how you REALLY feel.....

-- Rob (celtic64@inficad.com), January 02, 2001.

-- Let the "Healing" Begin (Compassion@GOP.com), January 02, 2001.

-- 8,000 Black FL Voters Listed as (Felons@by.GOP), January 02, 2001.

-- Ain't Gonna Happen's President (dopey@ain't.com), January 02, 2001.

While this 'healing process' is taking place it might be a good opportunity to include the white middle-class population. You know, the folks that are funding all of the welfare give-aways with their hard earned tax dollars. The folks that are tired of supporting this massive and expanding group of leeches that have never worked a day in their lives. I don’t give a fuck about these assholes getting ANY benefits until they are willing to get up in the morning and go to work.

What "massive and expanding group of leeches"? This country reformed its welfare system in a major way a few years ago and so far it's working.

http://ofcn.org/cyber.serv/teledem/pb/2000/aug/msg00117.html

New welfare caseload numbers to be released by the President today show the percentage of Americans on welfare has fallen from 5.5 percent in 1993 to 2.3 percent in 1999 and is now at its lowest level since 1965. The welfare rolls have fallen from 14.1 million in January 1993 to 6.3 million in December 1999 - a drop of 56 percent, or 7.8 million. Nearly three-quarters of this overall decline has occurred since the welfare reform law was enacted, with 1999 caseloads roughly half of what they were in 1996.

-- Welfare (reform@is.working), January 02, 2001.