The conservative in California cuts his ties to the Republican Party: "I have had the pleasure of serving as president of the Sacramento Republican Assembly, a term as a member of the California Republican Party executive committee, and most recently as treasurer of the Sacramento County Republican Party. Last year alone, I donated more than 400 hours of my time to the Republican Party and made financial contributions to a number of Republican candidates."
He continues his commentary: "As of late, however, when I look at myself in the mirror there is one question which perplexes me: Can I, in good conscience, remain affiliated with an organization whose message purveyors of racism and bigotry find attractive? Generally speaking, Republicans are decent people, and naturally, many of my closest friends vote Republican. As with any large organization or group, there will always be people at the fringes who hold views that are not representative of the body. An organization cannot control the behavior of each individual actor, but it can control its response to abhorrent conduct."
Mr. Barnes discusses the cartoon: "The latest incident in a string of tawdry, race-based actions was the promotion of a racist cartoon by elected Orange County Republican Party Central Committee member Marilyn Davenport. The cartoon depicted President Barack Obama and his parents as chimpanzees, while simultaneously implying that the president is not a legitimate American, but rather an African-born interloper. While the Orange County GOP chairman and a number of other committee members were quick to condemn the image and Davenport, what's disturbing is the incredible number of people who continue to defend Davenport's actions as well as the cartoon itself. Had this been an isolated event, it could be set aside as a mere aberration. However, when placed in the context of similar offenses by the same self-identified tea party-conservative Republicans, there emerges a disturbing pattern of extreme intolerance."
Bookeristas Respond
Constructive Feedback, a conservative in Georgia: "Mr Barnes had a certain set of values that he believed could serve as the key propellants for 'Community Uplift' for the Black Community - and all other communities. As a loyal Democrat after finding himself 'going against the grain' too frequently - he decided to sever ties with that political party and go elsewhere. He believed that the Republican Party was the gateway to fortify this desirable end and worked diligently on the inside to ensure the party's success. Ultimately Mr Barnes came to the belief that the treatment of the 'Black President' by some of those in his party who opposed him for ideological and partisan purposes and then crossed the line by using racial invective - proved too much for him to take. Thus he renounced his membership in the GOP and is now a political independent."
He continues his commentary: "It is noteworthy to pay special recognition to the long list of 'Progressive-Fundamentalist Democratic' web sites that have taken note of Mr Barnes' expose' of 'Republican Racism". Many of these same web sites who attacked Mr Barnes as he self-identified as a Black Republican with 'Stockholm Syndrome' now hold this 'Prodigal Son' up as further proof that they are correct about the "Den of Racism" that the Republican Tea Party Militia is. I wonder how many of them would have published Mr Barnes' treatises a few years ago as he departed the Democratic Party?"
More: "In the face of a growing set of evidence of eroded Black Permanent Interests - despite the dominate control by the forces that are favored by the people on the link list above who applaud Mr Barnes' departure - his observation of RACISM in the GOP is more newsworthy than the documentation of the molestation to the Black Permanent Interests that is occurring in the 'Mission Accomplished Zones' where their party is dominate [sic]."
Kevin Jackson, a conservative Republican: "His views were far from Republican, and he knows that nobody 'showcases' black Republicans. The only black Republicans who are 'showcased' are idiots. Either you want to be at an event or you don't. If you know you are being 'showcased,' then you are a FOOL!...Ken Barnes' 'come to Jesus' is a farce. The Left is MONUMENTALLY more racist than Republicans. And if a racist cartoon by some Republican loser is enough to make one lose their conviction, then that is the definition of a weak-kneed putz."
Tamon Pearson, a California conservative and friend: " I know Ken Barnes personally. He was promised nothing. He is committed to small government, lower taxes, and personal responsibility. He is neither a typical politician nor a Republican turncoat. I won't rehash the points; he made them clearly. He mentioned a million things that led to his leaving. He did not go to the Democrats, neither did he imply that he was going to. This is, simply, a Black man who has grown weary of the party that appears to share his values apparently hostile toward his race -- a hostility that has never been apparent until the current president. This is a case of a man who looked at the folks who are supposed to be on the same side, but seem to be acting more like 1948 Democrats. You remain to a party while they share your values -- not after. How can two walk together unless they agree?"
Keith Wolaridge, a conservative in California and friend: "Ken is a close personal friend of mine. I love him as a person. His choice is His choice. I know firsthand of the anguish he went through to make this decision. We spent many a night on the phone discussing [h]is choice. I love Ken and Melanie and no matter what party he belongs to I have his back to the end."
KEN BARNES COMMENTARY: Racist Cartoon Of Obama Forces Me To Leave The GOP
