Chalcedon Blog

The Congressional Black Caucus has discouraged a freshman Democrat, Rep. Stephen Cohen of Tennessee, from participating in the all black caucus. This was made clear to him by both current and former members. The last time this was tried was in 1975 by Rep. Pete Clark, a Democrat from California who said recently:

"Half my Democratic constituents were African-American. I felt we had interests in common as far as helping people in poverty.... They had a vote, and I lost. They said the issue was that I was white, and they felt it was important that the group be limited to African-Americans."

There is no written policy that the caucus must remain all black, but the black Rep. William Lacy Clay of Missouri said, "It's an unwritten rule. It's understood. It's clear."

Let me make clear that this is not racism. And that's for one simple reason: if ANY ethnic group forbids by reason of race, it's legitimate. However, if any white group forbids by reason of race, it's an outrage. I'd like for the Southern Poverty Law Center to please add the Black Caucus to their extensive list of hate groups. Or, maybe the Anti-Defamation League will step in because Rep. Cohen is Jewish.

However, I perfectly understand the Black Caucus' reasoning for restriction regarding race. And, I think they should be permitted to do so without rebuke -- as they will likely receive no rebuke. Just be sure that all groups -- in this allegedly democratic and pluralistic society -- have that equal opportunity.