Dr. Cornel West’s campaign for president may be well-meaning, but it is counterproductive. The issues he raises about the Black community are real, and keeping them at the forefront is good. It is how they are used that is important. Using the issues that affect Black America as reasons to potentially siphon votes or reduce turnout in an election that could hinge on a razor-thin margin and will determine the course of the nation is irresponsible and dangerous.
African Americans live in two worlds. We are the heirs of those held in chattel slavery, which is reflected in the issues West speaks about, and also citizens in the American democratic republic. As such, we can make demands and hold rallies and marches to address America’s history. Based on what he has said, that will not be possible if Donald Trump wins. Demands will be useless and could get you arrested, and rallies and marches could also get you arrested, deported, or killed. He has called us “vermin.” The man is a threat to our way of life.
It would be better for Dr. West and his supporters to be, as my wife Bernice likes to say, “solution-driven” and, while continuing to push the same issues, bring the message that if those issues are of concern, then all in the sound of his voice and everyone they know, particularly in swing states, needs to come out and vote for the Democratic ticket.
Rather than waste the energy and passion of good people in a demoralizing, destructive campaign to nowhere, let them be participants in keeping us out of a dictator’s hands. Then, we take that success and use the political power that will be gained to argue, demand, and continue to push and prod the nation toward an equitable society.
The issues West raises are real. It is the candidacy that is a mistake.

By David Mark Greaves