I'm black and conservative: Here's how to talk about 'black lives matter' | Opinion
By Jeremy C. Hunt
As a conservative, I naively thought that our side was above name-calling and race-baiting. But then a rash of videotaped police shootings proved me wrong.
I was horrified at some of the insensitive, tone-deaf comments from people — including some of my conservative friends— about Black Lives Matter (BLM). Furthermore, the toxic climate dominating this election cycle seems to have called every lunatic in the country out of the woodwork. Nevertheless, I still believe that most of us are reasonable people, and that black Americans, like myself — and all Americans — will benefit most from policies that arise from a debate over ideas rather than emotions.
So, let's talk — one reasonable person to another.
Over 60 groups associated with the BLM movement recently released a list of six demands, hoping to achieve a "complete transformation of the current systems, which place profit over people and make it impossible for many of us to breathe." While there is a lot in that statement to make my fellow conservatives and me uncomfortable, I think it's important to remember we all share a vision of thriving communities, free of discrimination. And upon closer examination, I can find a lot in BLM's platform to agree with.
Specifically, they demand a world "where those most impacted in our communities control the laws, institutions, and policies that are meant to serve us." This shouldn't even have to be a demand; this is a constitutional right.
It's also why I am fundamentally skeptical of the idea of distant Washington bureaucrats dictating how to run our communities.
The one-size-fits-all approach to governance doesn't work, and it has cheated black people of the riches of liberty for generations.
For these same reasons, I'm concerned about BLM's demand for "a progressive restructuring of tax codes at the local, state, and federal levels to ensure a radical and sustainable redistribution of wealth."
Why would we trust the government — the same government that has historically disenfranchised us — to reach into our pockets and faithfully redistribute our wealth? The answer to our problems can't be stronger government; it must be stronger communities.
Our only two black U.S. senators, Cory Booker (D-N.J.) and Tim Scott (R-S.C.) are sponsoring bipartisan legislation that offers a different model to create wealth in urban areas. Their Investing in Opportunity Act would provide a tax-incentive for individuals and businesses to invest in low-income communities.
In other words, instead of giving more money and authority to career politicians on Capitol Hill, we could invest directly into our own neighborhoods. Local businesses that have served us for years will be able to hire more of our black youth. These are the people who deserve our resources, and they shouldn't have to rely on the government to provide for them. We can take care of them ourselves.
I don't expect to convert anyone to conservatism. But I do wish we would stop defaulting to the idea that increased federal power will solve our problems. There are creative solutions that harness the ingenuity and industry of our people rather than relying on Uncle Sam's benevolence.
If we're going to demand something, why not the right to send our children to whatever school we choose, not just the one in the neighborhood where we can afford a home?
When our young people are empowered with better opportunities for work and education, I believe our communities will flourish. The difficulty lies in how we get there. While all reasonable people want to eliminate police brutality, I'm concerned that the rest of BLM's demands won't make our lives better, but worse.
Some will dismiss my ideas out of hand, because they reject my assumption that blacks are capable of producing wealth and making the best choices for their children.
But for those who agree, let's continue to keep the dialogue open. We have a lot more to talk about.
Jeremy C. Hunt is a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army and also serves as a leadership strategist for the Douglass Leadership Institute. The views expressed here are solely those of the author. Follow him on Twitter, @Jeremy_c_hunt1
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