It is what surprised me about the Ferguson, Missouri reality. The population was bi-racial, but, there was no discerning that by the degree of representation in their police or local government.
The people that need to be in their government the most, as with Ferguson, are the least involved or represented. In the case of Ferguson, the majority of the minority population were lower Middle Class. They owned homes, were building a future for their children, but, more than likely worked two to three or even four jobs per household. So, the idea a lower Middle Class voter has the time to participate yet alone campaign is not realistic. If it isn't realistic to the voters that struggle to make it to the polls (Ferguson has low voter turn out.) they aren't going to be able to make it to local party meetings to become involved and eventually run for office.
That entirely isn't the problem though. Let's say there is a retired Grandmother that has time to attend local meetings and campaign what might hold her back? Certainly not her age because most Seniors are respected and admired for their accomplishments in life. So, what then would prevent someone within a minority community from participating as a candidate in elections.
The Tone. I remind the tone of the country today is very hateful. As a result the people involved in politics are coarse, raw and crude in their approach to authority. Not only that, but, there is fear among the electorate that polarizes voters.
Scott Brown is talking about border security and the first thing New Hampshire voters will think about is Canada. Now, when did anyone ever witness widespread border crossings by undocumented workers from Canada? Never. So, in fact the idea the Canadian border comes into play regarding border insecurity is hideous. Yet, Brown will continue to rant and rave about a border issue because, of course, every member of the Islamic State will find their way through 2000 miles of alien roads and terrain to attack the people of New Hampshire. It isn't going to happen, but, because the culture of fear paints these issues starkly, many in New Hampshire are worried about their own security.
The same is true with Ebola. A strange idea that a virus from West Africa could find it's way into the USA compliments of an American's fiancee is a hideous thought, yet, the panic spread quickly and it becomes an issue of who has the best idea to protect citizens, when in fact there was never a sincere threat in the first place.
Now, take citizens of Ferguson who have never voted. Why? They are disenfranchised because of their financial struggles and personal goals for their families and children and keeping their house, they are completely disconnected from the reality their vote is vital to changing their circumstances. Then this hideous and outrageous ideas from the political right wing manifest and how is that brave and proud Grandmother looking now to win an election? Not so promising.
The political tone of the country it not only hideously out of sync with reality and the best interest of the people, it also disqualifies those that vote and those that would be qualified or even interested in running for local office.
While there are gatekeepers that oppress diversity of people in government there is also this incredibly horrid political tone that tells many they are scared and incompetent to handle their own lives effectively. If I don't believe I am confident in handling my own life will I want to run for office?
While gatekeepers oppress, there is a larger evil and it works.
