No black agenda on the election table

“There’s no strength left in the world of men. They’re scattered, divided, leaderless.”

So pronounced Elrond, on the state of the Middle World, in “The Lord of the Rings” the 2001 epic film trilogy.

Scattered, divided, leaderless. Also an apt capsulation of the state of the African American policy agenda in the run-up to the Nov. 4 statewide elections.

Just five weeks out, the state of the black community is downright medieval. There is no unified, specified black agenda on the political table. The election is generating scarce energy, enthusiasm or engagement.

What do “we” want?

Indeed, the top of the ticket wants “us” badly, and is courting black voters feverishly. I’ve always been there for you, purrs Democratic Gov. Pat Quinn. Near-monolithic black support is crucial to Quinn’s re-election hopes. The Democratic leaders in the Illinois General Assembly put a minimum wage referendum on the ballot to boost black turnout. Why not just pass it?

Quinn’s a cad, and he’ll disappoint you again, wheedles Republican gubernatorial nominee Bruce Rauner. The private equity guru can’t find any black folks to hire, but he can turn a few heads in the ‘hood, convincing a gaggle of black ministers to preach that it’s time for a change.

Rauner promises to contribute to black economic development. Quinn hasn’t done enough for you, he says.

Just what is “enough?”

Who knows? Black folks aren’t even asking. The devil is in the details. And we never ask for the details.

No wonder the Democratic Party takes the black vote for granted.

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