Do Black Lives Matter? Ask Trump and Clinton

The phrase "Black Lives Matter" has become part of our discourse recently. It is fraught with controversy due to the tactics the accompanying movement employs, the interpretation that it means that only black lives matter and the division it adds to an already-divided nation. So do all lives, in fact, matter? For me, it's rather simple: If anyone sensible had any doubt that black lives matter -- and sensible people do not, by the way -- the past several days of political warfare between Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton have surely removed such doubt.

"Hillary Clinton is a bigot," said the Republican nominee for president as he discussed how a Trump presidency would be better for black Americans than a Clinton presidency. He alleged that she sees minorities as votes, not human beings. The policies she espouses, he claimed, are detrimental to minorities, whom she cares nothing about -- as long as they vote for her party.

Trump highlighted the unemployment, crime and educational disadvantage within the black community. He pointed out the painful truth that decades-old Democrat leadership has not helped, and he asked the question, "What the hell do you have to lose?" Now, that rather blunt inquiry offended some, but I find it a good question. What do we have to lose? If what we're doing doesn't work, do something else. And what blacks have been doing en masse is voting for Democrats -- and it has not worked; things are not better. Albert Einstein is credited with saying, "Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results."

So when a job creator comes along and discusses creating jobs, I'd listen. When someone promises to deal with illegal immigration (note the keyword "illegal"), which further squeezes out job opportunities, I'd tune in. And when someone praises school choice, which will open doors to a prosperous future (see last week's column), you've got my attention. As I compare these to a poor Democratic record, combined with offers of more dependency, I have to say I'm inclined to echo Trump: What the hell do we have to lose? Having said that, Trump might have more credibility if he had discussed the plight of the black community before a black audience. Instead, he came across as talking about folks behind their backs. In this case, preaching to the choir would have been a good thing -- much better than preaching about the choir.

Also controversial was Trump's tweet after the tragic death of Nykea Aldridge, NBA star Dwyane Wade's cousin, who was struck by gunfire while walking her 3-week-old baby in a stroller down a South Chicago street. Trump posted that "African-Americans will VOTE TRUMP!" Even if his motive was right, his decision to tweet this was wrong and appeared to be a push for black votes in the wake of tragedy.

Hillary Clinton didn't fare much better. She delivered a speech focused on painting Donald Trump as a racist, making the case -- yet again -- that he is unfit for the White House. She included his supporters, business practices and campaign staff as proof of his alleged racial bias. Democrats are not new to playing the race card. Many seem to think their party owns blacks and Hispanics, and they have no use for those who shun their ideology. Perhaps Clinton got extra testy because she felt Trump trespassed her territory. So she threw out the racism charge. The 'R' allegation is intended to end all conversation. It's a below-the-belt weapon, and she wielded it with nasty, brutal force.

I respect strength and boldness, yes, but I also prefer inspiration above intimidation and solutions above salvo. Both candidates' tactics speak to why I hate politics-as-usual. They also magnify the war for black votes. But the struggle people face isn't a game; it's their reality. Politicizing real-life predicaments is an injustice to those in greatest need.

Watching what is unfolding should settle the issue for those who are -- inexplicably -- spending their time trying to convince people, "Hey, look over here. My life matters." As we head down the homestretch of this campaign season, if no one else ever did, politicians certainly do recognize how much black lives matter to their success. My hope is that everyone else sees through the ugly gamesmanship on both sides and into what truly matters to all of us.

Adrienne Ross is an author, speaker, columnist, editor, educator and Southeast Missourian editorial board member. Reach her at aross@semissourian.com.