The thing that white progressives forget, that makes nearly every African-American in Orange County united, despite political persuasion, is the in your face vitriolic attitude of white conservatives and the know it all, let-me-be-your-hero-on-a-shining-horse mind-set of would-be local progressives.
Racial politics is the stinking pile of poop that everyone wants to pretend does not exist here in the world-class city/county.
Progressives in Orlando/Orange County, especially the Scott Randolph kind are most insidious and nefarious. They are adept at using this hush-hush, in-your-face secret to advance their agendas. The neat thing, however, is that Orange County Latino’s have figured this out and have decided to go their own way.
Val Demings, while not perfect, is an evolving political force and probably has no choice but to get behind some of the local projects, offensive to some of us. But, given the choice, Orange County voters would be wise to choose Val over Teresa, who appears willing to proffer the discussion of inclusiveness. When was the last time Mayor Jacobs mentioned the communities and neighborhoods long neglected by the Rich Crottys of this world?
Candidates like Derrick Wallace and Val Demings will at least bring out the Black voter base in a non-presidential year.
Lastly, reports of a disengaged-black-voter are grossly exaggerated. Maybe progressives should start talking to more Black people in the county.
