The commentary by Touré is nothing less than a character assassination by one who cannot accept the notion that people who look alike can think differently. When the entire Black community (intelligentsia, political leadership and individuals) can accept different factions within itself without batting an eye — just like the people of no color do every day — then they will have done much to advance themselves toward the goal of a colorblind society. But because they can only view Mr. Cain as one who failed the litmus test of “blackness” (i.e., Are you a liberal?) they cannot respect him. Respect does not mean agreeing with him just because he’s black. Rather, if they respected him, they could and would just debate his IDEAS! Now wouldn’t that be wonderful.
Anna Somers, VIENNA, VA.