By Joe Sims Examining the Agenda A cursory glance of the final version of the National Agenda, its continuing call for atonement notwithstanding, reveals an attempt to move the NOI away from an insular conservatism and toward the mainstream of African American political discourse. Without pretending to be exhaustive, a review of its planks on political empowerment, criminal justice, immigration, the environment, housing and government entitlements like Social Security and Medicare suggest a shift in emphasis. For example, the section on politics, among other things, calls for proportional representation and campaign finance reform. In addition, the National Agenda comes out against the privatization of Social Security and Medicare and maintaining the safety net for the poor.
Issues relating to environmental racism is also well developed.
The overwhelmingly progressive character of the CBC and Hispanic Caucus Legislative platforms lends the National Agenda a democratic tenor. Several chapters appear to be more of the NOI's own inspiration. In some of these sections important differences exist between the draft and final versions of the Agenda. Many of them move in quite another direction. The plank on education begins calling for church involvement in schools.