Jackson advocate. [volume] (Jackson, Miss.) 1939-current, 1952-08-30
Whom The Gods Would DESTROY
(Reprnted from the Oklahoma Black Dispatch)

There are some disagreeable features about the
Republican and Democratic platforms and also the cand
dates which do not like but the Black Dispatch does
not intend to develop the intensity of anger dom
mating Congressman Adam G. Powell who suggests that
the Negro remain away from the presidential ballot in
November.
The ballot is the only means by which citizens in
representative democracy can protect themselves, and
when Congressman Powell suggests the Negro not vote
in November, he wants the black at the movement
when the American people are selecting the man who
will head this government the next four years. to be in
the distressing shape of the fellow who went out bear
hunting one day without a gun.
Lies problems not solved by running from
them 1t is the who faces evil and attacks that final
ly starts the wheels of progress and out
day for humanity One could only of the suggestion
of Rev Powell that it stems from the minimizing mind of
the frustrated. Humanity should always beware when
the blind seeks to lead the blind.
The trouble with Congressman Powell is that he at
taches too much Importance to party label AS we look
through the CUTS of things at the present moment we
beyond party lines to generic groups labor
the farmer and all of those who represent America mid
die class The Negro must ally himself permanently with
these groups and where they decide locate themselves
in this election there we should also follow We are
rapidly securing voice in the policy forming units of the
American middle class, and in some respects we are
Stunning leadership. The NAACP for instance is being
followed today by something like SO odd liberal groups.
The stand take is generally accepted the matter
of civil rights and this is far cry from the day when
we ignored and despsed by the leaders of the two
dominant parties.
The important thing for us to do while mnglng
with Americas middle class is to help them with
votes to do of the things they want to do and they
in turn will give the black lift Would Congress-
Powell, when he knows the Negro at the present
time has something around three and half million
votes tell the black to stay at home election day
and not permit America to see the power of the black
vote in action Suppose cannot achieve this the
things we want in the realm of civil rights at
least cement greater relationship with other powerful
groups by helping to get across their program.
Congressman Powell is thinking of action
Negroes may take unateraly but think this is the
most stupid sort of reasoning He is in reality talking
bout form of political segregation In our Judge
ment the Negro is going to win his rghtful place
in American citizenship until he being intro
vert. We have attended numberless meetings where
white people talking about world peace, farm prob
lens, taxation, transportation and communication 1t is
observation Negroes who attend such gatherings
become interested vocal until brings
up the question of the mob segregation disfranchse
men We too self centered, and it appears
to Congressman Powell is just about ready to call the
dog and retire permanently for four years to his tent
because he cannot anyone but himself.
The ancients used to say "WhOm the gods would
destroy, they first make mad" When black vote
they are the ones who should be cool, calculating and
we'll balanced. Anger has place when one de-
sires and decides to drive stiff bargain The Negro is
just beginning to feel his political strength in this coun
try Let's do little mature thinking and under the lead
ership of unsesh guides, let in November place the
black vote in what strategic position dscov
er to win the most valuable prize in citizenship.