By KELLY TSHIBAKA
Larry Elder, a prominent conservative commentator and political figure, has been vocal about his views on various issues affecting the black community in the United States. While opinions on Elder’s proposed solutions may differ, it is essential to examine his perspectives, particularly in light of his formative life experiences.
In Elder’s recent interview on the podcast show STAND with Kelly & Niki Tshibaka, he shared how his policy views were significantly shaped by witnessing how his parents overcame significant discrimination and poverty. Elder took the audience along his father’s inspiring journey from the Jim Crow South to the Marines and eventually to Los Angeles. Larry’s father, a symbol of perseverance, faced racial discrimination yet remained steadfast in providing for his family.
One of Larry Elder’s key pillars is the concept of personal responsibility. He argues that individuals, regardless of their race, must take responsibility for their actions and choices. Elder contended that systemic racism does not hold people back. Rather, he said the formula for success is to: a) wait to have kids until after 20 years old, b) get a job, c) don’t leave the job until you have another job, and d) avoid the criminal justice system.
Elder then placed personal responsibility for the conditions faced by black Americans on the black community itself. He dropped these points in rapid fire:
- – 70% of black kids enter the world without a father in the home married to the mother.
- – The top cause of preventable death for a black person age 19 and under is homicide, almost always at the hands of another person age 19 and under
- – There is a 50% urban dropout rate in many urban schools, like Milwaukee where 13 public high schools have 0% of the students who can do math at grade level
Elder also strongly advocated for school choice, believing that empowering parents to choose the best educational environment for their children is crucial. He argued that providing alternatives to underperforming public schools, such as charter schools, private schools, or homeschooling, can help break the cycle of poor education outcomes often observed in disadvantaged communities.
He criticized the Democrat Party for not supporting school choice and other solutions that would genuinely help the Black Community. Instead he said the Democrats intentionally mislead voters “because they want Black people to go in there and pull that lever for the Democratic party.” He called out the Democrat party for being the party of slavery, the party of the Confederacy, the party of Jim Crow, the party of Dred Scott, the party of the KKK, and the party that destroyed the family.
Larry Elder’s proposed solutions for the Black community revolve around principles of personal responsibility, education reform, economic empowerment, and the promotion of stable family structures. While his ideas may spark important discussions, it is crucial to consider a diverse range of perspectives and approaches to address the complex challenges faced by the Black community. Ultimately, a comprehensive and collaborative effort is needed to create meaningful and lasting change.
Kelly Tshibaka is the host of the podcast, TV, and radio show STAND, and the 2022 Alaska Republican candidate for U.S. Senate. She co-hosts the show with her husband, Niki Tshibaka.
