Another Black Leader Shunned for Supporting Trump [OPINION]

The big tent Democrats have done it again. You are allowed to remain in their club just as long as you are lockstep in line with what you are told to do; say otherwise, your butt gets kicked to the curb.

Georgia Democrat State Rep. Vernon Jones found out the hard way that you don't dare have a mind of your own or you and your reputation will be shredded in an instant by party leaders and the media. Jones, a black man, had the audacity to hope that his opinion might be respected when he stated that he supports the re-election in November of President Donald Trump. That's downright blasphemy.

Jones made the case that Trump's leadership has resulted in vast economic opportunities for many in the black community. Further, Jones cited Trump's support of historically black colleges and criminal justice reform as beneficial to blacks and reason enough to support Trump's re-election.

The Democrats wasted little time in vowing revenge against Jones. One party leader, John Jackson, declared of Jones' support for Trump, "This is in no way acceptable." Jackson insisted, "Action will be taken."

Georgia State Democrat Party Chair Nikema Williams proclaimed that Trump is a – drumroll – "racist!" She added Trump has "made an all-out assault on black Americans," though she neglected to explain why she feels that way. Williams went on to say that Jones is "an embarrassment to the Democrat Party and he doesn't stand for our values."

Recent polling suggests that Trump could have as much as 20 percent support among blacks. That would be a huge increase over 2016 and could well be a game-changer. The assault on Jones' character could actually help to boost that number for Trump in Georgia this fall.

Congratulations to Jones for daring to have a mind of his own and for breaking the chains that bound him to a dictatorial one-mind-fits-all party that feels entitled to ownership of your heart, mind, and soul.

Barry Richard is the host of The Barry Richard Show on 1420 WBSM New Bedford. He can be heard weekdays from noon to 3 p.m. Contact him at barry@wbsm.com and follow him on Twitter @BarryJRichard58. The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of the author.