Barack Obama run for the Presidency may force one important issue of American history to be revisited.  The notion that Republicans are the racists of the parties is persistent among much of the left-leaning people of the country.  Republicans MUST force a new look at a very old issue if they wish to alter this perspective.

The Democrats are the historic party of institutionalized racism and it obviously still suffers from bigotry today.  The party is still split into those who vote based on race.  There are those who are voting for Mr. Obama because he is Black (a subtle and less pernicious form of racism) and those who will not vote for him because he is Black.  (Yes, of course, many have other non-racial considerations.)

The Democrats, and the media, have largely been able to convince America that Republicans are the racists through a malicious and inaccurate manipulation of three things: the “Southern strategy,” the twisting of the words of Ronald Reagan and differences on policy, such as affirmative action.  These policy distinctions have nothing to do with racism - except to those who make a living from race-baiting.  (I would bet that a survey conducted of today’s high school students would show that most believe that the Republicans were in control of Jim Crow South.)

Black Americans would do better by abandoning their allegiance to one party.  Also, the Republicans need to do a better job of fighting for their votes and educating people on the facts and their views.  All of America should learn to vote only on qualifications and vision.