It seems to me that Pike County may have one of the most aggressive Tea Party movements in the country. Folks, don’t ever think that the Tea Party Movement you see on CNN, FOX and other news networks is not operating right here in ‘good ole’ Pike County, Mississippi. I would go as far as to say that Pike County, as it was in the 1960’s, is still one of the most racist communities in the United States.

I’m fully aware of the fact that what I’m writing is causing some folks (black and white) to cringe, but I believe in calling a spade a spade. It’s the ministry that God blessed me with, Truth-telling. We just finished celebrating black history last month, and in some churches, schools and other organizations (black or white) you won’t hear another word about black history, black unity, black empowerment, and yes, the need for a black political-economical empowerment agenda anymore this year.

Quite frankly, last month, you probably didn’t hear a discussion around the need for a black political-economical agenda in any black church or organization anyway. Far too often, we as black people find ourselves too entrenched in symbolic, entertainment-type celebrations; and sadly, losing the true essence of black history in the process. Dr. King preached empowerment and justice. Now for a stark contrast; the white community, on the other hand, knows what it means to preserve history and heritage. Most importantly the white community knows the importance of having a political-economic agenda that keeps them in control of government and the distribution of wealth. By any means necessary.

So, you haven’t quite bought into my argument of a local Tea Party operating here in Pike County? Well, let’s take a minute to review what’s been happening with President Obama and Tea Partiers nationally and compare it to what’s been happening here locally. First of all, it’s been reported that a lot of your Tea Partiers are actually white democrats who left the party after President Obama was elected. Locally we can see white democrats, such as Wayne Dowdy, true colors began to show after the election of McComb’s first African-American Mayor, Zach Patterson.

Nationally we see the Tea Party movement flooding the airwaves with ultra-conservative talk shows that consistently trash President Obama. Likewise, after the election of Patterson, the Enterprise-Journal introduced a trash section of their newspaper called “My Two Cents”.

After the election of President Obama, the Republican Party introduced an Uncle Tom Negro name Michael Steele to push their racist agenda. In McComb his name is E.C. Nobles.

After the elections, you couldn’t find a gun in any gun store across America, one of the only thriving markets during the recession. Kind of funny too that the City of McComb says that it’s broke one minute, and then buys several brand new Dodge Chargers for its predominately white police force (In a city that’s approximate 65% black).

I hate to sound so cynical editorial after editorial. But someone has to stand up and tell it like it is. I have hopes for a bright future in Pike County for my and your children, but let’s be real about this, there are some folks here that don’t give a darn about our children, and it must be addressed.

Don’t believe me? Then read the garbage that gets posted in the Enterprise-Journal comment section about our children at South Pike and McComb School District.

Before I bring this to an end, I must say that it’s time out for black folks siding with white folks who are out to stifle black political progress. Did I say all white folks, of course not, I said white folks who are out to stifle black political progress. (Had to make myself clear for you mediocre black folks, who are getting offended by my writing).

In closing, know that this is not a joke. This week the local Tea Party stooped to an all time low, accusing Mayor Patterson of stealing city funds and giving it to a black accounting firm and a black law firm. A BLACK ACCOUNTING FIRM AND A BLACK LAW FIRM, WAKE UP!!! THERE’S THEIR PROBLEM FOLKS!!! A BLACK ACCOUNTING FIRM AND A BLACK LAW FIRM.

Obviously Patterson understands something about having a black political-economical empowerment agenda, and for the local Tea Party that’s a problem. How long will you so-called black leaders continue to sit back and allow our black talented brothers and sisters like Mayor Patterson and Tasha Dillon fight for themselves as the local Tea Party now seek to trump up false criminal charges on them?

And don’t ever think that I’m upset with these Tea Partiers, no, they’re doing exactly what I expect of them. It’s the folks who, last month, quoted Martin Luther King, Sojourner Truth, Frederick Douglas and Malcolm X Sunday after Sunday that cause my heart to break. This month it’s back to cheesing with our local Clarence Thomas’ and Michael Steeles, by allowing folks like E.C. Nobles, David Myers and Quordiniah Lockly to assist the local Tea Party in destroying Patterson and Dillon.

Remember, if they came for them today, they’ll come for you tomorrow. As the late Frank Melton would say, “And that my friend is the bottom line.”

Min. Anthony Witherspoon