Black Activists Speak Out Against Obama's Class Warfare

The name of the game for Team Obama, desperate for traction in the polls, is class warfare. Instead of bringing people together, as he pledged to do when he was a candidate in 2008, he takes the low road.

Now, black activists from both the liberal and conservative sides of the aisle are speaking out.

When asked about Obama's attack on the wealthy in his efforts to promote new taxes, Robert Johnson -- the founder of Black Entertainment Television -- told host Chris Wallace on the 10/2/11 edition of "Fox News Sunday":

Well, I think the President has to recalibrate his message. You don't get people to like you by attacking them or demeaning their success. You know, I grew up in a family of ten kids, first one to go to college, and I've earned my success. I've earned my right to fly private if I choose to do so. And by attacking me it is not going to convince me that I should take a bigger hit because I happen to be wealthy... It doesn't mean that I am a bad guy... I went in business to create jobs and opportunity, create opportunity, create value for myself and my investors. And that's what the President should be praising, not demagoguing us simply because Warren Buffet says he pays more than his secretary. He should pay the secretary more and she will pay more.

It is notable that Mr. Johnson is speaking out against the class warfare strategy. He is a wealthy supporter of Barack Obama. He is founder of BET network and no doubt will continue to support Obama in 2012, just maybe not so publicly or with enthusiasm.

Other black activists are speaking out, too. Some from the conservative black group, Project 21, are releasing statements.

"It is clear that the only color that matters is green," said Project 21 spokeswoman Shelby Emmett. "Every American, regardless of background or political ideology, understands that class warfare does nothing to create jobs. Furthermore, pitting American against American, attacking the most successful in our country and engaging in 'blame-game' politics does no good for America. The President would be well-advised to listen to successful men such as Robert Johnson."

Project 21 spokesman Jimmie Hollis added: "The comments by Robert Johnson prove that President Obama's class warfare strategy also upsets his rich supporters. I think Mr. Johnson will still support Obama but probably with less enthusiasm at this point."

"After the spectacle of Obama encouraging black people to take off their bedroom slippers and march for him at last week's Congressional Black Caucus dinner, Robert Johnson's sobering comments this week about demonizing the wealthy and successful raises the level on concern about this White House's inability to create an environment for job growth and creation," said Project 21 spokeswoman Cherylyn Harley LeBon, a small businesswoman and former senior counsel for the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee. "The failed economic policies of the Obama Administration are acknowledged by CEOs and small business owners across the country."

Making successful business people the scapegoats for the economic woes of the country is ridiculous. It is the job of the President to lead with policy initiatives that produce an environment for job creation, as the government only produces government worker jobs. This president has failed. His policies have failed to turn around the economy.

And, the hypocrisy is present - Barack Obama won the presidency in 2008 with strong support from Wall Street tycoons and other millionaires and billionaires. His constant harangue against "fat cats" is a bit much.