My frustration is that republicans are punting the black vote, when they could actually offer proposals that would resonate with blacks if only they would. Not to all of them, republicans are never going to appeal to the welfare queens, nor IMO should they. But there are plenty of blacks--and and browns and poor white people--locked into the welfare plantation by the "poverty trap" aspects of our welfare system. For a family of three or four, from about $15,000 earned income (poverty) to $55,000 (middle class), for every additional dollar they earn, they lose a dollar to taxes and lost benefits. That is a terrible disincentive to improve one's lot, and most poor blacks are very well aware.

Another thing that would appeal would be ways to get inner-city kids out of failed and failing inner-city schools. The best way is obviously vouchers.

Another area would be to take steps to reduce the number of black children in fatherless homes. The way the current welfare system works, mommy is better off financially if daddy runs away than if he stays.

Another area would be enterprise zones to attract business investment to inner-city areas.

Democrats are not going to advance any of these proposals. "Keep 'em dumb, keep 'em poor, keep 'em dependent on handouts, and you'll keep 'em voting democrat," doesn't allow for such things.