It never fails, everytime an African American stands on the verge of breaking through a barrier, on the brink of victory, poised for the win-the rules change.
What lesson do we teach when rules are established, with clearly articulated consequences for violations, agreed upon by all parties and toward the end of the game, when things are tight and matter most, the conversation shifts to how we can accomodate the violator?
When there is no solution that would not disadvantage one party or the other the best course of action is to stick to the rules agreed upon at the outset. That way there may be tears but nobody can cry foul.
Michigan and Florida do count and the strength of the Democratic Party is certainly being tested. At the end of the day the only question is whether or not the Party will honor its own process. The citizens of Florida and Michigan were disenfranchised by the decision to violate the rules made at the state level. Their issue is with their own state representatives not with the candidates or the national party. If the Democratic Party leadership stands strong it will send a signal that the rules are the rules and must be observed by all. This is the only fair course of action. To do otherwise is to invite total chaos in the future.
A true leader advocates, defends, and abides by the rules.
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