Modus Operandi No 1: Miscarriages of Justice and the Importance of Strategy
The murders of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor and George Floyd and the subsequent miscarriages of justice as recently as this week highlight the need for change to take place in America. Frustration is palpable throughout the black diaspora and supporters of civil rights everywhere. There’s been a reawakening to callousness and cruelty black people have been subjected to for over 400 years. This renewed consciousness is positive because it has spurred many into action, attempting to contribute to a better vision of America, in a way which speaks to them individually. However, there seems to be a lack of overall strategy. Clausewitz stated, “A prince or a general can best demonstrate his genius by managing a campaign exactly to suit his objectives and his resources, doing neither too much nor too little.” Resources are limited and time, specifically, is of the essence. Marshalling resources toward very clear ends is the best way to ensure lasting change is achieved.
“Obama never did anything for black people.” “The next president needs to have a black agenda.” These quotes are worthless tropes of so-called sophists and/or people attempting to absolve themselves of the responsibility to contribute constructively to developing the agenda. Political constituents have a responsibility to collectively develop clear objectives that a politician must meet in exchange for votes. A politician’s objective is to win elections and continue to maintain influence and power by whatever means are politically expedient. The constituency must continually apply pressure to the politician to carry out his/her promises to the people, or run the risk of losing support of the voting bloc. Heretofore, black voters, as a collective, have failed to do both. A clear political agenda with quantifiable objectives is the key ingredient to change, because without it, no coherent strategy can be developed.
Clearly defined objectives must be in place in order to make appropriate resourcing decisions. If clear political objectives are the ends which are sought, then resources are the means. It’s important for black voters to understand the amount of time, money, political capital, etc they plan to invest in order to achieve the stated objectives, for two reasons. First, desired political and social outcomes are directly tied to the community’s level of investment. The less a community is willing to sacrifice, the less others will be interested in their desires, the more marginalized they become. Second, a candid conversation about what resources can be marshalled helps give black America a solid understanding of the level of results they can expect. For example, a military ground force commander looking to overthrow a large nation-state is going to be unsuccessful if he resources the battle with a single infantry brigade. Change comes with a price-tag, like anything else in life. Great and lasting change coincides with an equally great investment of things such as time, effort, money, and manpower.
Lastly, clearly defined objectives and outcomes determine which actions need to be taken. If objectives are the ends and resources and the means, actions are the ways which change is brought about. People with platforms are speaking out. Folks are donating to causes they support. Major sports leagues and athletes are taking a knee and sitting out games. Many are joining local, and sometimes far-away, protests in the streets. All of these things, on their own, bring about awareness and may generate some degree of change. However, these actions, in isolation, seem disjointed. Make no mistake, there’s a level of appreciation for those who’ve invested in the ways they can, and that speak to them. But, in order for a movement to be effective, the people have to coalesce around actions which explicitly serve to accomplish the objectives. The actions currently being undertaken lack synergy because there’s no metric by which to measure the progress toward the objective. Right action only flows from clear objectives.
Plans never survive first contact with the enemy, and will require continual revision. There are a lot of concerned, talented, successful, and well-meaning black people ready to tackle the litany of complex issues facing society. However, if objectives and outcomes aren’t clearly defined and articulated, the rest is an exercise in futility. Effectiveness in any cause depends on stating the ends, accounting for the means, and executing the way. This is the essence of strategy and will propel the black agenda forward.
