In the wake of Michael Steele?s announcement that he would be seeking reelection for the position of Republican National Committee Chairman, a variety of opponents have come forward to challenge him, including former political director Gentry Collins, and former Michigan GOP leader Saul Anuzis. Steele has faced harsh criticism from a number of Republicans, particularly over his financial mishandling of RNC funds as well as his recent gaffes.
Perhaps the staunchest critic of Steele’s leadership has been the conservative group BOND Action, led by Reverend Jesse Lee Peterson, which contends that Steele is not a strong enough leader to lead a Republican presidential victory in 2012.
BOND Action is currently circulating a petition on the Internet in the hopes of acquiring 10,000 signatures. Once accomplished, the organization will submit the petition to the 168-member Republican National Committee and ask that it replace Steele as the RNC chairman in January. The petition reads:
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Republicans have an opportunity to derail Obamas hope for a second term, retain a majority in the House, and take the Senate they should not allow Steele’s ego and incompetence to stand in their way. President Obama and his radical Democratic cohorts in Congress are relentless in their efforts to advance the most ambitious left-wing agenda in the history of this nation including amnesty for illegals. There is no time to waste Republicans must replace Michael Steele in January.
According to BOND Actions website, too few conservative voices have stood up against Michael Steele, fearful that their qualms over Steele’s leadership may be called racially motivated: We need you to stand with us in calling on the RNC members to get over their fear of being called racists or any other reservations they have and replace Michael Steele with a qualified conservative RNC Chairman in January.
Founded by Reverend Jesse Lee Peterson, BOND (Brotherhood Organization of a New Destiny) recently celebrated its 20th anniversary. The groups mission is rebuilding the family by rebuilding the man, as well as helping men and their families, particularly in major urban areas, find spiritual and personal freedom through our personal development programs and community outreach and renewal efforts.
Reverend Peterson has established himself as the de facto moral leader for black Americans. Peterson explains, I started BOND because I realized that, not all, but most black Americans were suffering because they had anger because their fathers arent around. They are relying on the government, and they are following the so-called black leaders who are setting them up in order to use them for their own personal gain. If I could get them to understand that, [and] if they could overcome their anger, then they cant be controlled by their outer environment.
As a conservative black leader, Reverend Peterson asserts that Steele is not an effective leader for the RNC.
In an interview with The New American, Peterson remarked, [Steele] is very weak. He is not a strong and good leader.
In addition to Steele’s weaknesses, Reverend Peterson contends, I dont believe he is a Conservative Republican. He is a RINO in that hes in the Party, but he doesn’t believe in the platform of the Republican Party.
Proof of this, according to Peterson, can be found in Steele’s January 2010 appearance on the Sean Hannity show, where Steele predicted the GOP would not take back the House of Representatives during the 2010 midterm elections. If you have a coach who doesn’t believe you can win, what good is that coach to the team? Peterson asks.
Furthermore, Peterson believes that Steele has perpetuated the mentality that white Republicans are bigoted. During a TV1 appearance in November 2009, Steele remarked that white Republicans are fearful of blacks, even black Republicans such as himself.
Peterson notes that such assertions will make it virtually impossible to encourage more blacks to join conservative efforts.
Emphasizing the importance of strong leadership to help restore the fragile republic, Peterson concludes, The country is in big trouble and if conservatives dont take charge, Im afraid its over for us as we know it.
Photo of Michael Steele: AP Images
