Stevie Wonder released the single “You Haven’t Done Nothin‘” in August 1974. The single features background vocals from The Jackson Five. The song and lyrics were aimed directly at then Republican President Richard Nixon. Nixon resigned to avoid impeachment and removal from office two days after the song was released. Not surprisingly, the lyrics and the intent are as relevant today as they were 46 years ago. Needless to say, the same issues that were relevant to black society then are still issues that we are striving to achieve in 2020. Another thing that hasn’t changed is an election featuring two white candidates fighting for control.
Just as prior elections, both candidates are making promises to constituents they have no intention of keeping. Both have deflected suspicions involving the state of their mental and physical health. One is a former reality star who has maintained friendships with many black celebrities prior to and after becoming the 45th President of the United States. He has black celebrity friends who seem to forgive and forget his treatment of innocent black teens. The other has a track record of following through with policies intended to harm black communities. He has lost and dropped out of prior Democratic races because no one wanted him. In fact, the only time he finally gained access to the White House was when former President Obama selected him as to be his Vice-President running mate. Now, he’s attached to another brown-skinned running companion to gain black voters and a hopeful win. According to him, you ain’t black if you don’t vote for him. Maybe he should have aligned with Jesse Jackson Jr. in the 80’s.
Here we are in 2020 trying to select between two white men who should be enjoying their retirement. Is this the best we can offer as a country? Aged candidates who promise everything but deliver nothing in return once they’re in office. As Stevie Wonder says in his record:
We are amazed but not amused
By all the things you say that you’ll do
Though much concerned but not involved
With decisions that are made by you
But we are sick and tired of hearing your song
Tellin’ how you are gonna change right from wrong
‘Cause if you really want to hear our views
You haven’t done nothing’