This old adage could be applied to the Ohio Democratic Party when dealing with Black legislators in Columbus.

There was a time with Black legislators in the Statehouse were respected and stood for something.

Today, the Ohio Black Legislative Caucus needs to regroup and redefine itself.

Years back, old time pimps and hustlers had a saying:  “You’re a fool if you love me and you’re a fool if you don’t.”

This old adage could be applied to the Ohio Democratic Party when dealing with Black legislators in Columbus.

It is no secret that the Democrat Party has taken African-American votes and loyalty for granted, albeit the political party that once embraced segregation vehemently.

What happened between those years and now is up to debate.

What we do know is that the Ohio Black Legislative Caucus has kowtowed to Ohio Dem Party Chairman Chris Redfern when Statehouse Republicans needed six votes to redistrict this state’s congressional districts.

This would have been a time for our Black lawmakers downstate to exercise some political muscle.

Instead, they were afraid of being punished by Redfern if they sided with Republicans.

Party loyalty is one thing.  Political muscle is another.

It looks like Redfern has got the muscle and our Black legislators give their undying loyalty, as usual.