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Sellout: Musings from Uncle Tom's Porch

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I have been a black conservative for a long time. For much of that time I have felt ostracized and alone, especially within the black community. There have been plenty of books which provide a theoretical perspective on why conservatism is the better position for the black community, but none have presented such a personal coming of age account of the black conservative as Ron Miller's book, Sellout: Musings from Uncle Tom's Porch. Many black conservatives, especially Christians, will see a reflection of themselves in this book. Raised in a Christian household with liberal allegiances, Ron Miller examined his core beliefs and how liberalism is diametrically opposed to those beliefs. His commitment to his faith would not allow him to support positions which would run counter to his faith. That is the same experience of many black conservatives.

On a social level he very effectively illustrates the devastation liberalism has had on the black community. From abortion which has taken more black lives in "less than three days" than "the number of blacks lynched in America between 1882 and 1968," to education where "The symbiosis between the Democrats, local school boards, and the teacher's unions has spawned an education bureaucracy that robs these young men of their future."

Ron Miller details how we are often told we must support a black candidate simply because he is black. However, in his own bid for political office, that same support was not forthcoming simply because he was conservative. The liberal black community will employ all means at their disposal, from ostracism to giving "unction to sympathetic whites to use racial epithets against black" conservatives in order to steer them back on the plantation.

Although dissimilar in tone and direction from such classics as Manchild In The Promised Land and Makes Me Wanna Holler; this book provides the same type of illustration of a segment of the black community as did these two earlier books. This book is a must read for all those seeking to understand who black conservative is.

I read this book non-stop in one weekend. It was just too good to put down. The exposure of the hypocrisy in the way both black and white "progressives" think is powerful. The first three chapters grab the reader because they are revealing, open, and entertaining, then lead you to down a path of enlightened logic to counter the populist emotion-based "truth". Ron Miller presents this story with fact rather than belief. Even conservatives can go overboard on rhetoric, but Ron stays on a path of clear, insightful reasoning. Ron's story is a great one because its authenticity based on experience erodes the dismissive rhetoric of the left while his use of actual quotes and statistics debunks the liberal myth. This book is a revelation regardless of your race or political leanings. Conservatives will find it refreshing and liberals will gain a better understanding of racism turned upside-down." ~ James Ward, Author of Wealth Virtues

I am currently in the middle of Ron's book, having received my copy last week. This is a great read and a very personal account from a man who happens to be black, loves his country, his family and his community and has a servant's heart. All I can say is I am enjoying this book and I really think you will also. But more importantly, you will learn the heart of a true conservative, who sees life as it really is. Great read.

This is a courageous story. The author takes a stand for his right to be who he is despite society's expectation that he not wander from the virtual plantation where the vast majority of blacks in America work, play, worship and vote. The author both understands and communicates the core beliefs of our country's founders and how these led him to the conclusion that too many Americans, of all colors, are afraid, or unwilling, to examine their blind obedience to a ruling class of limousine liberals who demand their loyalty in return for government handouts and a dead-end future in place of the much grander promise of America envisioned by our founders.

This story should fuel an honest discussion of race and Christianity in American society. Embrace America!

Hard to review a book by a friend. Ron Miller's book Sellout, Musings from Uncle Tom's Porch, provides a look at life as a black conservative. What's interesting to note is that the majority of Ron's experience with racism did not begin until he became active with the Republican party. Most of the vitriol spewed in his direction came from fellow blacks who believed that he was betraying his people, thus the title of the book.

Ron recounts how growing up as a military brat, where everyone is the new kid, he was more likely teased because he was a shy, bookish kid than anything else. Additionally, in his family home in Louisiana where they stayed whenever his father was deployed overseas, there was respect for the family in the community. Even in the deep south late 60's and 70's, Ron must admit that he did not suffer any personal racist attacks.

As he began to develop his political tastes, he found that the very morals he was raised on - God, family, sanctity of life, hard work, independence, etc - were qualities that he found more in line with conservatives than liberals. Ron explores the question: What is the allegiance of blacks to Democrats when the things they most believe in are more in line with Republicans? This is an important book to read for anyone who is concerned with race and politics today. Ron begins to explore the role politicians and the media have in continuing to fan the flames of racism. I hope that he will explore this topic in a future book. For me, one of the things that detracted from the book was his use of the terms Democrat and Republican. I would have preferred that he a) posit his arguments as conservative and liberal, and b) take some Republicans to task for betraying true conservative values. Personally, I believe that politicians of late, in general, have become slaves to their incumbency rather than servants to their constituents on both sides of the aisle.

Ron Miller is a Christian, family man, who does not mince words about his beliefs. He is unashamedly Republican and makes no excuses. His is a compelling story about his experiences as a black Republican and what the future holds for conservatives of color. He takes several leaders to task and isn't afraid to name names. All in all, an enjoyable first book by Ron - I know he has many more to come.

Ron Miller is a thinker and a good writer. His book, Sellout, discusses race relations honestly. He begins the book attacking Eric Holder's statement that we are a "nation of cowards" when it comes to conversations about race. Ron's response is, "it's because the black community doesn't encourage honesty but rather demands fealty to one worldview. If you want to eradicate cowardice in the national discussion on race, how about starting with us?" He goes on to mention he has been called an Uncle Tom for his political views and why he is proud to take up that moniker.

The book talks about his experiences growing up; how he came to trust in Jesus Christ and how this lead to shaping his conservative views. He reminds the reader of the teachings of Martin Luther King and how far the black civil rights movement has traveled from that foundation. He discusses how the black culture has become reliant upon the government and the subsequent failings of the War on Poverty.

The book concludes with the final solution to solving any racial divides - and it is not reparations. The lasting solution is going to have to be forgiveness. Every side is going to have to lay aside their hurts and forgive. Along with this we will have to shake off our slavery to government handouts and get back to free market economies and self-reliance. This is the only way to reduce poverty and provide opportunity. He reminds us what Jesus Christ and the Apostle Paul had to say on these matters.

Read the book, Sellout, Musings From Uncle Tom's Porch. It is refreshing and uplifting - and it will give you plenty to think about.

Sellout: Musings from Uncle Tom's Porch

Thanks to Ron Miller for courageously putting himself out there in Sellout: Musings from Uncle Tom's Porch. I daresay that Americans of all races are starving for the truth in this refreshing autobiography and challenging book. As a white person who lives in a black community, (yes, I'm the minority in my neighborhood), Ron Miller's book helps me to better understand my neighbors and, hopefully, become a better friend and citizen in the process. Among the many crucial topics covered in this book, Mr. Miller dares to ask if racism exists in America. As he explains, the answer is 'Yes,' but not where the majority of black Americans are looking. Deep down, all of us are looking for a savior. Again, as Miller so beautifully demonstrates, no politician is capable of answering the call. This, of course, isn't an excuse for anyone to shirk his responsibilities in the realm of human culture and government. Yet there's only one way to find out why Sellout by Ron Miller is liberating: read it.

Impressive personal story. Great discussion of the role of race in American politics. Quick read, but very thoughtful analysis.

It takes a lot for my ADHD brain to 'plow' through a book. I start dozens but seldom finish them. This one I couldn't wait to get back to. I was attracted to this book by Ron's websites where I have found him to be a wonderful example of what a Christian is supposed to be and a conservative as well. As Ron says in his book, it is difficult to see how a true Christian can be a Democrat, but somehow black Christians usually defy reason and vote Democrat. His personal story and conjectures are heartwarming and compelling and will help me reach people I believe will be happier when their vote aligns with their beliefs! Thank you Ron for sharing your story, your knowledge and experiences, and your love!

I received this book when it was first published, I regret that I waited so long to read it. Ron has a unique viewpoint on race relations in America and the impact that they have in politics. As a white male some what older than Ron, I could relate a great deal to what he said from what I have observed. There are raciest people in the world, and they come in all colors, it is how you deal with it that matters.

Life is a series of events, some events would crush most people while a few solider on, some events most people would shrug off, can be devastating to others. Racism is just one of these events, the way Ron uses his faith in the Lord to center his life is a true inspiration. I can only hope that people of all races will read this book and take its lessons to heart.