Congressional Black Caucus Chairman Cedric Richmond: Trump's rhetoric 'offensive,' 'unproductive'

Politico 

Congressional Black Caucus Chairman Cedric Richmond, in a letter to Donald Trump Thursday, called out the president-elect for his rhetoric about African-Americans but also extended an olive branch for future cooperation.

“Your insistence on reducing the African-American experience solely to the conditions faced by many in our inner cities is offensive and ultimately unproductive,” Richmond (D-La.) wrote in the opening paragraph of a four-page missive obtained by POLITICO, noting that most blacks actually live in suburbs, small metropolitan areas and rural communities.

“If you are serious about addressing issues in the African-American community, you would be wise to tap into the decades of expertise held by members of our caucus,” Richmond added.

He went on to highlight 10 policy areas, listing what the Trump campaign has said about each followed by the CBC’s response. Richmond focuses on Trump’s policies on education, tax reform, infrastructure, immigration, trade and “equal justice under the law,” among other things.

“The members of the CBC believe that actions speak louder than words, and your record thus far casts doubt on your commitment to seeking true equality in the legal system,” Richmond wrote.

"During your campaign, you pledged to address a number of issues being faced by African-Americans. Unfortunately your 'New Deal for Black America' represents the same old 'Trickle Down' economics assumptions that didn't work for our communities in the 1980's or in the 2000's when these failed experiments were tried before."

Richmond said earlier Thursday that he would attend Trump’s inauguration after debating the decision for several days. More than 60 House Democrats are skipping the ceremony, including many who opted out after Trump attacked civil rights icon Rep. John Lewis (D-Ga.) on Twitter over the Martin Luther King holiday weekend .

“My attendance is in no way an endorsement of the President-elect or the destructive, divisive rhetoric that has defined him throughout his campaign and transition,” Richmond said in a statement.

“I will not be there to celebrate. My goal remains to move the ball forward for the under-served throughout this country.”