I can’t really get upset with Jesse Jackson for his comments about Obama. I don’t agree with him, but he has a right to his opinion. It really is not intelligent to whisper in front of a microphone, whether you think it is on or not, but Fox did not show any class whatsoever in playing the tape for public consumption. Fox isn’t really news, its poorly composed propaganda and their behavior in this case shows just how craven they truly are.
I am usually first in line to knock African American leaders who I believe are more concerned with holding on to power and the Black status quo then progress. Jesse is not exactly my hero, but a side comment to a friend that was obviously a whisper not meant for public consumption is not really fair game. Fox has so little credibility that I would not be surprised if they left the mike on hoping they’d get something. It would not be the first time a public figure got caught on a live mic they thought was off.
In any case, this should not be a slam Jesse moment. We know he is not the biggest Obama fan, and may even be a little bitter about the fact that his presidential bid failed, not necessarily do to his lack of talent, but due to the nation not being not quite ready to be color blind, but it is not fair to punish him for speaking his mind.
5 comments:
are you really serious? if he can just speak his mind, then why can't the rest of the world speak their mind without facing a storm form people like jackson? he is in a public position and should know better than to make a stupid remark like that.
as for fox airing the clip, why shouldn't they? he is the one who said it and he is the one who is responsible for his actions.
be fair
we will be talking about this on zookersradio.com Friday, July 11th. Join us!
You might be right, I'm finding myself becoming to forgiving in my old age. I think my reasoning comes from not taking Fox or Jesse that seriously.
You've got to be joking!!
Given the history of lynching in America and the connection with castration, there is no way that this should be seen as OK. If Imus had said it, Jesse would be claiming racism. But somehow, that Jesse says it, it's OK.
That is ridiculous!!
Jesse needs to just keep his mouth closed. Especially given his own issues with an illegitimate child and the fact that his son is on Obama's team.
Terrible.
Before I explain my take on Jesse Jacksons comments, I think all of us Black American’s need to reflect back on history and try to understand the course or path that have gotten us this far, before we start to make judgemental statements about how Jesse should just ride off into the wild blue yonder. Mr. Jackson has raised the conciousness of American debate more on racism, social, economic, political and legal injustice than any African American in our nations history since Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Regardless, if some of you think that over the years, Mr. Jackson has been self serving, you must remember that as a man, he has had to feed his family just like everyone else. Many of you are responding out of ignorance, not really understanding your history or the nature of Politics. Jesse Jackson has been on the forefront when many cowered and exiled themselves for fear of reprisal or retribution if they spoke out. There are some leaders who have even left the country to live in other nations only to find the same oppression of darker peoples prevalent in their respective lands. There is a saying that, “people are the same wherever you go.” I believe that the “crabs in the barrel syndrome” is not applicable in this last instance here, regarding Jesse’s statement about how it would be wrong for Obama to follow Bushes’ race based initiative program. However, Jesse could have kept the metaphor to himself. He did not mean it literally. The statement made, was for the benefit of all of us whose grandfathers slaved for generations for no wages. You see, Obama’s father fled the country, for whatever reason. But our grandfather’s are buried in towns and cities all over this nation. So before those of you who wish Mr. Jackson would quietly leave the scene, it was him who stood up for us when no one else would. To this very day, he has remained convicted with hope despite his mishaps and occassional blunders. None of us are perfect. His political genuis and oratory skill is unmatched in the African-American Community. This generation of leaders and its constituentcy has not had to endure the struggle and pain of the baby boomer generation and some of their parents that are still here today. Matter in fact, we are your elders, and you must respect us with every ounce of civility in your souls. The oppression that we all have had to endure has left a lasting scar on the American psyche that will never be erased, no matter what black person is catapulted to the highest office of this land. Sometimes, people have to be put in check and must not take anyone or anything for granted. For God giveth and God can take away. When a child is growing up and he does something wrong then gets corrected by his father, although it may seem grievious, that father still loves and receives love in return. This is when forgiveness overrides any emotional hurt or pain. What we witnessed was a mutual respect of two men who are fighting the same battle at the same time. One older and wiser, and one younger and still learning. Was Jesse’s statement one of insubordination, no, for he is the elder statesman and in any family, the elder uses his ability and wisdom to correct, enforce and reward when it is necessary or merited. Being an African-American man in this country has been a castigating experience for millions who have been disenfranchised, marginalized, shutout, scapegoated, slandered, abused and denied equal access to the playing field by the white ruling class. Matter in fact, the reason why some of your fathers did not stay around is because they were denied a chance to prove themselves and some chose to walk away or cop out. Jesse Jackson stayed and is still here. There is a lot that you people need to learn! When you decide to examine the chronicles of history with a microscope than you will come to understand why standing up is the mark of a true man! Even if he has to draw his sword! Liberty or Death! You decide! Only cowards walk away! No one needs to tell Mr Jackson when to retire, there are many lessons that you kids still need to learn. Wake-up people and unshackle your minds for "it is a terrible thing to waste.”
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