Jessie Jackson just wrote an "opinion piece" today that demonstrates not only just how "old school" his thinking is, but how out of touch with a new generation of Black Americans , he is. I won't even get into what I really think is behind his support of Barack Obama. But if one were to research my blog posts here, I think it's clear what I think of him, Sharpton and the others of that ilk.
This outdated idea that Jessie Jackson has, where he thinks that POVERTY is an issue EXCLUSIVE to Black Americans , tells me he is stuck in a the past. Another obvious sign that he's stuck in the past is the assertion that the only way to show that you are concerned about African Americans is announcing your candidacy with Black people.
There's more in extended
As a Gen X African American, I am growing increasingly frustrated with the Sharptons and Jackson's in the Black Community running around the country telling America what they think African Americans are most passionate about. First of all, I take issue with Jackson's assertion that the only Democratic candidate running for office that isn't "ignoring" African Americans is John Edwards (lol) just because he announced his candidacy around Black people and talks about Poverty. Now, I am not going to take Jackson's bait and slam Edwards, But I am certainly contesting that ridiculous and false assertion.
Jessie Jackson is WRONG and I am sick and tired of him pushing this outdated notion that Blacks are nothing more than a sheepish monolithic group. African American voters are NOT single issue voters and as a matter of fact, the issues most important to African Americans are actually more consistent with mainstream America. Health Care, next to Iraq , are the most important issues facing Black Americans. Equality in Housing and Employment, are issues important to African Americans. Just talking about Poverty is not. I would remind Jessie, that John Edwards only enjoys 3% of the African American vote which indicates , Poverty is soooo not our top issue. So, either Jessie is wrong, or the entire Black Community , is wrong. I say, the former.
Now, I can't speak for the other Democratic candidates records regarding African Americans, but I can speak for Barack Obamas. The Obama campaign has invited Jessie Jackson to take a closer look at Obamas record and urges that if he does that, he will see that Obama , has addressed the REAL concerns of the African American community. He will also see that only talking about Poverty is not addressing the concerns of African Americans. If Jesse needs some assistance in this area, I have provided a few links for him to start.
(Issues Important To Black Americans Addressed By Barack Obama )
Barack Obama On General African American Issues
Barack Obama CONFRONTS Homophobia and the Rise of HIV/AIDS in Black Community
What Jessie doesn't seem to realize is that there are issues , important to the Black community that talking about Poverty does not address. Perhaps, his narrow view of what he thinks is important to African Americans, is the reason why he thinks no other Democratic candidate , besides John Edwards who talks about Poverty, is paying attention to African Americans. Poverty may be the one issue important to Jessie Jackson. Perhaps , Jessie should just speak for himself because he is not speaking for me and many other African Americans in this country.
I'll save you the time of checking out my past posts and just tell you that you pretty much summed up everything I wrote about them. LOL
;p
Right?
Same thing.
Posted By Shawnie - Grants Pass, OR : November 27, 2007 10:19 am
Please Jesse go away! You have had your time and now it's time for others to lead. The black population is not the only group in this country.
Democrats are speaking about all people not just blacks when it comes to healthcare, social security, immigration reform, etc.
Get over yourself!
By the way, whatever happened to the apologies to the Duke students who you and Rev. Sharpten marched against and declared them guilty? I know I'm still waiting for that apology to those kids. You're a hypocrit!
Posted By Joe, Boston, MA : November 27, 2007 10:26 am
No Jesse, they are just ignoring you, because you are cancer to anyone's campaign because you have made a fool of yourself enough to alienate your own self from the black community you so adamantly claim to represent when in reality, they are embarassed of you and your buddy Al Sharpton. Please, just ride off into the sunset quietly and please try not to screw this up for Obama or Edwards you attention whor…& ;aci rc;€¦ uh. slu….. no. dang. floozy!
Posted By Common Sense : November 27, 2007 10:27 am
shut up
Posted By Joe Ossai, Beford, NH : November 27, 2007 10:28 am
Please stop giving this man a forum.
Posted By Ellis, NY, NY : November 27, 2007 10:28 am
"African-American issues"?????
Why are the issues they are concerned about different thatn other Americans? Are African-Americans not concerned about the economy, the war, jobs, education, and health care?
The Democrats can ignore African-Americans because they are 100% assured that at least 90% of African-Americans will vote for whomever the Democrat nominee is next year.
Democrats know African-Americans will always vote Democrat no questions asked.
Posted By Mark, Shreveport, LA : November 27, 2007 10:28 am
If I am not mistaken, all the proposals and ideas that I am hearing from the candidates are for ALL Americans, that would include African Americans. Poverty and crime effects all races! And I am African-American, or you can say (and I prefer) I am an American!!
Posted By Steve in SC : November 27, 2007 10:29 am
Wrong again Rev. Do you ever wonder why no one pays any attention to you? You and Bush are alike in one way, every time you open your mouth, you say something stupid.
Instead of slamming Democrats, try naming anything any Republican has done for a minority.
Posted By jw, canadian,ok : November 27, 2007 10:30 am
Why don't YOU get into the race Jesse? Not that you'd win, but put your money where your mouth is! P.S. Have you publicly apologized to the Duke lacrose team yet? You certainly owe them a BIG one.
Posted By J. Williamson Buffalo ,NY : November 27, 2007 10:30 am
Sorry Ms Jackson.
Create your own party then. The whites did… it is called GOP.
Posted By Jo, ATL GA : November 27, 2007 10:31 am
I'm getting tired of people like Jackson who's a complete joke and
Opra playing the race card.
I'm sorry but the entire world isn't
black.
Posted By Rick Maryland : November 27, 2007 10:31 am
jackson needs to go fly a kite. He and Sharpton keep racism alive and well in this country. Is it not racist that he says Obama is acting white? Hey Jessie that is your name right? Not Martin Luthor!
Posted By chuck, boston ma : November 27, 2007 10:33 am
Nah….this jerk is just ticked off because he is being ignored as irrelevantâ€&b rvba r;which he most certainly is. He should save his breath for breathing, not proving how stupid he is.
Posted By Independent in IA : November 27, 2007 10:35 am
Let's all do America a favor and ignore Jesse Jackson!!!!!
Posted By Cory, Pennsylvania : November 27, 2007 10:39 am
Jesse if you'd just shut up maybe people would take your issues seriously.
The Democratic Party and it's candidates most likely are tired of being hijacked by ths whiney little portion of the population. Dems lose elections because they pander to clowns like Jesse Jackson.
Posted By Allen, Redlands CA : November 27, 2007 10:39 am
I am ignoring Jackson and Sharpton as I find their comments generally divisive and unproductive. I note that I have been working since I was 15, and neither one of these bums has ever worked for a living, not a single day of their lives.
Posted By Joe G, Washington, DC : November 27, 2007 10:40 am
blah, blah, blah…..
not even the african-american community listens to this boffun anymore, why is CNN paying attention to him??????
Posted By Ivelisse : November 27, 2007 10:40 am
My interpretation of Jackson's comments are that no democrat is sharing their photo op time with Jackson.
Posted By Jerry, Troy NY : November 27, 2007 10:40 am
Soooo, do you support Edwards then? Why would you back Obama if you agree with Edwards?
Posted By Chris, Pensacola FL : November 27, 2007 10:41 am
I really think that all these black civil rights leaders need to shut up. I am an african american woman and they are making me sick speaking for everyone. This is what is wrong with this country today. We are soo segregated that we need a canidate to preach to BLACKS ONLY. How about every family that is in poverty and stress that needs aid not just blacks. They are making me utterly sick
Posted By ACD, Silver Spring MD : November 27, 2007 10:42 am
It's wonderful that Jesse Jackson and John Edwards have addressed the black poverty problem.
Who's taking care of the white poverty problem, or is there no such thing?
We can be sure this problem will be ignored by Hillary Clinton. Her major objective is to "beat" the GOP.
Posted By Ahtram, Oakton, Virginia : November 27, 2007 10:42 am
I don't even listen to what Jesse has to say. He is a racist to the greatest degree. I he would spend his time and energy in a positive way it could make a difference. He just wants to turn blacks against whites and draw attention tom himself while living off black supporters money. He and Sharpton are two peas in a pod all they do is stir up anger in whites as well as blacks. They live and thrive off controversy.
Posted By john mace shelby nc : November 27, 2007 10:44 am
Here we go again, Jesse Jackson bellyaching over the plight of Black America and why the world is not paying attention. Presidential candidates must consider ALL of America not just the needs and wants of a minority group. I am an African American woman and frankly I am tired of seeing demagogues like Rev. Jackson blaim the world for the plight of African Americans when the majority of problems stem from a 70% birth rate of children to young single mothers, and a 50% high school drop out rate of African American males. Instead of pointing to politicians maybe we need to point to the African American community itself, making better decisions and choosing to take advantages of the opportunities our parents and grandparents fought for.
Posted By Karen, Houston TX : November 27, 2007 10:44 am
Jesse Jackson is irrelevant. His opinions ought to simply be ignored by CNN. Civil Rights advocates like Jackson merely prolong the enmity between people of different races, contrary to their intentions.
Posted By Jonny, Tacoma, WA : November 27, 2007 10:45 am
Jackson decries "entrenched racism", yet he chides Obama for "acting like he's white."
Is he saying that black Americans only problem are white people? Is he saying that only black Americans can provide solutions to black people in America?
Character counts, color does not. I certainly hope that black Americans don't feel that Jackson speaks to their character.
Posted By Todd, McLean, VA : November 27, 2007 10:45 am
Hi dee ho, here we go. Jessie just cannot stay out of the limelite. Everyone is going thru hardships right now, black and white.
Posted By jack,phoenix,az : November 27, 2007 10:46 am
Rev. Jackson and Sharpton need to get over themselves. The biggest issues that are troubling today's African American community are the same as those troubling the white, Asian, and Hispanic communities.
Health care for the young and the elderly, the constant battle with improving upon the education system, upgrading this country's infrastructure, and maintaining credibility in the global arena are the priorities that are at the forefront of this election year. Not one of those issues has a lick to do with race. The way the two of you conduct yourselves is no better than the Westboro Baptist Church. Hell, I'm still waiting on on Al Sharpton's apology for his anti-semitic remarks/generalizations that he made back in 1991… I have a strong inclination that I won't ever hear it.
Posted By Nate S., College Station, TX : November 27, 2007 10:46 am
IT IS TIME THAT THE AFRICAN AMERICAN FAMILY TAKE RESPONSEBILITY FOR OUR OWN PLIGHT IN THIS COUNTRY RACE IS NOT THE PROBLEM! IGNORANCE IS AND A LACK OF EDUCATION! IT IS NOT THE WHITE MAN WHO CAUSE YOUNG BLACK TEENS TO GIVE BIRTH TO CHILDREN THEY CANT TAKE OF NOR ARE THEY THE REASON BEHIND BLACK DEAD BEAT DADS AND FATHER LESS CHILDREN IN THIS COUNTRY! BARACK OBAMA IS RIGHT EDUCATION IS THE ONLY SOLUTION TO THIS PROBLEM AS WELL AS THE RACE RELATIONS IN THIS COUNTRY! WE ALL BREATHE AIR AND NEED TO DRINK WATER AND EAT HEATHLY FOOD TO LIVE IN THIS WORLD! IT DOESNT MATTER IF YOU ARE BLACK WHITE BROWN YELLOW RED! I BELIEVE BARACK OBAMA HAS THE SKILL AND INTELLIGENCE TO BRING ABOUT CHANGE AND UNITE THIS COUNTRY AS ONE!
Posted By RICH,NY : November 27, 2007 10:49 am
Of course the Democratic candidates are generally ignoring the black voters. Why bother courting a constituency that will vote for the winner, whoever it is. The effort is to pull in swing voters. Edwards is using the black vote as a strategy but will quickly ignore them if he is nominated. Then the goal will be to pull in the general population. What need is there to kowtow to a group which will deliver a 90% vote.
Posted By Ted, Chicago, IL : November 27, 2007 10:53 am
There he goes again… Jesse is missing the campaign trail but nobody's campaign is missing him. He's old news before print deadline.
Posted By Mike, Atlanta, GA : November 27, 2007 10:53 am
Why does CNN give this guy any credence?
Posted By Jack, Houston : November 27, 2007 10:58 am
Why doesn't he endorse Edwards if he thinks Edwards is the only Democratic candidate speaking for the Black population? Why is he endorsing Obama? This guy makes no since! It's kind of funny actually.
But in all seriousness everyone who posted have made some good points. That this guy needs to go away, that this guy segregates this country by using the microphone that CNN should not give him, that this guy is in need of getting so much attention and is jealous because we now have other black leaders such as Obama who does not reflect Jackson's ideologies.
And yes, I, too am still waiting for the apologies to the Duke students that Jackson and Sharpton so ruthlessly hurt their reputations and honestly could have potentially forced those kids in prison for something they did not do. Both these "Reverends" spit out hate evertime they speak.
Posted By George, NY : November 27, 2007 11:02 am
Jesse Jackson needs to realize that with accusations such as this he no longer can claim status as a respected voice of mediation between the African-American community and public officials. Bill Clinton famously denounced certain fringe African-American "activists" in '92 and it proved to be a brilliant move. Hopefully, the Democratic nominee (Go Barack!) will do the same. Mr. Jackson is in effect harming the African-American community by making outrageous claims such as this. Leave this nonsense to Kanye West.
Posted By Dominic, Atlanta, GA : November 27, 2007 11:04 am
When he's he going to protest an injustice done to a white or Hispanic person? Do injustices only happen to black people?
Posted By Stefan Gaithersburg, MD : November 27, 2007 11:06 am
As much as I respect Rev. Jesse Jackson, the African American community needs to start caring about ourselves before we ask others.
The President is not the President of the minority but the President of America. Yes, the President should not ignore the middle class and low income but until we fight back as a community but more importantly as citizens, we will continue to "ignored".
Posted By Joshuua Maye, Washington, DC : November 27, 2007 11:08 am
So Jesse can accuse Obama of "acting white" and no one raises an eyebrow. If anyone ever accused a white of "acting black," Jesse and Al would be out there fanning the flames to start riots, demanding that person's job and a punitive payment. The two of them ought to be ignored. No two were more irrelevant than Jesse and Al. They are a good example of how and why racism remains today.
Posted By Roberta, Sarasota FL : November 27, 2007 11:10 am
I'm a Liberal, a civil rights advocate, affirmative action supporter, and, more topically, a condemner of the treatment the Jena Six have received– in terms of both the racial intimidation they faced at school and the draconian sentence that they received for dealing out a well-deserved beating.
However, it's pretty hard to take an anti-semitic "civil rights leader" like Jackson seriously. Ditto Al Sharpton and Louis Farrakhan. In fact, the rampant anti-semitism among black leadership and some segments of the black community makes me sick.
Posted By Jonah, Boston MA : November 27, 2007 11:31 am
Jackson, Sharpton, and Oprah are all racists, no other words to express what they do.
Posted By William : November 27, 2007 11:36 am
their are more than just blacks in poverty the whites are to get over yourself jesse…&am p;ac irc;€¦âS 64;¦
Posted By Tim Charolett nc : November 27, 2007 11:36 am
JUST SHUT UP, JESSE !
Posted By FRANK SCALF, MURFREESBORO, TN 37127 : November 27, 2007 11:37 am
Well, I'm so glad that poverty is now only a 'Black' problem. I think I should now go and tell all the Whites and Hispanics in the nearby communities that they are not in poverty, since only Blacks are.
This is the problem that faces Blacks in America today. Pandering, lies, and racism from their so called leaders like Sharpton and Jackson. Its not poverty, violence, unemployment, or lack of education / opportunities. These problems know no bounds, no race is immune to them.
These people are separatists, not looking for equal rights. If they want to be a divisive as they are, take their followers and go so that the rest of us can collaborate and work together on solutions to these problems.
Posted By Matt, Pennsylvania : November 27, 2007 11:37 am
Why does CNN pay any attention to this media attention starved gasbag? There is real news to cover out there.
Posted By Rob, Buffalo, NY : November 27, 2007 12:07 pm
Link
Danielle Clarke :)
;p
That was just a shitty thing to say.
As if J. Jackson doesnt have his own brain.
As if he's not his own American.
All he's gone through in his "own" right and you think YOUR the one to speak for an entire group.
As if someone opposing Obama would say "if your white you shouldnt support him"
Absolutley, disgusting filthy ignorant crap!!
Congratulations, YOU'VE toped yourself this time.
(Ptuh, spit, spit,Ptuh !!)
Dude. Please top posting comments when your intoxicated. I'm really concerned about your mental health and I'm not the only one.
That was thee most filthy blatant racism I have seen on this site!
Not to mention an attack on a decent American that has been around for a LOT longer than you.
God, I'm glad MLK isnt around, so YOU could attack him like you have Jackson, because maybe,...just maybe MLK might have not supported YOUR candidate, and had the nerve to be HIS own person.
You speak for less and LESS people everyday.
P.S. It makes a rats azz bit of difference if you are at Senator Clintons Victory party election night.
Jackson has endorsed Barack Obama. So, uh, what the hell are you talking about? You are so twisted dude. Totally twisted in your understanding. Or, maybe you are just confused.
YOUR headliner for Jesse to "join" black America is still offensive.
J. Jackson is a decent American, for that matter so is Sharpton, and others you have maligned in a vain attempt to support YOUR candidate.
I think part of what Deanna is saying is that there is a generational difference between Obama and Jackson/Sharpton that they cannot see because they are from a different era and have not attempted to become part of postmodernism.
I'm not even sure that I "get it" even though I have spent considerable time studying generational thought patterns. Since I suffered through Viet Nam without serving in the armed services while in college I would probably be seen as a boomer; but my age is inline with "The Greatest" generation.
I'm supporting Obama in part because I believe he "gets it" to the point where he can make a difference. I also believe hs tries to be as honest as he can be.
AND because she is contemptable in her negative attacks on anybody who is NOT her candidate.
I do not think that Obama should have announced his candidacy around blacks or in a setting with Black Americans, BUT I also was disappointed where he did announce: the homeground of Lincoln. Lincoln??? Not exactly a friend of black folks. He was at odds at what to do with the freed slave population after Emancipation and agreed with others that maybe Liberia would be better for us at that time. His death ushered in Reconstruction.
Now unfortuantely I'm going to sound like a lecturer here, BUT gotta do it. The Al Sharptons, Jesse Jacksons and other blacks that have come into some prominence with their viewpoints on issues concerning Black Americans just cannot be thrown to the side as old relics because they may not fit anymore or make statements that go against the grain.
First Jesse is a soldier from the Civil Rights Wars and yes I do term them as such because that is what they were and still are. He was there from the beginning. And to be frank I strongly feel the only reason he has endorsed Obama is because of his family whom did so from the very beginning. It is very apparent that his heart and mind is not into this candidacy. In my opinion he would have done better not to endorse or say anything. Folks know when you are not sincere. More importantly, if he wanted to truly help the campaign of course he would have lended a hand in his home state of South Carolina. Secondly Al is a former rabblerouser who learned that the tempering of speech and hitching one's wagon to legitimate causes gives one creditablity. Al has always been close to the Clintons and as a New York resident and politician, he is not going against the grain and Hillary. One never knows when they may need the help of a United States Senator.
Bottom line: Know this will make sparks fly, but what else is new. Jesse and Al have taken the stance that many, many blacks have taken - concern for one's own, period. As the saying goes, you can't help yourself if you're trying to play "we are the world" with everyone else. They are focused on issues that affect black folks only. No in between, no gray area. And I hope no one feels that the efforts of the Jesses and Als mean nothing because without them we wouldn't be at the point we are at now. Oh yeah, the racists/bigots of the nation have done everything in their power to turn back the clock and erase all that we Civil Right fighters have accomplished, but we're not giving up yet and we're surely not sitting down.
I'm not telling anyone to view Jesse as some saint, but do a little digging and research and you will see just deep he was in the movement and it probably help one to understand why he makes some of the statements he does. Look past his ego and publicity seeking.
The hate crimes that are being played out all over the country are just a tester of what could come at a later time.
No one person can speak for an entire race of people. But do not lightly dismiss their past actions and deeds.