Rev. Jackson's Loose Lips, From 'Hymietown' to Obama's Anatomy

Its sad to see that rev jackson, who fought alongside martin luther king has stooped to these levels.

Juan Williams, NPR reporter and commentator, communicated in his book "Enough" there has been a dearth of good upper level leadership in the African American community today, as compared to the period of the Civil Rights Movement. With the Rev. Jackson's comments, not atypical for him, I think it's sad but true. I am encouraged, however, by Barack Obama and by Jackson's son, Rep. Jackson and others who have picked up the torch and are moving forward with it. Step up, the black community needs you, America needs you, and the world needs you!

One cannot be born and raised in the United States of America without being exposed to racism of staggering proportions and varieties. We all incorporate some of that into our world views, despite our best efforts to be fair and just. Erasing this blight on our society will take decades and perhaps centuries. After all, it was promulgated and extolled for centuries. But the good news is how far we have come in a relatively short time. Each generation moves us ahead and Senator Jackson probably can be more charitable and forgiving towards White America than his father because his experience is less fraught with overt racism. One can only hope that the succeeding generations of white politicians will continue to make progress as well.

Of course Obama isn't on Jesse's black agenda... so he will diss him offline. Jackson needs to find a retirement home real soon... His rhetoric and spew is getting old, stale and out of date!

Once again, Rev. Jesse Jackson reveals his true character. He is no moral leader, not really admirable at all. Why should anyone listen to this man and have him on television, ever again?

James, I appreciate your remarks. I grew up in Jesse Jackson's generation, and remember the struggles of the Civil Rights Movement well, though, I acknowledge, from a sympathetic observer's point of view. It seems true that each successive generation is another step more removed and in a slightly easier position for reconciliation, though the lessons of history should not be forgotten. I too hope that black, white, Native American, Japanese and all politicians will be able to move forward in paths that converge and mutually support all Americans.

I found Rev. Jackson's comments both insulting and repugnant. Unfortunately, the statistic about the high rate of African-American children born out of wedlock applies to Rev. Jackson. Remember Rev. Jackson had a child from an extramarital affair only 7 years ago.

Back then he said he would take time off from being in the public eye to reflect. This time I think Jesse Jackson needs to take permanent time off!

Step aside Jesse, new leadership is here!

If someone recorded all of our private conversations, the news would burst with crude sound bites. It was a private conversation and should have remained private.

Alluvia,

It was a private conversation? He sat in front of a television camera, a studio filled with microphones and staff running all around him? How private is that supposed to be? I think it's safe to say a reasonable person would have assumed that someone would overhear these comments. Jesse had this coming to him. He makes a living jumping up and down on a white person if they misspeak. Nice to see he is getting a taste of his own medicine. MLK you are not Mr. Jackson! I cannot ever imagine a true leader like MLK wanting to cut Obama's "n**s" off!!!

As long as people must watch every word they say, nothing much will be said. At the very least, honest opinions will be suppressed and we will receive only half-truths, and buried treasures will remain deep in the ground.

I love it. You are turning on your own for Obama. How many times has Jessie Jackson had a prominent role in the Democratic campaigns and conventions but I guess now he is yesterday's baggage. Obama sure is a uniter isn't he. He goes after Bill and Hillary for racism because they dared to mention LBJ's work with MLK and compared Jessie Jackson's wins in earlier campaigns to Obama and now they are attacking Jessie Jackson because he dared speak his mind. It is okay when Jessie is shouting about racism at the hands of white society and supporting Obama during the primary but if he says something offensive about Obama you are surprised. Well Jessie has been spouting this garbage for years and you never said a word about it but now it is different because he said it about Obama. You just have to love it.

Fox news(?)

The black population does not benefit from Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton any more than the whites benefit from the likes of the white preachers that spew their hate and venom, claiming they are 'men of Dod'!!

Fox news(?) is a fitting place for Jesse!

Rev. Jackson's antics make it difficult to remember to employ his preferred salutation "Reverend" when mentioning him.

Jessie Jackson is a self serving black activist and should be ignored. He does not represent educated and respected americans. The so-called reforms of the 60's under President Johnson led to many illegitimate children due to the rewards of social welfare to single mothers. The moral decline of the nation is a direct result. The "studs" bragged about how many children they had fathered. America has paid a great price for the likes of Jesse Jackson and his generation. Senator Obama will lose many votes if he does not dissociate himself with the likes of Jesse Jackson. Senator Obama is absolutely correct in his remarks on fathers day regarding fathers taking responsibility of their children.

I still remember the strutting hypocrisy Jackson displayed advising Clinton during the Lewinsky episode, while Jackson himself had fathered a child out of wedlock.

It's good to have a reminder of what a shameless person he is.

It's interesting to me that Senator Obama is the first to accuse the Clintons of racism, when his associates are the virulent racists we've ever heard. Are you listening Reverend Wright and Reverend Jackson? It is time for this country to send them packing and as another poster wrote into a fast track to retirement. This isn't good for Senator Obama or for us and until we put this tripe behind us, we will never be the country we should be.

Jackon Sr.'s contributions to Civil Rights have been exaggerated over time. He was always looking to jump into the spotlight and seemed to be a shallow figure back then. Read Sidney Blumenthal's "Pledging Allegiance: The Last Campaign Stop of the Cold War" for a good characterization of the Reverend.

There's no denying that he's done some good. But it also seems that he is often driven by his ego and does not hesitate to use his clout for personal or familial gain. In other words, he's a bit full of himself and, as Mr. Parkhurst noted, should be ignored.

I have suspected from the time I learned that Rev. Jackson was involved in Sen. Obama's campaign, that he would act as a "double agent" and shouldn't be trusted. Remember, he has been a long-time devoted friend of the Clintons and I believe his initial criticism of Barack was due to his dislike of Obama's daring to run against Hillary. In restropect, I believe his son, Jesse, Jr. probably pressured him into supporting Obama. Having said the foregoing, I must say that, to some extent, I agree with a part of Rev. Jackson's comments. He is correct in saying that the lack of taking responsibily, on the part of many Black men, should be seen in a broader context that must include the years of discrimination, lack of equal opportunity (existing even today)as well as governmental neglect have been a large contributor to this critical problem. Surely, the resulting devestation of so many Black families deserves more than a mere "blame the victim" easy response. However, the added crude references about certain parts of the anatomy were totally uncalled for and should not come from the mouth of a Minister.

Once again Jessie Jackson has not only proven himself to be of limited morality but two faced as well. It is time to show him the door, he is an embarrassment to the millions of decent intelligent people of color in the United States.

Also, who can ever forget his 1984 reference to the B-1 "missile"? (It is a bomber.)

Typical WaPo analysis: long on words, short on insight. The real story should describe the hypocrisy and stupidity of race-obsessed Jesse J, wanting to rid the U.S. of racism that's been almost non-existent for 30+ years.......but not only can he NOT embrace Obama, he actually has deep anger for the man and wants to cut his nuts off. Maybe there's more to it than just the anger of Obama's words about personal responsibility, when Jesse wants more govt responsibility. Jesse might be so jealous of Obama's rise, and wanting to control or have effect on Obama's message, that he can't think straight and is also filled with anger. This is the real story......or at least 1/2 of it. The whole story is that NEITHER one of them has a CLUE about fixing the HUGE problem of the deterioraton of the black family. The answer lies in LESS govt and less govt handouts, and less illegal immigration.

You know you have hit rock bottom when your own son condemns you in public for exercising poor taste and bad judgement.

Jealousy, jealousy because he will never ever come this far in government. His under handed lawless caused him to be bitter, you have political intentions , tow the line no one will cover your mistakes, it will be broadcasted. Grow up! This is black people at their cruliest, not wanting their kind advance, if he had become President it would of been a sad time for America and Blacks, he is a prejudice jerk.

Jesse Jackson's vulgar and hostile comment about Obama reveals why Jackson is not now in
Obama's shoes. Jackson himself produced an illegitimate child. Martin Luther King had class; Obama has class; Jackson is a gutter-snipe who is envious of Obama's success. He wants Obama to lose the election so Jackson can continue to whine that America
won't permit a black President. Go Obama! Go away, Jackson.

Why is anyone surprised? there is nothing Jackson has done in the past 40 years that makes him worthy of the title "Reverend." He was a civil rights activist who happended to be standing next to Dr King when he was shot. It was accidental celebrity, but he continues to overstep his authority. In fact, he was fired from SCLC in 1971 for "administrative improprieties and repeated acts of violation of organizational policy." He does not act like a man of God and should not be listened to.

Who cares if JJAckson wants to cut Obama's nuts off-----I'm sure a lot of people do just as there are many that would like to see Jackson fall off a cliff. I happen to like Obama and really don't care what Jackson thinks.

Rev Jackson needs to zip it.I had a lot of respect for him,but that has evaporate. Just like I had for Bill and Hillary Clinton, but that respects has gone to. They refuse to accept the times are changing, that they need to step aside, for the new generation of leaders.But instead of stepping aside gracefully they
stoop to dirty tactics, and vulgar words.Don't they realize this is the process. You must let the next generations lead.

The Case of the Double-Edged Sword:

Jesse was right when he expressed that Obama was slammimg blacks right in their own churhes knowing that the media was covering his every word.

Obam's message to blacks about black issues is nothing new. I don't think it took Obama to come along and be the judge and jury on black America.

The heat was on Obama nationally over the Rev Wright issue and other gattes tha seemed too black in color. So the move Obama made was to show whtie America that he finds fault with black people and their irresponsible behaviors. IT IS WORKING!!

Yes, black america has always been pushed back and denied. For black pople it is expoitation after exploitation. Black people don't own the drugs, black people don' make the guns ,black people.

Obama should be talking about work programs and jobs for blavk men, teaching skills to young black men. We already know the problems...blacks need to hear SOLUTIONS from Obama.

Jesse allowed his anger to get the best of him and sholudn't have said, "I waana cut his nuts off". He should have gone to Obama and spoke to him man to man.

Obama is not disrespecting other racial groups. 16 white girls planning to get pregnant, Brit Spears sister on the cover of a national mag at 17 talking about how much fun having a baby is. Murder, divorce, incest, abrtion, same-sex marriages, drug use (Hollywood included)...these are not all black issues...these ARE NATIONAL ISSUES OBAMA!

With that said, I understand why Jesse got angry with Obama.

@ Mike 11:42 AM

Agreed, wholeheartedly! If only James Earl Ray had been a poorer shot.

There is an old saying in the political community - If black folk and white folks ever got along, Jesse and Al Sharpton would be out of business.

It seems to me that Jessie Jackson is the object of a style over substance ad hominem: media focus is on his crass language, does not give equal weight to his meaning, and implies he is a hypocrite--seeming contradiction for a man of the cloth to use vulgar language in public.

The interpretation takes aim Jessie Jackson's public image, challenging his status as a moral icon; but the implied characterization is imposed and, in the context of the 2008 presidential election, may be considered character assassination.

Given, by strict codes, crass language may be viewed as a moral violation, but in colloquial English it is common.

An alternative interpretation is that Rev. Jackson spoke--a private communication not intended for public display--crassly using a common vernacular; and that the meaning of his words not the style of his language is the central issue:

Jessie Jackson fears Senator Obama may alienate African-Americans; to him Barack seems condescending when speaking on the issue of paternal responsibility.

In this light, Jessie Jackson is a normal person speaking his mind in private; a dismayed, long suffering civil rights leader embarrassed publicly while criticizing Barack privately--after a life of civil rights suffrage, he momentarily fears Barack may lose the White House in 2008 if he alienates African-Americans.

As a civil rights leader, Jessie Jackson may feel misrepresented; he is angry with Barack; and, for the sake of his life's work, he wants Barack to identify with but not patronize African Americans.

Leave Jesse alone.He's the man.Obama is a fraud.Jesse knows this.Obama used the blacks in the primiaries and now he must pander to the white evangecals.So it's under the bus for the blacks.They have no choice but to vote for him in the general election.They helped him eliminate his competition so he discards them just like he did the Reverend Wright and others.Dosent anyone see a pattern here???Jesse has every right to be angry.Any self respecting black would.

What's the difference between one racist and another? They both tolerate each other.

What the difference between a real racist and any other kind of racist?
There is no difference.

What's the difference between one USAmerican candidate for elected office and the other?
It depends on who's elected.

Regarding
dePaul Consiglio

What's the difference between one racist and another? They both tolerate each other.

What the difference between a real racist and any other kind of racist?
There is no difference.

What's the difference between one USAmerican candidate for elected office and the other?
It depends on who's elected.

Regarding
dePaul Consiglio

Jesse Jackson has for years polarized the citizens of this country with his rhetoric (as much as that idiot in the White House) Sure he would like to castrate Obama, he's putting Jesse out of work.

Perhaps there is more at issue here than mere jealousy by Jackson of Obama. Perhaps Jackson himself is not taking full responsibility for fathering a child out of wedlock. His irritation could be very personal at being reminded that he is at fault for failing to do right by his "love/sex" child.

I think your questioning of Jesse Jackson is too harsh and draws some ethnic insensitivity because Obama used the boy word in describing Black American Males that are irresponsible about their children. The historical use of that word began along with other words promulgated by former Masters of slavery plantations and other terrorist groups such as the Klu Klux Klan use in demeaning, harassing and terrorizing Black Males in America.

I think that much of what you say is correct, but if you ignore this dimension then it harbor on misinformation and ethno centralism. Even today Black Males constituently communicate with one another when called boy by stating "Don't call me boy I got your boy and grabbing their crouch at the same time"

Jesse Jackson has always rode on the coat tails of men of honor and decipline. He isn't man enough to carry Obama's *&#@"s so he feels the need to castrate him. Jackson is such a non-entity in today's world. Doesn't Fox have some back office they can put him in to retire to obscurity and write some vulgar biography of his pathetic life's work...."My Time Is Over" might be a good working title for someone who is as irrevalent as Jackson. Step aside, Rev!

I can understand that Reverand Jackson is an an old man and a bitter man. This does not mean I feel that he should be viewed by my generation as someone who has kept up with the times and is relevent to the times. I don't feel he needs to be casterated, as he seems to feel about Obama, but I will not defend him from his detractors either. Most of what they say about Rev Jackson is true as he seems more interested in his ego then the plight of people who are now currently in highschool, their 20's, 30's, or any of their potential children.

Reverand Jackson is very much a man of his generation and the criticisms of even someone fully grown such as Obama, on his generation, brings down a lot of hate and vitriol (but this is internal generational politics in the black community, backed with some research but more bias, and should never have hit the national stage. He is too vested in his politics to be detached, it is too personal).

The needs of younger people are very different. People in these age groups have still a lot of time in the world and it behooves disadvantaged young people (a portion of which are black or latino) to get educated and to buy into the american economy so they can get average jobs and worry about taxes and job security like everyone else and in that manner become mainstream. If people are dead weight on societies fringes, particularly as we are entering into a recession, then they unfortunately are likely to be treated like the burden they are. The problem with becoming a more race neutral society is that younger more race neutral people are more intolerant towards distructive social behavior and decisions.

If we would not go further into a class based society there needs to be more mobility. As resources are shrinking in general for the middle classes and the poor, personal behavior will determine who is allocated resources. There is a lot of money available as we are a scholarship society, but there is a lot of need. The way people act has everything to do with who is ultimately helped and who will be sucessful in their life.

Obama, is priviledged, that is obvious as he is very much the epitome of the Harvard man. However, he has some simularities with the very poor, in that he was fatherless for his formative years. As this is a very personal situation, which would cause any thinking person to be emotionally charged, then it is not surprising that he is hitting a sore spot with people of the generation who first thought to abandon their kids.

Abandonment can be cyclical. You can feel so much sympathy for the origional walkouts before the cycle needs to be stopped. If people are into sympathy towards the elderly, middle aged and immature- they might focus their energy on the fathers who felt they weren't up to the task or were too emotionally damaged to the point where they avoided normal personal relations. However, the opposite side of this is the children. Since they will become a larger share of the electorate in the future, and are our future, then their voices deserve to be heard also. If guys don't want to deal with a psychotic ex-girlfriend (and kids) then they should consider screening their partners as an option too.

I received a message left on my voice mail from Mary Akers, wanting to talk with me about a newsletter of mine about Rep. Steve Cohen's "anti-Jesus" beliefs. But instead of calling me, she needs to call and interview Cohen, and any other Jews, about their views on Jesus, who himself was a Jew, whom Christians believe is the Messiah, the Son of God, and part of the Trinity. Which, of course, Jews are totally opposed to, including the virgin birth and resurrection beliefs. Yet the media is absolutely frighterned to death about writing about this, and, instead, keep calling me from all over the USA to talk with me, when they know where I stand already. So direct your call to Cohen, Mary, and ask that he be truthful if he can about these issues. And then battle it out with your editors to try and get your story published, after they come down out of the ceiling, and deny you request for about "40 days and 40 nights." In fact, you're not going to get their permission, because they too "jump and buck dance" for the Jews. However, a debate is being planned nationwide concerning these issues. Which have got to be brought out into the open for all to come to know the truth. --- Rev. George Brooks of Murfreesboro, TN.