Jesse Jackson's Barack Obama Lesson: His Time Has Passed

Reader Comments
Back to blog

The comment from 'behind the scene' onveils the content of the heart - yes, whatever it is, Jesse Jackson has raised a serious point but under very unfortunate circumstances! Let Obama take it as a lesson. Jesse jackson cannot stop Obama - the comment rather benefitted Obama - at least, many more things on the Obama menu for the readers. It's almost certain that Obama is the next US president - let the black community have its place at of course a higher strata of the society with his presence in the white house-he is not a president for the blacks, but they should feel more accepted than ever before in the 'no man's land, where whites thrive'

Akaba James 6:16AM July 24, 2008

Jesse Jackson is simply jealous that Obama surpassed him during his first run in this presidental election. Obama handles himself with grace, intergrity, and is true to himself. He is reason I am proud to be apart of this preseidential election. He is truly a leader and Jesse can not handle it. Jesse should he ashamed of himself and needs to go stand in the corner. Jesse your time is up. If you are not in Obama's corner, I can not see how you even stayed in the same room with MLK. He would be right on Obama's side. Jesse you are the weakest link, bye-bye.

Rasheedah of NC 1:49PM July 19, 2008

Something more significant is the fact that Barack Obama doesn't place his hand over his heart during the pledge of allegiance. Now how can you say he's not anti-American?
If you need any more significant FACTS watch the video.
http://www.eyeblast.tv/Public/Video.aspx?rsrcID=2036

P.F. of AK 5:30PM July 18, 2008

P.F. of AK
First of all, I am no fan of Jesse Jackson and agree that he is a hypocrite in using the n-word, a term which I absolutely abhor.
Secondly, just because Barack Obama's name is Islamic doesn't mean that he's islamic. His name was given to him at birth by his father. My name is a traditional male's name but I assure you that I am a woman through and through. Nowhere have I heard or read that he is anti-American or anti-God. He is, after all, a professed Christian a faith which, by it's very name, means believer in Christ. Sounds Godly to me.
If you are going to criticize or campaign against Barack Obama, do it based upon fact rather than hearsay or your own ignorant reasons. If you can't come up with something more significant than not electing him as president because of his name then you do not have a good reason. Unfortunately, there are too many Americans like you, which I think is a BIGGER mistake for all Americans.

JL of TX 11:01AM July 17, 2008

First of all, I think Jesse Jackson is the biggest hypocrite of them all. He preaches against using the n-word when he's doing it himself! He is a total joke.
Secondly, Barack Obama is not the answer for this country. He is anti-American and and anti-God. Why would any American support a man with an Islamic name? These are the same people we are at war with. Electing him as president would be an embarrassment to all Americans and I believe anyone who votes for him will eventually regret their decision.

P.F. of AK 10:47PM July 16, 2008

The Afro-centric gospel is a distraction not a solution. Injecting "race" into the gospel or "church identity" is an age old tradition used to address social ills.
The problem is, when you implement a strategy you must update your approach to a problem that has evolved. Reverend Wright would have been more relevant (not necessarily accurate) if his "messages" were spoken in the 1960's. Four decades later, America has evolved (not perfect, but has made progress).
Therefore, fiery rhetoric such as Rev. Wright is unfortunate and extremely disappointing since he must admit that though we are not totally 'where we would' like to be, we are not 'where we used' to be.
Having worked with inner city youth in New York for 4 years, I co-wrote a book with my twin brother that addresses the subject of identity. Our book, Uncovering the Hidden Stranger Within: Answering the Question of Identity, deals with the mindset of individuals like Rev. Wright, who have developed a reactionary Theology, that is not Bible-based. In one section of our book (pages 28-34); we address this issue of the erroneous Afro-centric gospel.
--Kay Taiwo
Identical twins, Olu and Kay Taiwo are international speakers, ministers, consultants, featured authors, and licensed Pharmacists. With over 20 years of speaking experience, their ministry has impacted audiences in the Ukraine, Nigeria, England, Canada, Philippines, Zimbabwe, South Africa, and across the United States of America. Their down to earth principled style teaching has endeared them to audiences far and near.To invite Olu and Kay Taiwo to your conference, seminar, or event http://www.VisionForLifeMinistries.org

K.T. of OK 2:32PM July 14, 2008

My working definition of ideology is ‘a formed belief that governs a person’s or people's actions.’ The prevailing ideology or assumption in mainstream “Black” American society up until Bill Cosby was one that seemed to tilt in Reverend Jackson's favor. Obama, like Bill Cosby, appear to deviate from a prevailing Black ideology by taking a fresh look at an intractable problem that up until now, few have been courageous to deal with in full view for all to see in mainstream America.
Thank God for the roles of our civil right leaders in the 1960, laying the foundation for social equality etc.
Yet, while America may not be total where it should be, it certainly isn’t where it used to be. Interestingly, this statement I have just made about America seems to be very controversial. This brings us back to the issue of ideology. The Jackson-ideology would suggest that the gap is not only wide between black and white, but much hasn’t changed since the 1960s. The Obama-ideology sees much progress in race relations since the 1960s and seeks to take advantage of the opportunities. Obviously, Obama has proven this true. By running on a campaign framed not on race but on an America that needed new direction, he captured the democratic nomination despite his race; thus proving that America is not what it used to be.
In the end Obama’s ideology wins out. The inequities do not erase the opportunities, and the opportunities do not erase the inequities. While we acknowledge the inequities, we must make sure we are taking advantage of the opportunities.
It was Jesse Jackson who introduced “Ebonics” to the American lexicon, thus injecting the notion that Blacks needed a lower standard to cope in mainstream society—that single action is very revealing and downright insulting as to how Jackson sees his fellow African Americans. To me, this is speaking “down” to our sensibilities. Telling a person to take personal responsibility is speaking “up” to our potential for endless possibilities. As matter of fact, you are better positioned to address social inequities with credibility when you take personal responsibility.
--Kay Taiwo
Identical twins, Olu and Kay Taiwo are international speakers, ministers, consultants, featured authors, and licensed Pharmacists. With over 20 years of speaking experience, their ministry has impacted audiences in the Ukraine, Nigeria, England, Canada, Philippines, Zimbabwe, South Africa, and across the United States of America. Their down to earth principled style teaching has endeared them to audiences far and near.To invite Olu and Katy Taiwo to your conference, seminar, or event http://www.VFLM.org.

K.T. of OK 2:30PM July 14, 2008

The Reverend Jesse Jackson is a grandfather and should not be using vulger language in "private" or public. If he didn't do it,we would've never known the man.
The son's reaction confirms the confusion that must be going on between the Obama Campaign and the Rainball Coalition.
Thank God, Barack Obama is protected by God's great light and nothing like that would shake him.
These men have all been pretending to be religious men and yet they talk worse than the "typical black men" I meet on the street.
It's such a shame.
Christians should call on God's Spirit to bind the spirit of jelousy and resentment that is causing the black "uncles" act like young boys.
Please grow up.

mwila nagua of MD 7:31PM July 13, 2008

Ms. Givens, Rev. (and I use the term loosely) Jesse Jackson does not deserve a defense. His remarks were totally uncalled for and certainly not becoming for a professed man of God. The fact that Senator Obama called for personal responsibility no doubt struck a nerve with Senator Jackson. Senator Jackson's own son reprimanded him for such ignorance.

kaysha of PA 5:58PM July 13, 2008

It would appear that Mr. Jackson is somewhat envious and, dare I say, JEALOUS, of Obama's success in the realm of presidential hopeful where he himself was laughed at decades earlier. Just like with the Anita Hill/Clarence Thomas scandal, this is yet another example of Black people sabotoging what should be a moment of pride and accomplishment: We finally, after 200+ years, have a Black presidential candidate representing one of the 2 major parties! Instead of relishing in that and celebrating it, Mr. Jackson has to come in and cause a ruckus, which is about all he's good for anyway. What do you think this looks like through the eyes of racists?
"Even n****s don't like Obama."
It's ugly, ignorant and shameful, but coming from one of the most backward, racist places on the planet, I can attest to the truth behind such sentiments.
If a white person had said what Jackson said, he'd be labeled a racist for sure. Could that also be the case with Mr. Jackson? He has already criticized Obama in his response to a reverse racism hate crime a while back, accusing Obama of "acting white"...could it be that Obama's biracial ethnicity is an issue for the incredibly short-sighted, and dare I say, RACIST, Jesse Jackson? You be the judge.

T.S.H. of NV 1:34PM July 13, 2008