I was a bit peeved when Barack made his comments over at Bishop Brazier's church (Apostolic Church of God) on fathers day, BUT I got over it, simply because he was telling the truth in many (not most) cases of Black fathers. And the "many" is "too many", so I agreed with Barack as I also agreed Bill Cosby when he said basically the same thing.

I believe I was initially peeved, because I am a Black man and a father of 4 and I am with my wife and taking care of my family, then I realized, that though it didn't apply to me, it applies far too many times in the Black community.

I don't think its "talking down" when it is the TRUTH. As they say: "If the shoe fits, say ouch and wear it".

As for Jesse Jackson, Sr., the man is a clown, a caricature and a base buffoon, simple as that.

Sent by DJ Black Adam | 2:13 PM ET | 07-10-2008

Well said DJ,

I wrote a letter to the Obama campaign. Because I too was uncomfortable with Baracks comments, not the message but the fact that a lot of high brow indignation comes from those sentiments stirred up. If we want to talk about parenting then have a holistic conversation not assume that all mothers are good mothers, great people. You have to acknowledge that part of the equation. The bitterness directed at the kid because of the father, how the courts make no distinction btwn one night stand men and men who are, have and want to be in their childrens lives but run into obstacles and a regressive biased court process. A child support systems that requires no accounting audits or itemizing of money spent by the mother on the child, etc. Change? Indeed!

Think about Jackson's comments..and what he suggested..castration. Is and should be as offensive as the (symbolic-historical) lynch comment by golf analyst Kelly Thilghman (spelling?) and anything Don Imus said!

He does not get a pass!

Sent by Jon J | 2:50 PM ET | 07-10-2008

Brave people need to stop apologizing and own up to their responsibility to express real feelings and real concerns of a constituency that will be key to Barack's hopes of changing the electoral map. Continued support of black voters is Obama's only hope for flipping Georgia or Virginia (he has to hope for this, the other swing states are Clinton country).

Overwhelming African American support for Barack makes this constituency vulnerable to marginalization when there is implicit agreement not to speak out against misstatements by his campaign (folks who said "don't rock the boat" forgot to ask where the boat was going). Barack's old school - outdated personal responsibility talking points hurt the reputation and distort the story of progress that is the reality of African American contribution to development of the greatness to which this country continually strives.

If "someone" (seems like it will not be Barack) finally decides to lead in a way that highlights the inventiveness and hard work behind the evolution from slavery, to leadership and excellence, in arts, sports, science, and politics; this "someone" will have found a way to inspire the country to tackle the structural nature of lingering disparities in a manner that insures that no one is left behind.

Seems we still have not found leadership that is brave and honest enough to keep this hope alive?

For an example of how inaccurate Barack's speeches have been on "moral" issues, check out the link below.

http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9A04E7DA113FF932A35754C0A96E958260

Sent by Rhesa Jenkins | 3:04 PM ET | 07-10-2008

I'am not even going to waste my time finding out what jess jackson(lower case intended) said. I just wish he had've taken the bullet in Memphis instead of the other guy.

Sent by George | 3:26 PM ET | 07-10-2008

This seems to be another example of how outdated thinking by the black establishment is harming blacks. I went to high school in Wichita Falls, Texas and saw first hand the hardships blacks had to endure. That said. The insults and taunts did not come from white students. They came from black students and were addressed to black students who wanted to get good grades, go to college, and make a future for them. Or as Mr. Jackson might say, they were "acting white". I am very disturbed by Mr. Jackson's current and past comments. As a white southerner I am offended. If indeed there is this grand conspiracy to subjugate blacks by whites, why was I not invited to the party? I am, after all, white! The future is open to all who want to improve themselves. Most other non-whites are taking full advantage of this. It is sad to see black leaders stuck in a mindset that is headed down a dead end road. I hope the end of that road is near.

Sent by brian kowalick | 3:30 PM ET | 07-10-2008

We as a people are to be thoughful of our condition and the devises in which brought us to this very situation. As this is a process which consideration and respect for a group/individual are a must for positive outcomes.

Sent by Karen Jackson | 3:36 PM ET | 07-10-2008

Why did Jesse Jackson apologize? For getting caught or for saying what he said? Anyway - I'd be a hater, too if I were him. Obama got MUCH further than Jesse Jackson ever did in presidential primary politics AND he fathered a child out of wedlock. I bet he can't stand the fact that Obama is better than him in so many ways.

Sent by Theresa | 3:51 PM ET | 07-10-2008

As a child of divorced parents and an absentee father, I can't think of anyone else who SHOULD have the audacity to talk about this subject than Barack Obama. His father left him and his mother at a young age, he had to grow up as a Black man in America alone guidance from a father.
The newest census reports show that over 50% of Black families are composed of single unmarried mothers. Children don't care about child support or poor relationships between their parents, they care about a phone call, showing up to graduations, going to sports activities.
Barack Obama is talking about emotional effects of absent fathers on children. Everyone else is as usual too busy being selfish and talking about Black on Black hate, politics, etc.
From healthcare to children to improving jobs for their fathers, Obama's focus has stayed on the real issue: the value of children in America.

Sent by Stephanie | 4:09 PM ET | 07-10-2008

Jesse Jackson is one of the most racist politicians in America.

Sent by SAM | 4:16 PM ET | 07-10-2008

Jessie Jackson is way out of line. This is a case of "I wish I had done as Well in my campaign for President." Obama should distant himself and watch his back!

Sent by Tired of Old Man Jackson | 4:17 PM ET | 07-10-2008

Totally uncalled for Mr. Jackson!

Sent by Hudson Pitts | 4:17 PM ET | 07-10-2008

Answer: Castration
Question: What a man of God should do to another man with whom he disagrees with.

Ironically, Rev. Jackson's reason for wanting to castrate Sen. Obama was due to lack of attention to Violence in the Black Community.
We have long since forgiven Rev. Jackson for cheating on his wife and fathering a child that he refused to acknowledge or have anything to do with.
He on the other hand apparently still has deep seated anger towards victims of absentee-fathers such as Sen. Obama.

Shame on you Rev. Jackson, you should and do know better.

Sent by James K. | 4:42 PM ET | 07-10-2008

It probably is better for Obama that Jackson said he wants to castrate him. If all he had said was that Obama has been talking down to black people, and stopped there, then everybody might stop and think, "Hmm, maybe that's true..." Instead, Jackson makes himself look like a fool and any actual substance regarding the way Obama talks to African Americans is utterly overwhelmed by a threat of KKK-style violence.

Sent by Aaron Andersen | 4:45 PM ET | 07-10-2008

where is the outrage?
www.zookersradio.com

Sent by Eric | 4:46 PM ET | 07-10-2008

I'm always confused when these kind of issues come surface in the black community.
First, there was this hue and cry about whether Obama is "black enough." (It would have been interesting if he had presented himself as a "mixed-raced" candidate. Although I know the USA would have NEVER gone for that).
Second, the conversation is "oh, this is so historic and great and we are so proud of Obama".
Now, its "he talks down to black people" because he dares to raise an issue (lack of male role models and fathers in the home) that is relevant to blacks nationally?!
I just don't get it. Obama is only one man. True he is high-profile and could well be our next president. But lets not be dishonest. BLacks have a problem with lack of black males in the home, the large number of black males in jail nationally and the prevalence of HIV in their community.
Finally, it is my opinion that Jesse Jackson is a hater. I think he can't stand the fact that Obama is a viable candidate and could well be our next president. Unfortunately, I'm not certain that he's the only high profile black person who feels that Obama is "talking down to blacks". (Bob Johnson and Julian Bond) The reality is blacks need to give Obama a break. Why come down harder on him than you did Bill Clinton? Bill Clinton (no matter what Toni Morrison said) is not black! Nor did his administration do that much toward the betterment of the black populace in the USA.

Sent by Jerry | 4:52 PM ET | 07-10-2008

Considering Fox News' record as it applies to Black people why was he even on the program. They are loving this. All Blacks candidates and pundits should boycott Fox News until they actually report the news not distort the news. Fair and balanced? I think not.

Sent by Tonya Hines | 5:08 PM ET | 07-10-2008

He would have gotten away with it too if it weren't for you meddling kids. Ah well, there were a number of other things he could have said to get the same effect: http://www.236.com/news/2008/07/10/jesse_jackson_wants_to_slice_o_1_7645.php

Sent by Alyssa | 5:12 PM ET | 07-10-2008

Jesse Jackson is a parasite and has done nothing but ride on the coattails of a very grand and amazing human being, MLK.

Concerning the comment from "What About Our Daughters?" . . . all Obama is doing is stating facts. The truth is there are more black children without their fathers then any other race...it's time to turn that statistic around by taking advantage of all the same opportunities that are available to every other person (even people that came to this country with nothing) and use the system to your advantage instead of complain about it.

E. M.
Ft. Lauderdale, FL

Sent by Ellen Morgan | 5:28 PM ET | 07-10-2008

Noting that Jackson intended for his comments to be private, he was nonetheless correct. Obama does speak down to African Americans. Obama also perpetuates false stereotypes about AAs. During the course of this campaign I've been closely following and reading many of the blogs. Posters' comments along with media reaction confirms for me that racism is alive and well and that white people do in fact believe the many false stereotypes that are out here being applied to the entire African American race. AAs have heard the stereotypes so often that many also believe the myths and the myths become their reality. AAs don't have jobs, etc. largely due to institutionalized racism and the stereotypic portrayal of AAS makes it easy to place the blame on them in order to justify their condition and alleviate guilt. Obama takes the AA vote for granted and in order to gain white conservative votes he attacks AAs, which I find morally reprehensible. Because he has lived in both the AA and white worlds he knows the psyche of both groups and he uses this knowledge to his political advantage. AAs are so used to being beaten down that they often do not feel the insult as would other races who are subjected to similar conduct. He also knows that the symbolism that he represents to the AA community also causes AAs not to criticize or place demands upon him. Obama knows this and knows that he will not lose AA support although he continuously insults them. Last, Obama need not worry about any negative impact from Jackson's comments. They will help him in that they further reinforce to the voters he is trying to attract that he is not aligned with Jackson.

Sent by K Wall | 6:18 PM ET | 07-10-2008

Obama does speak down to African Americans. Obama also perpetuates false stereotypes about AAs. During the course of this campaign I've been closely following and reading many of the blogs. Posters comments along with media reaction confirms for me that racism is alive and well and that white people do in fact believe the many false stereotypes that are out here being applied to the entire African American race. AAs have heard the stereotypes so often that many also believe the myths and the myths become their reality. AAs don't have jobs, etc. largely due to institutionalized racism and the stereotypic portrayal of AAs makes it easy to place the blame on them in order to justify their condition and alleviate guilt. Obama takes the AA vote for granted and in order to gain white conservative votes he attacks AAs, which I find morally reprehensible. Because he has lived in both the AA and white worlds he knows the psyche of both groups and he uses this knowledge to his political advantage. AAs are so used to being beaten down that they often do not feel the insult as would other races who are subjected to similar conduct. He also knows that the symbolism that he represents to the AA community also causes AAs not to criticize or place demands upon him. Obama knows this and knows that he will not lose AA support although he continuously insults them. Last, Obama need not worry about any negative impact from Jackson's comments. They will help him in that they further reinforce to the voters he is trying to attract that he is not aligned with Jackson.

Sent by KWall | 7:21 PM ET | 07-10-2008

In my observation, Jessie Jackson's statement proves he was unable to discern the woes between presidential candidate, civil rights leader or preacher. I believe he is innocent in his intentions...considering his aspirations for leading a vigilant intelligent African America to an equal with its ruling class. Over 45 years during the civil right movements, he struggled, a Quest (imperative) unfulfilled. It is human nature for man to linger in the realm of an aspiration deferred. Like Jeremiah Wright, of course he will use the ultimate media bait get another wail to the African American people what the Democratic Presidential Candidate Barack Obama Shouldn't have to. The people, their local representatives, Vigilante organizations, think tanks are responsible for Core Movements to enforce Equality.

Sent by Brenda Wright Fox | 7:23 PM ET | 07-10-2008

Am I the only person who sees this as a piece of politcal theatre? It creates an even greater distance between Obama and the old guard civil rights brigade which is what he needs and wants to do in order to gather more support outside of the Black community.

It even gives Jesse Jackson, Jr a chance to clear the hurdle that his father could be to his political future. It also makes him appear to be more loyal to Obama than to his father, an action that could be rewarded after the election.

Jesse Jackson has been on enough television shows to know better than to make that kind of comment near a mike. This gets him in the spotlight and gives Obama more cred with people who hate Jesse Jackson

Sent by Ann | 9:01 PM ET | 07-10-2008

Seems blacks will always have a civil war going between themselves and our black public officials. Be it Obama or Cosby, these men only want us to be on equal footing as everyone else, not embarrass or humiliate us. Yet, whenever something like this comes up, many of us take it personal. Truth hurts. We think we can bully or call out anyone who says something negative against us by crying racism or sellout and then it goes away. Meanwhile, we still struggle to keep up with other minorities in this country because we refuse to educate and take responsibility for ourselves. We have to stop playing that old tired "victim" role. The truth is too many of us are lazy, still looking for the easy money, have no ambition and still have our hands out expecting things that only our ancestors were denied. Racism is still with us but when are we going to raise our education levels to meet the requirements to be able to use that word when it's truly applicable?

Sent by Pat | 9:03 PM ET | 07-10-2008

I am so disgusted by Jesse Jackson's comments! If Imus had said that, Jesse would have been talking about the history of lynching in the United States and saying it didn't matter if he thought he was off-mic. Being Black doesn't give one the right to be offensive to another Black person. Also, Jackson should be ashamed to criticize based on the speach on fatherhood given his own child that was born out-of-wedlock. And finally, given his son's role in the Obama campaign, couldn't he have just kept his mouth closed?? Really, go back the basics that your mother taught you--if you don't have something nice to say, keep your big mouth closed! Of all people, Jesse should have learned that a long time ago.--Just one Black woman's opinion

Sent by Karen Nash | 9:14 PM ET | 07-10-2008

whats the big f**king deal? if this offends u u'r 2 soft. let people speak their minds. seek the truth.

Sent by WhoGrabedMyBalls | 9:32 PM ET | 07-10-2008

that would hurt not to mention how painful for him, it would have 2b, 2 have to endure his wifes constant laffing and pointing everytime he got naked...

Sent by IzRicky | 9:42 PM ET | 07-10-2008

I lost respect for Rev. Jackson a few years ago when he fathered a child out- of-wedlock and then went crawling to Jerry Falwell for forgiveness. This latest dust-up is unbelievable.Jesse needs to remove the "reverend" title from his name. He has sullied it enough. And why in the world was he on FOX? They have been trying to destroy him for years, especially O'Rielly.

Sent by Viv Weaver | 9:49 PM ET | 07-10-2008

What Was Jesse thinking? Well, who was he talking to?

See

http://notionscapital.wordpress.com/2008/07/10/no-dead-mics-on-fox/

Sent by Mike Licht | 10:12 PM ET | 07-10-2008

It has been painfully obvious that from the start of Senator Obama's campaign that Reverend Jackson has not gotten over the fact that his presidential campaign did not go the way he wanted it to go. He has now juxtaposed his hard feelings into criticism of Senator Obama and his practices.

This type of criticism is not a Johnny come lately type of happenstance. Senator Obama did not go the traditional way of getting the permission of the so called traditional black leaders in the steps leading up to the announcing his candidacy, That lead to the many defections of the CBC, Al Sharpton, and the many others that are still in the back pocket of the Clintons. Had he done so, he would not have gotten this far.
This once again shows the true colors of Reverend Jackson. This is more of the type of sentiments that derailed his campaign following his famous "Heimy Town" remarks.

This should signal the end of the news and ambulance chasing of Reverend Jackson. Unfortunately, it won't.

Sent by Kamau Opio Williams | 11:33 PM ET | 07-10-2008

I am sorry to say this, but my experience with the concept of "acting black" is kids who think an interest in learning is "acting white", as is speaking like an educated person, showing up for work on time, and the willingness, if necessary, to start at the bottom.
These attitudes have helped to produce an uneducated, unemployable, underclass, hopeless locked in the lowest levels of society.
I think African-Americans who lived in the really bad old days of segregation would be amazed at the opportunities available today-though not all that they should be-and astonished at the attitudes of so many in the black community.
All well meaning Americans should be proud that at least we have come far enough as a nation that an African-American is not only running for President of the United States, but has a reasonable chance to win. And, if he does wins, the majority of votes will have to have come from other than
African-Americans.
I don't think his chances should be "torpedoed" by the very people who one would think would be in his corner.

Sent by Steven Rudin | 1:08 AM ET | 07-11-2008

I think Jackson's comment was so pathetic. Barrack is the first glimmer of hope for this country in a very long time. I have his speech on race pinned up by my desk at work. I am a white woman from Utah who's taxes will go up when he is elected, and I very much respect him and his hopes and plans for change. He is the first candidate to actual speak about important issues, not if you wore a flag pin on your lapel. Our country needs him to lead and we need to wake up and help our country too.

Sent by Jan Broadbent | 1:44 AM ET | 07-11-2008

Should we be surprised at Jessie Jackson behavior? I think not...Jackson continues to reveal his true colors as the years go by. He is and always has been a hypocrite. He is as much a con salesman as Al Sharpton. It seems predictable that had a white person made the comment that Mr. Jackson made about Obama, the hot topic issue today would most likely be about how the comment was correlated with racism and Mr. Jackson would be making his radio rounds screaming how the sky is falling. The apology from Jackson....just another move in the game and nothing more. It would odd and difficult to me how someone would want to stand by someone whose groin they wish to cut off....what's respectful and supportive about that!

Sent by J. Logan | 2:33 AM ET | 07-11-2008

Having gown up without a Father in my home,raised by my Mother, and haven't seen,heard or talked to him since I was 3 years old,I agree with both Obama and Bill Cosby regarding men who are not responsible to their children. Anyone can be a sperm donor, but it takes a real man to accept and take care of his family. As far as Jesse Jackson is concerned, he only admitted his wrong because he got caught. He's out of the loop anyway. Has been for a long time as far as I'm concerned. It's a new day, and if anything Jesse Jr is more with it. The media needs to stop looking to men like Jesse Sr as a so-called Black leader. We don't need any Black to lead us. We can get there without their help. They don't pay our bils,buy us groceries, etc. So where are they "leading" us? In this day and time, it's every man for himself and God for us all. Does the white communities have "White Leaders". I think not.

Sent by Wayne Sharpe | 10:51 AM ET | 07-11-2008

The so-called black power brokers, Urban League, NAACP, Jesse Jackson and others, are too angry and envious to see and appreciate the opportunity before them. Barack Obama did not come through them to reach the precipice at which he stands and for that they are angry and envious. They may ask themselves, how did he do that without us? Perhaps they can't allow it. Like crabs in a bucket, they hold one another down without realizing that if one gets out it is better than all staying in.

Religious 'leaders' like Messrs. Jackson and Wright don't understand that the voice with which they speak would have greater impact and less damage if used at the right time and place. Because they are unschooled and unaccustomed to Obama's status they can only react foolishly. They only have hammers and see every problem as a nail.

I cannot say I am disappointed in Jesse Jackson because I have held him with so little regard for his constant grandstanding and lack real delivery. But I can say that I am ashamed that his choice of tools is that of slave owners instead of statesmen.

Sent by vamccoy | 11:07 AM ET | 07-11-2008

Jesse's nuts needed cut off before he met up with Babymoma!

Sent by Judy Ferguson | 12:51 PM ET | 07-11-2008

I wonder what would have happened if a white person would have made those comments. Wonder how much hell raising would have occured? Jesse Jackson is no better then those that have been criminalized for their comments.

Sent by Rick | 12:59 PM ET | 07-11-2008

7/10/08

Jesse Jackson's Sermon in Search of an "Amen"

Shortly after I arrived "up south" in Baltimore from Jackson, MS in 1973 I made my way to the Howard Theater to see poet/musician Gill Scott Heron perform. The evening was a sellout. After all he was in Maryland, and who could forget ... "if Agnew, Nixon knew." This was after then Vice-president Spiro Agnew had resigned having been indicted for taking envelopes of money from all the folks who seemed to have been eager to give them to him in hopes of gaining "access." He got caught, resigned and was smart enough to resurface later reinvented as lobbyist for foreign corporations.

It was quite intriguing to me because on several occasions he had received what was referred to in the press as "envelopes of money" at the Executive Office building in DC which was for a time across the street from my office in the Riggs bank building on the corner of 17th and H Street.

At the time I was working in the offices of the C & P Telephone Company as a media specialist whose assignment among other things was to monitor AT & T's competition because "Ma Bell" was under attack, and the public was beginning to show interest in the argument from "the other side" that "Ma Bell" was getting too big for her "snuggies". The claim was that she represented a "monopoly" that threatened the quality of phone service for the future, and denied others capable of providing equal quality phone service a level playing field to compete. Well needless to say, the competition won. Whether the public won, is still being debated especially when one considers the loss of "quality control" and service that accompanied the break up.

But that was then and this is now. That was the age of "the big break ups" and this is the age of "the big mergers". Times change, and what seemed like a great idea at one time may not prove to be historically expedient at another point further down the road. Historians sometimes refer to this as a "paradigm shift."

Rev. Jesse Jackson's recent "off the record, on the microphone" comments about what he perceived to be Barack Obama "talking down to Black folks" while speaking to a Black church audience reflects another such "paradigm shift". Despite Jackson's former luster as a civil rights leader/minister/political candidate, his message today is a sermon in search of an audience and an "Amen." In fact his "just between me and you framing" as he whispered to the other guest next to him (and unknowingly in to the FOX news microphone no doubt) who happened to also be African American kind of reminded me of a lovers quarrel in which the words don't to have to be true, just hurtful. In other words, "here is how I would like you to feel about him or her because it is the way I feel about him, or her, can I get an Amen on that?"

In fact, you can't get an Amen on that Reverend, but here is a trophy for some of the worse timing for loose lips ever merited. This one even tops the trophy you received in 1984 when Washington Post reporter Milton Coleman (another African-American male member of the print media) passed on the "Amen" opportunity, and instead decided to expose your reference during another "off the record conversation" to Jews as "Hymies", and New York as "Hymietown". At the time Jackson was running for the Democratic nomination something that because of the bar Obama has now set, and the level Jackson has fallen from grace seems forever beyond Jackson's reach. Even Jackson's son Congressman Jesse Jackson, Jr. referred to his dad's comments as "ugly rhetoric". Add to this poor timing, Jackson's comments coming on the heels of such a warm and fuzzy "one and only" interview on NBC with the Obama family, loving daughters included.

Which brings us back to Gill Scott's other famous quote before Jesse fell from grace, it was "The Revolution will not be televised", a message that sounded "hip" at the time but was almost outdated by the time the record caught on because there were more Black journalists working then, than there are now. We had more power in the news rooms, and more of us owned more media outlets, and more of us were decision makers. So in fact we had more opportunity to televise the revolution then than we do now. Now fewer of us may own more media outlets however the result has not necessarily been the inability to televise "the Revolution" but the lack of interest in doing so. The real money now is in Black caricatures, and stereotypes, and Black reality TV in which what Rev. Jackson said he would like to do to Barack Obama ("cut his n--s off") is done to the sound of laughter, and the "ka-ching" of white owned media conglomerates every day.

As a result, the fact that the revolution "is" being televised can easily slip beneath our radar primarily because it's not being televised by us. Its being televised by CNN, FOX, MSNBC, and a hand full of "limping" networks unable to truly quantify their audiences due to the proliferations of multiple media platforms, computers, and social networks. All the while the rest of the African American audience is being grand fathered into a so called "urban" market share, easily reached by programming to "class" rather than heritage, or color.
The real "Revolution" is the two beautiful young Black girls sitting with their mother and father who is weeks away from clinching the Democratic nomination, and months away from playing on the White House lawn reminding other African-American children that they can do it too.

John Milton Wesley

Sent by John Milton Wesley | 3:30 PM ET | 07-11-2008

I am very disappointed with comments that Mr.Jackson made. I no longer refer to him as Reverende Jackson. I viewed Mr.Jackson as a role model for many young African-Americans, who did not experience the struggles and challenges of the Civil Rights Movement. Mr.Jackson, you were the young man who walked and lived in the time of Dr.King and you should be an extention of the teachings of Dr.King not the spoiler of principles. I am dismayed that a man like yourself should speak and act in such a manner. Who will be the next role model for this generation to turn to and learn their lessons from? Who will remind them of the past and how to look forward to the future? If Dr.King were alive today he will certainly disagree with your words and actions. It takes a man of strong principles and values to carry the torch of the Civil Rights Movement and such a man no longer exists.

Sent by Dismayed! | 4:47 PM ET | 07-11-2008

Kudos to Jesse Jackson for speaking the truth! (except the castration part). Obama has 2 distinct speeches. He has a "i'm so honored to represent you great americans" speech for non black audiences and he has "you stupid fat lazy people need to do better" for black audiences. He lost me with the father's day speech, where he made headlines around the world like "Obama gets tough on black men" rather than uplifting those fathers who are active in their children's lives. I will not listen to another speech where Obama, a political candidate, who should be laying out his policy positions, instead denigrates black americans. He is using a new version of the Southern Strategy and he is going to lose a lot of black support.

Sent by Pearlma | 4:50 PM ET | 07-11-2008

Mr. Jackson keeps himself in power by holding black Americans hostage. By telling blacks,"it's everybody else's fault," he creates lots and lots of victims. Mr. Obama does the opposite. He tries to empower black Americans by saying, "WE can pick ourselves up and do what's right." The fewer blacks who see themselves as victims, the more the
Mr. Jackson's power wanes. It's no surprise Mr. Jackson is ticked.

Sent by Bets | 6:58 PM ET | 07-11-2008

I am very embrassed and disappointed with Jesse action again. Let me begin with I am a black educated female and Jesse is "NOT" the spoke person for all black people, inspit of what he or other people might believe. I don't believe that Obama needs Jesse help with his speeches or helping to keep focus, he knows what he should be talking about. I listened to and read and re-read Obama's speech and in no way did it leave a negative connotation on black people or black men. We as a people do not need Jesse to tell us what we think or translate our thoughts or feelings for us. Those were Jesse's thoughts and feelings and he was trying to project them onto other people. Furthermore, I would not make a crude comment about a friend or someone that I truely belived in and was supporting. I really question Jesse motive. One last thing, I have listen all day to people speak about Jesse creditabity. What creditabilty? He lost that with alot of people when he got himself a baby-mama (handel that). If Bush or Clinton would have made the comment that Jesse made it would be hell to pay. Get over it, Jesse willfully compromised his chance for a position for the white house by not using his head or should I say brain before its taken out of context. Quit hatin.

Sent by Dr. O | 12:48 AM ET | 07-12-2008

This is for "pearlma". If you are doing all you can as a father, then that shoe dose not fit you. Try to get the men that you know that have fathered children and do not have a part in their lives, talk to them and not blame Obama.

Sent by Edna Williams | 11:43 AM ET | 07-12-2008

Jesse is Messy! Hatin' Obama!

Sent by WeRBigBrother | 1:29 PM ET | 07-12-2008

BeWare the Trojan Horse !
Take a lesson from the 60's and don't forget where we all came from.

Vote for America
Into the Future and Back to The Age of The Pioneers.

dePaul Consiglio
your#101fan
Monsey NY.

PS Good to See you Reverend Jackson in downtown Monsey NY this evening.
Nice go.
Maybe soon everyone will realize what you mean by both brother, and brothers.

PPS
There's an olde USAmerican expression;
"One if by Land, Two if by Sea and Three if by Coup d'etat.

Sent by dePaul Consiglio | 8:50 PM ET | 07-12-2008

I am 66 years old and remember some pretty ugly things about Mr Jackson. there is a whole generation of people who have no idea of Mr. Jacksons background, i think he should be very careful about airing his opinions, i also don't understand everyone being so obsessed with a persons race?? what a waste of time,let the best man or woman win!!!

Sent by Michael Rosen | 4:36 AM ET | 07-13-2008

Hi: I'd like to cut his nuts off also or trim his ears a little at least. All he needs is a magic feather and he could fly. "Just joking" he is black and I'm white but he is the only choice I have as a Democrat. Jessie has it right he does talk down to people and with 70% of Americans so dumb they read at a sixth grade level he has too! "Obama will be the next President" because of whites like myself voting for him. I think he is fine but did-like most blacks and lived through the L.A. riots and fear their ignorance!The fact is 2/3s of the crime in California cities is by blacks and the three strike rule is filling the CA prisons with balcks with no hope for any real changes. 2Pac called himself Troubesome! The black Americans are very troublesome to me.

Sent by micha | 4:10 PM ET | 07-13-2008

For "Edna Williams". The men in my circle take parenting seriously, even though some are divorced. Obama is precisely to blame for lifting black men up as objects of ridicule and scorn for the purpose of currying favor with undecided voters. Obama has a global platform and created global headlines like "Obama Blasts Black Dads" and "Obama Gets Tough on Black Fathers", totally invalidating the many black fathers who are active in their children's lives. At least 2 studies have been released which indicate that black men are more likely to live in separate homes than their children, but are also more likely than white men in similar circumstances to be active in their children's lives. A politician's place is to inform his constituents of his policy positions which will make their lives better. Stepping into a pulpit to MOralize and ridicule a particular group of citizens, using excerpts from Chris Rock's "I hate niggaz" comedy routine in inappropriate for a candidate and especially inappropriate for an aspiring president. It's unfortunate that "Edna Williams" is so accustomed to media negativity about Black Men, that tomfoolery passes for legitimate political discourse in her eyes. Sad really...

Sent by Pearlma | 4:21 PM ET | 07-13-2008

What good leader when given the opportunity to speak would not say you have the power to make your own environment better? President Obama has been telling everyone who will listen that we have the power to change American for the better; what he was saying was regardless of whatever these are the changes that can make you better? As a man he spoke to the men, men are supposed to be the head of the family, at least that what we Christians believe {unlike some women I don't have a problem with that provided the man is following Jesus Christ, I trust God to know what He is doing}. If he was talking to you the devil sent someone to block the message so that you would be offend and not receive it. I hope that President Obama does not use Jesse Jackson Sr., in any way in his cabinet he has already used his "Get of Jail Free Card." The reason Jesse Jackson does not like Obama is that Obama does have the education and the knowledge to help all of American. When President Obama responded to what his former Pastor said he told everybody then that yes there has been racism in the past that has play a big part in the condition of African Americans, but speaking to African Americans he talked about what we need to do as a people to help ourselves, God bless him for it. We use to be a better people a great people with many warriors who fought and dead for the right that all minorities in American enjoy. I see this for what it is another attempt to divide the country and keep America head down the toilet. Rev. Jesse Jackson came in on the coat tail of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., he in and of himself dose not have any qualifications. The fact that he is even on TV speaks to the lack of true or perceived leadership / representation in the African American community. I have never personally liked the man he does not speak for African American all I have ever seen him to is complain about what needs to be fixed then he has the nerves to say something bad about some body doing the same thing but to a different part of the problem. Jesse Jackson thought that he would pull the wool, so to say, over peoples eyes and get all the things he wants at the expense of others hard work. If you think a good leader would lie to you then you have the wrong man in President Obama. I could careless what you people do but if you want to change the status quo you need Obama's ideas and methods because if you haven't checked lately we are all in the same boat and it is SINKING.

Sent by LaCharla | 11:51 AM ET | 07-14-2008

I think Jackson is jealous, and he has embarrassed all of us especially since I believe he double talks around what he really means. For him to be a minister I think he said what he meant.

Sent by Angela Edward | 2:00 PM ET | 07-14-2008

This response is to the OpEd piece written by Eric Easter in response to the loutish Mr. Jackson's remarks: http://www.ebonyjet.com/politics/national/index.aspx?id=8350. But I think it appropriate for this board.

I have to say that I understand the sentiment of Mr. Easter's OpED and find it insightful and a source for thought; however, I really feel it is time for all this madness to stop. The ostensible nomination of Mr. Obama has moved this country into an area with which it is very uncomfortable. Both blacks and whites are forced to do away with the perfunctory pleasantries and political correctness that has for so long masked the true distrust and uneasiness among the races. With this single act, whites are forced to contend with their personal prejudices and fears; while blacks must come to grips with the fact that all of that "dirty laundry" we work so hard to conceal, maybe exposed, not just to white America, but the rest of the world. Parenthetical note, that dirty laundry has long been exposed for years by the way.

I truly believe that Mr. Obama's so call move to the center will do more to assimilate blacks into American society than anything Mr. Jackson or Sharpton could ever conceive. By calling out these trifling "men", Mr. Obama is sending notice that simply because a man of color sits in the white house, your shiftless actions will not be tolerated. For too long the likes of Mr. Jackson and Sharpton have complicity participated in this degrading behavior within the black community; somehow deemed acceptable on the grounds of either victimization or veiled within a community code of silence. This myopic belief that all black folk must provide a solid face to the rest of America, has kept us in a self imposed segregated state. The likes of J.C. Watts, Clarence Thomas, Colin Powell and other powerful blacks have began to break apart this victimization hegemony under personal attacks by those few which fill their own pockets at the expense of many.

If Mr. Obama does indeed make it to the white house; by bringing this so-called dirty laundry to the forefront, perhaps, just perhaps we can all let the chips fall where they may and maybe, just maybe we can all have our own personal opinions on these topics and not forced to fall into line with the so call leadership of the either "our community" or political party, etc. And on that day when we as individuals are allowed to express our own personal opinions freely and engage in structured debate, we may find ourselves becoming more than just black or white folk, more than Americans even, but see one another as well as ourselves, as Human Beings with consciousness of thought and engaged in personal responsibility.

Sent by RDWoodard | 4:35 PM ET | 07-14-2008

If Obama is talking down to black people as Jessie Jackson states,then it must be a few and he is it. Jesses is just a jealous old man. Never liked,now my suspisions are confirmed.
Mr Obama is stating the truth as he sees it and so be it.As a biracial woman I say,maybe some of these no account brothas as they refer to each other will get on track and start taking care of their offspring.The black american family is in big trouble and it is being left all on the woman.I've seen it happen to many times in my own family, and I am NOT from the ghetto,but an affluent middle/upper class family.MAN-UP men and be a man.And futher more,its not only the black americam family, but THE AMERICAN FAMILY PERIOD.Rome did fall from within.If we are not careful America will too.

Sent by MiMi en N.VA | 4:42 PM ET | 07-15-2008

Jesse Jackson is so full of sh*t, his eyes are brown!
He is good for 2 things, getting women pregnant and making money off his own race.
His credibility is a ZERO!

Sent by Rich Garsenz | 8:36 PM ET | 07-16-2008

I see Willie Lynch is alive and well in 2008. As much as we try to progress as Black folks in these United States those inbred self hatred traits rear theie ugly heads from time to time. It's the Field Negro vs the House Negro (I don't use the other "N" word anymore)
all over again. So guess who's sitting back laughing, taking notes and perpetuating our stupidity as we attack each other on this new media front?

Sent by Mark P. | 12:26 PM ET | 07-21-2008