I am a news junkie, and I have not heard much about Jena, how about blaming the MSM first.

Well, it's true. Have you ever listened to the way Obama speaks to different crowds? Particularly, black crowds. He speaks with that slangy accent… like he's one of them…. and then when he's in front of a group of white voters he sounds perfectly precise and no accent. Thats akin to John Kerry going to Texas and using a Texas accent! Don't you think the Texans would be offended? Pandering is pandering, plain and simple. Obama is just another slimy politician.

Jackson is only half-right about Obama, which is an improvement over this black racist reverend's usual average. Jena would not have happened if black boys hadn't beat up white boys.

Acting white… i.e., acting civilized.

Jesse is an idiot…

Goi home Jessie

Oh boy, here comes the reason there are so many problems for blacks in this nation. We are all members of the HUMAN race, Jesse, and your extremist, neo-black panther politics went out as fast as your failed campaigns did. Get out of the spotlight, stop committing marital infidelities, and above all else leave race out of the equation once and for all.

To bad Jessie Jackson can't act white!

Jesse need to go home and STFU.
The old geezer thinks he has to put in his last word in everything.

Most of the time he's full of it too.

Jesse Jackson, for the love of God, please go away. Now you are reduced to cutting off the knees of any black man who stands up. You are just as bad as the culture that glorifies sexism, violence and gangsterism. Classy, you ain't.

Jackson should get a life and stop the polarization that is meaningless.

I am confused about this. Why are so many people choosing this as a battle? The 6 students almost killed this other student. One specifically, Micah Bell has several other convictions for assault (5 to be precise). Now, hanging nooses on a tree is a vile disgusting thing (and the students who did that should have been punished more than a suspension), but, no action in this country allows you to beat someone to (almost) death. Except of course, if you are defending yourself. The 16 year old, Micah Bell has several other convictions, and I believe should be tried as an adult. Now, as far as Obama is concerned. . . I wouldn't take campaign recommendations from Jesse Jackson. He clearly wasn't good at campaigning himself, and, truthfully has become virtually irrelevant.

Jesse Jackson is the proverbial "crab" in a barrel. The biggest "wolf" ticket in town.

Who elected Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton to be my leader? Obviously he is an idiot for making such a comment! How can you act a certain race? For years I have heard the same remark when I was in school and the people making that remark are living the worse lives right now. I am embarrassed for my race!

Being a mulatto myself, like Obama, and having spent most of my teenage years in Hawai'i, again like Obama, Jesse Jackson is an Old man with an old way of thinking. I consider Obama more in touch with the world, I feel more in touch with the world than Jackson, I guess that makes me more White than Black or Native American….

Plus what did the six juvies do anyway?

Jesse, don't ruin Barack's REAL chances at being elected by trying to transform him into some radical civil rights activist that no one respects because they instantly boil everything down to race like yourself. No one respects you Jesse, not even people of the same color whom you claim to represent. You are merely a radical public speaker who speaks when not spoken to, stands when asked to sit, and barks when there is clearly nothing to bite on. Barack Obama is RUNNING for president of the United States, not head of the NAACP. I fear that our Judicial system is in fact a joke that not only oppresses blacks and minorities, but anyone who doesn't have enough money to skirt a case. There are far more pressing issues that need the attention of the candidates. I think it is a joke that you have not permanently camped yourself down in New Orleans to fight the REAL RACIAL and POLITICAL injustices going on there. If you want to make yourself 'feel' important again Jesse, I suggest you stop criticizing the most influential figure, and best hope at installing a black man as President, and start finding ways to support Mr. Obama, instead of calling him White. That simply makes you look like a jelous, ignorant fool, but we all know that's what you are anyways, so your recent out of line comments will be taken with two grains of salt. You are doing more harm to your race than good, sir.

jesse needs to sit his cranky, old butt down. Obama does not have to derail his campaign to run after this issue. There will be thousands of African Americans there and that speaks for itself. Obama need not lead the issue for every black issue that surfaces. No other race does that and we shouldn't either.

To be honest,Obama is not African American by any definition.His dad is an African from Kenya and mom from Kansas.It is unlikely that he experienced what most African Americans young men had to go through in their life.It is understandable if he acts insulated.He is still very qualified to lead this nation in whatever standard that is set .

How racist is it that he has to say somebody is acting white. For leaders in the black community Sharpton and Jackson sure do like to call out racism when they are 2 of the biggest racists on the plantet. They need to take a stance against themselves for just tying to get attn and not actually doing anything other than tring to stay in the public eye.

OBAMA IS HALF WHITE , SO HE HAS THE RIGHT TO BE WHITE WHEN HE WANTS TO BE WHITE!!!!!!!! HIS HEART IS JUST AS WHITE AS IT IS BLACK!!!

Jesse Jackson is an embarrassment to all African-Americans (yes, I am African-American). There is no such thing as "acting" or "talking" white, but he is a prime example of "acting" like an idiot!

"The Reverend" Jackson evidently doesn't like Senator Obama 'stealing' the limelight from him.

Although I'm a card carrying Republican, I can honestly say that Senator Obama has more class than Jackson can ever hope to have.

Furthermore, if Jesse Jackson truly did care about the plight of African-Americans, he would address the dilemmas facing them in today's society, such as:

(1) 70% out of wedlock birthrate;

(2) More black men are in prison than in college;

(3)African-American students score lower on tests than their white, Hispanic, and Asian counterparts.

Even though Obama did not publically speak out, I don't think he should have been critized by Rev. Jackson. We all have to stick together to see justice done, criticism won't get us there.

im sorry, but isnt this case about 6 black kids that beat the crap out of a white kid???? i understand that they were being charged harshly but is this really a racial issue?? i know that someone put nooses on a tree and thats horrible and racist, but didnt they beatdown a kid that had nothing to do with it? is this something al sharpton and jesse jackson need to promote? and why should obama make this a national issue? because he is black!? i am all for standing up for civil rights but this case makes no sense to me. i can understand being upset about the nooses and demonstrating on that issue but these kids beat some white kid and sharpton and jackson are NOW rallying around the courts decision on punishment????????? maybe the 6 degenerates shouldnt have beat the kid!!!! this is so backwards and eats away at the community way more then the nooses did. wow the court was going to come down hard on some kids for putting someone else in the hospital….jackson and sharpton get paid by communities to fan controversy so they do whatever it takes to get the country to notice regardless if its right or wrong. why arent they protesting the education system? why arent they outside of interscope records to protest the hateful music being pumped out, why arent they standing on street corners in the bronx to protest the violent crime going on? ill tell you why because there isnt much money in that!! its easier to sue the system when some racial tensions rise….please inform me if im wrong on this case because from what i have seen i dont see one reason why obama should be discussing this…..its funny how we get angry at politicians in new jersey for being to easy on convicts and letting them go and they end up killing someone, but now in this case we get angry because the judge is being too hard…make your mind up!!

Jessie Jackson: Obama's 'acting like he's white' what a racist comment from Jackson's part, I think it is time to put aside color of the skin and teach young people in America to be responsible of their acts. My vote will go to the most capable candidate and not for the color of his/her skin.

I wonder what would have happened if someone said, "that Guiliani is acting black?" Oh come on … we all know.

I am neither white nor black, but I would definitely NOT vote for Obama if he pays heed to retards like these!

What is Obama supposed to do? Support a bunch of hooligans who beat someone up?
What does 'act black' mean anyway? May be he wants Obama to wear loose pants exposing his behind, and talk rap…

'Acting like he's white' comment coming from the man is known to harbor reverse racism.

Jessie Jackson says lots of bold things that if a white person said they would be thrown in jail.

He gives the black community a bad name and should be totally ignored.

Here WE go again…must WE resort to this AGAIN…and WE wonder why people like Imus say things about US…

Jesse Jackson should be ashamed of himself. He and Al Sharpton have not been relevant in years and the only way they can get themselves back in the spotlight is taking positions that oppose popular thought. They do not represent black America, they only represent their own self interest. He is a hypocrite and should resign himself to stop being a blight on society.

is that a racist comment? yep, i think so jessie….practice what you preach.

This is why Barack Obama is a serious presidential candidate and Jesse Jackson never was. It's time to take the focus off of race.

As usual there's Jesse and Al screaming racism. It's a rant I'm getting tired of hearing and it's all they ever fall back on. Both those clowns just need to move to Africa. Maybe they'd be happier there.

And Jesse has a problem with Obama's statement because … ?

While I fully agree that what happened to those kids in Jena was bull and exhibits racism at its finest within our judicial system, what's Obama, or anyone supposed to do - should he be smacking the prosecuter upside his head and asking, "what were you thinking?" (While not a bad idea, I don't think it will do well to further Obama's presidential ambitions). Would that suit Jesse? There are times when I really respect Jesse Jackson but there are times when he just falls off the turnip truck.

I fully agree that the DOJ should investigate, just as I fully agree with the appeals court decision. But I also believe - judically - more needs to be done for the Jena 6. There's no way it would have gotten this far had the Jena 6 been white.

How does a person act "white"?

Sounds like a pretty racist remark to me. But I bet there is no uproar over this. My how it would be different if it was the opposite.

I think that this falls under the heading, "If I can't be President, then neither can he!"

I think the Jena incident is another indication that race relations are still a social issue.

I'm also tired of African-Americans judging other African-Americans by how "Black" they are. If being "Black" means being, loud, under educated, lacking the understanding of the world beyond your neighborhood, and not having enough social knowledge to go to a nice restaurant and use the right fork - THEN COUNT ME OUT - I'm African-American and for most of my life I've been accused of "Not being black enough".

If a white man made the same statement about a black man he'd be immediately labeled a racist. I guess this comment now makes Jesse an official racist, and he should be treated as such.

If Obama should "quit acting white", "Reverend" Jackson should quit using the name reverend. If there's a problem with acting "white", that comes off as a racist comment to me. I'm not defending Obama one bit, but most Reverends I know teach tolerance and love. IF you're a true Reverend, when you stand before God, what do you think he'll say to you? Well done good and faithful servant. Or depart from me, for I never knew you. Use your title as a responsibility, not just as means for power and status.

We all know what Jackson's response would be if a white person accused another white person of "acting black". Enough is enough. Let's stop with the race comments once and for all. The media plays a big part in how this world reacts anymore by how they slant things and they jump on comments like this which is unfortunate.

Somebody please let me know why it's ok for a black guy to say that another black guy is acting white and everything is cool with that. I'm personally offended by Jesse's statement. If a white person said Hillary was acting like she's black, Jesse would be screaming and ranting like the fool he is.

As opposed to acting what? Black. How about acting like a human. Hypocrisy is a word, look it up.

Obama's comments were appropriate.

Jackson's comments ('acting white') remind me of what studious African-American kids hear on a constant basis when they focus on academics.

Jackson's comments remind me of what hard-working African-American parents hear because they pursue the American dream.

Rev. Jackson should be ashamed of himself for accusing Obama of 'acting white.' This is part of the divisive political process that has occurred for years in our country.

Could there be jealousy on Jackson's part because a new, progressive African-American leader has emerged? Or is Jackson doing the bidding of "massa & his wife?"

I was proud when Jackson ran for the nomination years ago…but it is a new day. Obama will be president for ALL the people. Obama is the true person who "keeps hope alive." Obama is the true person who encourages our youth to "be somebody."

Jackson thrives on disarray and controversy. He cannot help Americans — black or white. He hit below the belt with this one and he will be judged accordingly.

Okay, so Obama is black "acting white" and blacks won't vote for him but Hillary is "white" and blacks will vote for her.
Sorry I just don't get that.
Obama just be who you are and don't concern yourself with "black folks".

From another individual who is classifed as "acting white".

I guess I don't see how Obama's statement regarding the case isn't "bold enough" and equates to "acting like he's white." If speaking in an articulate, educated manner equates to being white, so be it. I don't understand why segments of black America persist in blasting other blacks who choose to get an education, hold themselves accountable for their life rather than blame others, who speak properly, and who choose to pursue a productive and responsible way of life. Isn't that what we all should strive for no matter what background we come from?

We talk about OJ as if this is a story, its NOT. In this country our American black boys are getting taken out by certain people such as in Jena,LA.. Jena 6 is a story I want to hear about everyday until those kids are free and clear. that goes for you too NANCY GRACE(if your not scared talk about Jena 6)

This comment shows Jesse Jackson's blatant prejudice of an entire race that he stereotypes as negative. It is obvious that despite his assertions he is a uniter, he is only interested in divisive politics that are servicing a specific segment of the population without regard for the general humanity. If he were really a uniter he would be interested in seeing a progressive change in all people that would benefit the planet as a whole, instead of using cliches to empower himself within a historically under-served population and perpetuating the cycle of alienation at the expense of all men living together as equals.

WHAT is wrong with All you People, especially you spineless politicians & "news" media?
Although a high school prank like hanging a noose from a school tree is both hurtful & intolerable, Let's not forget the accused has a history of assaulting others &, in this case, he & his buddies nearly stomped that white kid to death. Where's the law & justice here? & Who's rights are being ignored,the black(accused) perpetrator or the white (assaulted) victim?? Does the black bully have to murder someone before you color blind morons take him to task? Besides, His name isn't OJ!

Part of the reason this country still has racial issues is because of people like Jackson. He thrusts race into everything …. Why can't I look at Obama as who he is, what he brings to the table, and whether I trust him or not as a person? Why do I need to look at his color and whether he's "acting" white or black or green? Who cares.. obviously Jessie Jackson. So tell me Mr Jackson, just what is "acting black suppose to look like? I mean I need to know so that as a "white" man I can act the way I'm suppose to act rather than all of us just acting as descent repsectable members of society. I've spent the majority of my 48 years looking at a person and seeing who they are for what they say, do, and follow through on… NOT whether they are acting the color of their skin. But I guess that is what YOU want people to always focus on.. someone's skin color FIRST then if they are acting according to their skin color we can, and only then, listen to their message.

Mr Jackson… you are a fool and a major part of the racial troubles still being dealt with in todays society.. shut up please and let the rest of us listen to the candidate without you pointing out what color people are. Who cares.

"The State newspaper reports Jackson later said he did not recall saying Obama is "acting like he's white," but continued to condemn the Illinois Democrat as well as the other presidential candidates for not bringing more attention to…"

HE NEVER SAID THIS!!!! THE MEDIA AND THE "POWERS" WANT TO DIVIDE AFRICAN AMERICANS! Look at the trend.."50 cents endorses Obama….." Jesse Jackson calls him a sell out. Even though Jesse Jackson didnt say a thing about him acting white.. Cnn puts it on there website like its fact…comeing from some hick town newpaper in SC.

Why is this story even online? this is so stupid.

I guess Jesse Jackson believes that skin color should dictate personality. That sounds remarkably racist to me.

Definition of irony: A renowned civil rights leader making racist remarks, thereby perpetuating the very thing he has always fought against.

Give me a break Jesse - when are you going to apologize for the Duke Lacrosse case? All you have is a big mouth and it gets wider and wider so you can put your foot in it. Obama doesn't have to impress you! He is an individual that has his own mind and agenda and he doesn't need for you to interfere. As for the 6 that jumped the white kid, they deserve to be punished in some sort of fashion. Hopefully this will be treated like a hate crime because if the shoe was on the other foot it would be. No wonder why there is racism still in America!

It is a disgrace what the white students did and they should be punished. The response by the black students resulting in violence was foolish, childish, and could have killed someone. As children, we learn the whole stick and stones thing. The students should have taken the moral highground. The resulting violence instead, should end with jail. If i assaulted everyone that ever called me a name, I would be in jail. Violence is not acceptable because someone or someone's race was insulted. Jesse Jacksons comment about Obama acting white is appalling. It only hurts the need racial relations issue.

In the court of public opinion, Mr. Jackson's are far more likely to result in an indictment of his own racial attitudes.

When can we move past caring about what Jesse Jackson thinks? I don't and never have. Take a look at his past.

…thats why jackson has been unsuccessful in his career…mediating and respecting divergent views and cultures is an art…you go Obama…

If this comment was from a caucasion man then NAACP and other organizations would be all over this.I guess if your not white then you can get away with.Heaven forbid it was said by someone white though….

I've always thought so, but now I am convinced that Jessie Jackson is a full-fledged idiot.

For years, African Americans have been fighting for equality (with caucasions one can only presume?)…but, according to Mr. Jackson's logic, they an BE equal, but cannot 'act' white! What is exactly is 'acting' white? Speaking english and being gramatically correct…is that 'white'? Getting a good education and not being afraid or ashamed to use it…is that 'white'? For giving equal consideration to issues whether black or white…is that acting white?

Get a grip, Mr. Jackson. Take the time, instead, to learn to use the english language properly so at least when you speak YOU don't sound quite so ignorant.

It's because of crap like this, we will probably not have a black president, at least until whites are no longer a majority in the country. Blacks will not let a black candidate govern for all, they want them to only to represent the black "community" and what is good for it, not what is good for the country. And as long as that is the perceived line of thinking, whites will not vote for a black candidate in large enough numbers for he or she to win. Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton need to just crawl into a crack in a wall like the cockroaches they are and let the candidates run on their records. The comments from those two baffoons have nothing to do with facts at hand regarding any situation, not just in Louisiana. Those two are jealous because a black man has a chance to win where neither of them could ever come even close to garnering a nomination in the democratic party, let alone a solid run for the presidency, and I'm sure the fact that he has "white" blood running through those veins, just really irks them! And that, in turn, irks me. I may just vote for him because they don't like him…and I don't even like him!

It’s hard for me to take anything that Jesse Jackson says seriously. Jackson criticizes Obama for acting white when he himself has affairs with women that work for him. That seems kind of white of Jackson, ala Bill Clinton.

Well obama is half white folks- YEP that is to hard for some to stomach. But is a fact!

How exactly is one who is of mixed racial backgrounds supposed to act? His mother is white and his father is black…plus, isn't it un-PC to stereotype certain races and the way they "act"? C'mon, let's enter the 21st century already!

I wonder what would have happened if a prominent white reverend would have told Giuliani or McCain that "he is acting black."

Where is the outrage from the white community??? why is the Rev. allowed to make these comments, and if someone said Guiliani was acting Black, the whole world would be going nuts???? Jesse Jackson is a dope

What the heck does "acting white" mean?! It would seem if someone of Jesse Jackson's stature (who was white) said white candidate was "acting black" that people like Jesse Jackson would be outraged.

Ya know, if you think about it, if a WHITE person said "he's acting black!", Jesse Jackson would be all over him saying that it's yet another "defining moment". Why doesn't anyone say something about racism when it's black against white? Speaking of that hypocrite, why is it that the only time you hear anything from Jesse Jackson or Rev. Sharpton, it's about how "the black man / woman is being oppressed". What about when it happens to any other community? They're silent. These two clowns needs to wake up and if they're going to stand for human rights and an end to racism, it's not just a "WHITE ON BLACK" problem.

You know what I ask Jesse Jackson what have you done for the black race since MLK passed away. He for one does not represent me and how I view Mr.Obama in no way. Everyone has something to say about how someone should run for president. So you endorse the man and then slander him publicly come on Jesse what is your reason behind this? Yeah if you were running for president you would be all over this. That’s why you would never be president Obama is not about using others for his own political gain. He registered a statement spoke his mind and is leaving it up to the justice system. What else do you want him to do? That "we shall overcome" tactic is tiring and old. I mean when will you learn that fighting racism can be done a different way? Maybe Obama is leaving that up to you because well he pretty much already knows you will take care of that. DO YOUR PART MR.JACKSON AND OBAMA WILL DO HIS! Just because your black does not mean you have to ride for everything you want! YOUR NOT THE KING OF ALL BLACKS MY GOD! We are already a divided people and to have you say this just makes the goal harder to reach. How jealous do you look now! I have yet to see you ask "The first black president" to stand there with you? I bet he would have a greater affect on a white mans decision then Obama would at this point. What a hypercrit as a black man myself I am very disappointed in him. I represent the next generation and do not in one shape or form look at Jesse Jackson as a strong black leader. You were dead wrong with the Duke Lacross case and refused to apologize for wrongfully accusing those men. And now you have the nerve to judge what Obama should do? What a loser, always was and always will be.

I am glad Jessie Jackson has found another piece of crap to defend. These teens that beat the unconscious boy nearly to death, will not be getting any presents this year or any other year. They deserve to go to jail as would a white person who did the same thing. Lets stop defending criminals and find someone worthy to get behind.

Guess what everyone: Jesse Jackson is a racist.

Jessie, I use to have high hopes for you but on the outside your blk but behind the scence you are the Sell Out atleast Obama is trying to make a change you just talked about it. I get so tire of hearing my brothers march to these lil' things that will not make a difference. YOu and all our People need to start boycotting establishments and getting our people in the House to really change all these Jim Crow Laws…not to mention the racist police forces that patrol our inner cities with all White police details most contain only 1 blk to ensure a hard legal fight agains discrimination law suits. .

As a Chicagoan, no on should be surprised by the demagogic racist rants of the "reverend" Jesse Jackson.

Comments like that coming from an African American leader are racist.

http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/

"The Rev. Jesse Jackson sharply criticized Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama Tuesday over his reaction to the arrest of six black juveniles in Jena, Louisiana on murder charges, accusing the Illinois senator of "acting like he's white," according to a South Carolina newspaper."

""If I were a candidate, I'd be all over Jena," the prominent civil rights activist said Tuesday in Columbia, South Carolina, the The State newspaper reports. "Jena is a defining moment, just like Selma was a defining moment.""

Actually, it's closer to the Rodney King/Reginald Denny. While the outrage in that case was the video recorded beating of Rodney King which incited some individuals to riot and seek revenge by attacking and beating Reginald Denny, the Jena case was having to do with nooses which set off some individuals to attack and beat another student. In both cases, justification was repeatedly given that the revenge attacks were justifiable and should not be prosecuted.

But what do you expect from the likes of the Racist Jesse Jackson or even the Racist Al Sharpton?

"Jackson is slated to be on hand for a march in Jena this Thursday. The Rev. Al Sharpton, Martin Luther King III, and hip-hop artist Mos Def are also expected to be on hand. "

I would truly like to believe that Martin Luther King, Jr. is twisting angrily in his grave over his son being involved with these Racists and how he is apparently involved with this case.

"Obama formally released a statement on the case Friday evening after one of the teen's charges was thrown out, saying, “I am pleased that the Louisiana state appeals court recognized that the aggravated battery charge brought in this case was inappropriate."

"I hope that today’s decision will lead the prosecutor to reconsider the excessive charges brought against all the teenagers in this case," he added. "And I hope that the judicial process will move deliberately to ensure that all of the defendants will receive a fair trial and equal justice under the law.""

At least he SOUNDS like he wants justice for EVERYONE. Not simply saying "it wasn't a crime because the victim was white and the attackers were black". Certainly more reasonable than the Racist Jesse Jackson or the Racist Al Sharpton.

As a Reverend of God, Al, you should be teaching not only the black community but everyone about love, honor and respect for everyone. Not racism or hate. I think you should stop pulling the race/slavery card. Ok, slavery is an awful thing. But that was then. Focus on the present. And its not my generations fault or what I think, the North's fault. The South had all that back in the 1800's. Thats why we had the Civil War To abolish slavery. Read some American History! See, we white folks DO care! So you can pull the race card all you want Al, it makes you look stupid and racist.

AND HOW DO YOU ACT WHITE??

Ok, so Obama acts white. Aparently that's a bad thing according to Rev. Jack-ass. I can't stand how Jackson, Sharpton, and countless others are so willing to point the finger at white people. I'm white and I've never had anything against blacks…but I'm getting so sick of being blamed and scorned because of my skin color. Why do people give idiots like this attention? The days of slavery are longggg gonneee people…it was time to move on a long time ago. I have done nothing to you, and I don't want to do anything to you…so stop blaming me for your problems.

As long as black leaders believe that "acting white" is a bad thing, no one will be able to make progress. If staying in school, getting good grades, working at a steady job, staying with and supporting your family is "acting white" then what should blacks be doing.

Jackson (who probably won't "recall" this story) tells of being followed one night down a dark street. He turned around and felt relieved that the people behind him were not black.

Intelligent people are not listening to him anymore. Next thing we know, Jackson will be defending OJ again…

How does a person speak white, because Obama is an educated man and speaks proper English he speaks white how ubsurd and foolish does that sound and this coming from a so called black leader do you have to talk ebonics to be black this guy just Rev. Jackson just shows how ignorent he really is with a comment like that he speaks out of both sides of his mouth he wants a black leader to step up and do something but when one does he gets slapped in the face because a speaks proper English

Umm….Memo to Reverend Jesse Jackson: Barack Obama is white. And black. It's called being BIRACIAL. That's a little phenomenon that occurs when one parent is of one race, and the other parent is of another race. I'm sure Senator Obama has dealt with racially ignorant comments such as yours throughout his entire life. Should he favor one half of his heritage over another because his phenotype does not fully express his genotype? Has someone annointed you "The Decider" of what is "black enough?" Reverend Jackson, you are a jerk.

What a cheap shot!

As the article points out, Obama DID in fact condemn the case. What is Obama supposed to do? Drop everything and run to Jena to "help" with a local issue that is supposed to be handled locally? (And it sounds like the appeals court is handling it just fine.) Would anyone vote for a candidate with that kind of hair-trigger overreactions?

I've come to expect this sort of thing from Jesse and Al. I seriously hope people are not listening to Jackson or any other of these racial rabble rousers. It seems like they'll do anything to get in the spotlight.

Go Obama!

Sorry he never had an illegitimate kid, Jesse.

I am sick and tired of people who claim to have dedicated their lives to promoting racial equality and then keep slandering and insulting races other than their own. Our buddy Jesse needs to start worrying about people in general and get off of this color fixation he has. With the number of times he has stuck his foot in his mouth I really don't think I'll listen anymore. Sorry, I quit listening a few years ago.

I have been accused of "acting white" in the past, mostly by black people. Can anyone define the word "black". Why is it that black people pigeon-hold and stereotype themselves. It is a sad fact that the black community is going to self destruct any day now due to stupidity. Jesse Jackson is just one of the many problems in the black community. He is a moronic imbecile and is often wrong and out of touch with the state of black America. Who elected him as leader, I sure didn't.

"…several students jumped a white classmate, Justin Barker, knocking him unconscious while stomping and kicking him. The charges against the Jena 6 resulted from that incident.

Parents of the Jena 6 said they heard Barker was hurling racial epithets. Barker's parents said he did nothing to provoke the beating.

Barker was taken to a hospital with injuries to both eyes and ears, as well as cuts. His right eye had blood clots, said his mother, Kelli Barker. He was treated and released that day.

Bail for the Jena 6 was set at between $70,000 and $138,000. All but Bell posted bond. The judge had refused to lower his $90,000 bail, citing Bell's criminal record, which includes four juvenile offenses — two simple battery charges among them." - from the CNN article

So, if you take the race issue out of this (which is all Jesse and Al ever have anything to claim), you are left with the fact that these 6 boys together attacked 1 boy over nothing more than words. Since one of the attackers has a previous criminal record, one that includes 2 violent crimes, he got a stiffer punishment. The circumstances leading up to the attacke are a moot point. They still attacked him with the attempt to cause great bodily harm, or even death.

If you add the race issue, the 6 boys should be accused of a hate crime, and be subjected to the penalties of such. If it were 6 white boys attacking 1 black boy it would be a hate crime for sure.

Jesse should not be allowed to infulence the public via the media in this case. Jesse is a racist, and an anti-semite. He does not speak for all black people, even though he might claim he does.

Unfortunately, Rev Al. Sharpton, Jesse Jackson, and the NAACP in general have fell off in there qwest for racial equality. They really need to do some re-evaluating! with that said…."JUSTICE FOR THE JENA 6″!=)

And they call white people racist. Someone needs to ask the Reverand what the he means when saying that someone is acting white. Sounds to me like the reverand thinks all white people are the same.

Last I checked Mr. Obama was half white. Besides, what exactly does it mean to act white???

J.J. is one of the Bisggest raciest we in The U.S.A. Have seen in the last 100 years. He need to get over himself and be more civilized…

Jesse Jackson is a idiot. Everything has to do with race with this guy. That's all he talks about…

A politically incorrect statement if I've ever heard one and profiling to boot.

Sounds like Jesse needs a diversity refresher course.

Rules of behavior need to apply to everyone regardless of race, sex…

If it means NOT belting out bastard kids at a record rate with MULTIPLE "boyfriends", getting up in the morning and going to a J.O.B., sitting in class and getting an education, yeah, then Obama is acting white Jesse. How bleeped up does that sound?

Do we have his words on tape or video?

I have many black friends that do exactly what I do, get up, go to work and support their families, etc, etc and they always tell me how pissed off they are that these two charlatans get to speak for "black folks".

Even though I don't always agree with Obama, I respect he and his wife immensely and it has bleep to do with the color of their skin or my white skin, it is about the content of their CHARACTER.

Let's see if this story has any legs or the one where the Democrat denigrated the jews. Doubt it, they are Democrats.

Hey, was that this months idiot, Larry Craig walking by………

A bunch of young men (who happen to be black) beat up a young man ( who happens to be white)…..you should penalize them heavily and punish to the fullest extent of law.

Jesse Jackson's actions basically tell other young men considering such an act that "I'll be there to support you when you commit a crime".

Why is it that Black people continue to attack each other in the media. It seems that we still have not figured out that we need to present a united front and message, and disagree behind closed doors. Jackson should call Obama and voice his concerns and offers some advice from someone who's been the shoes Obama is in now. To help move him and the African-American race forward.

There is no way possible that Obama can speak on this case. HE IS TRYING TO WIN AN ELECTION!! It may sound noble of him to say that this is wrong and demand change, but if he does that then he is guaranteed to lose.

Jackson's comment is as racist as the injustice he condemns. The cure for racism starts at home. How can Jackson rail against racism when he himself makes racist comments? I've heard Al Sharpton make the same type of comments in his speeches as well.

You can't expect much more from Jackson. He' is a fool, or, as J.C. Watts once put it so well, he's a "poverty pimp".

Those black students didn't almost kill that white student and he wasn't hospitilized, he went to the emergency for minor issues and then went home and attended a party that same evening.

I very much agree that was a stupid thing to say. Jesse should be ashamed of himself. Now as far as the Jena 6. NONE of those six kids had a criminal record prior to this incident. Someone mentioned that Micah Bell had 5 other convictions. Thats not true, he was give a total of 6 charges but they all stemmed from the same incident not from 5 separate things. What a lot of African Americans are inflamed about is that a white student brought a shotgun with 13 rounds of ammunition to school and threatened a Black student. The Black student managed to wrestle the gun away in scuffle and the Black student was then charged with theft of a firearm. The white student was charged with a misdemeanor for bringing the gun. Another white student broke a bottle over a black students head and was given a misdemeanor charge. When black students merely kicked a white student they were charged with attempted murder and aggravated assault. Why? Their shoes were considered deadly weapons. A shotgun was not considered a deadly weapon. A broken bottle was not considered a deadly weapon but tennis shoes were. This is why Black people are so up in arms.

I thought it was reported the beaten kid was released and went to party (or something) later that night…not almost beaten to death.

First, Jesse Jackson is perhaps the worst thing to happen to the civil rights movement. If the issue is equality, why does he keep emphasizing the differences in people? He continually makes everything a white vs. black issue, instead of white and black people working together to accomplishh something positive. Jackson is more concerned about his own fat face being plastered all over the press, then working to make a REAL change, and not just the lip-service sound-bite garbage that continually eminates from his mouth.

Second, what does it mean to "act white?" What does it mean to "act black?" These are two of the dumbest phrases I have ever heard. Jackson was intending his "acting white" comment to be an insult or attack on Obama's character obviously, but if the shoe were on the other foot and a white commentator said Obama "acts black," I am sure there would be a strong backlash and everyone (especially Jackson) would accuse that individual of being racist. Let's loose the double standard; better yet, let's loose those rediculous cliches.

Third, Obama is half black and half white (not that ANY of that should matter), so that makes his comment even more asinine. As long as people such as Jackson keep running their mouth, race will always be an issue.

Congradulations to Jesse Jackson for setting the civil rights movement back each time he opens his mouth.

Someone should put a diaper on his head to catch all the crap that comes out of his mouth.

Jesse as an African American, I want you to know that you do not represent me. Jesse you’re an idiot, your time has come and gone. You've cheated on your wife and are a TOTAL embarrassment to the African American community. My advice to you; shut up and go away.

Here again, America can't rise above herself (or Jesse Jackson's biggoted mentality) to consider a man (not a BLACK MAN, but a man) for office. Now, I guess, since he's not a Chris Rock "stereotypical" black man, he's not going to get the "black vote". C'mon, people, I may not be voting for him, but I'll be damned if I'll sit back and let Jackson and his cracker-jack band of the racially confused spark yet ANOTHER black/white issue. Rainbow Coalition? Makes on wonder if the truly colorblind person isn't Jackson, who, as a colorblind person, sees ONLY in black and white. Go Obama! I'm not a supporter, but I'm strongly against Jackson and his politics of Ignorance.

there we go again, we all want to stop
racial bull&*&*&*& but here goes the guru making a racial remark about our
politian.

Jesse is an irrelevant dinosaur yearning for lost spotlight and will try to get it back at any cost. Barak doesnt have an obligation to do or say anything regarding the Jena 6. What national implications does it have?

This reminds me of being accussed of "acting black" when I listen to music other than country western while growing up in south texas during the 60's. Who knew Jessie had so much in common with those old red necks and would agree that we should all "act our color".
Jessie, folks should "not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character" and your content is sour.

Jackson throws garbage like that out and wonders why he didn't get elected. Seriously - when you're fighting for racial equality, giving the ignorant racists ammunition like this is ridiculous. The truth of the matter is Jackson has always been self promotor, using his ties to MLK as a front for his own political ambitions. The public needs to respond to this sensationalist BS by not paying any attention. If Obama gets into office, he should do so by being himself and expressing his opinions on what is best for this country as a human being. Enough of perpetuating this racist garbage.

Who cares what Jesse is saying at this point? He didn't jump ont he Jena bandwagon until just the other day. So I am not impressed at all by Mr. Jackson's statement. As an African American, I'd like to see ALL African Americans with power on this story. In almost 2008, or rather almost 2007 when this happened, this should not be still happening in the US. So to Mr. Jackson, you as a "leader" should have made the world more aware of this a long time ago.

If Obama is "acting white" then maybe Clinton is "acting black," I wonder if Mr. Jackson will start attacking her for that at some point…

Jesse Jackson disagrees with something Obama says… I think I'll mark that one off as a win for Obama.

I have deep respect for Rev Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton for all their endeavors for racial equality but he should not forget that Obama is not running for president just of black America and will be labelled racist and really alieniate most mainstream white who support his candidacy. Obama is smarter and doing the right thing, what Hillary and Edward can get away with, he wouldn't when it comes to black issues. South Carolina should remember though Hillary will be better than most Rep she could not vote to support their effort against HIV in 2006.
Obama 2008, we don't need anymore extreme candidates but those which could heal the wounds and get the job done.

Jesse, You're down-right embarrassing. As an educated Black man, I see no reason for your comments. You, sir, are well behind the times and embarrass a race that you set out to better. What's wrong, have you been swimming in any Florida lakes lately? Got flu symptoms?

And people think that racism is a "white" thing. If Jackson's comment isn't racism, I don't know what it is.

Gee Jesse, that's a bit of a racist comment.

Jesse is quite DIVISIVE…..

Obama should reply by asking Jesse, "Should I forsake my marriage vows and fornicate with a different woman, have a child out of wedlock to be more black like you Jesse?"

Really, who cares if he acts black or white or any other color as long as he acts like a member of the human race.

It is a sad day in religious and political history, when a former well respected Preacher and Presidential candidate makes a comment as dumb and insensitive as that.

Is acting white a bad or good thing, and how is that this man can get away with a racial comment like that. I wonder?????

Jesse Jackson shut your big fat mouth
and worry about keeping your you know
what in your pants. We have not forgotten you cheated on your wife and had a baby out of wedlock. LOSER!

Know seeing how the wonderful Rev.Jackson made a racial comment about acting like he's white!!! Maybe
white people need to start yelling
DISCIMINATION!!!!!!

Jesse Jackson is a joke. Should Obama emulate him? cheat on his wife and father an out of wedlock child???? Is that what he equates to acting black? I feel sorry for anyone who takes this racist idiot serious. I am 40 years old and black and I get so tired of hearing the media speak of this disgraced idiot and that sack of crap Al Sharpton like they are the spokes people for Black Americans…. I don't need a felon and a philanderer to tell me how to live my life. Acting White, give me a break!!!!!!!!

Alright that's the last straw. No more ticker for me. "Stories" that I read here are always things that I never see elsewhere in the news. So that either means that it's untrue or just crap that CNN reports just to get the troops riled up.

Too through. This is worse that US Weekly or the National Enquirer.

Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

Comments like the one Rev. Jackson made, would have been ripped apart by the black community if a white member of the cloth uttered them about a white politician running for office actig black. The division between races and religion will continue to widen as long as people put a color on every statement, every incident, every action. As a white person am I offended. Hell no. I take it from the source. Makes me healthier. Frankly, I'm over it.

what an idiot. Jackson's completely outdated. I'll be glad when he fades into history with the rest of the backwards-thinking idiots of his generation. Jackson continues to make us black folk look bad. Like someone said early, Go AWAY Jackson!

Ken in Ohio said: This is why Barack Obama is a serious presidential candidate and Jesse Jackson never was. It's time to take the focus off of race.

Nicely said, sir. Nicely said.

Too bad, just because Senator Obama does not respond to every 'black' situation the way Jackson and Sharpton want him to, tough! Barack Obama never said he was a civil rights activist, like they are. He is a Senator running for the president of the United States for all people. Obama gave a response to the Jena 6 before any other candidate. Jackson and Sharpton need to curb their rhetoric of Obama, stand back, and give their support of him or shut up! How is Obama 'acting white'? What should he have done to 'act black', according to Jackson? I think no matter what Obama would've done or would do, it would not have been 'black' enough for Jackson and Sharpton, and that's unfortunate. My goodness gracious, if Obama tried to please all of the people (Jackson, Sharpton, etc.) all of the time, he'd surely be a basket case. That's why he should only try to please himself, knowing he's doing the right thing, whatever, whereever that may be, and in doing so, he is true to himself and to the people.
As far as Obama 'needs to be bolder' in his stances against Clinton, maybe Jackson should write the script for Obama as to what he should do to be bolder, give him a call, send him an email, instead of Jackson shouting to the world, criticizing him, he should offer his 'help' if he thinks Obama needs him.

So well educated and thoughtful equals acting white? No, Rev Jackson, it equals acting educated and thoughtful.

The Rev. Jackson is the divisive one. He treats insults to a black as if it never could be in the context of a full issue. The Jena Six are going to be okay and white America is upset. Our memories of the bad old race hate days are easily set off. These kids, at school, didn't deserve the nooses but tell the Rev. that some blacks have to learn to stop playing that race card. They are sick of it.

Acting White? Why? Because he dresses nice? Because his pants aren't hanging off his a** showing us underwear? Because he speaks proper English? Both Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton are jokes in this country. If they only knew what morons they really were.

Obama isn't acting white or black. He's acting like an American and presenting himself in a dignified and fair-minded manner, something neither Jackson or Sharpton ever tried to do. Jackson hasn't figured out that if you are to be a viable candidate for high political office in America, you cannot do it by constantly playing the race card. While that behavior generates media attention, it alienates the majority (both black and white) of the voting public who expect better from their public figures. Jackson should spend some time contemplating his own agenda and avoid trying to undermine Obama's chances in the upcoming presidential election.

Jesse Jackson just needs to stop. He's hurting more than he is helping. Isn't Senator Obama just as much white as he is black? Decisions… decisions!!
I hope someday we live in a country where race is truly a non-issue, where people aren't accused of "acting white."

I hate that the black community continues to disrespect each other instead of forming a unified front behind each other and pushing each other to be better. We continue to say such ugly things to each other… Barak Obama will never be who is destined to be without the support of his people. It's just disappointing.

Are some of you people kidding, IS THIS (Jena 6) a racial issue? YES, YES, and YES. Black Boys were being tried as an adult and charged with attempted murder for beating up a white boy, (and NO not to death) that boy was released from the hospital within a couple of hours with a couple of bruises. lets look at some facts

* white boys hang nooses, (they get suspended)
* white boy pulls a gun out on black boys at a store (no charges brought)
* black boys wrestle gun away from white boy (charged with theft)
*black boys beat up a white boy (charged with murder)
BY Who????
A white prosecutor, an all white Jury and a white Judge.

GET YOUR FACTS STRAIGHT. And believe me Jesse is not the only one making a big deal of this, 100's of Thousands of people will be at the March.

Obama's Not All The Way Black

What is acting white? I'm white, can I act black. I got beat up for being white in Miami, Fl in the 70s. Was told it can't be racial even though it was blacks beating me, even though whites are (were) a minority in Miami. In my mind people are good or bad. I keep the good in my life no matter what color. America needs to get past skin color. We are all related genetically, master race flies out the window. That color crap need to go!

Mr. Jackson, could you please describe how to act white? I checked the dictionary and could not find a definition. Please explain?

I can't understand Jackson thinking he is a REVEREND. He is for blacks and blacks ONLY. Haven't heard from Sharton, but sure we will. How can they be REVERENDS acting the way they do. They just instigate trouble.
Mike - Mount Sterling, KY

Can someone please do me a favor, and remind me why we are supposed to care what J.J.'s opinions are, let alone react to them?! There is plenty of racism down here already, we don't a self-rightious bigot "stirring the pot". …and like everyone else is saying… If you want to support your culture and heritage, SUPPORT Obama, for he has a credible chance at getting votes. As for Al and J.J. - Give it up. No One is Listening. No One Cares.

Mr. Jackson, as well as Mr. Sharpton need to bring the crusade down a couple of notches. I have seen "The Reverend" Jesse Jackson speak on several occasions, and the only point he has to convey is that THINGS HAVE NOT CHANGED. He considers jails and prisons the modern day replacement of slavery; just another way for the white man to put the black man down. If anyone reading this column, or this comment truly believes that the modern day racist is the white man and that blacks are treated unjustly, you need to wake up and realize that the real issue is not whether are person is white or black. The real issue is, did the person responsible for the crime receive a reasonable punishment? In the Jena, LA case, neither side receive a fair and reasonable punishment. Keep in mind that if 6 white teens had beaten up a black teen over racial comments or gestures, "The Reverend" and his coalition would be calling for their heads on silver platters.

Thanks for dealing with my rambling.

My dream headline as an answer to this one? "Obama: Jackson's acting non-human". What is it with this stuff about Obama needing to "act black"??? How about Obama being a human being first who makes decisions based on the human needs of his constituents??? Jackson is insane, and getting crazier with each passing year.

"Acting white" is a hasty generalization against caucasians that is Jesse Jackson's way to taking a negative twist on the positive influence of a prominent African-american to categorize him as a "white acting black". The real issue is his hatred toward the white race. Barack Obama presents himself in a charismatic and professional way to influence polices that would help blacks across America. Barak Obama has become a better leader for African-americans than Jessie Jackson and I sense some jealousy.

Jesse Jackson is a bigot.
Im sure if the defendants where white he wouldn't care. I wonder if Jesse Jackson knows that Obama if half white. I refuse to call him a reverend just like Al Sharpton. There ignorant bigots in there own right and THEY hold black people back.

You know Jesse Jackson should be trying to help the young men in Jena and leave the politics to those who are running for office. I do not find Barak Obama's comments to be white. They were intelligent. Now,if Mr Jackson wants to explain to the African-American community why being calm and intelligent in your response is not the African American thing to do, them let him keep saying any African-American male in the media that speaks with intelligent is acting white. What's next? If an African American male is on TV eating at a Mexican fast food place, is he acting Hispanic? That sounds silly, doesn't it? That is just how Jesse is sounding these days.

If several white students had beat up one black student, Jackson & Sharpton would want the whites charged with felonies. What a hypocrite!! My bad, I forgot, acccording to you, racism only goes one way. Rev.Jackson , why don't you just worry about keeping your marriage vows, instead of having babies with your secretary.

Responding to Jeff from VA:
Jena wouldn't have happened if the white students did not hang nooses on the trees!!!

jesse jackson is an idiot, obama is half-white and can claim that race too…acting white??? not even sure what that means, he is highly educated and shows good judgement so he is not black enough??? jesse is a loser…there are more appropriate ways of expressing himself in words and in action instead of trying to capture some of the spotlight, i smell his envy and it stinks, OBAMA08!!!

I wonder how it would go over if a white politician said of another white person he "is acting like he's black" in response to their undying support for Michael Vick during the recent dog fighting debacle???

And what exactly does it mean when you act like you are white?

The only way to end prejudices and stereotyping is for EVERYBODY to stop using them.

The actions and oft inflammatory comments from Jesse Jackson, Al Sharpton, and those cut from the same cloth have done more to strain race relations in this country than to improve them.

Jackson and Sharpton, two of the biggest biggots in this nation, they both should be jailed for their racist crap. Where in the hell are the rerverends churches at or is this a self proclaimed title.

So how is it that Jackson does not get slammed for saying someone is "acting white." I hear so much talk from him about people making derogatory comments about black. Tell me Mr. Jackson…how does one "act white?"

This is in response to JB in Boston MA. Yes, everyone should be punished for what they do (both blacks and whites), but from what I read, evidently they didn't (almost) killed the white student because he was at a party that same night. So if 6 people beat someone as they are claiming this white student was beaten, why was he not in a hospital for a for days instead of at a party the same night. Now, as for Obama, if he is talking one way when he's around blacks and another way when he's around whites, he needs to just be hisself.

I wish Jesse Jackson would just go away. He does not represent anyone but continues to portray himself as a leader. He is insignificant, unimportant and should just go home and stay out of the media. Please let him know that he is living on his own ego because no one really likes him.

Jesse, shut up and sit down. The country is tired of your whining.

Jackson is no better than David Duke. They both make their money encouraging racism. Hey jesse, how about getting a real job, you hypocrite?