Jackson was sharply critical of Obama's reaction to the case in Jena, Louisiana Tuesday.
WASHINGTON (CNN) - 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.
The comments reportedly came after a speech at Columbia’s historically black Benedict College.
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 this issue. (Related: Residents: Nooses spark school violence, divide town)
He also said Obama needs to be "bolder" in his stances if he wants to make inroads in South Carolina. Obama currently trails rival Hillary Clinton, a senator from New York, in the Palmetto State by 18 points, according to a recent LA Times/Bloomberg poll.
Jackson, who ran for president twice in the 1980's, endorsed Obama's White House bid earlier in the year. Jackson won the South Carolina Democratic primary, where African American voters play an influential role, in both presidential bids.
– CNN Ticker Producer Alexander Mooney
From CNN Politics
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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?
Anonymous,
MANY people switch dialects to one they feel more comfortable with in that specific crowd – this is life, this is normal, it is common. Read a book on linguistics or dialects and then start typing once you're no longer ignorant to the topic.
You Jesse you are acting "black". Granted more should be done to help the Jena six. You and others are so reactive and not proactive. When is the last time we went to some of our poorest neighborhoods and volunteered. We don't do enough for ourselves. Dr. King preached non violence. Those boys should have used their brains and not their fist to beat the system. We should be teaching our kids how to think and utilize their resource and turn the other cheek. If they keep living this will not be the only time someone does them wrong. No this is not the defining moment everyday is a defining moment. It is up to all of us to help each other.
I would like to add that Hillary Clinton made a statement about this injustice within days of the incident. Had it posted on her website and everything. I went to Obama's site to see what he had to say and found NOTHING!!!!!!!!!! You guys still drinking his kool-aid???????
Veronica, I would like to respectfully disagree with you. Had light colored children beat up a dark colored child the charges would be far worse and the community would not try to defend the boys.
May I remind us what happen to the three Duke students last year? Those three boys (and the coach that had absolutely nothing to do with it)received death threats from the begining. Did the community stand behind them? And the charges they faced were way over the top considering the evidence was not extremely fragile.
I encourage the residents of this country to step up and act as themselves without any racial bias. Then, maybe we will stop looking at things as dark skinned boys beating up a light skinned boy or three light skinned boys hurting a dark skinned woman. Insead four boys beating up one boy and three boys hurting one woman. Then let the justice take its appropriate course.
Thank you for your time.
I'm not sure who is the biggest racist, Jackson or Sharpton. These are the first two to preach unity, but are the first to make everything a Black Vs White issue.
Jesse Jackson is an idiot. "Acting White"? I'm black and love Obama's philosophy. Of course there is lots of racism in this country. So what? It isn't going to change. We need to fix the things we can fix. We need to change the way we treat each other. We need to take care of OUR communities. We need to support black businesses. And WTF is acting white?
Posted By Jeff Spangler, Arlington, VA : September 19, 2007 12:42 pm
Do you even know why these kids fought in the first place? If not, I suggest you use the googles on the internet tubes. Your comment screams of ignorance.
What a horrible thing to say in a time when race should be a non-issue. There are already too many racial problems (still) in this country, as is evident by the Jena cases. Jesse Jackson is just contributing to this problem by trying to force everyone into these stereotypes of his. I thought we were all equal.
Barack Obama is a wonderful candidate, who responded appropriately to this problem. I'd be happy to have him as our president.
This is a sad sad day I can honestly say that. MLK is turning in his grave as we speak. Good job Jesse werent you there for the "I have a dream" speech?
Gosh, I thought we had been chastised over and over again about being color-blind. Guess not.
I would like to know what the heck "acting white" actually is. You KNOW the racist uproar that would occur if, let's say Hillary Clinton accused John Edwards of "acting black". Oh how the equal rights and discrimination activists would be all over that statement!
The problem I have with all this is what would Jessie Jackson and other civil rights leaders attitudes have been had the attackers been white and the victim black? I think we all know the answer to that. They would have been screaming that this was a race motivated hate crime.
I used to be a supporter of both the NAACP and the Rainbow Coalition but I have had to drop my support for both organizations because I cannot in good consience support any organization that promotes any form of racism regardless of the reason.
Jesse Jackson, one of America's most blatant racists is at it again. What more would you expect out of a buffoon like Jackson?
You've got to be kidding me. If we're ever going to see racial equality in this country, when are we going to stop saying people "act black" or "act white".
People act like people. I'm sure most people know a lot of black people who don't use slang, wear baggy pants, or fit those other stereotypes. I know lots of white people who use slang, wear gold chains. They're just people acting how they want to act, not trying to have a different skin pigmentation.
The real question is why does CNN continue to provide Jackson and Sharpton a platform for their nonsense? They are both professional race-baiters that have been repeatedly discredited and don't have a place in today's world.
Black America, they are only holding you back.
The Jena 6 case is a serious issue in two respects: First, violence was committed as oppossed to peacefully addressing the underlying problems affecting both white and black students at that school. Second, according to articles that I read, black students were threatened with a shotgun by a student or family member and law enforcement did not apply harsh disciplinary actions against the other students. Lastly, although I agree anybody fighting should be held accountable, how were those black students identified? Was there a video produced to confirm identities? Or was the process of selection one of "there is a black guy running near or away from the scene" grab him?
At the end of the day, racism and intolerance has destroyed many souls/minds and many have fallen victim to scandels, threats, or physical harm unneccessarily. I hope we take note of this reoccurring problem as we move on in OUR generation.
A lie will remain a lie even if the entire world belives the myth.
The jews had it worse than you and do you hear them cryin?
I would bet that if the roles were reversed... that if it were white teenage students who beat a black student nearly to death that Rev Jesse Jackson would be calling it a hate crime and that whatever punishment that would be delt would be too light... So who is racist now???? In my opinion Jesse Jackson is the biggest racist of all.
Apparently many of those commenting on this article don't know enough about the Jena 6 situation to comment about it. I have read at least 4 comments hear that say that 6 black kids beat the crap out of a white kid. Six black kids did beat up a white kid after tensions that were raising over the course of months. But this kid that they beat up was well enough to attend a school dance the same evening of the fight. He attended a school social the same night! He was not beaten nearly to death. Please get your facts straight. There is a national response to this story for a reason – this isn't a black situation – its an American situation.
I can't believe some of the ignorance.
For someone who's crusading against racism, how can it get much worse than labelling how people act as 'black' or 'white'??
shut the hell up Mr jackson
Jesse Jackson is a perfect example of why there will always be racial tension. He is a moron who – it seems- sets out to make everybody in the world hate black people (except of course for other black people). And yes, I said "black." Not African American. I am white and was raised in a 50/50 black white neighborhood. I can say that Jesse Jackson is a poor example of what a black lead should be. And, uh, what about the Duke case? Hey Jesse, care to retract some of your over-hyped, ignorant statements on this one?
Typical example of the double standard regarding racism in this country
I do not believe that Senator Obama has sufficient wisdom of years to be President of the US. However, if he is Jesse's replacement for television airtime, I must say, "Welcome aboard, sir. We're glad to have you here." To Mr. Jackson I would say, "Get lost, and stay there." Tell the NAACP that you will reduce your support check by $10 per year, every time Jesse gets on TV. They'll shut him up and we can get back to building this fine country that God has given us.
As a proud African-American I find Jesse Jackson's outdated approach to fighting civil rights just plain silly. Instead crafting reasoned arguments for his views, he continues to be imflammatory and divisive and let's not forget camera ready. I'm not a great fan of any of the candidates from either party, but Obama did not deserve that juvenile attack.
Isn't it ironic that the leader, MLK, of whom Jesse Jackson claimed to be a follower, said (paraphrased), I envision a time in America where someone would be judged by the content of his/her character, and not by the color of his/her skin.
Mr Jackson, stop turning back the hands of time!
Jesse..dont you have some more adultery to commit? Some more lying strippers (Duke) to immediately jump to the aid of when they falsely accuse innocent honor students? Perhaps some more white peoples food to spit in? Maybe some more anti-semitic references to spew? And lastly..you had your chance at a presidential run...twice. And lost..twice.
Beat it.
Maybe all you people saying the Jena 6 are degenerates and what not should first understand what happened. First, a black student sitting under 'a white tree' was tormented, and nooses were hung on the tree the next day. This case was thrown out by the School Board AS A PRANK, and when the black students though to protest, the DA came to the schools saying he could 'take away your lives with a stroke of a pen'.. A black kid was later beat up (much worse than the white boy) at a party and nothing was done for him. Later, these 6 african-americans were called N****** by the young white boy. The boy was released THAT evening with minor injuries.
I now crown Jesse Jackson........ "King Racist"
Jessie Jackson is the biggest racist in America. Jackson said, ""If I were a candidate, I'd be all over Jena." Well, you're not a candidate! If he were a candidate, he would most likely lose due to his neglect of white people. Sure, he's done a lot for the black communities....and that is a good thing; but candidates and people in general should help everyone.
Junker Blues
To start with I'm white (actually I'm kind of pinkish tan or some other color) just so you know. Why is it that every time an articulate, educated black person gains some prominence, some other black people claim that she or he is "too white"? Being an intelligent, thoughtful person isn't the sole purview of white people. Jesse, you are as bigoted as they come.
I get tired hearing what Jesse has to say. Sometimes I think he just likes to hear himself talk.
Look in Mirror Jesse!
Don't be critical or pass judgement of other people. You do not set any good examples for any person of any race.
I don't think that it is fair for Rev. Jackson to judge Obama, the fact is, he is just as much white as he is black, and maybe there is a reason why he hasn't jumped all over it. Those politicians that are, are just using the situation to further thier campaign, maybe he wants to show that he will not exploit the issue for his own personal gain. If these politicians weren't running for office, trust me, they would not have even batted an eye to this unfortunate ordeal for these young men. And trust, when the election is over, those same politicians will not give a damn
Well, I am ALSO a news junkie and I DID HEAR ABOUT JENA, LOUISIANA INCIDENT.
However, as much as I agree with what Jesse Jackson is doing in Jena. We do not have to backstab one another by making stupid statements like, Obama is not black enough, WHY because he doesn't sound like he's preaching and has a lisp!....Come on people, let's stay together now!...Jesse YOU KNOW BETTER!
It's too bad that white people are persecuted if they say things that are true. Things like:
There is a reason why there is still racism... it's because, as Jesse illustrated for us, black people bring racisim upon themselves.
You better not say that if you're white, though! Only Chris Rock, Bill Cosby, and Jason Whitlock are allowed to say that.
no wonder the world is the way it is with people like Jackson always throwing the race card, what do you mean acting like he's white..
Very interesting CNN. Barack and Michelle Obama have spoken out very strongly against the injustice in Jena for weeks now. You have not covered this, and a post that I have made previously linking your readers to stories that confirm this have disappeared.
Hillary Clinton was asked by the people of Jena to make a statement and she waited for several days, until after charges were reduced, to make a statement.
Now you are running with a story about Jesse Jackson (who now says he does not remember saying Barack Obama is "acting white") without accurately representing Senator Obama's previous statements.
Coincidentally, as you bring everyones attention to this case, Bill Clinton is scheduled to be in Jena tomorrow. Not Hillary, mind you, but Bill.
Interesting timing CNN. No bias here. Let's just see if this post makes it and stays on the page.
I have had it with African Americans slamming each other as "acting white." What exactly does that mean? I take it as an insult. Whites and Blacks are equally diverse in socio-economic stature. Shame on Jesse.
Everytime we think racism is gone and we may finally be living in a color-blind society a so-called activist AGAINST racism makes a comment that applies it to our culture again. If it weren't for Jesse Jackson complaining about nearly everything racial-related there would be far less of a problem in terms of the racism in the United States. I truly believe that racism is no longer viewed in people's minds the way it once was but because of people like Rev. Jackson it is still reminded far too often.
People go get the ENTIRE story of the JENA 6 before jumping to conclusions.
9 White kids, jumped a black kid, and broke a bottle over his head 2 days before the 6 Black kids jumped the 1 white kid, that was making fun of the kid that was beaten up by the 9 kids.
Did I mention that only 1 white kid was charged, and give probation? If breaking a bottle over someones head isn't a deadly weapon, I struggle with shoes being a deadly weapon?
I think the white and black kids should be punished, the same,and none of them as adults. These are all a bunch of kids that are a product of their racist environment.
By the way, if Jesse Jackson said this he is a JERK!
I'd like to ask Jesse Jackson why he made no comments (at least that I'm aware of) about the Duke lacrosse team after they were vindicated and Michael Vick's story. As long as remarks about whites are made, I guess that's okay to him, but if someone makes remarks about blacks, that's not okay. He's a hypocrite and a race baiter. I wish Martin Luther King were alive today so he could hear some of the poison spewing from the likes of Jackson and Al Sharpton...shame on them!!!!!!
This is the biggest BS I have heard from this clown. As a "white" American I am offended by this latest comment. Once again he is sticking to his race card to further divide Americans on race. I thought America was supposed to be equal according to him? Apparently not
Should Obama walk around holding his Johnson? Is that was Jessee means by acting more black?
Rather than deepen racial tensions, Jesse Jackson, as a supposed man of God, should preach to all people affected by bigotry to take the higher road. The display of bigotry in the form of nooses in trees disgusts most people of all ethnicities. But, when people like Jesse Jackson exploit such travesties to rail against the system rather than condemning a 6 on 1 attack that sent one young man to the hospital, perhaps he needs to reevaluate his priorties. Had 6 white kids attacked one black kid, I doubt Reverend Jackson would be seeking their release and lessening of charges. And then he's going to use the situation to badmouth Senator Obama who, in my opinion, provides the most relaistic chance of uniting this country.
Does Jesse actually have a real job? just curious.
He should have NEVER made a comment like that!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
He is a leader??? He is suppose to be trying to make things better not deviding race and putting others down. It's people like him that keep this race fight going. Ignorance is the word. ENOUGH allready!
I hope that Mr. Jackson will read the comments from these bloggers.
Does he not see the hypocricy in his statement? The likes of Jackson and Al Sharpton rush to judgement with the Duke lacrosse players and are ready to hang them, yet rush to the defense and scream about judging these African-American kids who are accused of a crime.
Where are the apologies, Mr. Jackson and Mr. Sharpton, over the Duke lacross case?
Now maybe Mr. Jackson will realize why, with statements like this, he has no chance of ever becoming President. I think the American people, of all colors, see the racism in his remarks.
Jesse Jackson makes me sick, and he does not represent me in anyway! The last person I would want at my side during a crisis is Jesse Jackson. Shame on you Jesse, for acting/being ignorant!
Jesse Jackson is a Racist..Plain and simple
I'm tried of people saying "you act like you're white" or whatever in a derogatory way. If, say, Hilary Clinton, had gotten up and said "Oh come one Obama, you're acting too black" What the hec do you think would have happened? Sick of this double attitude. Rise above...stop thinking just because you act a certain way its more one color or another. We are all just people, deal with it.
I would offer Rev. Jackson some words of wisdom. "Think before you speak." Just because Barack Obama is not making the Louisiana Six his main focus at this time, does not mean he is insensitive to racial strive in this country. I agree Rev. Jackson has a long legacy of civil rights history to his name. However, he is in no way, in my opinion, able to paint Barack Obama in a "white" corner. Rev. Jackson.... Barack Obama is not your "piece of clay." He is an accomplished politican and a enlightened human being. Give the man some credit.
Jesse, I think I SHOULD be offended as this sounds like a racist remark. But you know, I could care less, small minded people make stupid statements. Which you of ALL people, MR. STAND UP for equality amongst races, should know better than to make remarks like that. I was raised to love and respect all races, Jesse stop dissecting others and just worry about Jesse.To think Jesse is a leader of sorts boggles my mind, he is such a hypocrit.
When did a case of "right or wrong" turn into "white or black". Just shut up Mr. Jackson, you're only embarassing your ignorant self.
How come it's not a media circus in Imus-like fashion? I know what to do! Get Lou Dobbs to jokingly accuse Hillary Clinton of "acting black" and see how long it takes for people to start screaming for him to lose his job and CNN to issue statements condemning his remarks.
Mr. Jackson, you aren't helping your cause, unless you're a complete liar and are actually trying to further divide individuals, rather than unite.
Jesse Jackson represents an age that is thankfully gone! His stupid allegations will only serve to divert attention from the real issues at hand.
Can someone please tell me how in this day and age we are still tearing each other down with stupid quips of "Acting White"?
There are a few points that we have to keep in mind the white boy that was beat up by the six black kids only had cuts and bruises. He was treated and released from the hospital on the same day. So forget what you heard about him being almost beaten to death. This was nothing more than a school yard fight. These kids do not deserve 100 years in jail. For those of you that don't understand how "just hanging a noose in a tree" could be considered a treat.....I say you are living in a world all your own.
Please read the CNN and other articles about the JENA 6. They did not nearly beat anyone to death. The white student who was beaten was himself harrassing a black youth who had been beaten by white boys (no charges brought against them of course!!) The white boy who was beaten had a few bruies – he went out to a party the same day!!! PLEASE PLEASE find out the facts about this case before posting!
And yes, I agree with the other posters on this site – it's time for Jesse to sit down.
Oh my goodness this man drives me up the wall. Get a life Jesse Jackson and put away that race card your always playing.
The last time I checked, there was not a test to measure the blackness of a person. Statements like this from a man who is suppose to be a prestigious leader in the black community only show how little strides we have taken to become unified instead of seperating ourselves. Jackson, Sharpton and Obama NEED to focus on the poor girl in West Virginia that was brutally assaulted because she was BLACK!!!!!!!!!!!!!
When is Mr. Jackson going to realize that he is becoming more and more irrelevant with every stupid thing that comes out of his mouth!!! My advice to him is quit bumping your gums and do something positive, GO AWAY!!!!!
Jessie Jackson is a loud mouth discrace to his own race. "Acting white?", what ever happened to acting like a human being. There is a lot more to Barack Obama than just what he say's about the Jena incident, which by the way, he is totally against the current situation. Things like this only cause more racial seperation. What should have happened is you take all the white boys who hung the nooses and the black boys in the fight and hand cuff them together for a few weeks. Let them get to know each other a little bit and make them realize that when the chips are down, we are all the same. I'm willing to bet that if this happened there might be some new best friends made.
What a nazi
Acting white?? isn't that a form of racisim in itself? What exactly does acting white mean?
JB in Boston, MA. You obviously know nothing about this case. There was a fight in the school yard, the kid that was hurt had a black eye. He was in no way near death. It amazes me how people have a comment and don't have all of the facts. The student went to school that night, and received his class ring. Nothing was wrong with him. This is injustice, plain and simple. It has to stop. Nothing happened to the guy who pulled the shotgun on the same kids, but when they took the shotgun, to keep him from shooting them they were charged with theft! How ridiculous! Where is the attempted murder charge for this person? Jena is a racist town whose transgressions are being brought to light. All racists, pay attention...your kind will not be tolerated.
I'm beginning to think Jesse doesn't like white people......
So, where is "OUR" NAACP to stand up for OUR "BRUTTHERS" rights, and get Jesse crucified on the remarks he made? Oh yeah, that's right, we don't have anyone...typical. Let's see if theres anymore rope.
Old Jesse going to be doing double duty. Shouldn't he be out helping OJ in his deal?
while I am not condoning the behavior of the Jena 6, there are some issues that need to be cleared up:
1. the whites only tree is the only shade tree in the school area
2. the kid the 6 students were accused of beating up had brandished a gun and threatened to kill them. the white kid did not face any charges for that behavior.
3. Bell was convicted by an all-white jury
This is ridiculous. I am a black woman who grew up hearing too often that I "act white." It's a highly offensive statement but it's not hard to believe that it came from Jesse Jackson. And I guess since I'm black that I'm supposed to fully support the Jena 6. I'm glad the charges were reduced to battery, but the charges shouldn't be completely dropped. As for the white students, they should be charged with a hate crime and get expelled from school instead of in school suspension.
As for Senator Obama, he's not obligated to be riled up by the Jena case. Reverend Jackson has yet another case of diarrhea of the mouth.
Very disgracefeul comment! Congrats Jesse you've proven that you are no better than the KKK! You're a racist and a hypocrite! Thank God you lost your bid for President back in '88.
I am so tired of Jesse Jackson and his racists remarks... If I were to use the comment that someone was "acting white", it would be all over the front pages, I'd be ripped apart by the media, etc... but yet, he continues to make these kind of comments.. Al Sharpton is no better. It's time that we, as Americans, speak out against these two men... one more thought, what church is Jesse Jackson a reverend of?? What college did he go to for his accreditation? I think it's just a title he gave himself...
Jesse, you of all people should understand the "slight of hand" that has historically, institutionally, economically and systematically always been used to divide and conquer Black people across the globe. Pit prominent Black leaders against each other in a public forum. (Willie Lynch is alive and well!) A fight to show white America who is the "HNIC". A fight to show white America who is blacker. Every black person – from named to un-named – who has died for the cause of black people has literally died in vain. Blood let for nothing because we still ain't got it right. They are rolling over in their graves because we are still walking and talking with our slave mentality. Free your mind, Jesse. Obama is freeing his.
I thought what Obama said was decent and upstanding considering he is human and I thought the reverend was being extremely biased racially and of course he also is human just like all the rest of us, isn't he?
Would someone at CNN ask Jesse ad Al to explain the definition of acting white. It is time to get answer if they have the courage to do so; or will they dodge the question?
Jesse is entitled to his opinion, it is only as valid as the listener makes it. For the record the issue is the Jena 6 not Jesse Jackson's Obama comment. Truth is while yes the boys did beat up a white students that altercation took place after the hanging of the nooses & the beating of a black student by white students. In both instances neither the black student nor the white student sustained life threatening injuries in fact the white student who was assaulted attend a party after the attack. The problems is the only students charged in the two attacks that took place were the blacks students. If this is fair justice then shouldn't students in both attacks be brought to justice and if neither of the students attacked suffered life threatening injury is attempted murder the right charge? Does this mean the attack on the black student is acceptable to the justice system? In the end Jesse Jackson's comment is overshadowing the real problems with Jena 6.
Congrats Jesse Jackson you continue to fuel the race war! I love that it is ok to insult people for being white but not for being black. I have a better idea, lets judge individuals as such and not do anything we can for some press time. Jackson is an idiot and a racist and should not even be in the news. He knows nothing about being white and he has done nothing credible to help his own race.
someone should hang jesse with one of those nooses. ill help
JESSE SHUT UP! OBAMA HAS A BETTER CHANCE AT WINNING THE PRESIDENCY THAN YOU WOULD EVER HAVE!! STOP COVETING!! THERE'S OTHER BLACK REPRESENTATIVES IN THE HOUSE THAN OBAMA. SO DO YOU SAY THE SAME THING ABOUT THEM?
JUST BECAUSE OBAMA IS NOT OUT RALLYING DOESN'T MEAN HE'S NOT BEING SUPPORTIVE GET OFF YOUR MEDIA FRENZY!!
Jessie this is not selma and you are not Dr. King
Remember when Jesse Jackson had the Duke lacrosse players tried and convicted in 30 seconds? I can't help but wonder if Jesse isn't a bit jealous of Barack Obama. First, he backs him and now that he's raised all this money, he has second thoughts. Does Jesse really want him to be President?
I'm white, male and Catholic. Jesse Jackson is black, male and Baptist. I admit to having not much understanding of what it was to be threatend, pushed to the back of the bus, spat upon and all the other indignities African-Americans have endured.
However, Senator Obama has spoken out forcefully on the Jena case and to imply otherwise is off base. Senator Obama is where he is because he appeals to all Americans. It's about time.
I won't bash Jesse here as other have done it, but I must admit to being more than a little angered by his comments. We need a leader, no matter of what background. I'd back Obama if he were white, Asian, Hispanic, Native American or hot pink for that matter.
Stop the race baiting and stop it now!
re: the "Jena 6" the charges were amped up from aggravated assault to attempted murder by a D.A. who had previously indicated his intent to "end [the students] lives with his pen" - it was stated that he focused his attention on the black students section of a segregated assembly when he said this.
Also, it has been stated that the victim of the beating went to a wedding rehearsal (or something having to do with a wedding) that same night after being treated for a concussion - so I don't know if he was beaten to the point of death.
Just when you think that Jesse Jackson couldn't be any more of a racist and a hypocrite, he opens his mouth again and proves you wrong. Apparently there's money in Jesse saying that Obama is acting white, because that's the only time he shows up and says anything.
Jesse Jackson is 'acting like he's racist'. Perhaps his sentiments towards Obama are a reflection of his own envy and failed bid for the White house. What is wrong with acting white Jesse? I feel for those kids though.
Black leaders like Jesse Jackson, Al Sharpton, and Barack Obama are the new biggoted racists of our time. Martin Luther King, Jr. would roll over in his grave if he knew the lengths these racists will go to for power and notoriety.
For the record, I think Jesse's comments are off the mark and extremely ignorant. However, I'm posting because a lot of the comments made here indicate that most people aren't aware of the significance of the Jena 6.
It's not just 6 "hooligans" "juvies" or "thugs" (as they've been described here) beating up on some kid. It's the fact that these 6 black kids were charged with "attempted murder" for essentially a street fight. I'm not sanctioning the violence but I think that before you charge 6 kids (most who had no previous records) with murder and sentence them to 20 years in prison, you have to look at the entire picture. That picture entails racial tension throughout the town, nooses hung in a tree, a fire at the school and all other sorts of background issues that had gone unchecked. Apparently, it wasn't until a white kid got put in the hospital that the problems were more than "pranks" and were taken seriously. What kind of message does that send as far as equal justice in this day and age?
I don't care what Jesse thinks about Obama but I do think that this entire situation has been mishandled and is only now getting the attention it deserves.
Sounds like another racist comment coming from another racist in the name of civil rights. I guess if I wear my pants hanging off my butt I'd be acting black?
Besides Jesse is just trying to get another group of black people off the hook for a hate crime. Jesse you should have interveined before they did what they did since your so in tune, and no reason is good enough for ganging up on one person even if he called them a N!663r, should have done the responsible thing and told some one with some authority to take care of the problem.
Get off the band wagon Jesse and take your little brother Al with you.
and Jesse acts as if it's still 1965.
Jesse Jackson is an idiot. Barack Obama is half white yet is expected to completely ingore that? He doesn't act "white" and he doesn't act "black" – he is simply himself. Why is he expected to choose? In this day and age, how many Americans are truly of one race? Maybe more than I know but I am not. And my my son is even more diverse. My son is Irish, English, Welsh, Mexican, Spanish, Cherokee and German. I would like to ask Jesse Jackson how my son should "act" and how he should identify himself as.
Jesse needs to get his $#!@ somewhere and sit it down!!! Every time he opens his mouth (or has a child out of wedlock) he proves us to be our own worst enemy. Has he ever thought of how many votes Obama may have lost because of his public endorsement of his candidacy?
This country needs strong political leaders that are NOT influenced by racial tensions that are sparked by folks like Sharpton and Jesse Jackson... Obama is clearly educated enough to realize that this is in the hands of the capable judicial system... Boiling everything down to a race issue and then hypocritically protesting against Imus and the Jena 6 does more to divide our great nation than it does to solidify it... Jesse Jackson is a racist and a hypocrit that just needs to drift away and stop dividing our nation with his radical methods...
Jesse Jackson is irrelevant. When is he going to get a job and stop inciting racial tensions?
I believe Mr. Obama is of mixed race heritage so why should anyone expect him to choose one over another as to how he is "acting"? What does "acting white" mean anyway? Perhaps he'd just like to be regarded as a person with mixed race heritage and not call attention to race. Once again, Mr. Jackson strives to keep the nation divided by such unmerited commentary.
One reader asks, "How does a black American act white?"
Well, as so-called "Reverend" Jackson well knows... you purchase a $1 million dollar chandelier and hang it in your home; practice marriage - and family - infidelity... point fingers at anyone who is not the same race... and this is acting white.
He knows this well... remember, Jesse, didn't your mother tell you that, when you point one finger at another, 3 more are pointing back at you and the thumb is accusing God?
Be careful... lest you become the least among the spiritual brethren in heaven. Be very, very, careful...
I think Jessie Jackson is totaly out of line thinking that Mr. Obama should be playing to race in his his quest for the whitehouse, this is equally as bad as the republicans playing to religion, what is needed is a candidate who is responsive to Americans, not just a segment and sadly I feel Mr. Jackson has lost touch with the America we should be.
and jesse jackson proves once again that the only racist people left in this country are the blacks. The want everything handed to them instead of working for what they want like everyone else. Jesse Jackson worthless and no one cares what he says or thinks.
Who is Barack Obama?
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Probable U. S. presidential candidate, Barack Hussein Obama was born in Honolulu , Hawaii , to Barack Hussein Obama, Sr., a black Muslim from Nyangoma-Kogel , Kenya and Ann Dunham, a white atheist from Wichita , Kansas Obama's parents met at the University of Hawaii . When Obama was two years old, his parents divorced. His father Returned to Kenya His mother then married Lolo Soetoro, a radical Muslim From Indonesia.
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When Obama was 6 years old, the family relocated to Indonesia . Obama attended a Muslim school in Jakarta . He also spent two years in a Catholic school. Obama takes great care to conceal the fact that he is a Muslim. He Is quick to point out that, "He was once a Muslim, but that he also attended Catholic school." Obama's political handlers are attempting to make it appear that Obama's introduction to Islam came via his father, and that this influence was temporary at best.
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In reality, the senior Obama returned to Kenya soon after the divorce, and never again had any direct influence over His son's education.
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Lolo Soetoro, the second husband of Obama's mother, Ann Dunham, introduced his stepson to Islam. Obama was enrolled in a Wahabi school in Jakarta . Wahabism is the radical teaching that is followed by the Muslim terrorists who are now waging Jihad against the western world.
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Since it is politically expedient to be a Christian when seeking Major public office in the United States , Barack Hussein Obama has joined the United Church of Christ in an attempt to downplay his Muslim background.
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Let us all remain alert concerning Obama's expected presidential candidacy.
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Please forward to everyone you know. The Muslims have said they plan on destroying the US from the inside out, what better way to start than at the highest level.
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This is true.
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WOW...SCARY THOUGHT!!!.. Certainly something to think about!
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Christian you asked, so I'll tell you. You're wrong on this. And JB, your facts are inaccurate. The white boy was not beaten "almost to death". He was knocked unconcious, taken to the hospital and released. He attended a school function that very, same night; hardly a situation suggesting he was near death. Moreover, there is circumstantial proof at best that suggests these six individuals were the ones that did the beating.
It is relevant for Obama to discuss this case because it speaks directly to the topic of race relations in this country. I encourage everyone to research this case more fully. White and Black students were involved in violent incidents, hate crimes were committed, yet the black students recieved far harsher treatment by a DA that lived up to his threat (made to black students in Jena), "I can end your life with the stroke of a pen".
This is a clear example of institutional racism. Considering the DA is a public servant, this is a case of national significance particularly for a person that may become the first person of color to be voted President of our country.
That is why this is a big deal.
Also, is it not curious to anyone else (particularly the self proclaimed "news junkies") that this case has recieved so little press? Does anyone know the name Genarlow Wilson?
I will start listening to Jesse Jackson again when he FORMALLY apologizes for his remarks that demeaned and pressured the prosecution of the Duke University lacrosse players.
Sorry Jesse, I'll start acting more like Orenthal James immediately!!
I remember Jesse Jackson's statements about Jews two decades ago. This is no different.
As an biracial woman, I've gone to school with people who were just like Jackson. If you're biracial and you try to advance your situation by speaking properly and conducting yourself with class, you're acting White.
And enough with African American. Yes, I am Black, but I am an American. I've never stepped one foot into Africa, my mother is White and Spanish, and my father's Black ancestors might have originated as slaves, but they eventually settled onto Indian reservations and married into tribes. I am an American.
Run, Jesse, run back onto your philandering, hypocritical high horse, and ride away. And take everyone who buys into your rhetoric with you.
The level of intolerance still around today is mind boggling. Jesse jackson is a racist on the same level as David Duke. To preach about equality and race and yet "acting white" is being used in a negative connotation.
What happen in Jena is embarrasing to us as a nation and as humans. Any decent person that knows of this story is or should be outraged. Jesse doesn't help. Obama to me is the most power speaker of hope and the decency since JFK and MLK. Obama is what it is to be an American.
Jena? Mr. Jackson does the word Durham mean anything to you? After you incited racial problems to a bogus rape allegation how can anyone take your grandstanding seriously? And how is it that Mr. Jackson is never held accountable? He simply goes from town to town like other con men.
So what if Obama sounds more "white" in one crowd or more "black" in another crowd? Oprah has been doing it for years!! I do it, too: I sound like the educated person I am when I discuss pertinent issues with my colleagues at work. When I am having a great time on the town with friends, I sound like I ain't got no education at all! I sound like a Choir Girl when I talk to my Mother Dear. Maybe we shouldn't be too quick to judge people for being . . . well . . . human.
Acting white? Let's see – he's Harvard educated, well-spoken, successful, a model parent, a man of faith and a community leader. I'm not sure The Reverend is doing much for his African American constituents by making that comparison.
How does a "Black" person act Vs a "White" person act? Mr. Jesse Jackson please start acting like a civilized, educated person instead!!!
If the Courts are going to prosecute the young men of color from Jena for the fight then the Courts should also prosecute the young white men who hung the nooses under the hate crimes and racial intimidation laws. Lets keep it all equal.
Whites, Blacks, Browns we all want the same thing and that is peace, love, freedom, justice, and everything that has a good name stop acting like little children.
Most of you should refrain from making any comments about race.
CNN may want to refrain from reporting news in the future as well.
If Jesse did even say something remotely close to this someone will have it on tape.
Many would agree that that the "Jena 6" should be punished for their actions, and that the punishment should be firm but fair. Also, I think that the persons responsible for hanging the nooses should also have been punished beyond the small slap on the wrist they received. Now, having said that, I think it is naive of any American to assume that racism (black, white, hispanic or asian) does not exist and that our perception of others is "colored" by externals. While we may have appeared to come a long way, old habits, patterns of thinking die very hard, slow deaths, if at all.
People like Jackson should be very careful about the remarks they make about anyone. And certainly comments like "acting white" does nothing to elevate anyone's thinking or understanding, and does nothing to improve race relations. People like Senator Obama are not the exception (as some people may think – - some of whom have posted here), they are more the rule......The Senator proposes to represent the interests of ALL Americans, white, black, hispanic, asian, men, women, children. Further, any self-respecting "Reverend" who purports him or herself to be a champion of civil rights, should be looking out for the rights of ALL Americans who may be disinfranchised by the system.
We shall overcome one day, but it'll take a helluva long time to do it if people like Jackson continues to make remarks that divide us rather than unite.
No longer has a media pundit for the upcoming Presidential election, Jesse had to resort to the tried and true tactics of the "established" Afro-American Political regime in order to receive coverage–race-baiting up-and-coming African-American politicians who have a fresh approach to the racial incongruence in this country. Jesse...how can you DEMAND respect and equality from White America, when you don't proscribe to those principles within your own culture?
Whats wrong with being white, black or yellow, why does Jackson have to be so racist?
Jesse Jackson is one of the most racist public figures in this country. He is a despicable human being.
People are trying to make a race issue out of the Obama ticket. Isn't this the same group of people that said Obama is not really an "African American?" Now they are saying he's "acting white." Ya can't have it both ways! Obama should act like Obama whether he's black, white or any other color. Sheesh! It's the 21st century and people (black OR white) can't remove the race issue. Obama is Obama. See him for what he is – a hardworking AMERICAN who wants to be president. No matter who the candidates are they all want to make America better.
Jesse needs to get a life, Obama is half white, so he can act anyway he wants. Jesse is like Sharpton, they both are tired and thru and need to retire!. They are always trying to stir something up between whites and blacks
Jesse Jackson has done it again, he has in public announced and supported racist slurs and propaganda! That is what his stupid comments support! A black leader that continues to “Preach” that racism has no place in America or the world but continues to not only promote it but produce it himself with comments like “acting white”. Is this the same man that wanted Imus to get fired for saying “nappy headed hoes”?? I would really like to understand better what “acting white” means. In his context it I would assume that “acting white” is a bad thing? Heck, I am white; does this mean I am acting bad everyday? Racism confuses me, if I make the wrong comment I am considered a racist but we continue to let people like Jesse Jackson openly promote and support racism as long as it is one sided (reverse racism). Hell, I will only assume my comments here are racist………
It is alleged Jesse Jackson is a ranking circle freemason, and many are right to believe freemasons of all creeds are being influenced to devide America like sheep however they can..Obama hopefully will be the first president that is not a freemason puppet with his strings being pulled. Black, white or whatever colour people call him..(why if u half black u r black, why not white)one drop rule ehh..he is a human being with noble character..thats what counts to those with wisdom!
JESSE – SHUT UP!! I AM A BLACK WOMAN WHO HAS RESPECT FOR ANY BLACK LEADER WHO DARES TO RALLY OUR OUR COMMUNITIES BEHALF BUT I WILL NOT LET JESSE OR ANY OTHER BLACK/WHITE LEADER INFLUENCE MY DECISIONS ESPECIALLY AGAINST ANOTHER BLACK LEADER – ***STOP DIVIDING OUR COMMUNITY*** – WHITE PEOPLE STICK TOGETHER IN ALL THEY THEY DO – HECK, THEY ARE TOGETHER ABOUT OJ!!! THEY ALL THINK HE DID IT (I DO TOO!) – BUT THE POINT IS THAT OBAMA IS TRYING TO RUN A PRESIDENTIAL RACE AND HE DID ADDRESS THE ISSUE IMMEDIATELY AFTER THIS HAPPENED – HILARY ADDRESSES THE ISSUE LATER (WHO IN THE HECK WOULD VOTE FOR HER) – AND TO THE PEOPLE STATING WE SHOULD NOT SUPPORT THESE 6 BLACK BOYS – YOU ARE RACIST!!! – THESE BOYS SHOULD BE PUNISHED BUT NOT TO THIS EXTENT – AND GET THE FACT STRAIGHT BEFORE YOU POST CRAP ON HERE – THOSE WHITE BOYS WHO PULLED GUNS, HUNG NOOSES, AND BEAT UP ANOTHER BLACK BOY WHERE NOT PUNISHED!!! THE WHITE BOYS WHO BEAT UP THE BLACK BOY (THIS FIGHT CAME BEFORE THE JEAN 6 FIGHT) THEY GOT 3 DAYS SUSPENSION AND THEY CRACKED A BOTTLE UPSIDE THE HEAD OF THE BLACK BOY...ONLY 3 OF THE BLACK BOYS WERE INVOLVED IN THIS FIGHT – THE OTHER 3 WERE INVOLVED IN THE PROTEST UNDER THE TREE AND THE DA HAD IT OUT FOR THEM AND CHARGED THEM – HE TOLD THEM WHEN THEY PROTESTED HE COULD DESTROY THEIR LIVES WITH A STROKE OF A PEN – AS WELL AS THE WHITE BOY WAS OUT OF THE HOSPITAL THE SAME DAY AND WENT TO A AWARDS CEREMONY – NOW IS THAT ATTEMPTED MURDER – NO THE HELL IT ISN'T...THIS WHOLE SITUATION IS TO PUT OUR BLACK BOYS IN JAIL – TRUE THEY DESERVED TO BE PUNISHED NO ONE IS SAYING THEY DON'T BUT ONE OF THOSE BOYS HAS BEEN IN PRISON FOR 10 MONTHS – DO YOU KNOW WHAT CAN HAPPEN TO SOMEONE IN PRISON – A ADULT PRISON AT THAT??? – BUT YOU BEING THE CHRISTIAN WHITE PERSON YOU ARE J.B. OF BOSTON, MA AND CHRISTIAN OF SELDEN, NY. – IF YOU DON'T SEE THIS AS A WRONG DOING THEN YOU BOTH ARE JUST AS BAD AS THE DA WHO BROUGHT THE CHARGES OF ATTEMPTED MURDER AGAINST 3 INNOCENT BOYS AS WELL AS AGAINST 3 BOYS GUILTY OF A SCHOOL YARD FIGHT...NOT ATTEMPTED MURDER...AND IF WE ARE GONN START THIS CRAZP THEN WE NEED TO BRING THESE CHARGES AGAINST ALL PEOPLE WHO GET INTO FIGHTS ONT HE STREETS, AT THE BAR, AND AT SCHOOL AND LETS CHARGE THE ELEMENTARY KIDS WITH ATTEMPTED MURDER AS WELL...JUST B/C THESE KIDS ARE BLACK AND POOR DOESN'T MEAN THEY ARE ANY MORE EVIL THAN THEIR WHITE COUNTERPARTS WHO DID THE SAME THING...I CAN'T BELIEVE ANYONE WOULD DARE TO SAY THEY DESERVE WHAT THEY ARE GETTING ESPECIALLY IN OUR BELOVED CHRISTAIN NATION "ONE NATION UNDER GOD"....YEA RIGHT...EXCEPT FOR THE POOR, BROWN AND DARE I SAY THE BLACK
Are you kidding me? Jesse, you need to pause, step back and get a grip. I'm thinking what the blaCK COMMUNITY DOES not NEED, IS THIS "ARE YOU BLACK ENOUGH?" crap.' How about, is he man enough, he is brave, smart, sincere enough? Moreover, Obama IS white. His mother is white, and he therefore is.
O jesse, stop. It's not about YOU.
People still listen to Jesse Jackson?Why? All he wants to do is get in front of the cameras..
Another form of black on black crime. Let's stop hating on each other IN PUBLIC!
Jesse is and always has been bent on 'acting black' and ambulance chasing so called 'black' causes. His act is old. Tried and failed. A miserable point person. Decent, GOD fearing HUMAN should be the true goal towards which to strive.
Obama may talk in different tones to different groups. But so does Queen Hillary. And, black folks actually buy the act. That's why 'wanna be' leaders continue to talk down to them.
Black folks should stand with PRIDE in being decent HUMAN. So should WHITE folks. GOD created everyone EQUALLY. Stand up for GOD and stand up for HIS principles. Give the credit to GOD.
In Jesus name.
If you want Jesse Jackson to go away, boycot the media. They're the reason he still gets attention. And that means the American people are at fault...because they eat this stuff up and it gets ratings for Media organizations. So, much like the boogeyman, if you stop paying attention to the "Reverend Jackson" he will probably go away.
The main point that continues to elude most of you commenting on this site is that a group of whites FIRST attacked a single black kid and nothing happened! Then this white kid went to school the next day bragging about what they did to the black kid and call those "Jena 6" racial names. They should have kept their composure, but they reacted like kids and jumped on the white kid. My questions is this, why were the white kids punished for attacking the black kid and the black kids were punished for attacking the white kid. That is the root of all the problem in this country. Justice is not carried out equally under the law
Another racist statement by a race baiter. This should be condemned as blatant racism. Unfortunately mainstream media is afraid to because it is politically incorrect. Shame on Jesse Jackson.
How does Jesse Jackson define “acting white”?
I believe Sen. Obama is an educated civilized politician who makes rational decisions based on acts not skin color; does this mean he is not a black man? It is obvious that Mr. Jackson continues to view black and white as good and bad. It is no wonder he was not elected into office.
We are beyond the time when skin color summed up who you are. Unfortunately, people like Jesse Jackson will continue to use racial profiling as justification for political behaviors.
Acting like he's white? What does that mean? Acting like he's educated? He is well spoken. Is he supposed to dumb himself down?
What an idiot!!! Don't you see, Jesse is trying to go down in history as the next Martin Luther King. Not even in the same category honey. I suggest you shut your pie hole because nobody respects you anyway buddy! This takes the cake though. You must have really regretted making that statement.
Mr. Jackson,
If you truly wish to create a world free of racism and bigotry, I suggest you start cleaning your own home first. Your alledged comments about Mr. Obama "acting white" are incredibly short-sighted and inflammatory. Such statements continue to foster an "us vs. them" mindset which is nether helpful or becoming.
Ask yourself why you are so concerned about the "Jena 6"...is it because they were confronted with nooses (a truly heinous reminder of our shameful past as a nation)? Ask youself why you did not feel compassion for their victim. He did not hang the nooses. He was attacked BECAUSE OF HIS RACE. You cannot cry pity for the injustice for his attackers without sparing some for thier victim.
If you truly consider yourself a reverend, a man of God, please do not allow yourself to be blind to the value of ALL his people.
How does someone "act white"? Jesse Jackson is completely ignorant and hypocritical. It's that kind of mindset that perpetuates the race barrier. Fortunately many of the 10 and under generation of today don't even recognize a difference in race. Just the other day in my daughter's school, they were asked to cut and paste pictures from magazines to represent their family and my daughter (who is caucasian) used a picture of a young african american girl for herself. It gives me hope that some of the kids from my daughter's age group are colorblind.
Jesse Jackson is always there for the spotlight but never there for the true help. Where was he when the Duke situation changed? I think he made a poor statement...what does acting white mean? How do you "act black". It offends me and I am black.
Hmmmm...I am a white man if I said that someone was "acting black", wouldn't that be a racist comment? Just curious
Go away Jesse
Jesse Jackson is THE single biggest idiot there is.....PERIOD!
Isn't this called "reverse racism"? How do white people act??
It's people like Jesse Jackson that keep racism running rampant in this country. He's an idiot and should be ignored.
Acting like he's white, I am not sure what this means. I would say I want a canidate or even a United States Senator to act in a professional manner regardless of race. I am white, and I have expressed outrage over the events leading up to the incident and follow on reactions aimed at these teens in Jena, what does that make me other than an a concerned American. In a nut shell however, no one is clean in this incident. The school and community did not react properly from the outset nor did the students conduct themselves in a manner to gain much compassion. There are deep problems within this community, and while the Rev Jackson has done many good things in his life, comments such as this and attacks against Senator Obama create racial tensions that serve no purpose other than garnish headlines and stir up bad blood. Rev Jackson could serve a much better good if he went to Jena and attempted to help in healing the rift within the community rather than seek headlines and make the divid even greater.
Of course, CNN is as racist as the next news channel, and might I add a lot of posters are as well. Jesse says he didn't say this, and if he did, it was ignorant. Praise God for Rev Sharpton or you devils would continue with the public lynchings. Remain in hell.
Such a shame that someone who was once such an integral part of the Civil Rights Movement in this country has degenerated into nothing more than a special interest hack with no credibility whatsoever.
Jackson is a blight on society and does nothing to further the interests of African-Americans in this country. For the sake of us all, please quit!
every time there is a story in the news that involves blacks and whites, Jesse Jackson has to get his big mug in there to turn it all into a racial issue. he needs to go away, i am tired of seeing his face and hearing his name in the news
Ok First of all let me say this LEARN HOW TO READ AND RESEARCH BEFORE YOU OPEN YOUR MOUTH. I am a black male and I attend a prestigious all white school and believe me the racism in this century still exist believe it or not. What saddens me the most is that someone of my own culture would attack one of their own. Secondly the media has control of this country and they make you believe what they want you to believe. The Jena 6 situation goes further back than the 6 black students beating the white students. It was actually the white students who started the whole up roar when they hung the nooses. I don't care who you are or what race your are THAT IS NOT A PRANK. It is ignorance on the part of the white students and ignorance on the part of the superintendent for not following through with the principles expulsion of the students who hung the nooses. Most importantly it's ignorance on the part of the parents. The mere fact that people still teach there children to hate other races is just pure IGNORANCE; I can't express that enough. The black students retaliated after constantly being made fun of for getting beat up the previous night at the party, by an WHITE ADULT MALE. So there for it was retaliation. I would go further into the story but I don't want to put to much stress on all the the ignorant people who made ignorant comments brains. LET'S TRY DOING SOME RESEARCH YOU IDIOT'S. I don't condone anyones actions in this situation, the students (black or white) or the administrations. Third as far as the DA goes. Where exactly did this guy go to law school, planet mars university. Wake up people, I am really ashamed to say that I live in the US, and it's because of situations and comments like these. As far as Jesse Jackson goes, How exactly do you act white. Because if acting white means being educated and knowing when to jump into certain situations then I must be as White as Barack Obama. This next line is not being said because I'm black but because I believe in the same values and ideas.
Obama '08
The statement by Jesse Jackson saying Obama is acting like he is white, is proof that Jackson is prejudice as hell.
I seem to remember white people getting harrassed over saying the opposite things and losing their jobs over similar comments. I have listened to this man all my life and am tired of hearing it anymore, he doesn't have to like him or vote for him. Can't he just be happy that an intelligent well dressed black man is a serious possiblity for pres., or is he just jelous that it's not him.
I am so sick of these "comments." Why can't the candidates just act like "Americans" and do what is best for ALL the people in this country. I wouldn't care at this point, if our leaders were purple or orange. JUST DO SOMETHING CONSTRUCTIVE and quit wasting time and energy on stupid, unnecessary things.
http://archive.salon.com/politics/feature/2001/01/19/scandal/index.html
^^^He jessie this buds for you! check this link on the "King of all Black" I think any black person with any sense will just ignore what this retard has said. It's border line black on black crime if you ask me. And you have the nerve to talk down on drug dealers and womanizers.
Obama takes great care to conceal the fact that he is a Muslim.
We need to see visual evidence of this tom from Macon. I think maybe this is hearsay?
It is a sad day for America when people regurgitate political propaganda as if it were factual. You need to get off the crackpipe.
And Jesse Jackson and people like him are doing more to oppress black people than anyone else.
Stop telling people they are not equal because it is politically advantageous for you. You are more of a scumbag than Hillary or Tom from Macon.
Jesse Jackson brings race into too many situations. His actions, at times, advocate racism instead of diminishing it. By saying someone is "acting white" is a racisit comment in itself; as if to say this action was wrong. Please do not think that I am advocating that "white" actions are the correct ones; everyone makes good and bad decisions.
I would like make it perfectly clear, i'm an American with darkskin. If the Rev Jackson said what is accused of saying about Senator Obama, then he is out of line. As for the Jenna6, they were wrong for allowing their emotions to get away them, also the kid who was beaten is also responible,because he was part of the gang of kids that hung the rope on the tree, the law enforcement and the school administrators acted in a very negative way in this situation. Because the white kids in this situation walked away clean and they started this whole nasty mess. An for the Rev Jackson and Rev Sharpton, they have been out there fighting the good fight for justice a long time, my hats off to them, they spoke up when nobody else would, so i don't need white american telling me who i can and cannot listen to you have David Duke, Sean Hannety, have it, they are both idoit, but you listern to them anyway, your business, not mine, this is American a free country within the bound of a just constitution, read it sometime, if you can, which is not the case with some you.
"Jena would not have happened if black boys hadn't beat up white boys."
Do some research first before spewing this nonsense. Do you even know the details about Jena? Do you know what Jena is? It's more than what you're talking about... do the research. Do you really think everyone under the sun would be supporting the people from Jena if it was as simple as that?
These comments are ridiculous. Not to market for them or anything, but check this out tomorrow.
Justice in Black & White
CNN's Kyra Phillips gets to the heart of a racial crisis gripping a small southern town. A story of justice in black & white. Tomorrow, 8 p.m. ET
So Jackson and Sharpton criticize Obama for "acting white". You can bet that nobody will accuse Jackson or Sharpton of "acting smart" because they arn't.
Why does the media give those two clowns any attention?Time after time they have been wrong in what they say.
I'm still waiting on that apology from Jackson and Sharpton, for their involvement in the Duke lacrosse fiasco. They sure can find time to incite racial tension when it behooves them, but where were they when the lacrosse boys were acquitted???
I AIN'T LISTENING TO JESSE – ALL HE DOES IS DIVIDE THE BLACK COMMUNITY AS FAR AS I'M CONCERNED OBAMA DOES MORE TO UNITE THE BLACK COMMUNITY AS WELL AS UNITE THE WORLD...ON ANOTHER NOTE – HOW DARE JB OF BOSTON AND CHRISTIAN OF SELDON, NY SAY THAT WE AS BLACK SHOULDN'T TAKE UP THE PLIGHT OF THESE 6 BOYS – ARE YOU KIDDING ME??? YOU TO GUYS ARE RACIST!!! BOTTOM LINE AND I NEVER USE THAT WORD LOOSELY...THE WHITE BOYS WHO PULLED A GUN ON THE BLACK KIDS AND THE 3 WHITE BOYS WHO BEAT UP THE BLACK BOY BEFORE THIS ALL HAPPENED GOT SLAPS ON WRIST!! THE GUY WHO PULLED GUN GOT NOTHING AND THE 3 WHITE BOYS WERE SUSPENDED FOR 3 DAYS A PIECE BUT SOMEHOW IF YOU ARE BLACK AND GET INTO A FIGHT B/C THE PRECIOUS WHITE BOY WAS CALLING YOU NAME THEN YOU ARE MUCH MORE EVIL THAN YOUR BETTER WHITE COUNTERPARTS...GIVE ME A BREAT...3 OF THE BLACK BOYS BEING CHARGED WERE NOT EVE INVOLVED IN THE FIGHT WHICH IS CONFIRMED BY TEACHERS AT THE SCHOOL...THE OTHER THREE ONLY USED THEIR FISTS AND SHOES HOWEVER YOUR PRECIOUS WHITE CHILDREN IN THEIR FIGHT WITH THE BLACK BOY BROKE A BOTTLE OVER THE BOYS HEAD – NOW TELL ME DO BLACK CHILDREN DESERVE ATTEMPTED MURDER CHARGES AND AT THIS POINT THEY HAVE SPENT 10 MONTHS IN PRISON AND YOUR PRECIOUS WHITE CHILDREN GET 3 DAYS SUSPENSION AND CONTINUED EDUCATION AND THE PROPS OF ALL YOU WHITE PEOPLE IN TOWN FOR TAKING DOWN A NICCA...YOU PEOPLE ARE A TRIP...IF WE ARE ALL EQUAL UNDER GOD THEN YOU WOULDN'T DARE TO OBJECT THAT WE GO TO JENA TO CHECK ON WHY OUR KIDS ARE BEING TREATED LIKE ANIMALS!!! AND THESE DID DO NOT HAVE CRIMINAL RECORDS AS YOU MISQUOTED – 1 HAS A RECORD AND THAT STILL DOESN'T MEAN HE HAS TO BE CHARGED WITH ATTEMPTED MURDER – PLEASE
I have been considering voting for Obama because of his intelligence, honesty, apparent wisdom, and the fact that he is running as a person rather than a member of a particular race. However, if this is going to turn into a racial stand, fiasco or embarassment, I will stay far away from any of the Democratic candidates. I truly hope that Mr. Obama is wise enough to ignore the ignorant rantings of the likes of Jesse Jackson.
Personally, I feel that Jesse Jackson is one of the most racist people in the American media... Yes, we should work on improving race relations, but Jesse is not the man who is going to help the situation. We need someone like Bill Cosby in Jesse's place.
Who is Barack Obama?
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Probable U. S. presidential candidate, Barack Hussein Obama was born in Honolulu , Hawaii , to Barack Hussein Obama, Sr., a black Muslim from Nyangoma-Kogel , Kenya and Ann Dunham, a white atheist from Wichita , Kansas Obama's parents met at the University of Hawaii . When Obama was two years old, his parents divorced. His father Returned to Kenya His mother then married Lolo Soetoro, a radical Muslim From Indonesia.
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When Obama was 6 years old, the family relocated to Indonesia . Obama attended a Muslim school in Jakarta . He also spent two years in a Catholic school. Obama takes great care to conceal the fact that he is a Muslim. He Is quick to point out that, "He was once a Muslim, but that he also attended Catholic school." Obama's political handlers are attempting to make it appear that Obama's introduction to Islam came via his father, and that this influence was temporary at best.
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In reality, the senior Obama returned to Kenya soon after the divorce, and never again had any direct influence over His son's education.
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Lolo Soetoro, the second husband of Obama's mother, Ann Dunham, introduced his stepson to Islam. Obama was enrolled in a Wahabi school in Jakarta . Wahabism is the radical teaching that is followed by the Muslim terrorists who are now waging Jihad against the western world.
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Since it is politically expedient to be a Christian when seeking Major public office in the United States , Barack Hussein Obama has joined the United Church of Christ in an attempt to downplay his Muslim background.
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Let us all remain alert concerning Obama's expected presidential candidacy.
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Please forward to everyone you know. The Muslims have said they plan on destroying the US from the inside out, what better way to start than at the highest level.
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This is true.
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WOW…SCARY THOUGHT!!!.. Certainly something to think about!
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Posted By Tom, Macon Ga : September 19, 2007 2:04 pm
^^^are you saying you have a problem with muslims? my goodness who cares about what you posted it has nothing to do with the topic.
First let me say that Jesse Jackson doesn't represent every black in America. As for Obama, he has the ability to interact with people on all levels, that's a gift that Jesse probably wishes he possess.
Just reading some of the comments on here I see that a lot of you are still in denial about what's going on in America. Please read the whole story about what took place in Jena before making your idiotic comments. Furthermore it just sounds like the kid got his ass kicked real good.. I guess we don't remember those days. I fault the 6 black kid's parents for not teaching them that being black and re-acting to situations with violence historically result in no win situations. Semper Fidelis!
Jackson and Sharpton are racist lunatics who seek only to divide our society, and receive far more media attention than they deserve. Intelligent people of all colors will shun them as they rightly would an outspoken member of KKK.
The media needs to be all over him just as if a white person calling someone black
What the heck Jesse you moron? Did he notice Barack's Momma was white?
What does it act like to be white?
If law enforcement arrested people because the are accused of the crime, should EVERYONE act the same and ensure that the streets are keep safe..
Hey Jesse,
Is your comment the same as saying
"Hillary is acting too much like a man?" Why don't you act like a grown-up and put those racial slurs behind your so-called REV. title. You should be ashamed for keeping us in the Dark Ages, which I might add, Jesse, is a
period of history, not a slur!
Jesse Jackson had two failed attempts at running for president. Who is he to tell Barack Obama how to run a campaign? Perhaps the reason that Mr. Jackson did not get very far in his bid for the White House is that he underlined the fact that he's black, instead of making it a non-issue. It shouldn't matter what color a person is! Act like a presidential candidate and not an ethnicity, religion, or gender and maybe this country can progress.
Jesse jackson is just saying anything to get his name in the papers. There are innocent black men in jail that they can stand behind. These 6 black teenagers assaulted somebody. The justice system only works for those with money. What the hell does acting white mean? I guess he isn't ghetto enough for him. Obama is a good man with good ideas. Who cares what color he is or acts
I have to agree with the Rev. on this one! Obama's acting like he's at least half-white. Maybe he should have said:
"The truth of this tragedy is that the man sits high, looks low, keeps his eye on the sparrow. He has shown us that we have so much money and so much power to go around the world and solve other peoples' problems but we can't solve our own problems. Martin Luther King took us to the mountain top: I want to take us to the bank.
“I’m a candidate of the people for the people and by the people and my magic lies in my people ties. I’m a promoter of America. I’m American people. You know what I mean? So therefore, uh, do not send for who the bell tolls ’cause the bell tolls for thee. I’m one of the world’s great survivors. I’ll always survive because I’ve got the right combination of wit, grit and bulls#!t. If you cast your bread upon the water and you have faith, you’ll get back cash. If you don’t have faith, you’ll get soggy bread. These students can put dope in their veins or hope in their brains. If they can conceive it and believe it, they can achieve it. They must know it is not their aptitude but their attitude that will determine their altitude."
At the end he could add multiple quad or penta syllabic words that rhyme but don't mean anything ... Maybe he'd pass Jesse's litmus test then.
Jesse's a joke!
Sounds pretty rascist to me! Didn't know there was a way to "act white" or any other color. Unless, of course, we are all going to start basing our lives on silly stereotypes.
Jesse Jackson is not a voice for anyone other than Jesse Jackson. Don't tell Jesse to get out of the spotlight! Tell the spotlight owners to stop shining it on those who bring this negativity...Which they consistently do!
The boy that was beat up was not almost killed! I'm from Central Louisiana! His injuries didn't require anything more than a regular childhood skirmish...ICE and a band-aid! Jeff in Arlington, VA – This case wouldn't have been tried in Adult Courts if a black boy would have been beat up with VERY MINOR injuries in Jena and Joe in D.C. – Are you saying that anything other than white is uncivilized please clarify!
Isn't this comment highly contradictive to what Jesse Jackson is all about? If you ask me, looks like Jackson just pulled a "Don Imus" by foolishly and publicly making a racially charged statement. Oh, the irony.
Posted By Rhonda VA : September 19, 2007 1:56 pm
you are the idiot, have you ever been to Jena? Id say more of us are racially tolerant than racist. When you do not drop the race topic how do you expect it to go away?
Tom from Macon, GA
Sounds like you and the rest of the former Swift Boat people are jumping on a new wagon of lies. Stick to the issues and the real truth, Obama is a confirmed Christian. Just because you attend a school in a predominatly Muslim Country doesn't make you muslim.
The following links from independent websites may help to correct the "truth"
http://urbanlegends.about.com/library/bl_barack_obama_muslim.htm
http://www.snopes.com/politics/obama/muslim.asp
Jesse Jackson has never done anything for African Americans, other than use their struggles for media attention. Obama is a mixed American. So, I feel that itt was wrong for him to make such statements about the only African American presidential candidate. Would he consider Obama black if he was an adulterer?
People like Jackson are Sharpton are constantly raising the race issue. It is people like them that keep racism alive and well.
As a black women, I can't stand Jessie Jackson, he doesn't speak for ME! And as a supporter of Barack, this will make me want to contribute more to his campaign.
Jessie Jackson and his ilk are so irrelevant and over. BTW, doesn't Jessie need to be in Vegas to defend OJ?
Wow...I have heard plenty sides of both Jesse and Al...I never thought that they would be racist...lol thats a joke...lets be sirious. If you want an expert on how to play basket ball your gonna ask a professional player like Koby, so if you want to find out what is racist ask the professionals-Al sharpton and Jesse Jackson. I may not be black, but I love black women and people of all color. I have no problems with any one of a different color, but I do however have problems with racist people as well as the courts. Yeah obama will be a great presditen and he should not have to worry about what is going on with the jena 6. Lets be serious. these kids stompped a another student cause he was white...not that he had anything to do with the nooses, but white....mmmm...what is that al and jesse?? racist. the white kid was beat for being natrual(white). If they are responsible for beating this kid then yes they deserv the proper punishment....which if it was a bunch of white people they would get the same treatment(well thats how it should be). I don't believe life in jail, but 6-9 years would be extremly generous. I'm from Florida originally and so I have seen the courts go etreme. These kids do not deserv to walk out like nothing is wrong because their black, so now the motto is if your black its alright, but if your white be perpared to fight? Now I have to worry about a black guy beating me down cause I am white? or because I am white married to a black woman? or that my kids are half black? do I have to worry that if my children go to school their gonna be beatin and the people who did get to walk away like nothin happened? HELL no. I am an American. I elieve in equal rights for everyone...no matter race, religon, etheincity, or government stand point. Cause when it all boils down to the end we are humans who live in one of the most crooked nations in the world. We all know about our crooked government, but we don't act and the one's who do act....act a fool!! lets change this as a nation. There is no such thing as race our skin is just a shell and before we can come to trems with this we will not proceed in aking our nation better.. To all of the children and babies to come....I am truly sorry for what we have done. We have made a counrty and world horrible for children to be raised in. These are our problems that we pon off onto the future generations. Al, Bush, Clinton, Jackson, JFK, Lincoln, and etc.. are all liars and will be liars cause that is who we put in office, government branches, and most of all in the medias eyes....anyone seeing anything yet? no cause ya'll will stay lind to the truth. This is our fault.. its not white people, black people, terrorist, government, or any one else. Its our fualt.. Why don't you people(general to everyone)take responsiblity like your parents taut and fess up to the messes that have been created. Be men/women/AMERICAN!!!
To one of the commenters on this page, this case is not just a bout some black kids beating the hell out a white kid. It's also about that same white kid being part of a mob the night before who cracked a bottle over one of the black kid's head and then bragging about it loudly in the school hall the next day how they bashed that n***ger over the head last night. He definitely wasn't innocent.
It's ironic that Jackson's own words are bigoted, and he continues to perpetuate the idea that white, and black are different.
Jackson's better days as a civil rights voice is over, his words end up dividing "people" into colors. He continues to define the differences between people in terms of "pigmentation".
Jackson needs to go back in the hole he crawled out of! I think anybody who tries to bring race into anything in this day and age should be ashamed of themselves. Jackson doesn't know color from anything. How many "white" women has he been with??
What a foolish comment made by Jesse Jackson
While I won't go as far as to say "Obama is acting white," I will say that as a half black man, particularly, he should speak out vs the injustices being committed in Jena, that is, if he feels there are injustices. I view his post-charge reduction comments ("I am pleased that the Louisiana appeals court ...")as an extremely weak attempt to say something (albeit something lacking substance)on the matter while ensuring that that comment is safe enough as to not alienate potential voters. Doesn't he realize that he can't please everyone? Someone, somewhere is bound to be alienated on on some thing. A political candidate's actions during the campaign will only be magnified if elected; therefore, Obama, take a real stance on the tough issues.
Why is it OK for a half-black (Halle Berry, for example) to "act black", but it's not OK for a half-white (Obama) to "act white"?
If Jesse was a candidate he would be all over Jena? Didn't he lose two elections? The man is an idiot.
Jesse jackson Is an irrelevant figure in politics and civil rights and has no right to criticize Mr. Obama whether he can recall his statement or not. Some old phonies just need to keep their mouths shut and he's one of them. The press needs to stop feeding this frauds ego with perint and air time.
Talk about O.J. being narcissistic, wasn't it Jesse Jackson who rushed to New Orleans and attempted to divide individuals who were already in peril? Remember Jesse talking about the "disenfranchised" absent voters of New Orleans during the mayoral race? No matter who won the election, a legal challenge would be filed on behalf of all of those absentee voters. Well, an African American won, was there any challenge filed? NO! I guess because an African American won, the race then became legitimate? Be proud of your ethnicity and Jesse has aided the civil rights movement, but if you are a civil rights activits, there are many others of all ethnic backgrounds who are also treated unjustly.
If in fact Mr Jackson commented that Obama is "acting white" where is the outcry that he is making racsist remarks....since when did "acting white" become negative. Of course thats until you mix in ignorant or prejudiced but of course it appears that is something Mr Jackson is far more familiar with
Jessie is an idiot! If he knew anything about Obama, he would know that his mother was a "White" woman!! Duh Jessie!
I am sure there will be outrage in the Liberal Media......NOT!
This is sad. People have to appreciate the thin line Obama has to walk. He cannot be seen as addressing matters, especially civil right matters from the perspective of people like Jessee Jackson. At no time as Obama acted white. Besides, what's acting black or white anyway.
Why has it taken so long for Mr. Jackson's voice to be heard on this issue.As we usually do as a people we pull each other down like crabs in a basket. Instead of focusing on the very,very serious matter in Jena, La ; now I suppose this will become an issue of how black are you.....
Give me a break Mr. Jackson,this is not the time or place....those six wonderful young men should be our only concern at this point and time.
How Black are you that you would even raise this issue.
Where was Jackson when the Duke case was thrown out. He never said those charges were inappropriate.
It goes both ways, and to Mr. Jackson there is one kind of person – HUMAN. We are all created equal – try to remember that and not try to divide the races every chance you get. Also remember Mr. Obama is half white, not that it really matters.
Okay, people are wondering there is racial incidents. Because blacks are against blacks; whites against whites. All of this is stupid. There is "no such animal as acting white" Obama is who he is; like him or don't but please keep stupid comments to yourself Jesse.
I'm half Black, half Spanish, born in Asia, and French-speaking. But to look at me, you'd see a black woman (and yes, given my top tier school education I've heard the "acting white" comment more times than I'd like to). I appreciate someone like Obama. Hes a citizen of the world, a product of the melting pot, the future.
Hate is an ugly look. I'll bet Jesse surrendered himself to the idea that there wouldn't be a black president in his lifetime and now that another black man has a fighting chance (I don't want to hear the halfsies argument – when you look at Obama, you see a black man) he realizes that we just didn't want HIM in office. And I'm glad he lost given his actions in the past 15 years acting like the spokesperson for black people perpetuating the stereotypes (though had he won, i'd like to think it would be a different country). Yeah Jesse may express a valid OPINION once every 5th issue or so but I like my black politicians to be a little more worldy than he is. In my opinion, Jesse is not someone Obama should take political advice from.
And the real issue has yet to be touched upon...6 black kids were just arrested. I'm surprised its not bigger news, but I'm not surprised to hear of Jesse's self-elected involvement.
Senatory Obama is a United States Senator running for President of the United States. You, who ran who two failed presidential campaign, have a right to your opinion but don't be surprised by smackdown of responses to your assessment of Senator Obama's campaign. You want attention and so you say things designed to attract it. Things an older, wiser, educated, experienced leader knows better than to say. Your comments are cheap shots showing yourself to be less concerned with progress than being the center of attention. You sir, are the one that should be ashamed.
If your a black man that is educated, Jesse doen't want to talk to you. If you are un educated, he wants to help. WTF???!!! Throw this man and Al Sharpten into jail forever. I am sick of hereing the same old BS. They are racist SOBs.
Where is the focus in our country? On racially charged issues and stories, that's where.
Comments for Jesse Jackson's comments on Obama acting white and a congressman making remarks about Jews number over 100 and yet the real stories, like when are our leaders going to set some deadlines for this war to end (laughable since we will be in Iraq for years and years to come) and bring (the majority of) our young men and women home garner less than 25 comments.
Why is America still so racially charged? Have we not learned our lessons from the past? We want to go into a country and stop the wrongs of others and we can't even live peacefully amongst ourselves? How can we be so focused on the colors of our skin, the religions we practice, things that do not define what a person is on the inside, when we claim ourselves to be the land of the free and equal opportunity for all?
What is wrong here America?
Ask yourselves that.
"I am pleased that the Louisiana state appeals court recognized that the aggravated battery charge brought in this case was inappropriate."
What he should have said was:
"Yo, whassup!!!! Man, I be aieeet wid da court taking the heat off my homeboy, you know what I'm sayin'?"
Reverend Jackson, "a member of the clergy and a spiritual leader of the Christian Church," should try to unite people not create further distance.
Additionally, the hyphen should stop being used. I believe this only divides this nation further. For obvious reasons, we are all Americans.
Barack Obama: Jackson's 'acting like he's relevant'
Dr Martin Luther King said that he hoped that "Negro children will be judged not by the color of their skin but by the content of their character."
How sad it is that those who profess to follow in the footsteps of Dr King work to divide this country racially rather than unite us racially as Dr King tried to do.
Jesse Jackson has used Dr King's legacy to further his own agenda, and that agenda is Jesse Jackson. Personally, when he speaks, I tune him out.
Dr Alan Keyes is much better qualified to speak on racial issues because he is not interested in self promotion, he is truly interested in the welfare of our nation.
I think Jessie Jackson is MORE racist than anyone!!!!! How dare he say Obama is acting "WHITE", justice will be served accordingly black or white. I get tired of hearing Jackson and Sharpton saying racist things against all white people. These are suppose to be religious men at that!!!!
What is acting white? This rings of a racial epithet. I was under the impression that Mr. Jackson was color blind. Just goes to show you can never get past what you really are.
If you want to get elected, you might want to act white. Otherwise, you will get nowhere.
How does one "act white" or even black at that matter? I'm confused. Is (Rev.) Jesse Jackson part of a movement or an organization to confuse and confound? It appears to be working...
Very interesting "double standard" here...once again. If the candidate was white and a white person said, "They're acting black" that white person would be accused of being racist and we would never hear the end of it!!!
I am so incredibly tired of hearing this crap. Jesse Jackson needs to shut his mouth before some psycho assasinates him. He doesn't need to bash anyone running for president because last time I checked, he isn't within a million years of being president. Obama doesn't want to comment on a bunch of black kids getting let off the hook for beating the crap out of a white guy, big deal. He doesn't have to comment, and just because he is black, doesn't mean he has to share Jesse Jackson's view's that everything the black man does is the most amazing thing ever. That kid in Jena should be in jail, as should his friends. A fight is a fight, and a six on one assault deserves some jail time.
Since when has Jessie become Judge and Jury, although he thinks he has that right. We need a unification candidate, not rebel rousing, no nothings like Jackson and Sharpton. Maybe they could learn a thing or two from Obama about diplomacy.
Acting white? Can someone please explain to me what that is? Next year's election could potentially be one of the most defining moments in American history. The last thing we need to see (or hear) is more trash from naysayers and people in the peanut gallery.
I have not heard or read anything about the incident in Jena, but I do know that Jesse Jackson (and Al Sharpton for that matter) have done little to advance the cause for blacks in America.
It is important to never forget the past in hopes never to repeat it, but dwelling on it does not bring hope. Jackson and Sharpton thrive on injustices and point out how 'backwards' the Nation is. Granted, racism will always be around because people will continue to be berthed into ignorant, primitive families, but isn't it time to look ahead.
*Note to Al Sharpton* Rubbing shoulders and friendlying up to artists who glorify guns, promiscuity and murder isn't the best marketing idea for a pastor.
The black community needs some new leaders who will look forward, see the problems, confront them AND who will bring a vision of hope for the future, and not dwell on the sins of America.
Racism is racism, regardless of which color hates whatever other color. There is NO such thing as "reverse-racism" – let's level this playing field a little bit. Jesse Jackson is a racist. Obama is a politician & acted as such, nothing more, nothing less – the entire Nation's healthcare is taking precidence over 1 of HUNDREDS of violent issues around the world – God Forbid!!! I just don't see this nation making much progress anywhere on wiping out hatred – it's sad & pathetic, at best.
Isn't Obama's mother white? What's wrong with Jackson..just how black do you have to be?
Jesse Jackson it saddens me to see you resort to such immature tactics. You are an affront to African Americans. How dare you presume to speak for African Americans or anyone else for that matter. You are in no moral position to judge anyone. Your bid for the White House failed. Get over it. If you must campaign for Hillary please refrain from the school yard antics. If you are unable to do so...please just go away.
Jesse Jackson should resign from whatever he is. Just like Don Imus was forced to resign. Jackon's statement is RACIST and it should not be condone.
JESSE JACKSON MUST RESIGN
It's difficult to take someone seriously who claims to want equality for African-Americans, then does his best to promote differences between the races. Mr. Jackson, start judging people on who they are, and not what color their skin is.
Uh oh....I better get going. I have to start acting white, or start acting 50 yrs old, or start acting 6 foot 4.
I hope that Barack does not respond to this. He should not give any value to this ignorant remark. People need to come together instead of being divisive. Once we come together, then we can get rid of injustice when it rears its ugly head.
I am hoping that Jesse Jackson made this comment just to get some media to pay attn to the Jena 6
In response to JB Boston MA
The white kid that got beaten up, in the two weeks before the incedent
1) Hung a noose on a tree as a threat
2) Threatened these 6 kids with a gun on school property
3) Beat up/Physically Assualted another black in the school.
How was he punished for all this?.. A 3 day suspension.
The kid that got beat up DID NOT almost die, even though his loving mother seems to believe so. The kid was back in school within a few days.
How can you charge a kid with Assualt with a deadly weapon... and the weapon is tennis shoe, and say its not racially motivated.
CNN PLEASE PUT THE ENTIRE STORY UP AND SKIP JESSE JACKSON's BS
Ya know, I just realized:
The Racist Jesse Jackson made a Racist statement.
Why isn't the Racist Al Sharpton demanding that the Racist Jesse Jackson be censored, as he did with Imus?
Oh, wait, it's because they are both Racists against the same groups!
Ah, so their so called religions support Racial bigotry and the advocation of hypocrisy. Ah, it's becoming clearer now.
Sounds to me that they worship demon-pretenders-to-the-throne-of-Heaven rather than any honorable, ethical God.
The way to end bigotry and hate isn't to commit it but rather condemn it in ALL its forms.
Andrew
What the --! Are you kidding me? Obama is working hard to do something about equality for all and instead of working together Jesse Jackson is trying to bring him down! Is he secretly working for Hillary Clinton campaign? This is jealousy and sabotage happening before our eyes!
As a black man I can say until we all work together on various fronts nothing will be accomplished. Did Jesse ever bother to think that Obama might feel he is (was) such an effective leader that he would let him shine for a bit while but continue to add support! In fact Obama has spoken out about this case! The very thing these leaders are telling our children (that its okay to have diverse points of views and you don't have to be ghetto to be black) is the one thing Jesse is tearing down. This is a slap in the face to Obama and all black people!
I’m so disappointed in Jesse right now I don’t know how to end this message…
So there was outrage when Barack was not "black enough." So where's the outrage when they say he is "acting white." I know Jesse Jackson has good intentions in defending his community and all... but in all honesty I see him as one of the most predjudice leaders we have out there. Obama is focusing on trying to be the president. I think he might have bigger issues to worry about than 6 juveniles. If they were 6 white kids Im sure Jesse Jackson wouldn't have any problem with Obama focusing on his run for office.
All Jackson has managed to do is to prove that he is a racist.
Most of you that have responded about the Jena6 in your posts really need to do your homework. They Caucasian that got beat up was not "nearly killed"; as a matter of fact, he was released from thehosptial the same day as the attack, and according to reports/articles on ther issue, they jumped him after racial ephitets were hurled at him.
for most of you all to state falsehoods on this subject, really makes me understand how jacked up our society is. It's the Millenium, and we have Caucasian students apparently "pranking" African Amercian srudents at a high school with nooses over a tree? Then berate the boys verbally with racial tirades? Please. Please do your research before you speak, as to not look as ingnorant as Jesse Jackson.
Speaking of which, Jackson is a chump. I am of African American descent, and he does not represent me in the fight for equality. He has paid his dues, and in his former glory fought for equality and civil rights, but now, he says things to place himself back in the sptolight. Obama does have a penchant for "switching his demeanor" when he speaks with certain types of people, but that's an issue he'll have to contend with when everything goes down to the wire. In any event, Jackson really needs to put his money where his mouth is, and take up the slack that he feels Obama's not doing, when it comes to the Jena 6.
When's the last time anyone has cared about what Jesse Jackson says? If the situation was reversed and 6 white boys ganged up and beat a black boy then he'd be out there spewing his racism and hate crime rhetoric all over again.
The claim that Barack is "acting white" is ludicrous. I think he knows that if you break the law by committing a violent crime, that there is going to be a price to pay regardless of the color of your skin.
The irony is that Jesse Jackson seems to have worked so hard for racial equality yet he slings out racial slurs (He's acting white) with the same venomous force of a white supremacist. You can't be anti-racist and a racist. Pick one!
jena six were not arrested on murder charges as your atricle states
how does jackson get away with this...he is a moron. He talks about stopping racism, but last time i checked, if i ever accused someone of "acting black" i would be accused of stereotyping (a very common form on racism). when are we as Americans going to stop listening to idiots
Any individual commiting a crime should have justice served. The white students in the altercation with the blacks, the black students in the altercation with the whites and if true, the DA that threatened the boys with the end your life with the stroke of a pen.
The saddest thing in the world is it took 33 years since the death of a great man and leader, MLK Jr., to make this country seem colorless.....even though it was only for a brief period. Yup, 9/11 happened and no one seem to remember color or race for a brief period. We were all americans together for that moment in time, whites helping blacks and blacks helping whites. Maybe someday we all will realize we all come from the same place....our mothers womb.
The title Reverend should be stripped from Jesse Jackson – his prejudicial comments are a disgrace to all people, whether they be black or white and they can never serve the greater good! He is appalling!
At least we know Jesse is not ACTING stupid. He is a racist.
Talk about being irrelevant... Jesse Jackson is completely irrelevent. A fight among a bunch of teenagers is not a Presidential issue.
Mike G.
Jackson & his "bro'" Sharpton are a discredit to their race. They both could be doing more for themselves & humanity working a soup line or teaching kids how to read & write instead of spouting off on issues they're both ill-informed on & already biased about in the public media.
lol. when are we supposed to see color, and when are we not? I remain confused.
Acting white? You mean, not ghetto? What's wrong with that?
I have friends that have been accused of this which is totally absurd. Just because you're black and educated, doesn't mean that you're 'white'.
Why is it so wrong for a black man to be well spoken? Why does that make him white? Are you saying that you have to speak ghetto and slang to be considered black? Amazing.
And thats supposed to be a bad thing? He knows how to speak the language and does so authoritatively and pursuasively. Great. I'm no Obama supporter, but give the man his due. As for the case at the center of the controversy I have just one question. What would Jesse's position be if it had been a bunch of white kids beating up on a black kid? Yeah – we all know the answer to that. Both he and the "Rev." Al would be calling for their heads. Racism goes both ways.
I never thought about it much, but since I'm white, I must act like a white person. Fair enough. It follows that Latinos must act like Latinos, and Asians must act like Asians, and African-Americans must act like African-Americans. And if the Rev. Jackson actually believes this nonsense, he's not nearly as smart as I thought he was. But that's just me, thinking like a white person.
What a big surprise from Jesse Jackson...doesn't he realize racism works both ways? Shame on him for calling the first serious black candidate for president "too white." No matter his race, Obama is an inspiring and genuine individual, and one of the only people I'd actually trust in our government.
It’s obvious the people like JB from Boston and Christian from NY really don’t what they are talking about in regards to the facts of this whole incident. The allegations that these 6 boys almost killed the white boy they were beating are false. The white boy was treated for minor scrapes and bruises at the hospital later that evening and then released. Christian from NY also states that the white boy that was beaten had nothing to do with this whole incident suggesting that these boys jumped on the white kid for no reason is also false. The white kid was taunting a friend of the 6 black kids that was beaten up by another white kid (the two white boys were friends) while others threw BEER BOTTLES at him for attending what was perceived as a “whites only party”. There are reports that the white kid that initiated the assault on the black kid was only charged with misdemeanor assault while no other charges were filed against the kids who threw BEER BOTTLES at the black boy, while the 6 black kids were charged with felony attempted murder which claimed they used their SHOES as a weapon. ANYONE who can’t see that this as a racial issue is in a serious state of denial. Why aren’t felony charges brought on the kids that threw BEER BOTTLES at the black kid? Now I am not saying these kids should not be punished for a school fight, but to be charged with felony attempted murder charges while the white kid is only getting charged with a misdemeanor is ridiculous!!! People really need to read up on this story before forming their opinions…..As far as the Jesse Jackson comments; Just let it go Jesse! Obama is not the issue here!!!
Wow Jesse. Congratulations on delivering an inappropriate remark at an inappropriate time. Double score. You are so right Jesse – I also hate how Obama is unifying races, ages and genders. How dare he? If Obama had his way, you'd have no one to hate.
If the Black community wants to ever advance beyond their current status, they should do themselves a favor and get rid of Jesse Jackson. He does nothing but HURT the Black community with his racist unamerican antics. He seems to enjoy keeping his people in the mindset of the racial 60s era, preaching and instigating HATE.
First of all I am not a fan of Obama, and I am certainly not a fan of Mr. Jackson, but I am so sick and tired of racial comments of every kind! What is it to act white? To act black? Aren't we all Americans? And this comment came from someone who is supposed to be a minister. I think it's time for Christians to stand upon the platform of Christ where there is no black or white and stop trying to sow division between the races. Wrong and right should be the same regardless of color.
I think the Reverend Jackson should cease capitalizing on reverse discrimination. Blacks have proudly succeeded in many, many ways, in a supposed white man's world.
Politics of Triangulation:
1. Hillary is criticized by the citizens of Jena for not speaking out against the injustices.
2. Barack and Michelle Obama are very vocal about Jena, but don't get much press.
2. Hillary's campaign gets Jesse Jackson to say something controversial (which he now denies) and it makes headlines everywhere.
3. Bill Clinton is scheduled to arrive in Jena tomorrow and be the "white" knight to the black community.
4. Today's headlines focus on Jesse Jacksons criticism of Obama.
5. Tomorrows headlines focus on Bill Clintons visit to Jena.
6. Everyone forgets that Hillary sat on her thumbs when asked to speak out.
7. Do we fall for this clever campaign strategy?
Jesse Jackson is a racist of the worst kind, pure and simple. His diatribes only serve to polarize, divide and incite violence; his words and actions embarrass our good nation, and shame the US on a global scale. Go away, Mr. Jackson, and take Sharpton with you.
Why are people pretending there are no cultural differances between blacks and whites? I assume Jesse is saying Barack is embracing white culture.
In any event Barack identifies and lives as a black man and he doesn't act white, in my opinion, although he has every right to as a biracial man. He acts like the educated, intelligent exceptional man that he is. And yes as a politician he screws up from time to time. They all do.
His statement was good enough for me. I wouldn't expect him to travel to Jena to fight for 6 young men that beat one young man ruthlessly. It was not a simple school yard fight and we have to stop excusing this kind of behavior.
I am all for us putting effort into improving race relations in Jena and other segregated areas throughout the country, but I am not going to defend bad deeds in retaliation for other bad deeds. EVERYONE involved in the racial unrest in Jena is wrong. White and Black. The argument should be that the White folks should face severe punishment for their violent acts as well. That's the real problem in Jena.
i dont why jesse jackson is even invited to things, or why people even listen to him. he fights racism, but he is the most racist person i have ever heard of.
When will this crap stop? If a prominent white celebrity accused another white presidential hopeful of "acting black", that would ruin his career and he would be hung out to dry by the media. Jesse Jackson only sees in black and white. He is as much of a racist as Michael Richards and Mel Gibson combined.
I am so sick of Jesse Jackson! He wants to be the spokesperson for the black community, but I do not know what black community he represents! He does not represent me, nor most of the blacks I know. How can you accuse another black person of "acting white"? Would someone explain to me what "acting black" is? Babies out of wedlock, high prison rates, high dropout rates, black women 4 times more likely to have an abortion, booty shaking, man sharing...the list goes on. Instead of tearing Obama down because he has a better shot at actually winning than you ever did, try taking some cues from him on creating a positive environment for EVERYONE regardless of their skin color.
Until Mr. Jackson challenges the notion of Bill and Hillary Clinton being the FIRST Black president and potentially SECOND BLACK president, I will gladly ignore him! A TRUE reverend will seek to heal with the love of Christ, not divide with hate!
Jesse Jackson's comments about Obama show one of the many reasons he never stood a chance to be president. He has always only been a black candidate and has only seen the world through "black" tinted glasses. His business is race and his sexual dalliance which produced an out of wedlock child shows he is no more fit to speak for the nation's blacks than O.J. Simpson is.
If a white man got up and said someone was "acting black" there would be a huge uproar about discrimination in this country. Why is Jesse so untouchable (Him and Rev. Sharpe)
As a young African American male, I do not, nor have I ever considered Jesse Jackson or Al Sharpton leaders. The persistent "race-baiting" that these two gentlemen constantly instigate is troubling because it clouds the central issue. This issue is injustice. If a man's (meaning mankind) rights are infringed upon because of any issue, it is unjust. The ultimate goal of Americans is for all of its citizens to be treated equal. If you only speak up for one group, then you are part of the same injustice that you claim to be against. Black Civic Leaders should concentrate on being Civic Leaders and lead by example.
Correction: Jena wouldn't have happened if white students hadn't hung or painted nooses on a tree after black students sat under it.
I cannot believe there is such an uproar over this. The white kids were punished but then the blacks decided to take matters into their own hands. I am so sick of the black and white issue. No matter what color you are if you do something wrong you should be punished. My kids are white and go to school with black kids, the white kids ALWAYS get punished more than the blacks for fear of being accused of being racist. Blacks should realize its not always because of color, your actions speak louder than your color does.
Jesse Jackson is an adulterous jerk who does not speak for black folks – me in particular.
Color is not the issue with Obama. For heaven's sake, Jena, this is 2007 – we should not even have segregation – the tree should not be considered for black or white – it should be a tree for "students". Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton need to shut up, go home, and stay there. Those two are the worst agitators there are. Those two are the main reason we still have racial issues.
Jesse get somewhere and sit down!
You are out of order for your comments. What the is "acting white"? That's the problem now.
Jesse's just upset because Obama has the ability to articulate words when he is speaking.
It's amazing that this man is able to say the things he does and no one says a word.
If a white person claimed obama as acting black, there would be a major crying out about racial comments etc.
GROW UP!
jackson has nothing but black on his mind. shame on him. he should love all colors.
What, exactly, is "acting white"? Or "acting black" for that matter?
This is an absurdity that should have gone out with the last century. When JJ says "acting white", just which "white" is he referring to? The Queen of England, a coal miner in North Carolina, a French chef, a Russian ballet dancer, a homeless man in Detroit, a nun in Dublin, Ireland?
As for "acting black"–who's that? A stockbroker in New York? A newpaper editor in Georgia? The president of Kenya? An opera singer in Australia? Morgan Freeman?
People of all races should be insulted by this. Wake up, Jesse, there's a lot more to human beings, their opinions, sympathies and politics than the Color Line.
Dominick
@Christian, From Selden.
This is a racial issue. The real story is this. Three Black students asked their school principal if they could sit under what was labeled the 'White' (named for the predominately white students that hung out there) tree. The principal agreed and they sat there. The next day, three nooses were hung from the tree. This incident incited fighting to break out. The white student that was beaten up in the fight was involved in the hanging of the nooses. The six Black students are being charged with attempted murder in what amounted to a high school fight. The students have spent 10 mos in jail, while the white students that were involved in the hate crime of hanging nooses have had NO discplinary action taken against them. This is a result of the ongoing racial inequality not just in Jena, LA (LA has the highest number of recorded lynchings in U.S. History by the way) but across America. That is why Blacks are travelling by the busload to Jena to peacefully assemble and protest the inequality there as a start. Sweeping racism under the rug will not eliminate it. It should be confronted and eradicated.
Jesse Jackson is a has-been and should be irrelevant. What? Is he saying Obama is not 'black-enough'?
I would compare Jesse's attack on Obama to today's Hip-Hop in general. Today's Hip-Hop unfortunately is more about self indulgence, and therefore is not truly in line with what it was in its beginning: music in support of people and unity, with a positive message.
So on that note Jesse: Come on! Give a brother a break! Offer support, not opposition. If you don't support your own people, you are working against them. In this case, everyone in the nation can see it.
The facts of the case show that these (black) kids beat up a(white)kid who was involved in the beating of another kid (black). The (black) kid was first beaten up because he wanted to sit underneath a tree that was named The Tree of Knowledge. The (black) asked school's Vice Principal is he could sit there because the Tree of Knowledge had become a popular hangout for the (white) kids and he did not want to cause any problems. The Vice principal said the kid could sit there, just like anyone else. Once the (black) kid wanted to sit there, that is when the nooses came out.
The messed up part about the real case is that the real problem stems from people wanting to enjoy the rights and priviledges as everyone else. Until one group of people can enjoy the rights/priviledges as everyone else does, then unfortunately these occurrences will continue to happen. Jesse, please stop talking.He claims that "If I were a candidate, I'd be all over Jena,". If he really wants to help, he should go and push the real issue of the case, which is inequality. Leave Barack alone, plain and simple.
This man is a criminal, who cares what he thinks about anything.
Classifying people as "acting white," as Mr. Jackson did, is just as racist as calling rap "black music." Please don't label people or their actions!!
For someone (Jesse Jackson) who is "anti" racism, that was sure a "racist" remark about Obama.
Funny how one can change their stand for convienence.
Jesse Jackson is a racist pig. period. end of story. he only further divides those with different skin colors.
I don't believe Jesse Jackson said this. If you actually read the article even he says he didn't say it. He was saying that all the candidates haven't been outspoken enough on the case.
To me, Obama's statements on the case seem totally appropo. If Jackson did say "Obama is acting white" or if CNN is purpetrating a rumor and making a scandalous headline as they've so often done on these pages, all they're trying to do is be divisive and to sabotage the best hope this country has for a real future, Barack Obama.
Time after time, Obama makes sense. I don't see him as white, black, purple or whatever. I see him as a man that would make a wonderful president. Time after time when people critique him, try to knock him down a peg, it only makes him seem better to me.
If indeed it is acting white to be rational, to have a nuanced and balanced view of the world, then so be it. But you and I know that's not the case. He isn't acting white, or black, or whatever. He's actually just been telling things like they are and that's such a rarity in politics that I can barely believe it.
Jesse Jackson should seriously be in New Orleans, screaming his head off that two years later there are still refugee camps and no housing for blacks and that formerly black neighborhoods are becoming lily white because blacks can't afford to move back.
He should also be talking about how the Republican party doesn't want a black New Orleans, because it was one the one bastion of Democrats in the South and threatened to turn the whole state Blue.
Obama is a fresh breath of air and I truly don't believe ANYTHING anyone says is going to keep him away from the nomination.
Have the "Revs" (Jesse and Al) apoligized to the Duke Lacrose team yet?
if you are eduacated, Jesse doenst want to talk to you. If you are uneducated, he wants to help. WTF??? What a double standard. Why dont you get off your lazy ass and help your community for the GOOD. JERK> AND GET A REAL JOB AND A LIFE!!!
As a white man, I would ask Jesse: "what's wrong with being white? Isn't Obama half white? Can't he act the way hs sees fit?"
As an American and an Obama supporter, I would say to Jackson: "Judge Obama on the content of his character. What's important is not the color of his act, but the content of his character."
What does he mean acting white. Sounds to me like Jackson is a racist or promoting racism. How about acting human and forgetting this black-white thing.
Al a Latina voter I will say that any candidate who comes to me speaking in Spanish or asking me to vote because he or she is black, white or brown I will feel insulted, I vote for a candidate based on his/her experience and capability. Period. Jesse Jackson is a racist for making those commentes about not acting white.
I have mixed emotions about the whole jena six issue. I'm a 34 year old (black american male)not african american have not seen any parts of africa and don't want too but that is another story! Anyway all persons involved are to blame but the one person that could have nipped all this in the bud is the district attorney if he would not have stepped in you would not have all of this ruckus. The princiapal had issued his verdict on the white kids that hung the noose but the district attorney stepped in and decided to take over and that's when things really got out of hand. And I also blame the parents of all persons involved becasue if you don't teach your children to be racist no of this would have happen (who taught the white kids to tie a noose dam sure wasn't the school) know go figure. And a lot of you are right Jesse Jackson needs to go and sit his tired ??? down somewhere. Racism in this country has not gone away it just hides it's self a little better then it did years ago. It's everywhere little towns and big cities.
As a young African American male, I do not, nor have I ever considered Jesse Jackson or Al Sharpton leaders. The persistent "race-baiting" that these two gentlemen constantly instigate is troubling because it clouds the central issue. This issue is injustice. If a man's (meaning mankind) rights are infringed upon because of any issue, it is unjust. The ultimate goal of Americans is for all of its citizens to be treated equal. If you only speak up for one group, then you are part of the same injustice that you claim to be against. Black Civic Leaders should concentrate on being Civic Leaders and lead by example.
Posted By Brian, Decatur, GA : September 19, 2007 2:54 pm
^^^Couldnt have said it any better myself.
What the hell does he mean by "acting white"? If that were in reverse order and a white person accused another of "acting black"; they would be considered racist!!!
I am so sick of hearing "black" "white" "purple" "red" etc... Call it like it is. Can't we all just act like an "AMERICAN!?" A crime is a crime...no matter who did it. Jessie quit making excuses and grow up, to be an AMERICAN. You waste so much of your time pointing fingers at everyone else and what you feel is wrong. Do something more productive, like uniting our country, instead of diving it. We are so much stronger as one! By the way...I'm black and white! But my blood bleeds red, just like everyone elses.
Is this not Jesse Jackson CREATING a race issue?
Who the hell is MOS DEF? I guess I'm not black enough......
All of you should b ashamed of yourself, Jesse marched side by side with the late great Marting Luther King, Jesse is a civil rights pioneer, and if your black and making comments against Jesse you should smack yourselfd in the mouth and F.Y.I. the white boy that got the crap beat out of him, was released from the hospital the same day so he wasn't that injured, but go ahead White America laugh it up case ya'll finally got O.J. you've been trying from day one, and as for the the culture that glorifies sexism, violence and gangsterism, that's how America was created, we're a product of our enviroment, white folk taught us all that stuff, PEACE.
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.
Posted By Jeff Spangler, Arlington, VA : September 19, 2007 12:42 pm
Jena started when white kids hung up noose on a tree and the DA ignored that. Jena started when a white kid brought a gun to school and the DA still did nothing. Jena started when some white kids jumped a black kid 1st and 6 black kids fought back and that same DA now wants to press charges for attempted murder.
The only thing the black kids started was asking the principal if they can sit under the "white" tree. I guess your point is saying they should not have asked to sit under the tree which you are right. They should NOT HAVE HAD TO ASK to sit under a tree in the U.S.A.!!
chris NY, NY
Thanks for the response because i would like to know if there is something i was missing with this case. now if there was beatings on black students as well this would be a different story. i dont think the issue with this is IF the kid beat the white kid down its more that he DID beat him down and he is being punished too harshly. i can understand the protest for the harsh prosecution, but wasnt the kid that was accused already have a rap sheet for assault? i mean wouldnt that mean that he should have been punished a little more harshly? im so confused with this case because when i heard about it i was automatically siding with the jena 6 kids but when i read what actually happened i didnt understand how people are looking at these kids as heroes...they committed a crime REGARDLESS of why or what the punishment was. we cant sit here rallying around them like they are standing up for black people or for justice. and its also regardless that the kid got OUT of the hospital the same night its more important that he was put IN The hospital right?? i mean my wife gave birth to my son and she was out of the hospital the next day thats just what hospitals do.....anyway somebody needs to show me why these kids are being glorified...because i still dont see it. you say there is "circumstantial" evidence but the kids are claiming this white kid was calling them racial names and that justifies what they did, but isnt that circumstantia as well....it looks like people are only looking at this case in a very familiar and comfortable way. there is a huge double standard when it comes to racism in this country. the way jesse jackson can say OBAMA is "acting white" and its ok. but that DJ calls black girls "nappy hoes" and its a HUGE uproar of racial injustice...can we work on humanity please and understand not everything is about race. because the more we cry racism the more strength we give it.....
Once again, Jesse Jackson makes a comment about "white" people and that is ok but when a comment is made about an african american person he is the first to scream racism! Jackson needs to shut it! Racism is an issue in this country because of people like Jackson!
I do not believe that it would be acceptable for a white person to say that Barack Obama is "acting black", so why is it acceptable for Jesse Jackson to say he is "acting white"? These people (ones who are of the same racial descent that make comments such as this one) are creating their own racial diversity. You would think that people who are supposedly fighting for equal rights, would be EXTREMELY excited that we may have our first black president. Instead, these people (who do not like to be referred to as "they"), are trying to prohibit a significant event in our nations history.
why is it that everytime a black person is punished, they're being targeted? jesse jackson is a waste of space. im surprised no one has assassinated him yet. but its just like while some cities are trying to make "sagging" illegal, black people say they are being targeted? pull up your pants and you wont be targeted. its disgusting. white people couldnt get away with any of this stuff.
Just another racist comment from a racist.
So just because he is black means that he has to act like the sterotypical black person as betrayed in the media suchas on BET? Was'nt there a demonstration about this very same thing the other day. Jesse Jackson is wrong on this and I don't support OBAMA
Jesse,Whats wrong with being white?
Jesse Jackson needs to shut up. I haven't heard one thing he is doing positive for the people affected by Katrina, the Dunbar Rape or anything bad that is happening to Black/Ethnic people. What has he done to help but now wants to critize someone. Why wasn't he elected President? He needs to check himself before he starts running his mouth. We need to have better representation for out Black Community. Both Jackson and Sharpton leave allot to be desired in both looks and dreams!
The nooses were inappropriate and racist,6 kids beating up one kid is also uncalled for and 6 blacks against 1 white is also racist. There is no justification. Let me see...a black man yells "cracker" and gets beat up by 6 white guys for it...what would Mr jackson say to that. I can assure you would hear nothing from him. The 6 boys need to pay for what they have done regardless of why. Their actions are criminal and you can bet if it was 6 whites beating up 1 black, Mr jackson wouldn't be spouting off...racist is racist...funny the ones that are screaming racism don't recognize their own. SHUT UP MR JACKSON...turn that critical eye on yourself.
Jesse does nothing but make racism worse.
This idiot is a total racist. Could you imagine if any white would of said that someone was acting black. Jackson and the other fool Sharpton would be calling for their resignation. We should call for Jackson's resignation, oh wait he doesn't have a job. He just tries to cause race issues so he has something to do
I demand a public apology from Jackson for his racist comment! I think that is what he would demand, right? His track record of race allegations has been impeccable lately...Duke lax players, Michael Vick, now this...After he cried racism, where was he after the Duke players were declared innocent...where was he after Michael Vick admitted to allegations...exactly...he ran to the next media outlet that would give him attention...Get ready...he is soon to jump on the OJ is innocent bandwagon again.
Imagine if a statured white person said of another white that he "...was acting too black..." Jackson and Sharpton are nothing less than race baiters who make a nice, comfortable living for themselves off of the folks they claim to represent and help. They do us all a diservice by perpetuating the victim mentality. How can anyone believe anything they say??
When a black tries to act write,go to school and get a profession they say u act white.
this is becomming more destructive for young black men.
Mr. Jackson fails to see that by not politicizing a very important issue such as Jena, Sen. Obama is preserving if not elevating its validity. Unfortunately Mr. Jackson doesn't realize that his name tied to anything causes many Americans to roll their eyes instead of pay closer attention.
Complete Double Standard. As a caucasian, if I said a white man was acting black, I would be considered a racist.
@Terri Calhoun,
Welcome to America, Terri. I will say this, the white kids were not punished for the hate crimes they committed at all. This was a high school fight... Since when do kids get tried as adults for attempted murder for a high school fight in which no one was seriously injured? What if it was your kid that was being punished like this? Wouldn't you be screaming injustice at the top of your lungs?
Time for Jesse to retire. He goes on about racism but is a racist.
Please get your facts straight before passing judgement on those young men. There were several other incidents in which they were attacked by that student and his friends, attacked by grown men, and had loaded guns pointed at them. The student that was beaten up in the final incident that lead to the arrest suffered minor injuries and was released by the hospital within 6 hours. I've seen the pictures from the party he went to after leaving the hospital. He certainly was not near death and did not suffer near fatal injuries, otherwise he would not have been released by the hospital.
People hold on and understand this is a South Carolina news paper that made the comment not Mr. Jackson. I would think it is the racist that is trying to divide this country and not Mr. Jackson. This is a man who could have been killed in the 60's fighting for rights as a human being and not a animal as we were looked at then. And now all you can remember about him is something negative what ashame all this man has done over the years not trying to be political right but justice right. And yes, he did endorse Obama for president. Look some where else for the down fall of this country not Mr. Jackson. And yes race did cause the problem again not the young men who acted but the actions before the action. Lets be humanly right. Matters not about what the person has done but what the person is during at the time.
All of us have spoken about this non-sense by Jesee jackson and it seems like he was listening or reading the post. He has just reaffirmed his support for Obama.
From NBC/NJ's Aswini Anburajan
The Obama campaign just forwarded us a statement from Jesse Jackson, who reiterated his support for Obama, despite being quoted by the Columbia State saying that Obama is "acting like he's white" for not speaking more forcefully regarding the racial incident in Jena, LA.
"I reaffirm my commitment to vote for Sen. Barack Obama," Jackson says in the statement. "He has remarkably transcended race, however the impact of Katrina and Jena makes America's unresolved moral dilemma of race unavoidable. I think Jena is another defining moment of the issue of race and the criminal justice system. This issue requires direct and bold leadership. I commend Sen. Obama for speaking out and demanding fairness on this defining issue. Any attempt to dilute my support for Sen. Obama will not succeed."
Isn't this the same group that said he wasn't really an african american? Now they're saying he's acting white? Come on! They just can't make up their minds. Obama is Obama, a presidential candidate. He wants to make America better just like every other candidate. Jessie's just upset because people like Obama better. Sheesh! Get over it.
Jackson's comment is incredibly narrow-minded, and just adds to the stereotypes of blacks in this country. He should know better! And why is he singling out Obama? It seems to me none of the Democratic candidates have said anything particularly striking about these horrible events. Frankly, I find Jackson's popping up at times like these to smack of opportunism, which is a shame, because these are genuinely distressing issues which deserve attention, but his spin on them turns people off and detracts from their seriousness.
I find Jesse Jackson just as irresponsible and annoying as Al Sharpton; Al just has a better sense of humor.
He is acting white because? He has a real chance to make a difference and is able to articulate ideas and connect them with regards to issues that have nothing to do with black or white? I sense a bit of jealosy and a lot of regrets in Mr. Jacksons comments.
If a white said another white was acting black do you think Jesse and his posse would cry racisim???
Terry Calhoun, anyone that doesn't think this is a big deal is an idiot and probably a racist themselves.
And to all of the posters who are piling on Jesse and Al.....think about this....if it was not for Jesse and Al, this obvious injusticed would have gone unchecked and the lives of 6 american boys would lay in ruins thanks to an over-zealous and bigoted DA and judge. They both need to resign their positions immediately. We don't need clowns like Nifong and these jokers in our justice system.
Andre from Seattle......great post.
I do agree that it was inappropriate for Jesse Jackson to make that comment. However, his inability to distinguish between what is appropriate and inappropriate is exactly why his presidential campaigns have failed. I just wish that he wasn’t making such comments during this time with the presidential seat finally in the grasp of black Americans. There shouldn’t be one black American that isn’t supporting Barack Obama in America right now. He may just be another slimy politician, but that’s not for me to say because what I am focused on is what he can do for the black community right now. What he can do is open a door that has been closed for far too long, the door to the White House. It is far more important for blacks to get one of our own in the white house right now than it is to criticize our candidate.
I have been Senator Obama's campaign and I do not see any signs of him acting "white" as supposedly the Rev.Jessie Jackson described him. It would be like calling Mr. Jackson "WHITE" and we all know he isn't and never acted like one. No, Mr. Obama comes from a long like of african ancestors, his father was african and we cannot have more black than that and I think I can safely say Mr.Obama is proud of whom he is and where he comes from and would never want to be anyone or anything else. He loved his black family and what they stand for. He is very concerned about the Jena situation and care about what happens there, but he is a very busy man these days and is concentrating on this presidential campaign,I know if he could he would be out there at the rally with everyone else tomorrow. Please do not let this misquote damage Mr.Obama's chance for the White House.
its amazing how many racist/prejudice people there still are. The charges against the Jena 6 were extreme under the circumstances. Also note that in several prior incidents of white on black assaults the whites got off. That isn't a fair justice system. That is a total joke. Anybody who doesn't see the problem with all this is probably prejudiced or racist themselves. Furthermore anybody who criticizes Jackson because he criticizes another black leader for not speaking up on the issue is either small minded, or simply has a personal issue with Jackson which makes their thinking ability on the issue corrupted.
You know the portrayal of the old racist white man that grew up in a segregated world, and now has an uneducated and uncouth appearance because of his inability to adjust to a more modern world? Well Jesse Jackson keeps moving in that direction. If I were an African-American politician, Jackson is the last person I would want to be backing me. He IS a racist, and his motivations have degenerated into his own perceived glorification and publicity.
I am not American. I am not particularly fond of divisions by race.
But this is exactly the point I have been advocating since the beginning. Mr Obama wants to hide his 'blackness' and even more that of his wife. And he has tried to substitute his wife with Oprah.
I am completely accustomed not to judge people by the colour of their skin. "Brown" 1954-6 and "Bakke" 1978 have reshaped rights and culture. Now is time for the black community to engage those rights, and judiciously to make them work.
No one calls Africans "African African". I fail to grasp the appellative "African-American". They are American, period. And yes...Mr Obama has used Brown and Bakke to get where he is. Why not show the rest of Americans how he has done it?
Why does Jesse Jackson continue to make headlines? What he says is about as significant as your average commoner. He means nothing, says nothing, and does nothing. Move along people, move along.
Jackson is a hypocrite. Until he makes amends for his own ridiculous rush to judgement in the Duke lacrosse case anything he says or does can not be taken seriously by anyone of any race.
Jesse Jackson needs a job!
Now hold up!!! Jackson can say freely that Obama is acting white and us WHITE people should not take that to offence but if we WHITE people were to say a someone is acting black, we are being racest?
Answer this question for me Jackson - Just how does someone act WHITE?
You are a racest pig yourself Jackson!!!
It's people like you who are the reason there is so much violence and hate crimes in this world!
I brought a similar issue to the attention of the Obama and Clinton's camps, regarding the blatant violation of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 by the NH Family Court and NH Supreme Court over court ordered racial segregation in education by court officials. I asked that the confront NH Demoncratic officials and Governor Lynch as to why something like this could happen in this very age and directly under their noses, with no appropriate sense of outrage or indignation towards the racially motivated bias of court officials. Only Obama's people responded, but the response avoided answering the concerns for the situation. I've invited him to attend my criminal trial where the same state officials that defended the state against my civil rights lawsuit are now pursuing false allegations against me claiming I threatened the court officials and the NH U.S. Attorney.
Just what is "acting Black"? That statement is very racial. If true, I'm very diappointed Mr. Jackson would make such a statement.
I suppose its time for Jessie to get back in the news. This time again, he is ridiculous! Mr. Obama is so out of his picky, insecure league that I wish JJ would just keep quiet and pray to God to help us all in these trying times.
Jesse Jackson just did more damage to race relations in one STUPID sentance than Don Imus. What is acting white or black?????? How about appropriate and inappropriate. I guess acting white means your well educated, articulate and earn a living huh?
Doesn't Jackson know that Obama is half white. He isn't a Black man. nor is he a white man. He is a man who is as much a white man as a black man. Those that vote for Mr. Obama will be voting for just as much a black man as a white man. Jackson is more racist than any white man. The idiot should leave Obama alone. Mr. Obama is a good man and has a job and does it well. What does Jackson do?? duh
WHOW!! U WHITE PEOPLE R SOO FUNNY. U JUST DONT GET IT. BLACKS BEAT UP A WHITE, WHITE LATER GOES TO A PARTY THAT SAME NIGHT. WHITES BEAT UP A BLACK AND PULL A GUN ON THE BLACKS. NO CHARGES TO THE WHITES. BLACKS GET CHARGED WITH ATTEMPTED MURDER, AND ALSO FOR REMOVING THE GUN FROM THE WHITES, THE BLACKS GET CHARGED WITH ROBBERY AND THEFT. GO FIGURE WHITE PEOPLE.
If I were a gambling man, I would be willing to bet that Clinton is behind this.
To JB's from Boston comment:
The student that was jumped by the jena 6 was not "almost killed". He was bruised badly- he went to the hospital and was released that same day- where he was later seen at a social event. That sure doesn't sound like someone who was ALMOST MURDERED. The case is a serious injustice. Please see it for what it is.
re: 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.
Posted By JB Boston MA : September 19, 2007 12:47 pm
unbelievable. who cares what jesse jackson thinks? he can't run for president because he already tried and lost and he knows he's totally moot. he has illegitimate kids and has proven himself to be a phony and a liar. he's just as 'white' as any other black guy. apparently. whatever that EVEN MEANS.
Jesse Jackson should know better then to make such a racist comment as "acting like he's white".
Acting white? Acting Black? Acting Hispanic? What is that! Until we can get rid of the labels then racism will always exist.
Injustice is wrong. Injustice has no color.
Margo
Bartow, Florida
I think Obama acts like a human instead of black or white. That's more important to me.
But he is white, isn't he?
It amazes me how much reverse discrimination is allowed today. I'd be brought up on hate charges if I referred to someone as "acting black".
But he is white, isn't he?
Why isn't Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton in Knoxville TN marching for Channon Christian and Chris Newsom who were raped cut in pieces and shot by 4 black men and 1 black women. I am so sorry I forgot they were white. They too were probably slave owners.
Is Obama acting white or educated Jesse Jackson? More than we can say for you! Regardless of your answer, you are more or less degrading your own race!!
The city of Chicago has expeerienced an explosion in the number of Chicago area youths who are in school who have been murdered this year. It is quite ironic that Rev.Jackson feels the need to be involved in New Orleans when this tragedy keeps occurring inChicago.
4 white lacrosse players allegedly rape an african american woman...jackson campaigns for the 4 white students' heads to roll.
6 african american students assault a white student...jackson campaigns in defense of the african american students.
RACISM in its purest form.
I wonder what Jackson thought of Hillary's "I ain't no-ways tired." pandering some months ago. Was she acting black?
I get a kick out of Democrats trying to relate to people thinking that relating to someone means talking like them. As if emulating the lingo creates some kind of bond between regular folks and these limosine liberals.
Jesse Jackson: Taking himself to the back of the bus one word at a time.
I thought Obama was acting like a human being.
Jackson – stop "acting" prejudiced!!
Who's Jesse Jackson?
How on earth is this not racist??? "he's acting white"...if the same were said but one was "acting black" you would have al sharpton front and center demanding an explanation of what does acting black mean? why does jackson think that blacks are the only race that suffer from stero types???
Yeah whose racist now!!!!!
1) Regarding Jena: Few Whites will ever understand the terror that Blacks feel from seeing nooses hanging from a tree or a cross burning in your yard. It was NOT a harmless prank; it was a 200+ year old tactic used to promote fear and submission. That does NOT excuse the brutalizing of the White student, but perhaps it can help explain why the reaction to the unequal distribution of justice is so volatile there.
2) Regarding Obama's comments versus Clinton's: I find it interesting that HIS comments are being criticized when HERS are obviously the ones pandering to the Black vote...
3) Regarding Jesse Jackson: Sigh... his methods worked when racism in the US was rampant and blatant; they do not work today when racism is subtle and so many Whites think it is a thing of the past... Rev. Jackson, no disrespect intended for your past accomplishments, but it is time for you to pass on the torch.
Tom, Macon, GA...get your facts straight all Muslims are of different races...even white...please I don't hear you saying anything about the KKK running the White House...oh sorry you must be a member of that group. Chris, NY...so well put and yes I know the story of Genarlow Wilson...Carmen, Los Angeles...ditto on enough of the African American...I am Black American and proud of it...but if we really want to keep it all real everyone in this world has something mixed in them...as far as Mr. Jackson he's a done deal.
Mr. Jackson, Obama is not "acting" white, he is behaving in an intelligent and educated manner. Maybe you should try the same!
I am confused... If it was six white boys that almost killed and gay or black guy then it would be racial and everybody would want them in jail for ever. But now that it is six black boys that did it, they should go free so they can have a future?... What am I missing here? These boys need to be treated the same. Everyone is equal right? Or is that in some cases?
Was Jessee acting "Black" when he condemmed the Duke Lacross players, but then did NOTHING in the form of an apology when they were aquitted.
Yes, Jesse is messy but that is his schtik and he get's paid well for it. Let's not pretend "we" (as Afrikans n Amerikkka) believe or buy his rhetoric as a legitimate position or an accurate account of the collective thinking of Afrikans-n-Amerikkka, cause on the whole we do not have a collective thought or for that matter a thought of our own. "We" should know better but don't. I don't expect more from "white America" than what I've read posted here, (those unbiased and altruistic postings aside). This is a nation polarized by a gender/racial divide not "our" making, perpetuation or responsibility. Jesse and to some extent Rev. Sharpton, whom I've got much more respect for, capitalize on this fact/flaw. But, capital is the Amerikkkan way: To profit from the blood or sweat, joy or pain, of us all, either gainfully, politically or resourcefully. That is our common denominator but because "they" can't get beyond race and gender we will all be reduced to our individual parts. So, JB in Boston, Thomas in St. Pete., Christian in Seldon and the like will not see the light or injustice in black and white. Not surprising however, many of those respoding had not heard much about the Jena 6, Michael Vick and now O.J. dominating. Understand though, there had been beatings in Jena black and white since December and prior the charges leveied against the 6. And finally hanging nooses in a tree is not a slight, slur, horrible or racist it is a threat tantamount burning a cross on a lawn. But there in lies our differences in perception and definition. "White America" sees burning a flag a greater offense.
That's the problem with Jesse and his ilk... while I feel they are representing their supporters and shedding light on problems that our country continues to have, Rev. Jackson sees the situation in Jenna as a defining moment in our country, while most of America sees it as an aberration in today's day and age.
What he and his cronies need to realize is that their fervent focus on the bad merely rekindles the fires of intolerance that most of America has been trying to leave behind for decades.
If he wants the problem to get better, he needs to quit diving Americans on the basis of race, and find ways to bring people together.
Problem is, judging by his actions, I think we all know he doesn't want that.
Sounds like a racist comment.....Oh wait, since JJ is African American its ok to make comments like that.
OK- I am admitting after reading these posts to not know the whole story. I have looked online to get the WHOLE story, and unfortuntely am having a hard time For speaking without knowing the whole story, I am sorry for commenting. But clearly, many here don't. Can someone please post an address with the WHOLE story? I never heard the white student had a gun, nor did I hear he was at a party/school dance/wedding (more unknowns). If the white kid had a gun and threatened them with it, he deserves what he got, and the black students should be given an award. That is what I call self defense. Someone has got to have the real facts and all of the facts. Maybe CNN should stop wasting their time with silly little Britany stories and post some news. Tell us what really happened!!!!
PS- I am so happy that EVERYONE is in agreement with Jesse needing to disappear
This comment is EXACTLY what is wrong with America. Lovely comment there Mr. Jackson. So just what exactly does it mean to be "acting white" may I ask? The fact that he gets away with a racist comment like that because he's black is truly infuriating! Let's see how far a white political figure gets accusing a white presidential candidate of "acting black". Its complete BS!! Blacks get away with being racist and whites have to walk on eggshells every day. Goes hand in hand with all the scholarships available only to those that are black, or hispanic, or indian. But do whites get away with scholarship programs that are only for whites?!! No way, because THAT would be racist of course.
Obama acting white, this coming from the same mouth that said Elvis was acting black for singing gospel songs. Mr. Jackson, you still don't know when to shut up.
I think Jessie might be Jealous
i think it was a regular school fight,and the only reason they are in trouble is because they kicked there asses.if the white students had won there wouldn't be a problem.Jesse should have told the new president (OBAMA) in person,and not make such bold comments at a speech.Think Jesse Think!!
Just what is "acting white" exactly? Does it mean that Obama is educated, has intregrated himself into mainstream society, isn't a reverse racist and doesn't go around pointing fingers, looking for someone else to blame for his problems? Jackson and his tired, antequated rethoric needs to fade away and blacks in this country need to realize that you can't have a "colorblind society" if one side refuses to stop coloring EVERY issue.
Hey Jesse, every time you speak, your making a fool out of yourself. There is a lot important things to worry about in this world then Obama "acting white". Do you just come up with these dumb things to say just to hear yourself on the news?
Jessie is the biggest hypocrite around. Had any Non Black person had reversed his comment he would be all over it claiming racism. He puts a bigger divide in race relations than anyone else.
Jesse Jackson is all about jesse jackson and trying to capitalize on other peoples misfortunes. And here comes Mr Obama and he is smarter and more well versed then Jesse Jackson will ever be and he is jealious so now he has to use the "white" word. Mr. Jackson, do you see know whay you will never be in the the same category as Mr. Obama.
Its people like Jesse Jackson, Al Sharpton that keep racisim in the forefront and alive.. Hey jackson, hows your daughter you had out of wed lock, hey Sharpton, check up on Tawwna doing? Remember Her? Hey and Imus can thank you for $40 million for saying one not so bad thing, yet I hear the N word left and right wheer I live. Thank you for your double standards and making me guilty for lacking melonin
Dear Jesse: Crying race is not a profession. Get a real job.
When is someone going to have the nerve to inform Jesse that he has no relevance anymore, if indeed he ever did. And someone also needs to tell Jena to open their pocketbooks because Jesse never pays for anything. Just ask Decatur,IL.
First let me say I am "black" guy. Not sure if that gives me any authority to say what "acting" white or black is,but Rev. Jackson's comments are the dumbest I've heard in a long time coming out a black mans mouth. Many well educated black men and women are charged with acting white because they speak proper English and have a brain. I think Mr. Jackson's comments are pure jealousy and envious because he didn't get as far as Obama has in regards to being elected.
His comments are really upsetting!!
So if someone blasted a canditate for "being too black" that would be front page news!!!!
What a racist! Why does the press give the likes of Jackson and Sharpton any press at all? They claim that race is to blame for all woes and at the same time are racist themselves.
I think it's a white issue as much as it's a black issue. I am white and I am horrified that this racism still exists. it affects me immensely and I don't appreciate someone saying that if obama doesn't give it attention, he's acting white. as if white is an insult. I can assure you that there are many black folks who don't have a clue about this as well as many white folks who don't have a clue. but I am white and I've followed this from before it was getting major news coverage. does that mean I'm acting black? come on with that ridiculous phrase already.
Mr. Jackson continues to be an opportunist, creating controversy and stirring racial division in order to keep himself in the public consciousness. He should be trying to heal, not add insult to injury.
Mr. Jackson is showing signs of having outlived his political usefulness.
What is interesting about this case is how little has been discussed of why 6 black youthes were fighting with one white youth.
This attitude is exactly why progress is slowing. acting white. lol
And we wonder why the world is the way it is. Racism will live forever because of Jesse and Al. Obama is not black, he is not white, he is not red or blue – He is an American. Something you will never be. This country will always be divided as long as you are here because if it wasn't you wouldn't have a purpose.
"If I were a candidate, I'd be all over Jena,"...
You were a candidate. Twice. Never even got remotely close to winning, correct?
My advice, don't take his advice, it's like being coached by Ryan Leaf.
I think Jesse Jacson is way off base on this one. While I can strongly relate with his anger on the Jena six, I cannot imagine why Obama's articulate demeanor is out of character for an African American, man or woman. Obama is an educated man and looks and lives the part.
Another more relevant question is: What does Jesse Jackson think a black person ought to look and sound like, if not well-spoken or dignified? Perhaps that may shed more light on the matter in question. It’s obvious if you have one opinion, then there is the counterpoint that informs it.
Jesse Jackson has spent a lifetime standing on the shoulders of giants (in the civil rights movement) but lately he has been kicking them in the face with his inflammatory rhetoric.
The Rev Jackson's time has passed.
Does it really matter what color these 6 guys are? If they really did what they are accused of doing it wouldn't matter if they were purple, they should be arrested and tried. Jesse Jackson needs to look a the big picture in color not just black and white.
TYPICAL.
Jackson, like Sharpton, Farrakhan, and others, TOTAL RACISTS.
Hey JESSE!
BIGOTRY is a TWO-WAY STREET,
which SUCKS in both directions.
That any intelligent person can STILL support this racist loser is disgusting.
What exactly does "acting white" mean in these days of trying to have equality and Mr. Jackson, one of the biggest leaders of this so called movement for equality is making racial remarks like that? Black/White, they are just colors and should be left at that. The problem that I have is reverse the rolls and have a white person make such a comment about a black person and all hell would break loose. Can't everyone just get along as responsible human beings and leave it at that?
Jackson is actually the racist. He and Sharpton are the problems. The racists.
Why does he always have to bring up race? Let Obama be himself.
How does one act white anyway?
If Jesse Jackson isn't a racist there simply are no racists in this world. What a digusting man making an ignorant, disgusting comment.
If the news reported the sky was Falling these Americans would blame Hillary! Ridiculous!
Everyone around world I'm sure is sick and tired of listening to Al Sharpton, and Jesse Jackson Bantering! They are the two who are causing the MOST dissention between Black and Whites in America. They should find a back seat somewhere and go sit down and zipper their mouths shut!
AND NO I AM NOT against Blacks or Gays or Obama. I'm just against racism and those who Spear Head it and Keep Spinning it like Jesse and Al until they give themselves a front row seat like Jesse and Al. Disgraceful...They are against Racism supposedly and they are the ones that are keeping the issue in the News and out of control!
I'm so sick of hearing about Jesse Jackon, Al Sharpton, and the Jena 6! Should the white students have hung nooses from a tree, NO. I believe the white students should be punished severely for their actions. Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton need to look beyond race and look at the facts. You have 6 kids some with prior records attacking 1 kid. Do you think for one minute the so called Jena 6 had intentions of just causing some minor bumps and bruses on this kid? Six people don't gather to fight one person unless they intend to hurt someone. It doesn't matter whether this kid was on his death bed or attended a school function the same night. In the justice system a pre-mediatated crime is considered worse than committing a crime on a whim.
Does acting white mean that he doesn't sling rock aka he doesn't act black?
What a disgusting thing to say. Completely racist and without merit.
People like Jesse Jackson are racist in every form. Not only are they racist against white people, they are racist against blacks if they don’t fit into a “mold” of being black. What is acting black or white? Living in a trailer or listening to rap music? NO! There is no such thing as acting “black enough” or “white enough”. Unless you are a racist trying to get others to conform you your racist mind frame. Jesse Jackson screams for quality, but when a black person “acts white” he tries to roll back the clock and scream “he’s not acting black enough”. What do you want Jessie, to have equality, or live in the past?
JESSE JACKSON WOULD KNOW, SINCE HE MAKES SURE HE "ACTS BLACK" !
It's amazing that when it's the other way around the Rev. Jackson and Al Sharpton are not to be heard from. Just recently two young black women beat up an elderly white woman, threw bleach in her eyes and robbed her. Where where you Jesse an Al?
Jesse Jackson loves to stir the pot-o-crap.
why, Jesse, why,,, Why GIVE them this GIFT of stupidity to foam over for the next week... This is the kind of gaffe that brings them out of the woodwork! I once respected you as a saavy politician who advanced the dialogue. That is no longer the case. Regarding the Jena 6, people get ALL of the facts before making the all too easy dumb racist comments. Anyone who truly examines the case will conclude that the current outrage is just.
Hey Rev Jackson, remember when Nick Minucci beat up a black kid that had admitted he was in the neighborhood to steal a car. He was sentence to 14 years in jail because you guys said it was a hate crime. Why is it any different for these 6 black kids that jumped a white kid??? by the way i think both cases were ridiculous i just want to show how racist u are!!!
It is a shame that this country still looks at its people as black or white. I look at Mr. Obama and see a man, I look at Mrs. Clinton and see a woman. I would like to believe that after all we Americans have been through, black and white, we could come together once and for all as a country, and just look at the issues at hand, listen to the speeches and judge for ourselves who is the better person to run our country. Personnally, I don't care if the next President is green or purple, just as long as he or she is honest with the American people, true to his values, and will stand up for his or her ideals.
This statement is the ultimate in racism and immaturity. If you disagree with me, you are acting white. This comment is based on the racist assumption that all black people act a certain way and all white people act a certain way.
More importantly, does anyone really care what Jackson says? Does he carry any sway with anyone? He hardly seems relivant seeing as how he has never won an election and is obviously only in the political arena for self promotion.
Jackson is upset for his career never going anywhere, how do you act white by the way, I'm not sure what that means, you mean when you are educated and speak in complete sentences, does that make you sound like you are white. Help me cause I dont know
What if a white person said don't act like a black person. If I can't say it Jesse Jackson shouldn't say it.
Jessie, crawl back under the rock you came from. You have financially capitalized on blacks for years so let there be no profit in your unjustified statement about Sen. Obama. We as Black Americans don't need any further divide. We are smart enough to know you will drag Sen. Obama through the mud for your own self serving purposes.
I am appalled at the Justice system in Louissian. I am sick to my stomach. We are livivng in year 2007 not 1807. Those folks are ignorant and backward, hanging noose on trees, burning down buildings and assaulting each others because of the color of one's skin. Grow up rural folks, you need integration and intervention and proper moral and ethical and racial tolerance. How can progressive folks stay in such a community, don't they have internet access to view and learn about the globe, it's people and cultures. The mayor and the governor are a joke, who voted for such backward thinking leader, I hope none of them have any higher political ambition. I will stay and will always live in the greatest city on earth NY.
Acting white? Isn't that a racist remark? Jesse Jackson wants racial distinctions to flourish. It's the only way he gets the attention he craves.
Jesse Jackson is an irrelevant dinosaur who will exploit any situation to get attention. What does "acting white" really mean? Isn't that a racist statement in and of itself? Is he saying it is okay to beat somebody until they are unconscious. His hypocrisy (on many levels, e.g. illegitimate child) is unconscionable, he is a bigot and a demagogue with no moral standing whatsoever and should be ignored. He is a problem not a solution. He feeds on exploiting racial animus, he is a racist with darker pigmentation. I feel sorry for him and those that actually listen to him.
this jesse jackson is a complete idiot....Its funny that he doesnt know how humiliating he is....he is a nothing but a joke....
Incredible! All these responses indicate how much we are led by incorrect, unconfirmed information put out there by the media. Jesse didn't say it and folks who were there have confirmed it. I have spoken with them. This is really, really incredible. I guess most see it as an opportunity to attack Jesse. No one metions Jesse's support for Obama; no one mentions that he criticized all the candidates for their lack of attention to what's happening in Jena. I guess you would all rather hear about OJ, who really is irrelevant! Most of your comments make it clear you don't have all the facts. You briefly and incompletely mention what the white kids did and have been doing for some time. They're not excused. Did anyone mention the fact that not only did they hang nooses & call black kids the "n" word, they beat up a black child. All this warranted a short suspension?? Is this justice? The same act was committed, but there was much different punishment. The white kid that was beat up was out and at a school event that same night. No one mentioned that, either. Come people. Open up your eyes. I would love to say that racism doesn't exist, but it does. That is not to say that all the problems in Black America are due to racism, but it does indeed exist. When you've never experienced it, whether you're white or black, then it's very easy to dismiss it. What happened in Jena is a travesty and reminiscent of the 1960's when racism was rampant and overt. It's wrong and America should respond; not just blacks, not just Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson, not just the presidential candidates, but all Americans. And for those of you who talk about what Al & Jesse don't do, it's obvious that you've never looked into what they do. They work feverishly in and out of the spotlight to correct all injustice. It does focus on the African-American community, but isn't limited to that. The media shares what they want to and you folks follow. When Jesse brought the hostages home were they all black? I don't think so. When Al defended white families did that ever make it to CNN? No! You assume Jesse said something based on false media reports and say he shouldn't criticize. Follow your own advice. Don't criticize....do something. Al & Jesse aren't wrong for helping people, no matter what color they are. I support Obama and have been a huge fan for some time. We get our hair cut at the same place, which he still comes to without a huge entourage. I support Jesse (Sr & Jr) who are both members of my community and tireless in their efforts. I encourage all you armchair quarterbacks to do your homework. Step your game up! For the record, I am a West Point graduate, a University of Chicago MBA & current PhD student. Wake up America.......
What do you expect...it's Jessie.
Jesse Jackson – You are racist. If there was a "black KKK" you would be Grand Wizard. You want to abolish racism in the United States? Here's a suggestion...keep your ignorant, one-sided mind vomit out of our public view. Why do you hate so much? Did Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. not teach you anything? Why don't you love more instead of being such a hater?
Rev Jesse Jackson thinks there are sides to racial tension? So we have to choose either the black side or the white side... interesting. Whatever happened to not taking sides. No wonder Rev Jackson is so unsuccessful in dealing with racial issues. He's promoting people to take sides. As long as there are self-proclaimed enemies there will always be tensions.
Had a prominent white political figure made the comments that Jackson made, Jackson would have been the first to gripe about it. He (Jackson)is as slimy and self-serving as slimy and self-serving can be.
Jesse Jackson is a moron, and is as racist as he preaches he is NOT.
The only time you ever hear from this Jackson fellow is at the expense
of someone else, keep him off the news, what he thinks does not matter to anyone
Why should it be acceptable to direct certain comments one way, but should they be reversed, would be considered racist? I mean come on, if someone said a white person "acted like he was black"...?
It's sad reading some of these comments. Yes, if Jesee made those statements, he's dead wrong.
As for the Jena 6, those boys should not spend the rest of their lives in prison for a school fight. If the 6 are punished, then the whites who hung the nooses and beat up one of the black boys should also face charges!
America has not come a long way from Jim Crow and segregation...just look at some of these comments.
As far as race, there's only one race the human race. Genetically, we all come from the African!
Are you kidding me? So its ok for someone to say another person is acting like another race and it is not considered racism? Why? Because he is a "black" man acting "white"? Whatever! Racism is racism and every person has a right to act however he or she wants. So what if he speaks differently to different crowds. Isn't that what you are suppossed to do as a good speaker...know your audience and cater your speech to them? I think Jesse should be in the hot seat just like any other celebrity (Mel Gibson or Michael Richards for example)that has had anything to say about somebody of the other race.
A couple of observances....
–Any post regarding Obama brings out passion either for or against... Postings about him usually beat the closest number of comments by 100+ (pay attention to yourselves, America...)
–Where are the comments from the Presidential Candidates on the right? Given their refusal to debate at an Historically Black College, seems the silence from them is DEAFENING.
Acting white??? What a racist thing to say. The only way to eliminate racisim is to stop people like Jackson that say that the different races must act differently from each other. I thought Mr. Jackson wanted to erase boundaries and bring people together. Sounds like he wants to keep us all separate. What does it keep him in a job? BTW I believe the prosecution is going overboard with the Jena 6 and that has nothing to do with race. It's kids being stupid.
How about Mr. Jackson acting like a color-blind human being?
As far as the comment posted earlier about Jena 6 not occuring if the black students hadn't beat up the white student, get your facts straight. Jena 6 wouldn't have happened if those nooses hadn't been hung up on the so called white tree, or if the white kids hadn't beat up a black kid first at a party. Jena 6 wouldn't have taken place if the black students had received the same punishment as the white students; Jena 6 wouldn't be a issue if there were equal rights for everyone no matter what race. How anyone can think racism still doesn't exist or is not an issue, is obviously not a minority. As far as Obama goes, keep doing what you doing; unfortunately you can't please everyone all the time. Some people are just jealous and ignorant. What is acting white? That's just like saying black people can't use good english or be professional or that were not supposed to. There are alot of white people that don't use correct english or act professional; so anyone who thinks that behavior is only reserved for whites, is just as ignorant!
Mr. Jackson must not have realized he was being taped. Sounds like a racist to me. I bet no one jumps on him for his racial slur.
Don't believe the racist lies posted by Posted By Tom, Macon Ga : September 19, 2007. Spreading lies is the weapon of the weak and desperate. For the truth about Obama's background visit the barack obama .com website:
http://www.barackobama.com/about/
Or any legitimate biography source.
Whether you're for or against Obama it's your duty and responsibility to make sure you're basing your decision on the truth, not lies from haters. True Americans are better than that.
I think Jesse Jackson should worry more about erasing stereotypes than trying to enforce them. I thought his job to help equality, not to ensure divisiveness.
This is in response to the following message posted by H.E. Henderson:
It is people like you that are a disgrace to this country....you cannot get past the black vs. white concept. How about a more logical concept: ALL PEOPLE ARE EQUAL, NO MATTER WHAT COLOR THEY ARE. You and all the other "Jesse lovers" need to get a life and stop the finger pointing, that is the only way we can get past the issue of racism.
re: WHOW!! U WHITE PEOPLE R SOO FUNNY. U JUST DONT GET IT. BLACKS BEAT UP A WHITE, WHITE LATER GOES TO A PARTY THAT SAME NIGHT. WHITES BEAT UP A BLACK AND PULL A GUN ON THE BLACKS. NO CHARGES TO THE WHITES. BLACKS GET CHARGED WITH ATTEMPTED MURDER, AND ALSO FOR REMOVING THE GUN FROM THE WHITES, THE BLACKS GET CHARGED WITH ROBBERY AND THEFT. GO FIGURE WHITE PEOPLE.
Posted By H. E. HENDERSON : September 19, 2007 3:22 pm
THIS CASE OF THE JENA 6 IS ABOUT WHITE TEENS HAVING A FIGHT WITH BLACK TEENS AND THE WHITE TEENS BEAT UP SOME BLACK TEENS ALMOST TO DEATH AND WERE NOT CHARGE WITH THE SAME CHARGES THAT BLACK TEENS WERE CHARGE WITH WHEN THE BLACK TEENS BEAT UP THE WHITE TEENS! THIS IS JUST A SCHOOL YARD FIGHT THAT OCCURS IN AMERICAN SCHOOLS EVERYDAY WHICH IS A SHAME! THE PROBLEM IS THAT THE JUSTICE SYSTEM UNFAIRLY PUNISH AFRICAN AMERICANS FOR THE SAME CRIMES WHITE AMERICANS COMMIT! YOU KONW RACISM ONLY CAN SURVIVE WITH PEOPLE MAKING COMMENTS LIKE JESSE JACKSON HAS MADE. I,M TO YOUNG TO KNOW WHAT RACISM IS I WAS NEVER A SLAVE I DID NOT GROW UP WITH JIM CROW LAWS AND DID NOT MARCH IN THE CIVIL RIGHTS MOVEMENT! I HAVE WHITE FRIENDS,ASIAN FRIENDS AND LATINO FRIENDS I KNOW MY FATHER AND GRAND PARENTS MIGHT UNDERSTAND WHAT JESSE JACKSON COMMENT IS ABOUT BUT THEY NEVER RAISE ME TO HATE PEOPLE WHO ARE RACIST THERE ARE A#@ HOLES IN EVERY RACE!!! BARACK OBAMA THE NEXT PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES!!!!!!
I love how Blacks finally get a worthy candidate for President and instead of being proud and excited, they complain that he's not Black enough. I'm sorry but the first Black President will probably not be like Chris Rock's character in "Head of State". Sorry Black people.
People like Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton are the cause of most white people's dislike of Black people. Most Black people with half a brain stay the hell away from those idiots.
Jesse Jackson is a racist a**. Someone needs to end his suffering permanelty. The main reason there is still racism in usa is because of people like him and Sharpton. I have no problem with blacks or any other race for that matter, but listening to dumbs**** like Jackson I can understand why whites are sick and tires of hearing the sob story. Slavery is over idiot.
So long as leaders of the black community continue to be examples of bigotry in a reverse manner, there can never be a way forward....hmmm, then again if we all moved forward and stopped the name calling, they wouldn't have jobs. Newsflash Jackson..black people are diverse too! You and your opinion don't represent all black people just because you are black.
Speaking as a person of color, Jesse Jackson is a joke and an insult to all intelligent Black people. He's obviously jealous of Obama because he's alot brighter and has more charisma then Jesse ever had. I grew up on a family farm in Iowa and I never did understand why some Black people think you should pretend you're from the ghetto even if you're not. And then they have the nerve to think they came lay that guilt trip on you for being too white.
That seems a little racist that he said he's acting white. If it was one white guy saying another white guy was acting black, there would be hell to pay woudn't there???
To Awake and Alert – It doesn't matter what was or wasn't said. Point being, the Rev. needs to have a nice big cup of shut the hell up. Seriously. I act White all the time but sometimes I act Black, Chinese, Indian, British, Aussie – whatever. Jesse sticks his foot in his mouth everytime he opens it, so this "berating of the Rev." is long overdue!!!!!
Jesse Jackson has done more to continue to continue segregation than anyone else in the world! This man should of been silenced years ago...
George W. Bush has a B.A. from Yale and and M.B.A. from Harvard, what is your point?
Were you there to verify that he was misquoted by the press?
Moreover, this is all race baiting. There is some institutionalized problems indeed, but the african-american community also needs to perform some soul-searching. Are they going to blame the fatherless problem, teen pregnancy and drug dealing on "white" America? Take some responsibility. Immigrant groups last century had to transcend cultural, religious and language barriers and managed to do well. Asians don't make excuses and they are markedly different in appearance and culture, in fact, they succeed quite well. This is not a race issue, it is a class issue. Poor whites aren't exactly in positions of power either. These are issues that need to be discussed in the public discourse and often are ignored.
Jesse needs to go and climb back in the hole he and Al Sharpton come out of. All they do is come out and stir up a bunch of bad feelings then go back and hide till something else comes along they can pounce on and make it sound like its all the white folks fault. Please let Americans be themselves and say what they want. After all this is America. Thank You
This is awful.....still with all of the information available on this board about the Jena 6 some of you guys still want to turn your head. This incident should be enough to make everyone sick and want to fight back for injustices for everyone. I am not going to knock Jesse or Al because they do good and sometimes bad. I wonder what Jesse said to those Iraqis that had captured 6 US soldiers to get them free? Oh yeah Jesse got them free.
Oh yeah and by the way the DA over this case is also on the school board people and where is the police report for this case. That hasn't been filed yet. Can we all agree that something in Jena sticks and I think its the DA. He failed the justice system and I think he did it for spite. That little kid pride was hurt more than anything. Why else would you go to a party after you get beat up? He wanted to talk about it to his friends and try to get more people involved.
While I usually do not comment on these articles, this one is just beyond the pale. I am an African-American. I am tired of Jesse Jackson thinking he has cornered the market on "Blackness." He needs to get a real job and focus on supporting his "Baby Moma!"
And Jesse Jackson wonders why there is still a racial divide in this country.
This kind of insidious talk will forever fuel the race issue in this country.
Incredible, if it's not Rush Limbaugh trying to criticize upstanding African Americans, then it's Jesse Jackson, or Al Sharpton. I am 100% caucasian, and this offends me. Wake up Mr. Jackson, Barrack Obama is a better man than you will ever be, and he actually has a shot to possibly become president, though it probably will not happen due to this display of ignorance, and the ignorance of many others in our nation.
Comments like this are what continually divide our country on race! Disappointing!!
He does not "recall" making this statement, please! You either make a statement or you don't.....that simple.
I understand our past is full of unspeakable prejudices. But isn't it time to stop pointing at the color of a criminal and start pointing at the crimes they commit? The PEOPLE that hung the nooses should pay the price for their crimes. The PEOPLE that burned down the school should pay the price for their crimes. The PEOPLE that beat another human being into the hospital should pay the price for their crimes. It's simple. You do violate a law you pay the price. What color, sex, religion, hair color, eye color, language of preference, favorite tv show, favorite music, or how stupid someone is HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH ANYTHING!!!
The civil rights movement isn't just about or for African Americans. It is for every single living creature on the planet. In my heart Dr. King would see this and would have changed the face of his movement. African Americans have more rights now then before his lifetime. But his speech shouldn't have been taken as a speech just about color. I never have believed it was. Color should never be brought up if we ever intend to live together in harmony! And no, for those of you that will never open your minds, I am not white, black, brown, red or yellow. I am a human being with concerns about the future of the children. People like Mr. Jackson that have the ability to make a change shouldn't focus on one color. If he, and others, would start putting the focus just on injustices everywhere people would stop seeing color.
"Reach for the heavens and hope for the future and all that we can be, not what we are."
How does he get away with making statements like that!!
We have created a status for Jesse that is being abused by Jesse. What do you think the other minorities think of this man.
Jackson is one of the biggest racists in America!
if you listen to jackson and sharpton, you are ignorant, racist and stupid. Both are and will always be racist and ignorant.
how do you "act white" ? and whats wrong with that?
I love the double standard exhibited here. I can just hear the outcry by Jesse and Al Sharpton if Al Gore told someone they are "acting like a black man." We would never hear the end of it. Just like the Duke "rape" case. Jesse and Al were all over that one......until it was proven that the alleged victim lied about everything. Notice Jesse and Al didn't take up the case of the players whose lives were almost ruined. Jesse Jackson is a hypocrite. He and Al Sharpton are the cause of a lot of racial problems in this country.
JESSE – GO AWAY, WE DO NOT WANT YOU ANYMORE!
seems pretty inappropriate to me to say such words. isnt that something that would be construde as racist if said by a white? what EXACTLY does he mean by "acting white?" and WHAT is wrong with WHITE anyway? didnt someone just lose their employment at a large media affiliate just a few months ago over a remark that was deemed inappropriate? yet another double standard? sick world we live in. indeed.
This is what I hear when I hear Jesse Jackson speak: Wah, Wah, WAHWAHWAHWAHWHAHWHA...WAH. Sort of like Charlie Brown's teacher, but with whining sounds.
i would expect an ignorant inner city kid to label certain black people as "acting white" a 64 year old "leader" should know better than that. if he said that than he should apologize publicly to Mr.Obama.because his comments are completely rediculous.
sorta sounds a little racist to me
Jesse Jackson is intimidated by Barack Obama because Barack is 10 times smarter than Jesse Jackson. Jackson could stand to learn a few things from Obama. Barack graduated from Columbia and Harvard and I respect his politics and intelligence.
I am so sick of hearing that loudmouth Jesse Jackson. What has he done for America over the last 20 years but blow into the same horn all the time, encourage Black prejudice and father illegitimate children. The old "acting white" accusation just doesn't go very far anymore, Jesse. No one respects that anymore, people are smarter now and have access to people and places beyond their front door.
Jesse, you are not in government, Barack is! Barack is exactly what America needs as a President and what black people need as a leader. I am a black person and I am proud that Barack is running for President. Hopefully enough of you will wise up and choose the better leader, that leader is Barack.
Jesse Jackson has nothing better to do than to start crap. He is the devil. No wonder our society has the race issues it has. That man is the problem. Someone must have really offended him or dropped him on his head as a child
What I never understood is why the blacks that gang mauled a white weren't tried under the hate crime bill? Everytime a white is accussed of beating up a black Jesse is yelling hate crime. What is different about this crime except the color of those that caused the violence?
And for those of you who talk about what Al & Jesse don't do, it's obvious that you've never looked into what they do. They work feverishly in and out of the spotlight to correct all injustice. It does focus on the African-American community, but isn't limited to that. The media shares what they want to and you folks follow. When Jesse brought the hostages home were they all black? I don't think so. When Al defended white families did that ever make it to CNN? No! You assume Jesse said something based on false media reports and say he shouldn't criticize.
Posted By Awake & Alert : September 19, 2007 3:57 pm
They need to get back in touch and intuned with the black communities. Because from what i've seen these last couple of years has only caused a divide. When Rev made that huge error on supporting a stripper who wrongfully accused those Duke boys. And Jesse refused to apologize to the boys for calling them all sorts of this and thats. That does Americans a disservice. That doesnt bring us together and that is not what Martin taught Jesse. Jesse has made numerous mistakes with his position on fighting civil rights. Just because you think your fighting the good fight. Does not mean your right with any and everything you say!
^^^No need for homework no matter how you slice it the comment was unnecessary. If you support someone you support them. And knowing the media and its spin why would you say something like that? How long as this Jena 6 become an issue? And this is the first time I've heard Jesse and Al speak about this issue. While these 6 were in jail, Jesse and Al were fighting Imus over "nappy headed hoes" then changed there targets to rap but now speak on Jenna 6. What took them so long? Was it the cameras? Or were nooses hanging from a tree not as serious as a retarded old white man saying something stupid? I’ve seen Al numerous times on CNN, Fox news, And on Glen Beck and not once mentioned this when it was at the height of its problem. Now I too am black but you can not deny that Jesse sometimes does "us" a disservice as blacks on how and when he attacks these issues. In my view it’s done for public attention. I only question his motives based on what he has done when the cameras are off. But you can not blind yourself from the possible damage it does between our communities. It confuses blacks on who they should follow period! You’re smart enough to know and see that. It's just a comment that should have never been said. I just don’t see the benefits for blacks and whites behind Jesse Jackson’s comments you can’t be blind to that.
Jesse – can you spell pathetic? You have ceased, if ever, to be relevant. Let's find a leader who has done something rather than having once walked beside someone who did! Opportunity knocks and Jesse slithers in.
i think we should all stop being ignorant about J. Jackson speech. when he says Obama acts like he's white in regard to the jena 6 case, i think he has a point we all over look. we are talkn about 6 teenages, whether hooligans as some of you have called them or kids with a bright future, the fact remains that these are juviles who were involved in a school fight, according to reliable sources, most of them were not even present during the fight. these kids face up to 100 years in prison just like that. In a racially biased town like jena, such judgement is nothing but dicriminatory and unjust. I need every body postin comments to research on the jena six story. Nooses were hangin from tree branches where afrian americans sat. Nooses in 2007? come on yall. lets get real, this is way moe than prank, the students involved apparently put thier thoughts together before executing such act knowin the symbols and consiquence thereof. A student would ve been killed afterwards say the school fight did not break out. Although J. JAckson has a bad reputation in the african american community, that does not necessarily mean his words are meaningless. the future of six young boys are in the hand of a corrupt judicail system. obama need to stop astin like he does not know waht it means to be an african american in America just because he has attained a higher social status. Obama can do better than saying " im glad the court has reduced the charges... i hope they all get fair and equal trial" this is not an attituted of a presidential candidate. WE should all stop being ignorant of what affects us all. the decisions of the court regarding this issue determines our future. what affects one affects all. lets stop payin heed to what who said and to whom. the issue at hand id the fate of these boys. if you dnt know the true story, find out more before posing your comment and if you knw the background of the story, then be as honestand genuine as you will be if they were your children or were in any way related to you. Lets use the internet as a forum to protest evil and secure our rights as citizens and human.
Jesse Jackson is a true blooded racist.This is what gives blacks a bad name...
I would like to reiterate my call for people to stop talking about racial issues and for CNN to stop reporting news in general. Please people almost 400 comments about this most of you dont care either way.
Thanks CNN this is highly irresponsible just cause people talk about it doesnt mean they should.
To Awake and Alert:
I posted above you at about 3:40. You seem to have a complete understanding of the facts. It seems to me, you are over confident, but I will ask again. Where are you getting your facts? Please post web addresses. I guess many of us are unaware of the facts. As far as Jesse and Al are concerned, I believe that the good that they have done has been overshadowed MANY times by the bad they have done. What is your opinion on the Duke case? How about Tawana Brawley? The bottom line is, just as many have posted before, those two only perpetuate racism by insighting reverse racism. For that, they are wrong and always will be. And truthfully, without racism they become even more irrelevent. Maybe deep inside, they don't want it to go away.
PS- slow day at work : )
Awake & Alert
good post, i still am unsure about this whole jena 6 situation as you can see in my other posts i put up. but your write people only see what they are fed and i feel like its the same thing with this jena 6 story. this is a lot of wholes in what happened and none of us really know the truth on both sides....
AL ./ BIG AL IS ALWAYS IN SOMETHING JUST TO FEATHER HIS NEST AND MAKE MONEY
HAS HE EVER PERSONALLY HELPED ANY ONE JUST TO HELP THEM
Comments are all over the map.
It seems to me that the Old-Sage-Sitting-Under-the-Oak-Tree counsel applies here. "You can fool some of the people some of the time, but you cannot fool all of the people all of the time".
Mr Obama, this is it for you. You will never recover.
I think this is OVERRATTED
Jessie's comment says one thing to me, raciest. Isn't he suppose to be against racism yet he preaches it?
I think the Jena 6 case is something people should pay attention to. But who am I to say what you should pay attention to.
It would be wonderful if presidential candidates, black, white, hispanic, and mixed would shine some light on this topic. It would be wonderful if they would take time from their ambitions in order to let the world know that racism is alive and well.
What people don't realize is the cruel punishments given to these guys while the white guys go scott free. Yeah, the white guy who brought the machine gun, nothing done to him. That is why people are upset. This happens everyday in America to African-Americans.
What Obama, Clinton, Guliani, Romney, and others could bring to this situation is light. Then people on a huge scale would understand that this is something we will not allow to happen.
It is the inactivity by presidential campaigns in events like this that make people think that they don't care.
ON the other hand, Jesse should chill out. It is a known fact that everybody including myself adjusts ourselves and speaking voices and dialects to our environment. I am black college student who is in class with 250 white kids and only 3 or 4 other blacks. While I don't talk naturally with slang and slurs, I can't talk that way with them. I must be proper and understood. I try to be proper around blacks and it is okay. But I do get that, "That ain't the way you talk. Stop acting like you better than us."
Not all blacks from the hood or ghetto talk with slang and slurs. We articulate our opinions and speak with proper English. We don't speak or act white, we act RIGHT.
Got it.
Honestly..."If I were a candidate, I'd be all over Jena"...that is why he would never be able to run a sucessful bid for the house...he just can't see the bigger picture
Its funny – Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton are usually the butt of jokes told by members of their own race. I've never heard an African-American comedian say a word about Obama...I wonder why. Jesse needs to understand that sometimes when there is an opportunity to speak, especially in a situation that will not benefit for the listener, he should just SHUT the F*#! UP!
Here we go again. Now its bad to be "too white". If I was to label a black politician as "too black" I'd be labeled a racist. Maybe Jessie is hanging around Donovan McNabb too much?
While the Jena 6 case clearly is a showcase of disparate justice, Jesse is a complete hypocrite to criticize Obama when he, nor Sharpton, nor the NAACP have made any comment at all about the Dunbar Village gang rape case in West Palm Beach, where a black single mother was raped by 10 black men and forced to perform oral sex on her 12 year old son at gunpoint.
This calling people white because they don't chase the cameras at every opportunity to sensationalize a controversial issue (deserving or not) is the kind of crass race hustling behavior that has greatly diminished Jackson in my view.
Jackson is so predictable. "Jena" as a "defining moment "in civil rights history is absurd. Sadly, I fear Mr Jackson craves relevancy so badly that he wishes it were so.
Jessie's comment says one thing to me, raciest. Isn't he suppose to be against racism yet he preaches it?
Any Black Leader who sees the Jena 6 issue as a graver threat to advances of African-American progress in America than the the current black-on-black crime,Crack Cocaine addiction or AIDs crisis is more interested in headlines
You would think that after Mel Gibson, Michael Richards, Jerry Lewis and Don Imus putting their foot in their mouths and being crucified for such inapropriate comments and beliefs that a comunnity leader such as Jesse Jackson would have the nerve to call some one "Acting White." If white america was to tell an african american or white person such a line they would be shot and hung by todays society. What a racist comment. An apology is sorely needed for that. It is unacceptable for any culture or race to say such stuff. What a joke.
For God's sake, shut up Jesse Jackson! Embrace Obama as a fellow black man running for the Presidency of the United States-and he has a decent chance of winning!!!
And yes, part of that is because he acts white. We all know that if he acted black, he'd have no chance.
I am absolutely sick and tired of these so-called "black leaders" bringing down Barack. Barack does not see color when he talks about the issue that affects us all.
Jesse Jackson & Al Sharpton need to stop running towards the cameras...and leave Barack alone! They only focus on issues that get media attention.
I am, quite frankly, sick and tired of them!
Yeah, saying that Obama is acting white is not racist at all. This is so hilarious to see Jackson's blatant hypocracy, because if anyone told anybody else that they were "acting black" while in Mr. Jackson's presence, that person would end up being labeled a racist and run out of town on a rail. So hilarious; even the ones who are fighting for civil rights don't know when to keep their big mouths shut.
Jesse...stop fomenting racial tensions and leave barack alone. You didn't get the job done in your presidential bid maybe being less of an angry black man will help barack be a president for all people not just black people
Fact: Obama is a solid contender for PUSA in '08 and has the funds to make a solid run.
Fact: Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton never came close, and never will.
Question: Why should Obama take advice from Jesse or Al now?
Answer: Jesse Jackson is upset that his cause is taking a back seat to everything else right now. It is unfortunate that the only way he can make a headline is by tearing down the first black candidate to pose a solid chance at becoming PUSA.
Jesse "IMUS" Jackson. Classic display of his double standard tactics he has used for years. What a hypocrite.
What happened in Jena is terrible and at least to me obviously racist. In reaction to Jesse Jackson's comment though – people seem to forget that Barack Obama is BIRACIAL. On top of that, there is no such thing as "acting black" or "acting white." He may cater to certain crowds depending on who is there – but think about human interactions in general, it is human nature to change the way you act depending on who you are with. When I hear or read in the news about things like this, I feel like we haven't come far at all in the past two centuries. Obama shouldn't be criticized for how he acts. If you don't like him as a candidate thats fine, but it should have nothing to do with whether or not he "acts" black or white.
This is someone whose whole life has been spent making blacks equal to whites. Isn't he furthering the divide by saying someone is acting "white"? Doesn't he want everyone to be treated equally? Then practice what you preach! And, besides, Barack IS half white.
I have recently read up on the actions surrounding the case. Now, although I do not agree with the way the situation was handled regarding the young man who was beaten, I also do not agree with the way the judicial system handled the situation. I do not believe that those young men intended to kill the young man who was beaten on that day. If the circumstances were different, and the beaten occured amongst young men who were all of the same race (white or black) it would not have gone this far. Race is still a sensitive subject, believe it or not, and it is not okay for someone to degrade, talk down to, or mock someone else of a different race for that fact alone. It's not right. I feel that this is an issue that needs to be extinct before we are able to move on from it. Believe it or not, racism is still an issue today. It may be subtle, but it's still there.
And as for Jackson and his comment, everyone is intitled to an opinion. What he said was not, by any means, the best thing to say, but he was just upset with the lack of attention concerning African American issues.
I hope that no one allows Jackson's opinion to deter how they will feel about Obama or his campaign. Go by what you feel is right.
As a black woman whose father and mother came here from Panama I am proud to say that I speak properly. Now when I'm with my girls I speak slang. However I hate it when people who are black say I try to act white. Since when is wanting to speak well is a white thing. My father never allowed slang in the house and I had to make sure that when I meet any of his friends I spoke properly. My father instilled in my sister and I that education was key to make a difference in the world and for us to go out there and make our mark. I am proud to say that I have been promoted many times due to the fact that I speak well and am educated. I speak to people all the time and I can hear the shock in their voice when they find out I'm black. It distresses me when I hear our own call each other names like Uncle Tom or that they are trying to be white. Would it be better if Obama greeted his potential voters with his pants sagging and yelling "What up white folks. How yall doin? Im doin fo shizzil up in this peace? Come on now. Leave Obama alone.
All of you should b ashamed of yourself, Jesse marched side by side with the late great Marting Luther King, Jesse is a civil rights pioneer, and if your black and making comments against Jesse you should smack yourselfd in the mouth and F.Y.I. the white boy that got the crap beat out of him, was released from the hospital the same day so he wasn't that injured, but go ahead White America laugh it up case ya'll finally got O.J. you've been trying from day one, and as for the the culture that glorifies sexism, violence and gangsterism, that's how America was created, we're a product of our enviroment, white folk taught us all that stuff, PEACE.
In response I write;
You are an example of the intelligence bracket that people like Karl Rove and Jesse Jackson seek to victimize. I don't know who is dumber. You or Tom from Macon with his Obama is muslim slander.
How can Jesse Jackson continue to say that he is a civil rights leader when he makes such ignorant comments as this. By stating that Obama is "acting like he's white," Jackson is only promoting some type of stereotype against caucasians. If a leader of caucasian decent made a similar comment about someone "acting black" they would be blasted, deemed a racist, and forced to apologize. I think in any case, these types of statements are ignorant and unacceptable. Stop harrassing political candidates for acting or not acting in a manner that is supposed to represent his/her race or gender. Instead, embrace them for their message, for taking a stace on issues (regardless if you agree with them) and for not attempting to utilize race, gender, origin, etc. as a way to justify one's stance on an issue.
Why would any candidate be as Jackson stated (all over Jena)? Isn't Jackson being a racist? There are far more crisis in our country than some blacks (or whites) for that matter getting into trouble. Why does Jackson never stand up for the white people, isn't he a religious man or just another loud mouth?
I'm very disappointed in Jesse Jackson. His comments only perpetuate the division of all people. By the way, I don't see anything negative about being white. Would there be an issue if I said "Jesse Jackson is sounding 'black' again?"
What a joke, Where in the Constitution does it say that black people are above the law. They are the ones acting like scoundrals. Jesse Jackson and his so called civil rights group are in my opinion more prejeduce and ignorant than the Ku Klux Klan
Jackson is afraid that he will be rendered meaningless to the African American cause by Obama. More and more blacks are realising that the days of Jesse and Al are over. He is one racist fool.
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.
Posted By Yolonda Barkley, Rockford IL : September 19, 2007 1:32 pm
Yeap, that about sums it up! The way these kids were treated as opposed to the treatment that the white kids received in similar circumstances was blatantly racist. I'm not African American and I still cringed when they showed the disparity: white kids were released, black kids were charged with attempted murder and treated as adults. Shameful!
On the other hand, Jesse should cool it and stop with the rhetoric against Obama.
wowwww...some of you guys are RACISTS!!!! tsk tsk...i feel likes some ku klux klan among you. sad.
if jesse is wants to improve racial relations, then he needs to stop making racist comments, ie, 'acting white' (whatever tha means.) majority of white people i know have moved on and are not racist. majority of black people i know... the same; however, there just still some poeple that just wont let it go.. THUS... there will always be some form of racism until both sides 100% move on and forgive. STOP BLAMMING WHITE PEOPLE... good example: cary, in (80% black and 2nd highest murder rate in the usa – black mayor, black city council, black police chief/officers)
Racism is not just white against black. There is racism both ways and this seems to be forgotten. Blacks are extremely racist and against their own people just based off of their skin tones or whether they are truly from Africa. This is hypocrisy. Jesse needs to apologize on a radio show I think. That was very racist of him. What does he really mean, "acting like a white person?"
Awake and Alert: wonderful message! thanks for posting it!
our first mistake as a society is that we depend solely on the information gathered from the media, which is almost always tainted in some way. the events that transpired prior to the alleged attack of the white student are not being publicized. so yes, in this case it is very much a race issue. if you are confused in any way or have any questions about the jena 6 case, i encourage you to visit "colorofchange.org" to become educated on what is going on. the white student might have gone to the hospital, but he wasn't beaten to death. he went, was discharged the same day, and was out attending a school function that night. obviously his injuries were a lot less severe than the injuries that the black student sustained at the hands of several white students (whom received no charges). having a tree classified as a "white tree" is RACIST. hanging a noose from this "white tree" after black students desire to sit beneath this tree is RACIST. mr. bell's previous juvenile record is of no consequence here. what is of concern is that the town of jena, la is racially divided on every end of the spectrum; and in 2007 that fact alone is truly deplorable. if you have concerns with what may or may not be occurring in your area and/or across the country then take a STAND. but don't you dare question the work that others are doing to fight injustice everywhere. because the fact is, THEY ARE DOING SOMETHING, while others are doing nothing at all but complaining about matters that they know nothing about. educate yourselves before you open your mouth. WORDS ARE VERY POWERFUL, SO CHOOSE THEM WISELY!
Another hypocritical racist moment from Jesse Jackson. This one should cost him his job, just like Imus.
Remember when the Duke players were being accused of raping a black woman? Jackson was calling for their heads. Now that the situation is reversed, the black students are being treated "unfairly" because of their race.
Further proof (as if we needed any) of the racial double standard in this country.
First, should Jackson really be giving political advice on presidential campaigns when his were so wildly unsuccessful?
Secondly, I don't understand why Obama isn't "black enough". He's intelligent, articulate, ambitious...but he's not "black enough" because he's not playing the race card with his campaign?
Once again the cadre of old line community leaders are trying to rope Obama in to their camp of race spinning. Individuals such as Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton are afraid of being politically irrelevant as Obama continues to appeal to more than just African Americans. They have failed again to bait him on issues that, while important, demand more than just a knee jerk reaction. Instead, like any candidate that seeks to be President of ALL Americans, Obama is raising such issues as part of a national dialogue. He's got my vote.
Yet again Jesse Jackson is at the forefront of any event that he can twist to be "the MAN putting the poor black oppressed people down." When will our nation ever get past black vs. white. And quite frankly, MLK would be ashamed of the way that JJ continues to try to polarize this nation along racial lines.
I think that Jesse Jackson should be ashamed of himself. Whenever something really only should be a "human vs. human" issue as it usually is, he always has to open his mouth and throw out the words "white vs. black". Those are words that no one was using, or even making an issue of, until he opens his mouth. If he would stop making race an issue then maybe he would realize that, believe it or not, race isn't always an issue. I'm a white girl, I have two black roommates and I love them to pieces ... even they've agreed that Jesse Jackson is an idiot who basically throws fuel into the fire. He needs to stop using words like "race" and "black vs. white" because thats how it turns it into that in the first place. We are all human, we are all equal. Some people need to just figure that out.
What is acting like white mean? Was he "keeping it real" by having an illegitimate child from his extracurricular activity? Jesse and Al are biggest hypocrites in the minority movement. They bring the blacks down by making accusations to someone like Senator Obama. At the end, Jesse is just hurting only of his own.....
Hey, Rev, which half of Obama is acting white? And why aren't you all over Jena even if you are not a candidate?
I know if I were black I wouldn't want this guy speaking for me. Bill Cosby had it right when he said it was time for blacks to clean up their language, have fathers for their children, and get some education. It is not our fault anymore folks. Pull yourselves up and away from the Jesses and Als of this world who are only keeping you down. Jesse doesn't want to see a black man succeed because it isn't him. He only wants to keep his ugly face in the media. He has the moral character of a snake – wake up!!
Um, Isn't Barack Obama half white?
It's really unfortunate that so many people have opinions without really knowing what's happening in Jena, and are aptly able to put Jackson's comments in context. Indeed, if JJ said what was reported he should be ashamed. Although such comments are typical of an ol' guard whose lose clout and is desperately looking for press/air time. Nonetheless, please people check into the facts about Jena and you'll find disturbing events which led to law enforcement and judicial injustices. It is appropriate that the Jena 6 gets coverage and the prosecutor protested without pause.
It's also shameful that we live in a country that so narrowly focuses citizenry attention on minutia like the OJ Simpson fiasco.
Wait, now WHO are the people saying that we need to overcome racial boundaries and work TOGETHER? What a star hypocrite, as well as a piece of crap this guy is.
There is no such thing as "reverse racism" in the United States...
He stirs up more trouble, but when he is proven wrong you never hear from him. I can't stand the man.
The problem with people like Rev. Jackson is that while they try to promote equality and the removal of racism from everything, they really become the racists. Attributing everything to race is bad, but accusing someone of "acting white" is the stupidest thing I've ever heard. Who cares how you act? People can be who they want to be, and telling black people to act black is like telling white people that they are all supposed to act like yuppies or white trash. It just doesn't make sense, so don't do it. What is wrong with America?
FOR YOU PEOPLE COMMENTING THAT DONT KNOW ABOUT THIS CASE , AFTER THE RACIST TAUNTING BY THE WHITE BOYS ONE OF THE WHITE YOUNG MEN CAME BACK WITH A SHOOT GUN THE SIX BOYS TOOK IT FROM HIM AND WHOOPED HIS ASS AND THEN GOT CHARGED WITH ATTEMP MURDER . I AM FROM LA I KNOW FIRST HAND DO YOUR REASERCH .
Maya,
The problem is that Jesse is not acting.
Blacks create their own problems, these days. Then they blame everyone else. Exactly why I have no use for them.
First and foremost, i'm a black man and to hear jessie jackson say that bs is disturbing and i'm embarrassed. As a kid growing up i was picked on for "acting white". Nooo....I decided to speak proper english and expand my vocabulary and my parents groomed me to be a civilized person.
With that being said I have one message for Jessie jackson......Shut the hell up and quit hating on Barack Obama. You'll never be on the same page as him!!!!
As for jena 6, i stand neutral on the issue, but i pray for the 6 black boys as well as the white boy that was baddly beaten.
This is 2007.....Its time for a change, and we need to tear up racism and live in unity.....as a people! God bless.
"acting like he's white" ... wow... I didn't know you could act a color... maybe a "culture"... but not a color.. That Jesse, is why you'll never be elected president.
How does one act "black"? Is he supposed to be poor, from the south, a drug dealer and speak in ebonics? Because if that is acting black then why is it so wrong to act "white," which is, from what I understand as a white person, to be rich, live in the suburbs and drive a minivan. Is he less black because he did not suffer the same hardships many people in the black community suffer?
Influential black people such as Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton push this negative stereotype of what it is to be black on their own people, doing them a great disservice. Black people are just as capable of making something of themselves as white people.
"I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character."
Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton could take a lesson from this great man.
Jackson is a relic of the past. he is a representative of the school of thought that believes that one can act a color. which is sad, because if that's true, to act black is to eschew education, worship sports, foment the belief that opportunity for socio-economic progress for black people in America is impossible, promote the belief that the man is out to get us. if there is such a thing as acting black, there is nothing positive about it. what does the average person think when he thinks of "acting black"?
Tom from Macon Ga, You are SCARY. You have massaged the truth to spin your ignorance. Barack has never been a Muslim, not that that's a bad thing, and the school he attend was non-denominational. You are twisted.
Read this:http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1546298,00.html
Maybe this will help you.
As far as the Jena 6, I do think the DA is overreaching. Young people of color have to realize that revenge is not yours. Even if it started with a noose or another student being beaten, you have to outthink your opponent. If you lie down with dogs, you will get up with flees. You have to be the smart one. These same kids that were taunting these black kids will most likely grow up to be nothing, because their minds are limited. You have to presevere against negativity sometimes because it is only a test to see how grounded you are.
Jackson is nothing more than an instigator. He talks of equality but does nothing more than muddy the waters with his racist talk an behavior. How can anyone call him reverend – The man is the biggest biggot in the world. He makes Archie Bunker seem like Mother Theresa.
HUUUH? Barack is both white and black. Is this the one drop rule? My children are mixed Afrian and Irish American and I am offended that this comment was made. Can Barack deny his mother? Dear God, I am absolutley appalled at the insensitivity and arrogance of Reverand Jackson's remarks. How can Barack deny half of his heritage? Or the flip side is he "black enough" is exactly why race needs to come out of every reference. Ultimately, we are HUMANS, end of story.
To blast Obama for not being black enough is stupidity. Because he speaks correctly, and dresses accordingly, doesnt make him "to white". It makes him successful. I am so sick of Jesse Jackson, Al Sharpton and there kind. I think that we still have progress that needs to be made for the black community. They make most Americans look at the issue and think, Oh god here we go again.
Jessie Jackson, shove it up your Azzzz.
Jesse Jackson, please be quiet. You have not a clue about anything, except being an ambulance chaser. Too bad you didn't try to speak as the educated man you supposedly are. Stay strong Senator Obama, many are hoping you can bring the change that Jesse and Al Sharpton have lost their way and their minds on.
Mr. Jackson should also be remembered for his "HYMIETOWN" slur on Jews years ago. Je was never held accountable for that. He and Sharpton were not taken to task when they went out of their way to accuse the "white" Duke players
of rape and assault. They always seem to stir up the masses and then disappear when something goes against them.
Jackson's accusing Obama of "acting white"? How very black of him
Seems almost every time there's a difference of opinion, that old race card comes out of the inner pocket.
All of you should b ashamed of yourself, Jesse marched side by side with the late great Marting Luther King, Jesse is a civil rights pioneer, and if your black and making comments against Jesse you should smack yourselfd in the mouth and F.Y.I. the white boy that got the crap beat out of him, was released from the hospital the same day so he wasn't that injured, but go ahead White America laugh it up case ya'll finally got O.J. you've been trying from day one, and as for the the culture that glorifies sexism, violence and gangsterism, that's how America was created, we're a product of our enviroment, white folk taught us all that stuff, PEACE.
In response I write;
You are an example of the intelligence bracket that people like Karl Rove and Jesse Jackson seek to victimize. I don't know who is dumber. You or Tom from Macon with his Obama is muslim slander.
Posted By Coach Haughton : September 19, 2007 4:41 pm
^^^^YEAH IM BLACK AND PROUD OF IT BROTHA. SINCE HE MARCHED WITH MLK HE SHOULD NO BETTER. PERIOD POINT BLANK JUST LIKE HE SHOULD HAVE KNOWN BETTER TO SLEEP WITH ANOTHER WOMAN BESIDES HIS WIFE SINCE HE'S A REV. DONT THROW STONES AT US BECAUSE WE REFUSE TO CATER TO SOMEONE WHO IS SOMETHING HE'S NOT 100% THE OLD DO AS I SAY BUT NOT AS I DO CRAP DOESNT WORK HERE SORRY BROTHA BUT JESSE IS WRONG ON THIS ONE.
I think that this shows a sign of ignorance on Rev. Jackson behalf. Its amazing how blacks try to hold one another down. Being that this is his opinion, it should have never been expressed to the public. If we can't support one another as a race, we will never have a Black President....
This is what I call "black on black", mud throwing. Give it up JJ, you had your chance at the lime light, when you ran and failed miserably and when your secret "boo" had a baby. Go and be a good "baby's daddy", and stop hating.....
As a half white/black woman, I love how black people claim us when it is convient to them (Tiger Woods, Halle Berry, etc.) and break us down when we are not black enough (Vanessa Williams). Lets not forget Obama is half white and half black so he can act however he feels.
WOW! Its incredible that people still believe that there are in fact "races" we are all one race - its called the Human Race. Homo Sapien Sapien to be precise, and scientific. The amount of melanin in your skin and the differences in bone structure, blood type etc are simple Genetic differneces, but in fact do not classify us as differenct "races" - anyone with compatible blood can donate an organ to you regardless of skin color. The fact that more leaders are not making this point is horrific and just shows how they use the concept of race to benfit them when its there to be benefitted from. The entire concept is FALSE AND WRONG! and MADE UP!
If Mr. Jackson did indeed make these comments, then he needs to apologize. If a white person stated that another person was "acting like he was black", this would be a bigger story. Come on people, let's stop allowing racist comments from BOTH sides.
Jackson is a piece of trash.
Mr. Jackson should have to apologize for his comments. Any white public figure would have had to apologize if they made similar comments about acting “black”. Since when is acting "white" or “black” unacceptable, isn’t it simply a sub-culture? It sounds like Mr. Jackson does not respect people as much if they act white. How is that not racist?
BTW- Technically Obama is half white. So either Obama should shun at least one of his parent's cultures OR Mr. Jackson should stop talking and apologize to people who appreciate other cultures as well as their own.
Everyone Knows Jesse Jackson is a vile racist. Most media and politicians are just afraid to say it. But the average person can hear it and see it in his actions. I bet MLK is rolling over in his grave ashamed he was ever Jesse's friend.
Easy to see why Jesse has not been elected to a local, state or federal office - he can't distinguish small from important, and is only interested in racial issues.
Jackson makes every issue that involves a black a 'race' issue. He is all over anything he thinks can get him airtime and, unfortunately, we keep giving it to him. He needs to stay out of politics and act more 'reverent'. Many of the educated blacks that I know emphatically state that Jackson does not represent the opinions of most educated blacks.
Jackson is a racist and this further proves it. Maybe he'll end up in a civil suit for the inflammatory remarks he made during situation is Durham with the white students form Duke. As for Jena, look at the picture of the student that had his head bashed in and see how much simpathy you have for these THUGS. Quit playing race and be accoutable. There is no wrong way to do right, and no right way to do wrong. BE ACCOUNTABLE!!
Jesse Jackson is a racist, pure and simple. He is the first to cry foul when people make blanket statements about a race ie. Don Imus, but will openly make them himself. Saying Obama "acts like a white man" is a negative blanket stereotype that he is now directing at another black man. Its openly racist and he never gets called on it, just like he was never called on his racist statements against the Duke lacross players. When will everyone wake up and see Jesse for what he really is, a hatemonger.
Well Coach Haughton, that's why they call it America because your entitled to your opinion but then again at the same time insult me, that was very smart to, but on the other hand Obama doesn't know the struggles of a real BLACK AMERICAN so yes he's not getting my vote either, and this whole thread just mad me realize not only is racism alive and well it's also the divide and conquer approach, I'm not sure what your ethnicity is but if your BLACK, you go in the boujee negroes category.
PEACE!
Jesse Jackson is a disgrace to civil rights and the movement. Relating behavior to race is appalling. Rev. Jackson needs to refrain from speaking in public.
To Coach Haughton:
OJ got himself! White America is not laughing, they are relieved that justice has finally been served! You are a loser just like Jesse Jackson.
Hey ther coach Haughton if your defending OJ and saying that white America is after him i think you should be Jesse Jackson's campaign leader. And it really does not matter how long the guy was in the hospital for 6 people kick the crap out of one person, that is called assault does not matter how bad he got hurt, the fact is he was attacked. Also, if you are a coach and you think like this then whatever team you do coach I think are all going to end up down the same road as these 6 kids. You talk like its still 1950 and that the black communtiy has the right to use force to get what they want, well guess what come into the modern world this shows that in the end blacks have more privelages that white people some just don't use them.
Isn't it more productive to highlight the positive things about a fellow black candidate, Mr Jackson? THIS IS NOT THE TIME TO TEAR DOWN BUT, IT IS TIME TO BUILD UP. Black, yes black because just as Jena 6 has exposed once again, America is still divided. It's 1964 all over except now the disguises are more discreet but, as the nooses under "the white tree", prove just as racist and hurtful to a nation of blacks that have not been given fair chances as the justice system has proven. Hadn't it been for the widespread outcry about Jena 6, I'm sure that young man would be facing attempted murder charges. America wake up. Black and White is still an issue that is not dealt with because the people that make the laws still hold their 1964 racist views in their hearts. It's like arresting people who wear baggy pants and saying it's because you don't want to see their underwear when in fact it's more like, lets come up with another scheme to target black inner city youth.
It is not much of a white man's world anymore. And that's good. African-Americans are inching their way out of the minority and the mexican population is taking over the minority now. Jesse Jackson should learn when to shut up. He seems like he doesnt want equal rights for african-americans, he seems like he wants them to be "victims" all the time, and its obvious that they are not. Some, I'm sure, want to still be considered a victim just so they can have someone else to blame when there life goes down the toilet. I'm so tired of all the racism crap out there! Let it go already!
I'm sorry to say but I think Jesse Jackson is being extreamly RACIST and for some body that fights agint racism this is an out rage
Jesse Jackson is an irrelevent racist.
All this crap makes my head spin. Judging by these comments it seems very few people are willing to look at all sides.
Based on my reading of the events in Jena, the injustices taking place there are real, and not just in the case of this particular assault. I am an advocate of proper punishment for the six teens involved. But read the facts and you'll see how the legal system took this one and ran.
But, I agree that Jackson's reaction to the matter in Jena has been undermined by his and other black leaders’ treatment of previous cases. Jackson and Sharpton are the same people who were all too happy to put the horse well in front of the cart when a rogue prosecutor was ruining three white kids' lives in Durham. They were fanning the flames of injustice in that instance. It makes one wonder how often Jackson himself is interested in the facts versus just deciding to throw his support behind the blacker of two disputants. Obviously, he gets it right sometimes. But perhaps not always.
Now, all I want to say about Jackson's Obama remark is that what most people, including those in the MSM, fail to grasp is that Obama is just as black as he is white. If Obama wanted to choose which race he identifies with that would be his prerogative. Neither Jackson nor anyone else is in any position to demand that Obama declare himself 100 percent black (or white) and somehow "act" accordingly.
And finally, in declaring that by not being enough of a spokesman for the Jena Six, Obama is "acting white," Jackson is himself making a sweeping implication that no white people care about what's going on there. This is an absurd and offensive suggestion. And, Jackson is setting up a self-fulfilling prophecy whereby all white people might as well consider themselves opponents of the Jena Six simply because Jackson declares them to be so.
What's wrong with acting White????
Jesse is as racist as anyone gets. How about Osama is acting human? Next he will acuse Hillary of acting like a man!
So Barack Obama is acting white? To me, he's the only candidate that is concerned with issues such as voter supression that will wipe out segments of the black vote. I heard him speak on it yesterday.
I just watched video on Youtube.com of a University of Florida College student being tasered by cops at a speech Kerry gave day before yesterday, after asking John Kerry why he didn't fight the corruption and voter disenfranchisement that went on during the 2004 Election that he has been documented to have won.
The kid in the video is holding a yellow book that I know well as I've read it. It's what got the kid so fired up and if it doesn't make you angy nothing will.
The kid in question made no threatening move, he was just asking a question. You can go to Youtube.com and just type in "taser" in the search to see the kid talk about this very important book before being tasered by cops that jump in.
The book that got him so fired up is called "Armed Madhouse", by a well respected American writer for the BBC named Greg Palast. Palast goes to great lengths to document how the RNC was able to use vote caging, faulty voting machines, provisional ballots and absentee ballots being tossed out, false felon lists, and many more illegal methods to assure hundreds of thousands of votes were not counted in the last election. In fact, the three Republican heads of the Ohio State Board of Elections were convicted of election fraud for it although the mainstream media barely mentioned it.
Ohio was won in 04 by George Bush by a bare 10,000 votes. Palast documents at least 75,000 Democratic votes in Ohio that were lost to RNC vote suppression.
We cannot let this happen again. Barack Obama has spoken about the dangers of election fraud, as he's quite familiar with it being from such a rough and tumble district like Chicago where corruption is often rampant.
I recommend every single Obama supporter go out to your Library or Borders Books or Barnes and Noble and get a copy of "Armed Madhouse" by Greg Palast. On the front page it says, "And how they plan to steal '08." It should be required reading so that we can be vigilant and inform voters how NOT to vote.
They should never use provisional ballots, which are handed out when lines get long due to there being fewer voting machines in Dem districts than is actually needed. They shouldn't use absentee ballots either as, if a Republican is receiving them at the polls, they read the names and toss out anything that sounds ethnic as being a possible Dem.
The best solution is to go to EARLY VOTING STATIONS and vote early. Most places have a poll set up two weeks in advance. If there's any problem voting, if your name isn't on a voter roll, you can then call the DNC and get it fixed before the election.
Ohio in 04 or Florida in 2000 where not isolated cases. As I posted in a blog here a few days ago called "How the RNC Steals Elections", (the remaining is from that post...)
"The only reason the Jim Webb campaign won the 2006 congressional election in Virginia by a few thousand votes and not 200,000 votes, is the same reason why other Dems lost so incredibly narrowly or won so narrowly when they should have swept... is because the RNC cheats, badly and baldly, with the selfish, greedy abandon only neocons can muster. Read "Armed Madhouse" by Greg Palast for the details, all documented by this brilliant reporter for the BBC. The 2004 elections being stolen was major news across the entire globe a week before the election thanks to his show on BBC, but we never even heard a peep about it in the states, why?"
ie. The RNC controlled states hand out provisional ballots like candy only in democratic districts with poorer people that move around alot and thus may not have registered at the proper address, and then the Republican Sec. of State refuses to count them as is his right.
Or, they use caging lists. The RNC pays to send first class letters to addresses of servicemen in Iraq from the state, and to democratic districts, and then any letters that come back unopened, they use as evidence of a wrong address and challenge the votes, which is illegal. This is detailed in some of Karl Rove's missing emails that Greg Palast, the author of Armed Madhouse, came across as they were sent to rnc.com instead of rnc.org, which is a spoof site, sent from Tim Griffen, who is now running the illustrious Fred Thompson's campaign.
Griffen's name is right there in the heading and he's the guy that was Karl Rove's main henchman, who was later accused of election fraud by David Iglasias, the US attorney fired and then replaced by none other than... you guessed it, Tim Griffen.
Oh, and then lets not forget crappy old voting machines that are allowed to break and remain in disrepair or are never delivered to Democratic districts to begin with. People have to wait in line for hours and many decide to take provisionals or just leave without voting while in Repub districts they breeze in and out in twenty minutes or less.
Anybody that honestly believes we can have one congressional and two Presidential elections where the vote constantly came down to five hundred votes or a thousand or ten thousand here and there, is smoking crack.
Of course the RNC tries to throw out so many votes that it's gonna be close. Their only mistake was in not throwing out a few more. I guess they underestimated the amount of democratic enthusiasm.
This democratic enthusiasm is the only way we're going to stop these greedy, lousy cheaters in the next election cycle. Because we need overwhelming numbers even to achieve a "close" victory ala Webb. That's a major reason I'm supporting Barack Obama, as I know he'll inspire more democratic voter turn out than any other candidate and thanks to cheating we can't win without it even in a year where everyone is fed up with the Republican party.
Oh, I almost forgot my favorite RNC tool, the one that hands down gave them Florida. Just pick a bunch of Democrat names from Democratic districts, and put them on a felon list, right out of the phone book, and send it to the polls. Sure, you may not be a felon, but your vote won't count and you can argue it later, AFTER you lose the election.
Pay damn close attention from now on people. If you're asleep at the wheel, you lose a lot more than your shiny grill. Don't wind up like that student tasered in Florida for speaking his mind to Kerry.
I suggest everybody get a copy of Armed Madhouse by Greg Palast either at your local Borders or the library, I've found it both places and you can also request a copy if your Library doesn't carry it.
Your democracy hangs in the balance.
Find out why this Florida student talking to taser was so angry and passionate that it got him tasered. Read THIS BOOK for all our goods.
Lance
So is Jessy Jackson acting black?
Jesse Jackson is a hypocrite and, as so, is a major contributor to racial discrimination. It doesn't matter what color I am - I'M OFFENDED. Why should any person be targeted in a negative way by saying they're acting white, or black, or whatever.
Since Jesse Jackson proports himself as a minister of Christ, I do not understand why he continually perpetuates racism instead of showing himself as an example of one who promotes peace and loves his neighbor as himself.
jessie jackson is the most racist person on the planet. Anyone who supports him is racist aswell.
Well, as a fan of both Jesse's and Obama's, I was going to jump on what I would have considered a disgrace coming from Jesse Jackson...but then I read further and noted that he said he DIDN'T make the statements. So, who am I to believe, Jesse or some editor in a SC newspaper? I am sure Jesse said things along the lines that Obama needs to be bolder – in fact, the article itself say so. The problem is, CNN did not highlight that he threw this challenge to ALL THE CANDIDATES!! This racist medium race baits by highlighting Jesse's challenge as concerns Obama - not the first time any member of the MSM has ignored a bulk of statements that are made choosing instead to harp on racial elements. Putrid and sick. And of course, the expected pile on. Disgusting.
I have determined, after the latest remark from Jesse Jackson, that he is a racist pig. I cannot believe he would accuse someone of "acting white". What kind of civil rights activist is he anyway? I am offended by the comment. I can guarantee you he would be offended if I accused him of acting black (whatever that means). I'd like to know just what is "acting white" anyway? He disgusts me with his continuous and ridiculous comments.
Barack Obama. Here is a man that as the Editor of the Harvard Law Review could have had any six figure corporate job he wanted out of college, but instead moved with Michelle into a cramped Southside Apartment and worked for 14 grand a year as a community organizer.
Here is a man that passed more bi partisan bills in the Chicago legislature than anyone and passed the first serious ethics reform both their and in the Senate, in years and years.
Here is a man that speaks out against the lobbyists that have hijacked American politics and against a "dumb war" even when when it was political suicide to do so in 2002, and yet he becomes the front runner in the race for President anyway.
Here is a man that has inspired people all around this country to get involved, to take back the moral arch from the hands of fear mongers, greed merchants and hate makers, so that together we might all bend it "toward justice" as he said quoting Dr. King in a recent speech.
Here is a man that has movitated people across this country who have never, ever been involved in politics before to speak out and get involved.
I saw this first hand after driving to Nevada over the weekend from LA to canvass for him. I spoke to 200 hundred people and so many of them said they had hope for change for the first time in years thanks to this man.
I attended a rally with 9000 people from every corner of California and watched their eyes as they spoke. They all knew that he was the only candidate that could change things.
I attended a book signing where hundreds of people waited in line for Bill Clinton to sign his book. With a handful of volunteers we held Obama signs and spoke to the crowd. We found a lot of Obama supporters even there.
The man is a phenomenon. He is able to use emotion for the positive in the same way Republicans have used to the negative for years. Instead of force feeding the basest, worst of human experience to get elected, he aspires toward the best of the human heart, he has worked not just now, not just since last year, but his entire life to bend that moral arch toward justice.
He understands what we all should. That the time has grown too short to allow another average leader into the white house, to allow someone controlled by any other interest than that of the American people, to allow the same old partisan politics as usual.
Here is a man that has more legislative experience than Hillary and Edwards combined and more real world experience than all the other politicians in Washington combined.
Here is a man who lost his mother to cancer while she was between jobs and more worried about her lack of health coverage and the bills that meant than coming to terms with her life and loved ones.
Here is a man that truly understands what it is to be American in the post cold war world.
Here is the next President of The United States.
A good man, for a change.
jesse jackson is an idiot with next to no credibility. if he had any credibility and integrity he would determine the facts but instead jumps to the race card every time. what a moron.
A defining momment allright, maybe just like the Tawana Brawley incident in New York years ago !
I'd like Jessie Jackson to refresh my mind on what white people have done in the last, say 60 years, to black people???? Our prisons are full of young black men, 30 to 50 year old white people were not responsible for that!!! Give me a break. By my way of thinking, it is great that he acts 'white'.
Interesting. I view this as comment by Jackson as "black racism". If a white were to support the Jena six and be accused of "acting like a black", it would be called racism. Jackson is a hypocrite and a black racist.
Jesse Jackson, Civil Rights Activist.
He looks like he's got a well paying job and health and medical. Where can I go to school to get that kind of degree to get me that kind of job?
I'm just a lowly cancer research scientist that makes $12/hr.
It never ends:
Obama is "acting like he's white"???
Jesse, instead of going after a fellow democrat...a person YOU endorsed... How about going after the Republicans for "acting like they care"?
There are SO many more issues to discuss – why spend our energy on something like this. If you want to talk about Jena- talk about it. But don't waste time by focusing on the "acting white" issue.
Is anyone ever black enough for Jesse? Does anyone ever do enough to help blacks? He's the chicken little of the african american community.
Talk about your RACIST comments...as a person who happens to bewhite, I find Jackson's commets to be racist and bigotted.
Rev. Jackson ouught to think before he speaks. Obama is a well spoken individual and presents himself as such. What statement is Rev. Jackson making about African Americans when he says this? To me this comment is a back handed insult both to the African American community and caucasions in general.
He blasts caucasions when general statements are made, yet he makes such a blatent insulting remark towards Obama?? Is it not racist when he makes such a comment?
Just my two cents.
Jeromy Dunn
I am disappointed whenever I happen to read the comments attached to these articles. Jesse probable never really made these comments. Normally when quotes are taken there is a source given with the quote as corroborating evidence. The original article gave no such information.
Barack Obama, one of the few black people to ever run for president, seems to neglect a lot of issues. This would have been an opportunity for Barack to step out and show that he actually is about something besides talk. He says and does all the right things, but that doesn't distinguish him from the rest of the candidates. If he isn't going to be bold, is he really an agent for change? I might as well pick the next person if all he would do is what the next guy would.
I am surprised by many of the comments. The incident in Jena 6 is a violation of all the principles for which this country stands. When nooses are hung in a tree, it has a racial overtone, and could be considered a hate crime. At any rate the main issue in this case is that the students in Jena were overcharged and tried as adults. Why would you try someone as an adult whose alleged assault on someone else didn't even require a full day in the hospital? It used to be that people were tried as adults when there was a gross severity to a crime, which normally involved someone dying. I guess this is no longer the case, and we all live in a society where anything goes.
Lets get something straight because many of you are clueless. Jackson if that is what he said wasn't saying Obama is acting white because he speaks properly or anything like that. Jackson is pointing out the fact that Obama, if you analyze his stances/actions or in-actions as a congressman, or as a candidate running for president, doesn't differentiate himself from white candidates, even though he is a minority. Jesse expects and so do most African Americans, that an African American candidate would be more vocal on the Jena issue, instead of being quiet on the issue for worry that he may turn off potential white voters come election time.
Jackson continues his long tradition of being a disgrace to the ENTIRE human race.
im a young black male and i think cnn is doing the best to cover the jena case... i respect jesse jackson but he lost me a couple years back !!! let obama be obama... obama should tell jesses and al to have a drink of shut up
>>>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."<<<
These kids broke the law, they almost killed another kid. Why is everyone in such an uproar. If it had been 6 white kids nearly killing a black kid Sharpton & Jackson & all the rest would be calling for the death penalty. You should look at your own reflection in the mirror before you start applying your convictions on others. What they did was wrong, white or black, they should be punished.
How can a man claim he is civil right activist when he makes statement's such as "acting as if he is white"? Dr. King said the goal was NOT to make blacks better then whites, but to make color a non issue, with racist such as Mr.Jackson still out there it seems we are along way from what Dr. King had dreamed for this country
The Jena 6 issue is a local minor issue of which a national presidential candidate should not get involved. It is foolish for Jesse Jackson to believe that it is an issue which warrants Obama's or any other presidential candidate involvement. It is also an issue which does not warrant out-of-State demonstrators.
When is Jesse Jackson going to stop being a racist? Acting reasonably has nothing to do with a person's color. Grow up, Jackson! This ain't the 60's anymore!
Jesse has been an "ambulance chaser" every since his political career ended - about 20 years ago. Just another case of Jesse reaching for the spotlight that will, thankfully, never shine his way again. Call OJ Jesse, he really needs your help!!!
Jessie Jackson (and Al Sharpton) are as racist as any member of the Aryan Nation or the KKK. He and his ilk make their living stirring up emotions. Only by creating headlines and appearing to champion "the cause" does he ensure that his Rainbow Coalition treasurer will rake in the funds. Jesse Jackson, Al Sharpton, and their ilk are scam artists of the worst kind.
Why do we see every issue from a White/Black perspective. Does Barack have to come out in support of every Black person even if they are wrong? How about supporting Michael Vick or OJ Simpson? Obama is seeking to be the president of the United States of America and if you didn't know Rev Jackson, America is made up of Whites, Black, Hispanics, Asians, Europeans etc. The only thing that matters in Right or Wrong, this is the only honorable way to look at issues, I wish these so called leaders would learn.
Who's racist now? He needs choose his words more wisely if he's going to attack whites for racism, then turn around and make racist comments himself.
What is "acting white"? Such an ignorant comment...
As someone who is in a position to be heard and reported on Jesse Jackson should be more careful with the language he chooses to use. I cannot imagine any context where this comment, if he truly said it, would be appropriate.
This angers me. This is what's wrong with America. Why can't people just "act" like themselves instead of having to fit into their ethnic groups. How did Jesse Jackson determine that Obama was "acting" white? I would like to know what Jesse Jackson's definition of black is.
The Jesse Jackson's and the Al Sharpton's of this world prove beyond a shadow of a doubt that racism is riot in this country and the worst offenders are black.
I live very near Rutgers University and the whole Imus flap proved that Sharpton and the circus he blew into town with did more to CAUSE racial division than a hundred Imus' cause.The Rutgers women couldn't have cared less what Imus said.It was Sharpton and the media that hurt those girls.This is just more of the same.If the situation in Jena were reversed no white person would dare to scream racism at least not in public.Everything being equal,there's more than enough hate to go around and Jackson keeps fanning the flames so he can still be a "STAR"!
Don't forget,he was just a "gofer" for Mtrin Luther King JR.He got his "career" by running out on the balcony and smearing King's blood all over himself and seeking out every microphone and television camera he could find.Some defender of civil rights.The only rights he truly cares for are his own!
Its funny how if a white person were to say something along those sorts there is a strong reaction from the black community against the statements. But when Jackson and Sharpton say these kinds of things they get a free pass, I think there is a double standard in this country and by the way I think Jackson still has not apologized for those redneck comments he made a few years back.
How about if Jackson quits acting STUPID!!!
jesse jackson is the biggest racist i have ever seen. if a white man would of said that jesse and al would be all over the TV crying like a bunch of babies. people like jesse and al make people racist.
How exactly do you "Act White? Jessie Jackson is a RACIST!!
I do not why but everytime that a white person do something to a black person, Jesse and all his clown friends, get very offended; however, I have never heard Mr. Jackson condemn when a black person abuse, offend, kill or do something criminal to a white or any other race, including blacks, individuals. He should remember that HE is not GOD, he calls himself a reverend and all he does is trying to make a name for himself. He should be ashamed of his behavior along with all his clown frinds that are going around making noises and calling descrimination every move by every individual in this country.
HE NEEDS to wake up and smell the coffee. He is not the good samaritan that he wants to represent and he must change and see everyone color blind everytime that he makes his stupid comments.
He is a disgrace to our society.
Jesse Jackson is about the most irrrelevant person in politics today.
The further Obabm distances himself from Jesse the better.
By acting white Jesse must mean acting intelligent, speaking clearly, and appearing "American"
Jackson is entitled to one opinion, his own, not everyones. He would be wise to let all candidates present themselves in the fashion they deem appropriate and let the chips fall where they may. Jackson's role is not to define others agenda or position.
His time to do that passed in the 80's when he lost his bid for President twice.
SHAME ON YOU JESSE JACKSON!!!!!!!
So long as leaders of the black community continue to be examples of bigotry in a reverse manner, there can never be a way forward,as a Hispanic woman I found Jesse Jackson's comments to be very disgusting.
By and by, people still don't know the story. THE SEED OF RACISM WAS ALREADY PLANTED when the black kids asked the principal for PERMISSION to sit under the "white's only tree" on school property. The next day the nooses. The principal expelled the white youth but it was overturned by the superintendant and they were suspended. The next day black kid jumped at party by white group. The next day whtie boy has a shot gun and it was taken out of his hands by a black guy. Black guy is charged for having the weapon. DA comes to the school and in the auditorium where one side is black and the other is white points to the black guys and tell them he can take there lives away with a stroke of a pen. White boy taunts black boys calling them the n- and got his butt kicked. Attempted murder charges are filed against the black guys.
You white people are in denial and now you think the black boys should go to prison for the rest of their lives. Get'em Rev Al.
"Acting white" does not necessarily suggest that someone is speaking articulate, working to support their family, etc. Furthermore, "acting black" does not automatically mean a person uses slang, has children out of wedlock, incarcerated, etc. (In fact, it seems a bit prejudice to make such statements. Notice the stark difference between the two statements: white = positive characteristics and black = negative characteristics). IF Jesse Jackson made this comment, I believe he was referring to the distance Obama has maintained from the situation. The Jena situation represents a bigger problem that directly affects black men in America. "Acting like he's white" referred to the fact that Obama, like many of his white counterparts, simply made a statement rather than taking a more active role in the situation. His counterparts can do so without criticism because in reality, the situation does not have the same implications on their lives. Obama on the other hand, should be able to relate to the issue more closely (theoretically) and willing to use his power/influence to make a stance. Jackson handled the situation wrong by making a public statement. As an Obama supporter, he should have voiced his opinion to Obama in private. By the way, many of you are giving incorrect information regarding the Jena situation (e.g., the white victim being almost beaten to death).
“Your fight is not about ropes, it’s about hope,” Jackson said, blasting the flood of guns and violence he said permeates many black communities...
Regardless of race, it all starts at home...watch what you teach your children for all eyes are upon you! Time to take action and set examples!
I am not a big fan of Mr. Obama, but Mr. Jackson is once again showing that he is out of touch. Maybe Barack Obama is simply being non prejudice. Mr. Jackson is the most prejudice man I have ever seen.
Nice going Jesse! Keep shooting your racist, stupid mouth off and ruin the chances for America to get something good going.
Jesse Jackson is simply a racist. How can he say that? If a white man in power, such as the President of the United States said that, the NAACP would be all over it. I think blacks should start apologizing to us after all they continue to put our race through.
So, now Jesse is saying all white people hope these kids go to jail. I have to say Jesse is for Jesse. He always thinks of himself first. I think he wakes up every morning and says Jesse what can i do to make myself look good. Jesse, why don't you do some real good and get all the black leaders together and try to figure out how to stop all the violence in black communities. Oh nevermind that would not make Jesse look good at all. What a joke.
And what, Mr Jackson, is wrong with acting white? Do you think that acting black is the only way one should act?
I think it's time that white people band together and stand up for THEIR rights as we are becoming less and less united in this great nation of ours.
I think this issue has back-fired for Mr. Jackson. He preeches equality for Blacks and then attacks Mr. Obama for not immediately falling in line with his real message of "blacks first" no matter what. It's unfortunate that Mr. Jackson continues to build a wall between the races when the country has worked so hard to pull them down.
This confirms Jesse Jackson remains a racist. Black America, I implore you to rise up and condemn this idiot. He only hurts the march toward equality!
His statement "acting white" is absurd and racist!! Color shouldnt mean anything.
Shame on the Rev. Jesse Jackson. I believe that when Martin Luther King told us all he had a dream, part of that dream was that his children and grandchildren would live in a world where a man was judged not by the color of his skin, but by the quality of his character.
By accusing Senator Obama of "acting like a white person", Jackson infers that Obama should act in a certain way based solely on the color of his skin.
If I close my eyes, and listen with my mind, and draw conclusions based on what is best for all concerned, then the color of the speakers skin is irrelevant.
Judith Liebaert
Solon Springs, WI
Martin Luther King would be upset with you Mr. Jackson. Instead of fighting for the justice of ALL PEOPLE in the HUMAN RACE...your still pitting Blacks against Whites. While I may not be 100% for Obama, he has to play a political role to ALL AMERICANS, not just to blacks or whites, or mexicans, or arabs...but to ALL AMERICANS...all of us. To say he Acted white, or black, or arab is just plain stupid. You cant please everyone...but you can NEVER please Jesse Jackson...he's just too angry and bitter.
African American people are constantly expecting "white" people to quit stereotyping, quit being prejudiced, and take them seriously. How can "white" people take an African American seriously if he or she cannot even respect those African Americans that are attempting to better this country? As soon as an African American has a famous person on their side who is not a gangster rapper or prejudiced Afican American like Kanye West, they turn their back on them calling them "white." What is "white" anyway? The ability to say the word "ask" rather than "axe?" The ability to gain respect from all races? To me this is a sign of an educated, intelligent AMERICAN, not a "white" person. Leave it to Mr. Jesse Jackson to turn his own people against eachother.
Thats pure racism there!! If I as a "white" person were to tell my friend stop acting like a "black" person that would be flagged as racism. This has to stop.
How can someone "act white"? What exactly is that supposed to mean? Is it because he's well-mannered and sounds educated? As an African-American, I am very disturbed by the connotations behind that statement.
First what in the heck does 'acting white mean'? And to me, a white person, what the heck is wrong with 'being' a white? I am so tired of being put down for being white, are we ever going to judge people solely on character? From the history books, all of us at some time or another were not treated fairly by other races or creeds or religions. Can I blame the Saxons or Romans for coming into England?
Apparently Jesse never heard this one: 'Tis better to keep one's mouth shut and be though a fool than to speak and remove all doubt.
Not the exact quote, but you any intelligent person will understand. That leaves "daJesta" out, it's not black enough.
I've been following the entire story for the past month. You have to read the local papers, The Town Talk (http://www.thetowntalk.com) and The Jena Times (http://www.thejenatimes.net) to get anything accurate. The MSM has butchered the facts.
As for Mr. Jackson – what a piece of hypocritical trash. You do not deserve to be addressed as "Rev."
Jackson is acting "GREEN"! as in green with envy because no matter how hard he tried he could not connect with white america half as well as Obama. You have no political power Mr. Jackson you are nothing always have been.
This is what beats me with some of these so called leaders. Jesse Jackson perpetuating a stereotype he should be trying to dispel. That one expects that a black person should act a certain way is in itself silly. Because I am black I must subscribe to certain ways of life that the Rev. Jesse Jackson considers black? Fine, as people of the same skin tone we probably all share certain sentiments and even realities. But please, we are all beings who have rights to make decisions on how we want to act regardless of what authority Jesse Jackson thinks he commands. I mean give us and yourself some credit, we actually have brains and our skin color doesn't do all the thinking for us. As the Yorubas will say, Jesse Jackson Agbaya!
that is racest remark take him off the air. now.
What a HYPOCRITE !!! Jackson's the first one to scream racism and then uses racism to get HIS point across as if being White was bad.Racism is Racism pure and simple .It doesn't matter who's saying it. It's amazing that politics and religion share the "do as I say ,not as I do" philosophy.That to me is the REAL moral decay in this country !!!
jesse is a piece of whale excrement laying at the bottom of the ocean. I wish he would just have a heart attack and die. He is a COMPLETE EMBARRASSMENT to the black race. What an ass!!
Figures, the Rev calling a spade a spade when someone doesn't act in HIS best interest. Isn't it about time we treat everyone on their morals, beliefs, actions and give up the color thing. These people in power are the FIRST ones that need to shut up about color and creed and talk about an individual on their merits as I said before. Makes me ill...
Act white? You mean educated, with a knowledge of the english language and not ebonics or ghetto slang? How would we look with Sen Obama as our President to the rest of the world, if he talked ghetto black? Even black people are racist against blacks, i guess they ran out of people to blame their problems on so they go after someone who actually did something with himself. Who's next? Bill Cosby?
I am a black woman, and I came home from work today to hear these ignorant tired azz comments made by this holy than thou, Jessie Jackson? Jessie needs to sit down in a corner and shut up! I am angry as hell by these comments against Obama. Acting white? I just can't believe these idiots. Obama needs to distance himself from this these low-minded people. Obama08
Didn't the good Reverend lose everytime he ran? What makes him the subject matter expert? Hey Rev. Jackson, maybe you lost because you were a little "too" black.
Jesse Jackson SHUT UP, eres un RACISTA, hombre ignorante, te gusta dividir a la gente, YOU ARE A RACIST AND AND IGNORANT AND A LOOSER.
Gee, I wonder why old Jesse, defender against hate crime, isn't down there assisting the white teenager who was viciously beaten by several black teens–sounds like a hate crime to me. Maybe Jesse and the Rev Al will go down to counter protest the folks who think that prosecution of these hoodlums is "too harsh"!
As for his comments on Obama–well the only black Jesse could ever envision in the White House is Jesse.
Incidentally I was an activist for the end to segregation–
Jesse Jackson striking a blow for racism. My hero.
Jesse:
I never had any respect or regard for you prior to this statement- I have even less now. How can O'Bama be acting like he's white? That is so 50's of you.
Please take your 'act' elsewhere.
DMS
Jesse, please let us respect you! How dare you say Obama is acting white, he is a lawyer and gave his opinion based on education and experience not on blackness...and yes I am black. This is the reason why you and your group never made any headway, please retire and be quiet!!
Does acting white mean getting an education and being a responsible human being?
Does acting black mean killing each other, drug addiction, gold teeth, poverty, wearing your pants below your ass and having no respect for yourself or anybody else?
Huh, I must have my priorities misaligned.
Jesse Jackson needs to stop his crap. He used to be a great African American rights advocate. He has turned into a "white" hater and the worst voice possible for the African American community.
Obama is "acting white"?...meaning what – FAIR? If the fact that Obama does not condone the beating of ONE person, by a Group of bullies makes him White (I mean "Fair") – then that shows he HAD integrity...until he caved in to Jesse Jackson, and used his influence to have some of the charges dropped / reduced.
Wow...now he's just a "Politician". Way to go Obama...now you're a true-to-form wishy-washy FENCESITTER! That's your second mistake...your first one was listening to Jesse Jackson. C'mon Obama everyone knows that the #1 problem is that Jesse is furious that he's BLACK....and he is going to make everyone in the world "PAY" until that changes (Note to self, Jesse: Don't hold your breath! Suggestion: Have you asked Michael Jackson how he did it?...because he turned himself into a white person....a crazy white person....but, nontheless...). Let's not confuse Jesse Jackson's tirades as being FOR blacks...they are BECAUSE HE IS BLACK...and it seems to make him very angry. Surely, this has become overly evident to more people than are willing to admit it (You, too, Jesse. "Methinks thou dost protest too much"). Now, Jesse...stop CONDONING criminal acts by Blacks and Hispanics. You can't lock up all of the white people...just for being white (yes, we understand what you want...no one is fooled). And sterotypes are founded in truth...more Blacks / Hispanics are in jail...because they commit more crimes. Surely if half a dozen white children beat one black child, you would want them prosecuted. Quit dividing America by color – and allow for JUSTICE to occur as it should. These kids committed an extremely brutal crime – "possible-future Presidential votes" should not enter into the US Justice Sytem. Obama – for allowing yourself to be "lead by the nose" by a "self-proclaimed messiah to the African American populace" – you need to withdraw from the Presidential Race. Until now...you had some dignity and integrity.
If what Mr. Jackson said is true, it ranks up there with "Hymietown", Tawana Brawley, out-of-wedlock children and the Duke lacrosse case.
Oh, have we forgotten about that? Those players were tried and found guilty by the ilks of the Jacksons and Sharptons in this country.
Who takes him seriously anymore?
Jessie honey! Your positions are what's creating the divide. Join the present decade! You will never be pleased unless you stir up controversy so you have something to talk about. We're Americans! We have different color skin, different backgrounds, different heritage, different beliefs. If you say Barack Obama is not black enough then I say you are not AMERICAN ENOUGH!
What? How can you "act white"? And even if he is, WHO CARES? Let the man BE HIMSELF, which may or may not include "acting white". Jesse Jackson needs to just SHUT UP; he's more racially charged and racist than the KKK has been in recent years.
TALK ABOUT BEING A RACIST, THIS IS ANOTHER LOW LIFE TACTIC TO STIR THE POT. ONCE AGAIN A BUNCH OF WORTHLESS WORDS.. DIVIDING ALL OF US, WHEN OUR NATION IS IN A CRISIS AND NEEDS US THE MOST
Only in America...
Only in America can a black man get criticized for acting like a civilized human being, claiming he's acting "too white".
Only in America, a bunch of white boys would beat up a black boy, and it's a hate crime and they'd be charged to the fullest extent of the law, but a bunch of black boys beat up a white boy and they get their cases thrown out because of pressure from the NAACP.
Must be nice to have dark skin and get away with (practically) murder.
Where was Jessie Jackson when the Duke Lacrosse stuff was going on?
Oh yeah, he was condemning the white players prematurely.
He needs to shut up for once.
So, Mr. Jackson thinks the presidential candidates should bring more attention to the Jena incident?
So 3 stupid white kids hang a noose on a branch. A pack of black kids beat up a white kid, and he thinks that's more important than the issues of war, immigration,healthcare, education and such? Being the racist he is, he doesnt understand this isnt a race problem anymore, its a parental problem! White parents need to teach their children that slavery isnt accepted, nor is it made fun of. Black parents need to teach their children that slavery is gone, and there is nobody alive today that had anything to do with it! Nobody alive today owns slaves, or supports slavery. We cant change the past, but we cant dwell on it anymore either, nor use it as an excuse to break the law, or get what you want.
Black people wake up!!
The Clinton News Network (CNN) is obviously attempting to play Divide and Conquer. Know your history, this is how they will make sure that the people will never unite. Because WE ARE TOO BUSY FIGHTING EACHOTHER!!!
Like Jackson said, CNN is trying to use this whole thing as a way to try to dillute Jackson's support of Obama.
Wake up!!!
OBAMA '08
Coach Haughton -
Are you an idiot too? Jesse Jackson is a poor excuse for a "freedom fighter" – wake up!!! He only wants rights for the black brothers and sisters. Screw the Whitey....Whatever. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. stood for love and peace – nothing close to what this idiot wants. Jackson is the black Hitler. Perhaps all of us non-blacks should go throw ourselves into a burn pile somewhere and get it over with. I have friends of all different races, creeds and colors. My children do not know color. They only know love – Just as Dr. King would have wanted. Why don't you start tomorrow by spreading some love to everyone, instead of just the poor black man....it will make your heart bigger. If you were wondering who I am....I have a vast heritage in my family...Cherokee, Cree, Blackfoot, Black, White, Hispanic....I consider myself and AMERICAN. Perhaps instead of being Black and White – we could all try the term AMERICAN – this, perhaps, would solve A LOT of problems.
Rev. Jackson = Don Imus
well then, I am going to act black and go around with my pants hanging off my backside and do some drive by shootings.
...and Jesse Jackson is acting like a race-baiter.
Jena, La is a local problem that the courts need to decide. Obama can't just for every racaist thing in the U.S. as it happen. He would never be able to see every case. There are so many bad things going on at every hour of the day that need so much fixing. The best thing for Obama is to do his part and be a presidential candidate. Please, stop treating this man like he is the messiah or something like that.
Jesse Jackson is more racist than anyone he has ever slung a finger at.
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.
Posted By Anonymous : September 19, 2007 12:40 pm
Isn't it amazing that someone so adamantly opposed to Obama would listen to his every word. LOL Some of you are so easy to read through. Obama talks like he is a very educated man; which in fact he is.
This article and their 788 comments now can be understood to mean that confirmation has been set in stone of the two leaders listed and all the rest along side is leading their marches and protest (Rev. Al Sharpton & Rev. Jesse Jackson); the protectors of the black race remains tagged by a large majority of Americans as racist black people.
Even though the black & white racist of the 1960’s are long gone. Look out now; every time a person of color is involved within the handful of this racist nation and our laws, the black elite leaders of the gangs are running to the rescue. O J Simpson has been arrested and with ten felony charges; as if America has not heard, you both must now go too rescue O J Simpson!
Get him off the air he is bringing race in this and thats wrong wrong!!!!!
Jesse...I find it amazing how far we have come trying to erase all color lines in the USA and You of all people come up with a remark like that...WOW it really saddens me for our future if the NAACP keeps people like you around! the NAACP should be ashamed or themselves! And these are the people protecting the black people...the same people putting down the black people...I am ashamed to call you African American...
What bothers me most is how politicians continue to speak for their majority all for the cause of elections. The worst perpetrator of racism is Jessie Jackson. The media continues to measure everything against race. No wonder the color lines cannot be erased. And Jessie even suggesting Obama is acting white. How do white people act, Jessie? Like they are the only ones trying to erase color lines? What those kids did was wrong. They should be punished, no matter what color they are. And I agree with Tony that parents need to better teach their kids tolerance. And Jessie needs to learn how to erase the color lines.
The barrage of comments in here is proof that the American people are tired of being divided into white and black. It is time leaders like Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton took head to the wishes of the people and realise they do not have to act all militant to be leaders. Jesee should know better than make such absurd statements. Obama is what America needs right now and applaud him for steering clear of such stone-age politics as advocated by Jesse, Al et al. Obama spoke out unequivocably against the Jena 6 injustice and he did the much he could do. The fact that he was not shouting on top of his lungs does not make him any less black. In any case, what is acting white. Shame on you. Go Barack and take your rightful place in leadership. The time for political junkies..Jesee and Al are over. Jesse, sit your five dollar ass down before we make change!
Obama's full statement...
"When nooses are being hung in high schools in the 21st century, it's a tragedy. It shows that we still have a lot of work to do as a nation to heal our racial tensions. This isn't just Jena's problem; it's America's problem."
"There are a number of signs that the system is not working in this case. It's a problem when criminal charges are brought against some students for fighting, but not others. It's a problem when a public defender doesn't call any witnesses. And it's a problem when a prosecutor decides to try teenagers as adults for a school fight, a charge that could leave them in jail for the majority of their lives. That is why I join my colleagues in the Congressional Black Caucus in calling on the judge to consider all the relevant factors and calling on the District Attorney to drop the excessive charges brought in this case. And I, along with other members of the CBC, will continue to monitor this case closely."
"Going forward, we have to fix our criminal justice system. Whether it's Jena 6 or Genarlow Wilson, it's long past time for us to admit that we have more work to do to ensure that our criminal justice system is fair. We must ensure that both victims and defendants can receive equal justice under the law, regardless of race, wealth, or other circumstances."
You know, it's SO unlike the media to take a sentence or two out of context and manufacture a false, sesationalistic story for ratings, or for a writer to misquote someone... yeah... that was sarcasm!
He should not call himself a "Reverend." He continues to divide Races instead of uniting...same goes for Sharpton.
Jesse's jealous of Obama.
Jesse Jackson has been out of the spoltlight for quite a some time, there he is again doing exactly what gave the name recognition which advocating racism. His return is no surprise to me neither the path he has chosen.
It is so unfortunate that some people who may be educated, so hard working and with big recognition like Jesse can become so self destructive. I have a lot respect for Jesse. But Helas! That man keeps destroying himself at the speed of light. That is a disgrace.
Is he being jaleous or plain lost in the middle of his destructive racial rethorics? We are more than two decades from the 60's and Jesse is more than two decades away from reality. When will we be safe from those one-sided civil right leaders? That's a shame.
Who ever defined civil right as a BLACK issue to Jesse? What Happens to education, health, safety, employment and every else about the pursuit of happiness as decribed in the constitution? I think we can forgive Jesse. He has just lost touch with reality.
By the way why personally calling on Barack Obama to make that thing a national issue? Is Jesse retiring? I think that is his job as a self-proclaimed civil right leader. That man just TV. Why doesn't he just buy airtime on one of those big channels out there.
Well, I am not promoting but I think that Obama is smart enough to do get himself involved in any stupid racial mess. In the meantime, Jesse Jackson and Al with all due respect, they need to stop destroying themselves. As reverend, they need to talk love, forgiveness, justive, equality.
Jesse Jackson has had decades to bring about racial reconciliation in America, but failed, as this latest incident proves. While I understand his frustration, he should leave the fight to a new generation that might actually make a difference, where he could not.
Uhmmmm .... fascinating! This is USA in the 21st century and we are still talking about b&w? I thought those primordial grudge, resentment and rancor have been left behind.
Well, sure enough, like religion, race doesn't mix well with politics and the Rev should have been wise enough to judge that.
Are we moving backward?
Ah, the infamous race card, thrown in once again to bolster hatred by Mr. Jackson...but where is his side-kick, Sharpton. These two are nothing more than spiteful racists, pitting black against white and spewing utter crap from their lips.
What amazes me more is that there are people still out there that actually listen to this garbage.
Jesse Jackson's an idiot.
While I do not agree with Jesse Jackson's statement, I am not moved to say that the case in Jenna is simply "degenerates getting what they deserve". We are talking about the heart of the South. People in urban areas especially in the Northern states deal with a great deal less amount of racism then those in smaller rural areas both up here and down south. I would never hear of a white person commenting on racism or the plight or struggles of black people because you have not nor will you ever know what it means to be black. Racism is so subtle I myself have to catch my own prejudices. We are programmed with out even knowing it. Jesse's comment was ignorant, extremely ignorant. But I am sure in acting white he meant an impartiality to what is happening to these boys. Obama, however, is a man of African and white decent. He may be African American in the most literal sense of the term, but as far as experiences go, he may fall on other end of the spectrum. This doesn't make him more or less qualified to run this country. It just makes him someone that will do what is best for the country and not necessarily what is best for blacks. However, I believe that what is best for the African Americans has to start in our communities and work its way outward.
Why is everyone assuming that African Americans are going to vote for either Obama or Clinton. Their are some that would rather stand with the stronger of the two parties and vote republican, seeing how they are the more christian friendly party and on the whole, religion is a bigger part of most black Americans lives than white Americans. Its just that you usually have some vote grubbing Democrat trying to convince black voters that their party is in support of minority rights/and reform, while not telling them how high taxes will increase at the lower income level. The rise to power of hip-hop and rap performers, now creating a genre giant industry in the entertainment feild, is note-worthy capitalism to any Republican.
Wouldn't it be nice if the politics of triangulation backfired and the black community said: "We see right through you, Mr. Jackson. You are defaming Senator Obama's character without just cause because Senator Clinton is losing ground in South Carolina. And now Bill can show up in Jena tomorrow and the black community will think that the Clinton's really care about us". Wouldn't it be nice if we could all see this as the set up that it really is. You have strengthened our resolve, Mr. Jackson, and Senator Obama will win in South Carolina and throughout this country. We will have an honest president who will unite this country rather than divide it. And then we will call you Judas.
Jesse Jackson is the biggest racist around. IF ALL BLACKS ACTED WHITE WE'LD HAVE A MUCH MORE CIVILIZED AND INTELLIGENT SOCIETY. As for Obama, he can try and act white but he's still a black-ass in and out...
You're right Jesse, Obama isn't black enough. That's why he's a serious candidate. As soon as he acts black enough, or Hillary acts woman enough, or Richardson acts Hispanic enough, or the others act white enough, I'll rule them out. I want a candidate who acts American enough. They aren't running for President of fill-in-the-minority, they are running for President of the United States of America. When you figure that out, you'll understand why you lost.
Jackson, don't you and Sharpton ever get tired of being individuals of dark pigmentation engaged in the tree cutting industry? It's bad enough you both sound like whiny old men who should have been taking Prozac instead of Geritol, but to inject your racist views just to get your name back in the news goes beyond the pale. Conducting oneself in a civilized manner is "acting white"? Too bad that attribute didn't rub off on you.
Question for Reverend Jesse Jackson: Should Obama act like a 'sterotype Black'?
Obama is acting like he's white?
Wow... that isn't racist at all.
I think Jackson wakes up every day and says to himself, "I wonder how I can discredit myself today?"
Jackson offers blacks nothing more than victimhood, and continued feelings of persecution and inferiority.
Barak Obama has class! Jesse has many personal issues....
This is ridiculous, but not for the same reasons that white america pretends that it is. Its ridiculous that the MEDIA still makes Jesse Jackson and Sharpton relevent. Hey, they may chase cameras but those cameras always stop for them when they notice that they're "chasing" them.... and as for as the reporting goes on the Jena 6....
I'm tired of National Media covering this story as "Black Kids Beating up a white kid" but they always leave out the OTHER crap in this story such as the WHITE KIDS THAT BEAT UP THE BLACK KID or the white kid pulling a shot gun on black kids but when the black kids wrestle the gun away from the kid, the black kids are charged with THEFT for STEALING the shot gun?!?! How about the District Atty calling an assembly for noone but the BLACK kids and telling them "I can take away your life with the movement of my pen...."
Its AMAZING that no one mentions that the "deadly" weapon used to "beat the white kid" was a tennis shoe.
Now white america, I think the issue of race is overstated as well and overly used and Jackson and Sharpton have made a career from race baiting, but you are KIDDING yourselves if you all are going to pretend as though racism doesn't exist. I guess you all sleep better at night by pretending as though it doesn't...... hey, what ever floats your boat..
These comments are sometimes illustrative, and often hilarious. If you want the truth in a story, go to the small town newspaper! Ha-Ha-Ha-Ha-Ha. I'm from a small town, and our newspaper was NEVER influenced by local politicians and power brokers.
Defenders of Jena don't address how the life-threatening white on black violence that preceded the black on white violence was treated by the "justice" system in Jena. How about simply treating crime equally?
You know the truth is after reading every post. . . other than a couple of yahoos, the majority of the racial comments come from people who claim to be minorities. "If you are black and are insulting Rev. Jackson you should go to hell". In addition, there are so many untruths floating around out there. It blows my mind that a white kid showed up with a "machinegun" and the six blacks disarmed him, gave him a black eye and sent him on his way, in time to make the school dance, and get his ring. WE NEED THE TRUTHS CNN!!!
Gosttaria de comentar esta notícia
Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton are the biggest racists I have ever seen or heard in my life. They are a true embarrassment to the black race and to the USA.
The “Jena 6” had no right to beat that student almost to death – regardless of their race. Yes this is a hate crime too, however it will not be charged as that. It is called a double standard.
What because the black kids got caught committing a violent crime they should be let go because they are black – that is what Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton are saying to the whole world. Their actions are inexcusable, disgusting and outrageous. The bad part of all of this is the kid was severely beaten almost to death, he and his family will be victimized again because of Al Sharpton – I hope his parents will sue for a hate crime against him and Jesse. This has got to stop. Talk about double racist standard in this country.
Apparently, Al and Jesse have no moral regard for the law, that it is OK that black people can commit violent hate crimes against someone that is NOT their color and not be punished for it? This is absurd.
If Al and Jesse think the USA is so bad, there are plenty of other countries they can choose from to go live in! One day both Al and Jesse will rightly get what they so just deserve, maybe not tomorrow or next week but one day.
The only clever political strategy I see is how Jackson is taking a bullet to get Obama the nomination. Black Democrats are going to rally around him anyways, and so many of them are offended by the good Rev’rins statement that they are fully in his camp. For White Democrats who held a deeply shameful, subconscious worry about supporting a man who is only half-white, this bold attack is going to completely separate Obama from the radical black demographic enough that they can overlook their previous anxieties and go ahead and vote for Obama.
Obama is the only one who stands to benefit from Mr. Jackson’s nonsensical statements.
Let me start by saying I have a lot of respect for Jesse (before I slam him). If you look at what he's accomplished instead of listening to his increasingly-senile raps, he's a great American. Remember when he coaxed Khadafy into giving up a downed flier? But lately he's losing control of his arguments and going off on tangents and just generally having 'elder moments.' Maybe he should stick to prepared texts and short sound bytes from now on? Don't waste any hate on him though because he's one of the good guys in this country (save it for Sharpton). Oh, and my sound byte today? Obama's not acting white, he's just green.
. . and now I guess I have to put in two cents on Jena? Where I'm from the cops would have been all over this from day one. Both sides would have had a fair hearing and a judge would be preparing to drop all their butts. Jena happened because there was no confidence in local law enforcement; now America has heard what happened and we're sendin' in the Marines. The rule of law will once again prevail in Jena.
... and here's yet another example of blacks segregating themselves...
I am sick of all the Hate mongers in this world. First of all Obama is not Muslim and His statement is more than fair. I am an African American and feel his statement was appropriate. I see there are a lot of racist that still exist in the US. Some campaigns supporters other than Obama is trying to use this. People should understand one thing. African Americans are smarter than this. We know what you are trying to do and it will not work. You need to look within yourselfs because I see a lot of bigots.
Rev. Jackson, why don't you just keep your mouth shut? Every time you open it, you make everyone you claim to represent look bad. What, exactly, is Obama supposed to do about the Jena 6? Stand up and spout off nonsense like you? That's what separates him from you. He knows when to keep his mouth shut. You only want to get in the limelight. Your fifteen minutes of fame was up decades ago.
As for the Jena 6– had these been 6 white teens, we'd never hear about it. But, because they're black, it's an issue. Some white kids put nooses in a tree, and some blacks kids took offense. Since when did 2 wrongs make a right?
The real problem here is the lack of presidential candidates that are dealing with the BIG ISSUE of this presidential campaign: THE IRAQ WAR! Most Americans are properly concerned with the fact that our young kids are dying in vain in IRAQ. The only candidate to offer a viable solution is: BigBang4God - look him up on the web.
Isn't this the same bunch that wouldn't accept him as a true African American – that he somehow doesn't represent these people because he is not decended from the harship of slavery? Now they say he's acting white? Obama is Obama! He's just a guy running for President just like the other 550 candidates. He wants to better America. Black, white, mulato, he's just a person. He needs to be seen that way. This was a statement I am sure that Jesse regrets (I hope so)
It is a really sad thing when the most outspoken members of a movement aren't capable of practicing what they preach.
Once upon a time I was a big Jesse Jackson supporter. I wanted him to be president. I can't believe how stupid I was. The man is a racist, through and through. What an intellectual collapse he has displayed since his days following MLK. "Acting white" - what on earth does that mean?!?
"Can Obama rally New Yorkers?" has 0 comments.
"Jesse Jackson: Obama's 'acting like he's white'" has 815 comments.
Sad statement, people.
Obama is ACTING like ANYTHING. He's just being himself. And thank heavens for that! Everyone else is so phoney. Love him!
"I mean, when girls are beating up other girls because the other girls were virgins, when boys are attacking other boys because the boys are studying and they say, 'You're acting white.' Well, I got news for ya, a guy told me that there were some white kids who attacked other white kids because they were studying and they said, 'You're acting Asian.' So it's a disease all around." – Bill Cosby
Posted By Tom, Macon Ga : September 19, 2007 2:04 pm
Who is Barack Obama?
Lolo Soetoro, the second husband of Obama's mother, Ann Dunham, introduced his stepson to Islam. Obama was enrolled in a Wahabi school in Jakarta . Wahabism is the radical teaching that is followed by the Muslim terrorists who are now waging Jihad against the western world.
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Since it is politically expedient to be a Christian when seeking Major public office in the United States , Barack Hussein Obama has joined the United Church of Christ in an attempt to downplay his Muslim background.
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Let us all remain alert concerning Obama's expected presidential candidacy.
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Please forward to everyone you know. The Muslims have said they plan on destroying the US from the inside out, what better way to start than at the highest level.
This is true. WOW…SCARY THOUGHT!!!.. Certainly something to think about!
RESPONSE by Poster:
"are you saying you have a problem with muslims? my goodness who cares about what you posted it has nothing to do with the topic."
My Reply:
No I don't think he is saying he has a problem with Muslims. He is saying Obama was enrolled in a Muslim school that taught the radical Muslim used by Terrorists today.
I think that is worth investigation. I'd rather be safer than sorry. Would you rather find out his years of law and religous teachings were to overthrow the American Government after he's in office!
You shouldn't believe anything until you have absolute proof it is truth but you also shouldn't discount anything before you have obsolute proof it is not the truth.
"They will come in sheep's clothing,"
I had to laugh when I read this post which appears somewhere below:
" 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 .
Posted By Ricky,Jonesboro,Ga : September 19, 2007 12:49 pm"
gotta just luv the ignorance of some folks (btw, these abbreviations and shortlines you see in my post are what we call internet english). I wasn't aware Kansas was a country, I thought it was a state in a place commonly known as "America". So, if my mother is from America and my father is from Africa (btw he was from Kenya, a country on a continent called Africa), wouldn't that make me African-American by any definition?
What this idoit meant, which is what most of these racial ideologues mean on this point, is that being African-American is really a state of mind, a state of being, in this country. he's actually right; it's not your ethnic breakdown at all. Being African-American is a caste in America in reality, that's the ugly truth no one wants to admit to. It's the mindset from which 90% of these posts comes from. They believe being AA is inferior, so it is approached from a view of inferiority, thus the attacks on those who challenge it, whether it be Jackson, Sharpton, Obama or you. This is the cancer which must be eradicated in America in order to move past racial hatred and mistrust.
Jackson and Sharpton are shameless. They do not care about bettering the black community, because if the black community improved itself to app. equal levels of education, income, etc.. with whites the need for people like Jackson and Sharpton erases. You can't preach (and capitalize on) victimization without a large flock of victims...
It's a real shame there is anyone that believes these racist men's opinions, but even worse when you throw a race card in with it, where blacks who speak against Jackson and Sharpton are ostracized socially; they aren't black enough, or they've sold out to the white man. News flash – there's plenty of uneducated whites in this country that are below national standards in just about every category, does that mean they're not white enough, if Obama is too white?
Let's see if I recall correctly, Obama has 23 "black" and 23 "White" Genes...therefore, he would and should, hopefully, represent both "Races" well!
Now people use your brains here.. Look who is reporting this story. Look who will benefit from this story. This is intelligent way of dividing and conquering. Get people to discredit one black man against another. Wake up people. See the whole picture. Jesse supports and respects Obama big time. Lets unite on that premise and let the haters do their own thing.
I just don't get it...according to "Reverend" Jackson, black neighborhoods are the most infested with violence, drugs, guns, crimes, gangs, etc. Yet a black person succeeds in getting out of the "hood" and is therefore criticized for not being "black enough" or "light colored" when it turn should serve as an example that indeed a black person can succeed in the alleged "white man" world!
"Reverend" Jackson promote unity or turn in your title!
Our young black and white youths need to be taught what you do today will follow you in the future. Any future political or judicial career choices, etc., they may choose Jeno will follow them. They need to be taught to think with their heads and not with a noose or fist. The damage has been done, there is nothing to repair.
I am so glad Senator Obama responded to the alleged Jesse Jackson comment with, "It's not about black or white, it's about right or wrong." GO OBAMA!!! OBAMA'08!!!!!!!
Man, if this is true, it almost makes me lose all respect for Rev. Jackson. That's as racist a comment as the one Imus made. Being a young black male who knows how to write and speak proper English, and who's grown up in the South, i've had people do subtle things like ask me where i'm from, then react with surprise when I tell them this is my hometown. (Monroe, La.) I've even had MANAGERS I work with come out and accuse me of "acting white". I don't have to justify my blackness to them or anyone else, and neither should Obama. To say that someone is acting 'white' is just slave mentality; it implies that because a person carries themselves with some dignity and class, it means they can't be black. (Which means one of our supposed prominent black leaders is implying black people don't have class and dignity.) Since when did European-Americans get a monopoly on dignity?
JESSIE LOVES FOR A BLACK PERSON TO HAVE PROBLEMS. HE'S LIKE AN AMBULANCE CHASING LAWYER. MY OPINION IS HE REALLY DOESN'T CARE ABOUT HIS RACE AND ACTUALLY ONLY CARES HOW HE LOOKS TO OTHERS WHO ARE BLACK.
HEY Jeff Spangler, Arlington, VA
Jenna would not have happened if some WHite kids did not hang a noose to intimidate Black kids and jump on e of them at a party and beat him with beer bottles BEFORE the WHite kid got beaten up in retaliation.
And Jesse Jackson should shut the hell up and take his money hungry, spotlight hungry, jealous ass and fade into the wind.
As an African American man, Mr. Jackson offends me on many different levels. Yes sir Mr. Jackson..I am sure you would have "been all over Jena". You are everywhere a camera is. You are an icon in your own mind. You have never been a part of a single piece of legislation in this country. You have never held an office. You are a "reverend" that has never had a church. It is sad that when an educated, humble, energetic, african american "difference maker" steps into the lime light..the "good Dr. Reverend" feels the need to express his inadequacies and jealousy in his 2007 version of "I have a dream". I shouldnt have to tell a "foremost expert on racial equality" this...but black is something you are, not something you "try to achieve". Stop kicking your leg out to "trip up" a man who has fought the same struggles that you claim to fight. Maybe if Mr. Obama got on a private helicopter to the Hugo Chavez compound for Mojitos...he would be "black enough"...?
I want you to look at venturacountystar.com and go to Oxnard and there is a story of a Black Man named Allen. He was bruttaly beaten by the PHPD for no reason, he was singled out by 2 officers who where harrassing him as he was walking into his home, the police then ordered him to go to his vehicle to get his drivers lisence, when he reached into the car to get his liscence two other cops arrived at the scene and began brutally beating him, the other two cops that where there first ran and joined the beating. All of this was done infront of witnesses and his very own MOTHER. The officers and sargent stated that the reason they stopped him was because his registration was expired. His whole family went down to the station with the witnesses and told the sargent what the officers had done. He questioned his officers on why they confronted Mr. Allen, in the first place, and they stated "the tags where bad on the car". The family told the sargent that this was not true and they could even call the tow yard where they towed his vehicle on the grounds of expired registration. So the sargent called the tow yard, the employees there gave the sargent the bad news that he did not want to hear. The tags where just renewed a month ago for an entire year. The officer ordered the tow yard to release the car to a family member and that they where on there way to come get it and there would be no fees charged for this at all. The sargent then stated to the family members that he had nothing else to say to them in the defense of his officers. Mr. Allen is a great guy. He went to school for many years for occupational tharapy. He is now lisenced and certified. I am just torn by the comments people have made from just reading the story in the paper. This is a recial profile case. He is not in a gang and hasnt ever been. Since then he has had an attorney, they've gone to court and the DA dropped the case. On top of that his injuries have been treated throughout the year. He has been going to appointment after appointment. Mr. Allen was a true victim of racial profile, harrassement, and police brutality. He has been fighting this for a while, little do people know. A case againts the police isnt solved over night when they are doing everything in there power to sweep what happened under the rug. And the sargent also stated that he didn't know about the case which is not true, because he issued the car back to the family, when he found out about the tags being good. I really wanted you to know about this issue. It is just unbeleivable, and breaks my heart to know that police brutality is in my own backyard, and racial profiling. Put your self in his mothers shoes. How would you like to sit and be forced to watch your son be beaten by four police officers and you cant do anything to deffend him?
I would just like to point out how racist Jesse Jackson is saying someone is "acting white". As a "white person" I find it insulting to stereotype someone to get on the news. Shame on Jesse Jackson. Why we give this adulter who already insulted Japanese people with his earlier statements news coverage I will never know.