Friday, July 11, 2008
Out spoken and off color
Jesse Jackson's unfortunate reference over an open microphone as to the 'dispensation' of Sen. Obama's reproductive extremities was a prime example of the expression, "with a friend like you, who needs enemies." Reverend Jackson was apparently irked by what he felt was Sen. Obama's failure to address issues that concerned Black people. That, and the perception that he was talking 'down' to Black people. In making his apology to Obama, Jackson went into a long oration of his own civil rights involvement down through the years, until the apology almost seemed an inconsequential part of his self-appraisment.
With all due respect to Rev. Jackson, its no big secret that he does have a tendency
to go into oration mode every time he's in front of a microphone. He is no doubt a great spokesman for the causes of equal rights and justice for all, but I don't think he advanced that cause in this instance. I believe it would be a mistake for Sen. Obama to single out any one particular racial or religious group's needs for special consideration. He needs to convey and maintain the impression that if elected, he will be the President of ALL the people. He does not need to be hamstrung at this stage of his campaign by misconceptions of impartiality and favoritism. The new President to be, whoever he might be, should not have to bear the burden of doubt.
George Morin
Auburn, Ga.
With all due respect to Rev. Jackson, its no big secret that he does have a tendency
to go into oration mode every time he's in front of a microphone. He is no doubt a great spokesman for the causes of equal rights and justice for all, but I don't think he advanced that cause in this instance. I believe it would be a mistake for Sen. Obama to single out any one particular racial or religious group's needs for special consideration. He needs to convey and maintain the impression that if elected, he will be the President of ALL the people. He does not need to be hamstrung at this stage of his campaign by misconceptions of impartiality and favoritism. The new President to be, whoever he might be, should not have to bear the burden of doubt.
George Morin
Auburn, Ga.
