Jesse Jr. to Jesse Sr.: You're wrong on Obama, dad
During his historic run for the presidency in 1984, the Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr. was dubbed ''Thunder'' by the Secret Service agents assigned to protect him. It was a fitting name for Jackson, whose electrifying oratory, energy and intellect shed light on critical issues as he took the country by storm.
In his column on Tuesday, ''Thunder'' struck again, criticizing Democratic presidential candidates for having ''virtually ignored the plight of African Americans in this country.'' While causing quite a stir, Jackson's comments unfortunately dimmed -- rather than directed -- light on the facts. But, they should be clear.
(AP)
As a national co-chairman of Sen. Barack Obama's presidential campaign, I've been a witness to Obama's powerful, consistent and effective advocacy for African Americans. He is deeply rooted in the black community, having fought for social justice and economic inclusion throughout his life. On the campaign trail -- as he's done in the U.S. Senate and the state Legislature before that -- Obama has addressed many of the issues facing African Americans out of personal conviction, rather than political calculation.
It is a testament to his deep commitment and new vision that Obama is poised to become the first black man to make it all the way to the White House. Taking him there will be the character, the judgment and the principles that are propelling his rise.
So often, the place where a candidate begins a campaign points to the direction where he intends to take the country. It is a hint of things to come.
Obama launched his presidential campaign at the Old State Capitol in Springfield, where Abraham Lincoln delivered his famous speech calling on a divided nation to come together. Arguing that slavery was morally wrong, Lincoln professed this: ''I believe that this government cannot endure, permanently half slave and half free.''
Lincoln's words were not just poignant, they were prophetic. His campaign defined the challenge and changed the country, setting in motion an immortal, inevitable clash of armies and ideas. In the clamor and convulsion of the Civil War, President Lincoln rallied the nation, freed the slaves and saved our Union, ushering in ''a new birth of freedom.''
Almost a century and half later, Obama stood only steps away from where Lincoln warned of a ''house divided.'' Like Lincoln, Obama called on us to come together and ''to face the challenges of this millennium together, as one people -- as Americans.'' He called on us to join with him to conclude a war without end, to solve the health care crisis, to build better schools, to create better jobs and to provide greater opportunity and justice for all. He said, "I want us to take up the unfinished business of perfecting our union, and building a better America."
Clearly, African Americans -- as all Americans -- are listening and responding. On the same day that Jackson's column appeared, the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies released the results of its latest national survey of likely black presidential primary voters. The study found that many African Americans were paying close attention, with nearly 75 percent having a favorable view of Obama.
They see the light.
Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. (D-Ill.)
Jesse Jackson is once again accusing lenders of racism [''Media pundits ignore gathering storm of housing crisis,'' column, Nov. 20] -- this time for foreclosing on mortgages made under liberal terms such as adjustable rate mortgages. Just a few years ago he was accusing lenders of racism because their tight lending standards made getting a loan difficult for people in minority neighborhoods. It appears that lenders are damned if they do, and damned if they don't.
Jackson says that the public hearings he proposes will cause lenders to ''run.'' He's right. But he ignores the fact that the vast majority of these loans are performing. The reason there are subprime loans is because there are subprime borrowers. If he succeeds, then only the rich with big incomes and stellar credit ratings will be able to afford homes.
But don't worry. When that happens, Jackson will be back -- leading the charge -- accusing lenders of racism all over again because the impact of the tighter lending standards that Jackson now insists upon will be disproportionately felt in black neighborhoods.
What we really need to be protected against is the unscrupulous predatory practices of politicians who villainize money lenders, thus denying access to credit by citizens who pay their debts.
Gregory P. Turza,
Skokie
I get so irritated when I see three people picking up garbage in city trucks. Private services use only one person. Maybe Mayor Daley should sell off the city garbage business to a private firm that can run it more efficiently. Think of the money taxpayers would save!
Also, why should we have to pay into the city pension fund? City workers should pay their own, just like we do.
David Copenhaver,
Lincoln Park
