Jesse JAckson, again

[Andra_Jenny]

I was watching the talking heads this morning and really heard most of the full story for the first time. What struck me was that the Reverend Jackson, when the story broke, admitted it's truth, took responsibility, and apologized for the pain he was putting his family through. I thought it was an appropriate response and one which I wonder what would have happened if Bill Clinton had done the same, how differently things could have been. I know there are people salivating to see the Reverend go down, but they seem to be doing a fair job of restraining themselves. What do you think?

 

[CreamyLady]

He's a human being, prone to the same temptations and mistakes as every other human being. He isn't the first, he won't be the last, and is it really anybody's business?

Seriously, I'd like to see a moratorium on the extracurricular love lives of the famous and powerful, with the spotlight again turned on serious issues. I also realize that the chance of that happening is extremely slim.

 

[Laurel]

Seriously, I'd like to see a moratorium on the extracurricular love lives of the famous and powerful, with the spotlight again turned on serious issues. I also realize that the chance of that happening is extremely slim.

Amen and hallelujah.

Since when does Jesse Jackson or anyone else have to 'apologize' to me for an affair? What he did had absolutely nothing to do with me, or anyone else here. We're rapidly developing into a nation where our private lives are every else's business, where in the interest of 'character' it is perfectly acceptable to dig for 'dirt' and air it.

How, exactly, would any of you feel if it were publicly exposed to your family, friends, and community that you visit this site regularly, that you've exchanged photos with members, that you've submitted 'pornography' (in the form of erotic poetry, stories, or photos)? How would you feel if you were then expected to 'apologize' and 'be forgiven' by society for your 'moral transgressions'?

None of us are morally pure. This finger-pointing is plain wrong. The President, the Senators, our Governors...they aren't elected Pope. Public office does not demand moral purity - it demands an aptitude for the job and a grasp of the issues it represents.

This is really scary, this road we're choosing. Members of all parties have had affairs, looked at porn, cussed, and done all the things that Good Christians don't do. Dig into anyone's background and you'll find something less than savory. Unless these directly affect their jobs, it's between them, their families, and whichever (if any) God they choose to worship. What SHOULD matter are the issues and ideas that these candidates promote. These are what will change our lives, not who they sleep with or how often. I understand that affairs are much more exciting to the masses, but it's the dull, dry issues that matter.

 

[CRaZy]

None of us are morally pure. This finger-pointing is plain wrong. The President, the Senators, our Governors...they aren't elected Pope. - Laurel

LOL. Just look back through history at the private lives of the Popes. Murder, affairs, illegitimate children, sodomising of young boys, sacrificing of virgins - it's all there. Now, as for the royal family in England who head the Anglican Church. Murder, affairs, illegitimate children, sodomising of young boys plus the very convenient habit of shouting "Off with her head" every time they wanted a divorce. Makes Jesse, Bill, even poor old Jimmy Swaggart look positively down home apple pie wholesome.

 

[jcgirl]

I could not care any less for what people do behind the closed doors of thier bedrooms. Im not going to ask either, because I sure as hell would not want someone asking me for the world to know.

 

[OUTSIDER]

I agree it would be churlish(sp) to chastise him when he is being open honest and remorseful....damn him, can't even poke fun at him...it's not fair we're just not used to politician's being all trueful and open.....(walks off grumbleing to himself)

 

[Guest]

Not here either........ Here Chuckus Chuckus Chuckus

 

[Bs]

Laural said:

This finger-pointing is plain wrong. The President, the Senators, our Governors...they aren't elected Pope. Public office does not demand moral purity - it demands an aptitude for the job and a grasp of the issues it represents


Then why all this shit about Ashcroft?

He IS qualified and compentent to do the job.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

as for Jessie.... who really gives a shit about this asshole whom does he represent? Who appointed him GOD or Pope or anything????? Who, NOBODY!! He is bought and paid for by Big Bussiness and the Democratic party....

just a few thoughts... because I would not want to waste 2 cents on any of this crap.......


and again this is...

 

[Laurel]

Laural said:

This finger-pointing is plain wrong. The President, the Senators, our Governors...they aren't elected Pope. Public office does not demand moral purity - it demands an aptitude for the job and a grasp of the issues it represents


Then why all this shit about Ashcroft?

He IS qualified and compentent to do the job.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

as for Jessie.... who really gives a shit about this asshole whom does he represent? Who appointed him GOD or Pope or anything????? Who, NOBODY!! He is bought and paid for by Big Bussiness and the Democratic party....

just a few thoughts... because I would not want to waste 2 cents on any of this crap.......
and again this is...

As far as I understand, the concerns regarding Ashcroft have everything to do with his job. If he had an affair, that would be irrelevant, but when he votes against affirmative action and anti-discrimination laws, against a crucial AIDS provision, against environmental protections, and receives extraordinarily high ratings and accolades from prominent ultra-conservative groups and institutions like the Christian Coalition and Bob Jones University, that DOES reflect on how he will 'do his job'. For those of us who aren't racists or Ultra-Conservatives and value clean air over corporate profits, this is a concern.

As far as Jesse Jackson goes, he represents the interests of many African-Americans. I'm not Black either, but I'm not narrow-minded enough to think that just because he doesn't represent MY interests that what he has to say isn't important. It's a BIIIIG world out there, BS - full of people who aren't your race, your sex, your nationality, or your religion. Better get used to it.

Reading various newspapers, news websites, and magazines, I'm disturbed by how fashionable hate has become lately. It's sooo cool to be "anti PC" - to trash Black leaders and immigrants and the poor and environmentalists... Well, I believed in equality before it was Politically Correct, and now that it's 'cool' to be intolerant and selfish, I still believe in equality and compassion. Racism and sexism sucks, no matter how 'hip' they are. Just My Two Cents.

 

[Bs]

Laurel said:

".....It's a BIIIIG world out there, BS - full of people who aren't your race, your sex, your nationality, or your religion. Better get used to it."


You know thats exactly the point I was trying to make.

 

[Ambrosious]

http://www.boortz.com/jesse-priceless.jpg

 

[Andra_Jenny]

That is somewhat humerous,

but if you keep using the tactics of the left all the while decrying them...

 

[Ambrosious]

Walk toward the light...

 

[Andra_Jenny]

How do I know

that it's not a bug zapper?

 

[Ambrosious]

Andra_Jenny

Trust me...

http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B00004R9VW.01.LZZZZZZZ.jpg

 

[Andra_Jenny]

Oh man, that is too quick!

NOW I am really scared. I am stayin' right here under da bed!

 

[Juspar Emvan]

Look, way down here I don't even know who this guy is, but that's beside the point. It seems to me that the real major issue has to be with hipocrosy. Is the role he (or anyone else plays) made a mockery of by their actions? I mean so what if Billy Boy had his cigar where it didn't belong, that doesn't relate to his ability to lead a nation. But is Jackson some religeous(sp?) figure? Does he preach or teach morality or ethics?

And the other guy, the Arch-Conservative, if that's his role then let him fill it and be faithful to it, live or die politically speaking on that basis. Sounds to me like he will die by it. But that just means he unpopular with the majority.

If people choose to become public proponents of vertain viewpoints I have no compunction about making them accountable to those views. Show me an anti abortionist who assisted their daughter/friend/neighbor get one and I have no problem shooting them down. However if your views are private, then you have full rights to privacy.

My two cents, anyone got change?

 

[WriterDom]

Jackson gets accolades from prominent ultra-liberal groups and institutions. Apparently that makes him a good guy.

 

[Madame Pandora]

I agree that Jusper has a point that anyone who lives a public live and doesn't "practice what they preach" sets himself or herself up for criticism.

However, you do not have to be an artist to teach art appreciation.

Yes, Jackson is a "religious figure" in modern Christian circles, but he is also a man, and the Bible he teaches clearly states that all human beings are faulted with sin. It also says that all sin is the same. That is the reason he can be a proponent of a certain lifestyle and still not live up to his own expectations. What he preaches, in effect, is just what he is now serving as example to. Anyone who followed him before has no reason not to support him now.

When we are children, our parents teach us not to lie. But, does that mean they never lie? No. They are trying to hold us up to a higher standard, so that when we make judgment calls we do so with our best possible intentions.

I know doctors who smoke. I know people who are devoutly spiritual (and by that I do not just mean Christians) who stumble along their chosen paths. I certainly do not always act by every standard I try to hold myself to.

Jackson is a powerful leader. He inspires. At times, he speaks out of outrage, but I have never seen him speak out of hatred, and I have seen him motivate people in a manner that is magnificent to watch. I have seen him make a public statement on television and watched people around me respond to him. That is no small gift. I have not always agreed with his views, but I find it hard not to respect what he does.

I think it takes a lot of courage to be a leader. If you're going to stand up when everyone else sits, you are basically giving the world a target. And nothing entertains the public more than a fall from grace.

Do you think there are no divorced marriage counselors? No psychologists who have had times of personal crisis? It does not always affect the manner in which they are able to counsel others.

There are also men and women of strong faith who fall from their paths, but that in no way diminishes their ability to minister to others.

I'm not saying the jokes aren't funny. I'm not saying there isn't irony worthy of a smirk. All I'm saying is that the truth of any given situation is usually a lot more complex than a headline or a punch line.

And, Bs…as far as Ashcroft goes, the distinction isn’t anywhere near the same. Jackson’s role is to be a spiritual leader. Ashcroft’s proposed position will be to oversee the most important part of the American justice system without bias or personal conflict. The debate over Ashcroft is whether his professional choices have been, in the past, tainted by personal belief in lieu of adherence to the law. This is, whatever the outcome, and very important issue. If he weren’t qualified, he wouldn’t even be considered for the post. His qualifications must also be weighed against the decisions he has made in his professional history.

Apples and oranges.

Anyway, Ashcroft has nothing to worry about. Some of the worst Republican candidates in numerous positions have been given a clear bill by the reviewing Democrats. It’s a bunch of pomp and circumstance.

Just MHO

MP

 

[FlamingoBlue]

Where's Superman when we need him??

So what if a marriage counselor gets divorced, a doctor gets sick, a plumber's pipes freeze or a landscaper's yard neeeds to be cleaned up. Those folks don't go around acting and preaching that they are holier than thou. That's what sets them off from our "spiritual leaders". The latter are suppossed to be examples of what they are trying to represent and when it turns out that they're human, their followers are disappointed and their detractors revel in the seeming hypocricy.

Good ole Jesse J. So he has an illegitimate child and he fesses up to it. Good for him. As for corporate $$ that he may have spent on the lady and the baby, well that's another story altogether. That's gonna be a real problem for him to explain to his followers since that was their $$ that he was spending.

Do I care?? No, not a bit. But the word "hypocrite" keeps popping up in my mind. I wonder why that is??

blue

 

[Guest]

It's none of my business where Jackson sticks his penis. But if a black leader wants to improve the plight of his people, the family should be the focal point, not the oppressive white man.

63% of youth suicides are from fatherless homes (Source: U.S. D.H.H.S., Bureau of the Census)
90% of all homeless and runaway children are from fatherless homes
85% of all children that exhibit behavioral disorders come from fatherless homes (Source: Center for Disease Control)
80% of rapists motivated with displaced anger come from fatherless homes (Source: Criminal Justice & Behavior, Vol 14, p. 403-26, 1978.)
71% of all high school dropouts come from fatherless homes (Source: National Principals Association Report on the State of High Schools.)
75% of all adolescent patients in chemical abuse centers come from fatherless homes (Source: Rainbows for all God`s Children.)
70% of juveniles in state-operated institutions come from fatherless homes (Source: U.S. Dept. of Justice, Special Report, Sept 1988)
85% of all youths sitting in prisons grew up in a fatherless home (Source: Fulton Co. Georgia jail populations, Texas Dept. of Corrections 1992)

These statistics translate to mean that children from a fatherless home are: 5 times more likely to commit suicide.
32 times more likely to run away.
20 times more likely to have behavioral disorders.
14 times more likely to commit rape: This applies to boys of course.
9 times more likely to drop out of high school.
10 times more likely to abuse chemical substances.
9 times more likely to end up in a state-operated institution.
20 times more like to end up in prison.

 

[Jake2001]

Just a word or two about that

Amen and hallelujah.

Since when does Jesse Jackson or anyone else have to 'apologize' to me for an affair? What he did ....

....I understand that affairs are much more exciting to the masses, but it's the dull, dry issues that matter.

Wow Laurel! You make some very good points and it made me stop and think. I have never copied a post INto my word processor to save as a file before. My wife shares your sentiments and she would find this more than interesting.

Now then, my POV is this. Besides Jessie being a hypocrite whose theatrics are designed to bring much more attention to himself than his professed causes, I think some people have to be above the common man. Elected officials, teachers, and religious leaders are by definition supposed to be role models. I think the position is a choice they have made and they know the obligations that go with it. Just because many others in history have fallen does not license anyone in one of these positions to stoop to this kind of horseshit. There are many men (and especially today, women) who do uphold high moral standards. For us to accept less from others is degrading to them.

I agree with you that their private lives are none of our business but then, they have an obligation to make sure they don't compromise it such that it becomes public. I don't blame the press either. Sensationalism sells papers. Human nature, being what it is, will not change and that increases circulation. It is what they have allowed to become public that is being reported.

Just wait a minute! My moral transgressions? [Oh gosh, 'transgressions' is a nice way to label them in my case] However, I am not the president of the United States and, as such, the leader of the free world. I have never been on national television preaching condemnation of humanity for the sins I am guilty of committing as I speak.

I would hate to deface the people who have conducted their lives with high standards by lumping them in with the trash that thumb their noses at us.

 

[Madame Pandora]

Yes

And Jackson has lived up to the responsibility of his actions and been a father to ALL his children.

As for the issue of "fatherless" children being a "plight" of black culture, there are a great deal of "deadbeat dads" (and mothers, for that matter)who are white, hispanic, and a variety of other races.

I agree, the most disturbing issue overall here is if he misapplied funds, but THAT would be an issue of just as much concern if he gave the money to his legal wife as it is whether he gave it to his mistress.

But then...the issue of how "religious leaders" from all countries seem to hoard and misappropriate wealth through history is another issue that would make a spirited discussion.

Personally, I think the reason the word "hypocrite" keeps being brought into everyone's mind is because so few people are willing to admit that what we strive to be is usually a far cry from what we are. And, people who strive higher and are vocal about their quests have further to fall.

That is just humanity. Fatally flawed and more beautiful for it.

Does Jackson have a lot to answer for? Certainly. Does it negate his ability to minister to others? Not necessarily.

I think it's interesting how popular culture is always so much more ready to saint the "bad guy" ("sure, X is an asshole, but look at all the good he's done for the city...")than they are to accept the clay feet of someone aiming for higher ground.

MP

 

[FlamingoBlue]

Since I was never one of his flock...

I will never know whether Jesse has lost his appeal. If I had been a believer, I likely would write off the "bastard" to an indiscretion but the theft would cause me problems.

blue

 

[Juspar Emvan]

perci

". . . lies, damn lies and statistics"
Winston Churchill

1. That whole thing is a load of horse shit (which is not necesarily to say that the information is inaccurate)
2. I don't see the relevance, but then I don't care about the issue at hand. I'm more interested in the general leader/ fallen from the path/ hypocrosy/ or not dicussion.