I was inspired on so many occasions by Reverend Jackson's vision, and his oratory. One thing that he said in particular stuck with me over the years:
"We are spending more and more on the Pentagon - already the largest military budget by far in the world - and cutting back on programs for the vulnerable, everything from food stamps, to Medicaid, to public housing and aid for poor schools and students. We end up with guided missiles and misguided young people - a tragic waste."
Indeed, Jim. I voted for Jesse in the Michigan Presidential primary, which he won, of course. As we all do, he had his faults, but I'd agree that his vision and organizing skills were superb. Further note: during his Michigan campaign, when his opponents derided him for being "too progressive and liberal," any number of Black people in the community in which I lived told me that for them, he was actually conservative - standing for what then were family values, self help, entrepreneurship, and the like.
A concise, powerful summary by Hightower. From a racial perspective, I am a third-generation American of Japanese ancestry, from manual labor and working class roots. I voted for Jackson in both primaries he entered, precisely because he saw the linkages among the mistreated classes.
Yes, Jim, the vision is what matters, and it has not changed. That is precisely why we will not bow to tyrants - ever. Thank you for sharing this uplifting tribute.
Yes! Jesse Jackson built community ... step, by step, by step, including, repeatedly, the step of deep listening followed by naming possibilities for expanded, more effective relationships. -- And his "Give a Jackson ($20 bill!) for Jackson" fund raising was terrific in building participation!
I can only retroactively dream of the existence of a Jesse Jackson presidency...one with intelligence, compassion, fire and actual righteousness, not the criminal, hateful, fascist nightmare we find ourselves mired in at the present time.
Jesse Jackson came to our small city of 9,000, twice, and spoke of people, of futures, of the need to pull together for the good of each one of us and for our democracy. Twice, to our very white town in rural north-central Pennsylvania - Lock Haven. A captivating speaker, always promoting, stirring the humanity in all of us. We voted for him each time. It was very easy to not see his color as he spoke. Great character.
Thanks, Jim, and to everyone who has commented -- with truth and lack of sentimentality. I want to remember Jackson for speaking truth to power. He's not the only one, but it's important to be reminded.
What Jim is talking about is exactly what the Direct Action and Research Training Center (DART) has been doing for more than 40 years, building multi-everything coalitions as powerful vehicles for winning justice in our cities. Why didn't he know that and refer readers to their website (thedartcenter.org)?
"...it was just the right thing to do." "...profound 'intentionality.'" Now that this sounds so improbable and radical, we need the reminder. Thanks, Jim! And the spirit of Rev. Jackson will continue pushing us to do the same.
Was your quote from an "old-time Democrat" from Ann Richards? My God, I loved her.
I lived in Texas when Ann Richards was governor, and I loved her too.
I was inspired on so many occasions by Reverend Jackson's vision, and his oratory. One thing that he said in particular stuck with me over the years:
"We are spending more and more on the Pentagon - already the largest military budget by far in the world - and cutting back on programs for the vulnerable, everything from food stamps, to Medicaid, to public housing and aid for poor schools and students. We end up with guided missiles and misguided young people - a tragic waste."
Indeed, Jim. I voted for Jesse in the Michigan Presidential primary, which he won, of course. As we all do, he had his faults, but I'd agree that his vision and organizing skills were superb. Further note: during his Michigan campaign, when his opponents derided him for being "too progressive and liberal," any number of Black people in the community in which I lived told me that for them, he was actually conservative - standing for what then were family values, self help, entrepreneurship, and the like.
A concise, powerful summary by Hightower. From a racial perspective, I am a third-generation American of Japanese ancestry, from manual labor and working class roots. I voted for Jackson in both primaries he entered, precisely because he saw the linkages among the mistreated classes.
Yes, Jim, the vision is what matters, and it has not changed. That is precisely why we will not bow to tyrants - ever. Thank you for sharing this uplifting tribute.
i voted for Rev. Jackson for the same reasons
Yes! Jesse Jackson built community ... step, by step, by step, including, repeatedly, the step of deep listening followed by naming possibilities for expanded, more effective relationships. -- And his "Give a Jackson ($20 bill!) for Jackson" fund raising was terrific in building participation!
I can only retroactively dream of the existence of a Jesse Jackson presidency...one with intelligence, compassion, fire and actual righteousness, not the criminal, hateful, fascist nightmare we find ourselves mired in at the present time.
Jesse Jackson came to our small city of 9,000, twice, and spoke of people, of futures, of the need to pull together for the good of each one of us and for our democracy. Twice, to our very white town in rural north-central Pennsylvania - Lock Haven. A captivating speaker, always promoting, stirring the humanity in all of us. We voted for him each time. It was very easy to not see his color as he spoke. Great character.
ANDJesse believed in SCIENCE,
GOT A pHd IN GENETICS, ADVANCEDCLIMATE CHANGE implications on agriculture
In retrospect,he was a fine civil rights leader.
Thanks, Jim, and to everyone who has commented -- with truth and lack of sentimentality. I want to remember Jackson for speaking truth to power. He's not the only one, but it's important to be reminded.
What Jim is talking about is exactly what the Direct Action and Research Training Center (DART) has been doing for more than 40 years, building multi-everything coalitions as powerful vehicles for winning justice in our cities. Why didn't he know that and refer readers to their website (thedartcenter.org)?
You were on the correct side of history.
Thank you, Jim
"...it was just the right thing to do." "...profound 'intentionality.'" Now that this sounds so improbable and radical, we need the reminder. Thanks, Jim! And the spirit of Rev. Jackson will continue pushing us to do the same.