Obama vs Sharpton

Jesse Jackson can still get a crowd going—when he can find one. He appeared at a Los Angeles restaurant this fall, primed to discuss school dropout rates and home foreclosures. But only eight people showed up, mostly reporters. It's no longer Reverend Jackson's day in the sun, or any other black leader's whose name isn't Barack Obama. So where does that leave the leaders to whom black America has long turned in times of crisis—Jackson, and the Revs. Andrew Young and Al Sharpton? At times they can seem like jealous, cranky old men, as in December when Young suggested Bill Clinton was "every bit as black as Barack." Or when Jackson said Obama was "acting white'' by skipping a giant rally for the Jena Six.

But it's not just jealousy. They are also frustrated by mainstream voters' eager embrace of an African-American raised without a traditional African-American experience—who's not, in other words, an "angry black man." Reared in Hawaii by white grandparents, Obama didn't have a family history of segregation and Jim Crow laws. And sources close to all three reverends say the men are hurt that Obama hasn't sought their advice, even privately. (Still, Jackson has endorsed Obama.) The leaders appreciate Obama's dilemma. They know he'd lose many white voters if he reached out to leaders known primarily for advocating black issues. Obama's refrain is that there is just one America. It may be what America wants to hear—but the three lions of the old school couldn't disagree more.

Oh? and it might also matter that Sharpton is a hood. Jackson has a so so record .. complicated by his posturing after Dr. King's death and huge profiteering he has done based on his civil rights record. Andy Young .. well it would be easier to comment on Andy if much of his loife for the last 30 years had been spent on Black rathyer than perosnal issues.

When I read this sort of thing I wonder how it is that the media have anointed Sharpton as a leader? Does it make them better to see the Black commujnity as led by a gangster?

BTW, Jackson's son has endorsed Obama and unlike these three wise men, BO has worked on the streets for Black needs for many years. When dio Al Sharpton last get dirt under his pedicured nails?


Jews for Obama: "We are offering the yarmulkes for $5 each plus a flat fee of $5 per order to pay for shipping. This will cover the costs of our custom order. If you order 15 or more yarmulkes (orders of $75 or more), we will provide free shipping. (UPDATE: If your order is to be shipped outside the United States, total cost will vary based on the price of international postage.)"

One way that BO differs from these "leaders" is that he .. like Dr. King, is a leader recognized by all Americans. Sharpton made it pretty clear that non Blacks weren't his porblem. Andy Young's anti Israel stands hardly helped Jews respect him. Jesse ,,, Jesse has grwon and he desrves credit for that trip. BUT .. Obama appears to be the real thing. A BLACK man who can lead ALL America.

Who woulda thunk? Dr. King woulda thunk!