I thought it an appropriate place to begin my first blog on this particular page with this issue of Jesse Jackson vs. Barack Obama. The first thing is that I am not a supporter of either of the men's politics let it be known that I am a Pan-African Nationalist, and an historian. As a student of history this debate is a part of a long discussion on how the African populations in America should move itself forward. The debate is connected to the Dubois vs. Garvey, Malcolm Vs. Martin debate. It is connected to Civil Vs. Human Rights, Black Power vs. Civil Rights, and numerous other debates in the Black communities of America and throughout the diaspora.
This debate is old hat, and it is exploited by outside forces that enjoy this tantrum and tomfoolery from African peoples. The likes of Bill O'Reilly who boost ratings on negative energy and posing African Americans one against the other. This debate is also deeper than that, it is part of a long discussion on as to whether or not the politics of America can benefit its African/Black Citizenry. It is my position that the discussion wherein Jesse Jackson quietly mentioned the removal of Barack Obama's private parts is silly. It also begs the question as to whether or not Jackson knew the microphone was "hot" in his supposed whispering. Watching the tape of the incident, and understanding that Jackson is a professional at using the media to his aims I wonder. That aside there is really no argument here, the faith-based initiatives of the Bush administration which Barack Obama is asking to be expanded is irrelevant to the African peoples in America. It is not relevant because these faith-based initiatives will not save African Americans from their numerous inequities with America.
The only beings to lift African Americans from the muck and mire of drug sales, gang crime, low wages, poverty, bad health care and failing schools will be African Americans. It will not be done through faith or any other initiatives by the United States Government. Keep in mind that it was the U.S. Goverment that legalized the enslavement, and economic initiatives that continue to keep African Americans as a labor force in the Americas. The real issue is that it should be obvious that this same government would not all of a sudden have a change of heart. Both Barack Obama and Jesse Jackson have a belief in the ability of America to change, I do not hold this view. Both men believe that America which has not historically done so can and will become what it claims in its Constitution and Declaration of Independence. It is my belief that both men are foolish, and rather than be pitted one against the other African Americans should evaluate their so-called leaders positons and then ask what Dr. John Henrik Clarke suggests.
Leader where are you leading us?