berman@ihuxm.UUCP (Andy Berman) (01/05/84)
Tom O"Connor suggests that Jessie Jackson "give up now"
Hell, no! He has just performed a beautiful inspiring moral action,
with wonderful political implications. He proved that good
diplomacy, moral appeal, and direct contacts can be infinitely
more effective than the mightiest weaponry.
He has shown that there is no need for America to be in a de-facto
war in the Middle East.
He has undercut Reagan's big guns approach and cheap appeals to
American national chauvenism.
He has shown that Americans who are fighting for economic and
social justice at home command great respect abroad.
He has created a politcal climate wherein millions of unregistered
citizens will register, seeing for the first time in ages, a
meaninful alternative, a voice that speaks to the soical and economic
needs of the American people, a voice that lashes out against
blind militarism, that stands up for justice, and a voice that
can perform, where others have failed!
Give up? Hell no, Jessie, Keep Running!
-Andy Bermanpector@ihuxw.UUCP (Scott W. Pector) (01/05/84)
I'll admit that I've never liked Jesse Jackson. That man seems to be only out for himself. At least, that's how I interpret his past actions. I really feel that he went to Syria for political reasons. He was in a "can't lose" situation. Look at it this way: if he got the serviceman freed, he's a hero and gets accolades as a statesman; if he can't free the serviceman, he gets a lot of free press and impresses some Americans with his efforts. As long as nothing bad happens to the serviceman, Jesse can't do anything but win. My first reaction was that Jesse was playing roulette with the serviceman's life by trying to make this a public performance (I admit I'm biasing my statements; I don't think he is a humanitarian). Perhaps I'm wrong and Jesse has turned over a new leaf or my interpretation of him has always been erroneous. I just hope this wasn't a ploy and instead was sincere; how could he live with himself otherwise? Scott Pector
ken@ihuxq.UUCP (ken perlow) (01/05/84)
-------- >>> I'll admit that I've never liked Jesse Jackson. That man seems to be only >>> out for himself. At least, that's how I interpret his past actions. So, name one politician who is truly sincere and altruistic. They're all in it for their own greater glory. And the ones who get elected will apparently do ANYTHING to keep their cushy positions so as not to have to go back to peddling insurance. Then again, if confronted with the same choice, so would I. -- *** *** JE MAINTIENDRAI ***** ***** ****** ****** ken perlow ***** ***** (312)979-7261 ** ** ** ** ..ihnp4!ihuxq!ken *** ***
david@randvax.ARPA (David Shlapak) (01/07/84)
Jesse Jackson accomplished a "beatiful moral action," or words to
that effect? Come on!
I will not attempt to degrade Reverend Jackson's personal motivations.
Assad's release of Goodman, unfortunately, had little or nothing to
do with truth, beauty, morality, "personal diplomacy," or anything
other than plain old garden variety Chicago ward politics...the kind
Reverend Jackson is most familiar with.
Let's face it...Lieutenant Goodman had absolutely no value to Syrians
save as a tool for use politically against the US. The Reverend
Jackson's trip to Damascus gave them precisely the opportunity they
had undoubtedly been praying for.
Look what this one gesture did:
1. By turning Goodman over to a non-governmental supplicant,
Syria succeeded in embarassing the US government and its
President badly.
2. They seized what high ground there may be on the Lebanese
issue by appearing to make a gesture of conciliation towards
the US and, by implication, towards Israel. Now the pressure
will be on Washington and Jerusalem to take the next step.
3. They have improved Syria's image in the eyes of the American
people, thus making any further hostile action on our part
much less likely.
4. They have elevated the most pro-Arab of the Democratic contenders
out of the also-running pack and made him, at least temporarily,
a man to be reckoned with politically.
None of these elements contain any element of morality, justice, or
beauty. This is just the way politics is played.
I applaud the Reverend Jackson's initiative in journeying to Syria,
and I am as pleased as anyone that Goodman is back. And again, I will
NOT argue the Reverend Jackson's personal motives; whether or not
his actions will in the long run be a constructive step towards some
resolution of the Mideast muddle is quite another issue entirely.
Cheers!
--- dasjbray@bbncca.ARPA (James Bray) (01/07/84)
Darn right. I heard Jessie speak at the Nov. 12th demonstration in DC, and he said more-or-less all the right things. I understand that McGovern wanted to come but was sick and so couldn't make it, and the rest of the Democrats weren't interested. Too political for them, no doubt (genuine Walter Mondale Liberal White Hack Democrat types detest real politics and real democracy; they'd rather talk about money). It is the perfect metaphor: dear old George meant well, but couldn't quite make it, and the rest of them neither mean particularly well nor have a chance of making it against Reagan, since they are essentially trying to play his game by different rules. Jessie means well, and he ain't fooling around. Maybe that is why so many "liberals" think he is "too political" or "too opportunistic": he's not a nice tame Uncle Tom Oreo Cookie. That probably scares them. Well it should. Run, Jessie, Run! Venceremos! --Jim Bray