diy@sb6.UUCP (D. I. Young) (01/06/84)
In regards to comments that Syria was trying to influence American foreign policy... It's my understanding that Syria was made aware that JAckson was NOT represen- ting the US government when he made the trip. It has been reported that the White House did not allow Jackson to talk to Reagan before the trip in order to ensure that this was understood. My source is the morning paper and tv news. I assume these are facts. I believe that Assad is at least smart enough to know that no matter what happens, it will still be the AMERICAN PEOPLE who wil decide who our presi- dent shall be. FACT: The White House has ADMITTED that it was "embarrassed" over the affair, especially when Rumsfeld did not mention Goodman during his meetings in Syria. Source: the tv news and the column written by Evans & Novak published today (1-6-83), although the columnists did mention that Rumsfeld had been told to keep Goodman from becoming a bargaining chip. As others have said here on the net, name ANY politician who does not do something to try to benefit his chances, or get attention. Who wants to bet that Reagan, if and when he announces for re-election, will not mention KAL 007. Pity Goodman, and pity 269 deceased Americans. It's very easy to say "If Goodman was white, Jesse would never have gone there." Hey, it's just as easy to ay "If Goodman was white, Reagan would have DONE more!" What do we prove with our "if"s? Other than reinforce whatever prejudices we may feel! Let me repeat something I heard directly from Jackson, and I'll paraphrase it because I can't remember the exact words. He appeared on the Irv Kupicnet Show (sp?) about four months ago I believe, and he stated that he is not really concerned with finishing first as much as who he carries with him. In essence, those who for WHATEVER reason were outside the mainstream of politics for years. You, me, and Jesse Jackson KNOW that he will not win. I have doubts that Mondale will offer him the VP spot, but that's another discussion. Understand, I'm not trying to convince anyone to vote for him, but yes, I am defending him. Whether I vote for him is MY business. I wish that Reagan would at least take heed to what Jackson said in Syria. That is, the troops are sitting there and no one is talking...it's time to talk, and there is nothing wrong in being the first one to speak. I hope the other countries do the same too. While typing this I remembered that a co-worker said that the release was a slap in the Reagan administration's face. Fact: Goodman's release was not pursued by the administration in a highly visible manner! Jackson appealed for his release and was granted it, in a highly visible manner. I feel that if both parties had taken the SAME approach and then Jackson succeeded then you may have something. But as it was different, I don't see it. Jackson said he was going to get Goodman. Reagan said we want stablility in that region, and when we get that we'll leave and we'd like to have Goodman back too. Where's the slap? No one denies that Syria got and will try to get more good PR out of this. Can anyone deny that if Rumsfeld had asked point blank for Goodman's release and had gotten it that Syria's motives would be different..."We'll let you have him, and we won't brag about it." Finally, as the boards under my soapbox begin to weaken and my boss wonders what I'm so diligently typing, I must say something strictly from a black viewpoint. I try to remember where I've been. I've been in a time when I remember my grandfather was told the best he could hope for was head janitor. Now there is a black man running for President of the U.S. Whether you or I wish it was ANY OTHER black running besides Jesse, the fact remains that I'm now in a time when it can happen. Naturally, there are those who don't like it, but the fact remains...it's happening! That, and Jesse's accomplishment, fills me with a tremendous sense of PRIDE, and will definitely spur me on. Dennis