Jackson backpedals on Obama, 'Jena 6' at issue

Jesse "Acting white" Jackson can do anybody with hearing a favor and stick a sock in his pie hole.

Obama should never run away from the fact that he is half white, half black. He need not apologize to Jackson or anyone else for his birth. If he is to be a successful candidate for president, he must appeal to all Americans, not just to blacks. Jackson never learned that in his
failing runs.

"After black students asked officials at the local high school for permission to sit under a tree that was usually a gathering place for white students, three nooses appeared in its branches."

This fact is the saddest part of the whole incident. In "2007"!...they have to "ask permission"!..."to sit under a tree"!

MLK is spinning in his grave.

Jessie Jackson has always been a "one-way" street. Double standards is his middle name.

Although the situtation in Jena is a matter of right and wrong it just always seems to only refer to black and white. I am a single mother of a male child. I also fear for my son when he is out of my presence.

This is not a perfect world but Jessie Jackson should just stay home and keep HIS mouth shut.

He never has anything to say but always looking for trouble.

He is in the list of nobodies (Rosie, Donald Trump, Jessie Jackson, etc) that likes the attention and to get their name in the paper.

Jessie: YOU should try to unite instead of seperate.

The "acting white" mentality is something that I as a multiracial woman have heard all my life. It's sad and frustrating!! The worst thing about that mentality is that it is what is perpetuating ignorance in our young ethnic and caucasian people. Being smart and diplomatic DOES NOT equal "acting white"!!!!!!!!!1

I want to reply to jesse jacksons statement that obama was*acting white White* I am a biracial woman half english and half american I cannot *act* white because I am half white

"This fact is the saddest part of the whole incident. In "2007"!...they have to "ask permission"!..."to sit under a tree"!

MLK is spinning in his grave.

Don't be so Naive, I can name you many neighborhoods in any city where if you were white and decided to sit down, you had better ask permission. That is a sad reality of America today, and it has always been that way..

I want to reply to jesse jacksons statement that obama was*acting t White* I am a biracial woman half english and half american I cannot *act* white because I am half white

Jesse Jackson, though I rarely agree with him, has fought most of his life so people like Obama can be in the place they are today.
He can't afford to attempt to pull him down now.

I think people need to realize that the reason the teenagers were charged with attempted murder has nothing to do with the fact that they are black. If white teenagers beat the teen that hung the noose, wouldn't they still be charged with a crime?

If Yahoo is so fair in reporting news, where is it's report about this exact same situation in Knoxville TN? Oh wait I see, the people tortured, killed, and dismembered there were white and the killers were black...oh I get it now, white people can't have their civil rights violated.

I am offended. If I said he was "acting black" there would be a huge outrage and racial accusations. So what is so wrong about acting white?

This is another example of how far the far left media will always try and stir the pot with a 'racial' issue. Some moronic white kids acted out and got their punishment. It did not require the black kids to take justice into their own hands. When will Jesse and Al speak out on that----never. The media nees to stop asking 'black leaders' their opinions.

Why didn't Jesse Jackson organize this move on Jena? Why ride the coat tail of others but get the spotlight? He moves without getting the facts. Jesse, get on the boat and out of the limelight. Didn't you learn anything from Dr. King? You were there..what happend to his dream in your heart?

First, if I were to say that Bill Clinton was acting "too black," whould that be considered racist? If so, why is Jesse's statement not considered so? Second, was a crime committed in the Jena 6 case, if so, then pre-cursors are irrelevant unless the "Jena 6" were beating the white student in self defense. (Which I don't believe there is evidence of). There is no doubt in anybody's mind that hanging nooses from a tree is despicable, but its not an excuse for their actions. Is there obvious racism in this case? Yes, but not where you think it is.

You cannot advance one group by keeping it separate from the population. Jackson creates more division, and less advancement of the people he advocates for. Our nation has become more divided and more partisan than ever. Perhaps a new approach that focuses on working together makes sense, and perhaps Obama is the candidate with the best chance of doing that - and it has nothing to do with his race!

Ignorant comments will always be made, from both the white and black race. I think it would be beneficial at this time to keep the attention where it belongs, stay focused on uniting the country, praying for the children, and doing every thing we can for the children who's lives are at steak in this trial.

Jesse Jackson all too often reveals the self-promoter under the thin veneer of spokesperson for the civil rights movement in America. And as the self-promoter he defends intensely his 'brand' and will resort to personal attacks when he feels he's been served a smaller portion of the public pie. His opportunism about the Jena, La. racial tension and attack and then regret on Sen. Obama lead me to wonder where is that man's spiritual fitness to inspire others, to take up a banner for anyone but himself. We nned healing,not aggression.

Stop letting the media get you all hype about something someone says. The media use more racist remarks than I can count. Jesse is human and entitled to his own opinion but he is not God, his word represents his opinion only. Use this energy to fight the injustice going on not no one person's comment!!!

First, I believe that ALL people should be treated equally. I believe that the students shouldn't have to ASK for permission. I also feel that the students that beat up a white student because of his race should have been charged with a hate crime just like a white student that attacked a black student because of his race.

Imagine if the victim or victims were black and the perpetrators were white. What kind of "justice" would JJ & Sharpton(Tawana Brawley covered in feces)be demanding then?

Jesse Jackson is perpetuating racial discord himself, with comments like that. This is a situation of right and wrong based on the fact, as told by the people involved. If the same conditions applied, with 6 white boys beating a black boy we all know exactly what he would be screaming then...how sad is that, he is to predictable! That old man needs to learn from Obama, a man who's opinion isn't skewed by colour.

If six white kids beat the living hell out of one black kid they would be tried for a hate crime. Hanging a rope from a tree isn't a crime in Louisiana, it is in VERY poor taste put there is no law against it. Assault is a crime, period. Jesse and Al are racist who seek the spotlight, trying to turn anything problem involving whites and blacks into a civil rights issue.

I know this has been said. But if it was 6 white boys that had beat up a black boy - their lives would be ruined, and they would have been charged under federal hate crimes charges. These guys SEVERELY BEAT someone. OF COURSE they should be arrested and punished. And WHEN are people going to STOP giving Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton attention - which is ALL they really want.

Jessee needs to stop acting "Black" and start acting "American"!

Would Jesse Jackson be screaming about unjustice if 6 white boys beat a black boy?

correct me if i'm wrong, but if hillary (for example, because she is white) had accused obama of "acting black" wouldn't the media be lynching her as we speak? in context, jackson's comment was clearly meant to be an insult, so why is no one addressing that? as a white female, i am actually quite offended that "acting white" is considered to be a negative thing; moreover, i am distressed to see that this sort of racism is being condoned. the focus seems to be on whether or not obama should be or was upset about jackson's appellation, but that focus ought to be on the fact that jackson used that racial slur in the first place.

The "Jena 6" attacked the white boy because he was white. Why are they not charged with a sentence enhancement trailer as a racially motivated hate crime?.

Louis Calabro, A European/American White Citizen

In 2007, being intelligent, responsible, articulate and morally upstanding is still viewed as "acting white". I heard that all my life growing up the 70's and 80's. I certainly thought we had evolved more than that by now...It's not just Jena, La. that's still living with the 60's mentality.

I made a comment when the story first came to light. My basic position has not changed because Jesse Jackson now claims, in retrospect, he didn't say what he said. He meant exactly what he originally said: He wants a candidate who caters to Black interests. Period!

His and Obama's handlers should have put a gag on him before he spoke. That's normally what they're good at so the true candidate doesn’t comes to light.

People should realize what they are getting by supporting Obama. He is not experienced enough to think for himself or apparently to distance himself from their antics. He is still courting the favor of people like Jesse Jackson, Al Sharpton and Louis Farrakhan, who all have hidden adgendas which are not so hidden..

A vote for Obama is also a vote for the Three Musketeers.

I wouldn't accept any fact as gospel by any of those three who ALWAYS claim things are racial. Only Whites are never discriminated against; it's only Blacks, like in the Duke case for instance.

Is it just coincidence that these so called racial grievances are against poor Blacks once again, but Blacks never do anything to taunt Whites?

Six Blacks are being prosecuted— or according to Jackson and Sharpton— persecuted, but only 1 White was involved. Appears from early reports to be a little lopsided there.

As a general rule, I don't believe anything Jesse Jackson says one way or the other, including his little "act" to call attention to yet another "cause" he wants to use mainly to promote himself and his fellow cohorts, Sharpton and Farrakhan.

Maybe I would have more incentive to find any of those clowns credible if they would begin by stating their true names, the true facts about their backgrounds, and education and quit insisting on everyone calling them "Rev" when they don't have the credentials to back up that kind of respect either due to their schooling, The Bible, or their actions.

In regard to the incident in question, as soon as I learned that any one of those three was involved, my skepticism in regard to the TRUE facts kicked in.

Some day someone should direct their attention to the fable about the 'Little Boy Who Cried Wolf.'

Astonishing! Acting white? Acting black? I am a 39-y/o bi-racial man and happen to be 1/2 African-American and 1/2 German. Jesse, do I have to choose 1/2 of my genetic makeup to please you and your elementary thinking? Diplomacy has no color.

I think the comment "acting white" was referring to Obama's voice not being loud enough on this issue, especially as a black man. In Obama's case it doesn't matter if he's half or a quater black, he's still considered black in the eyes of this country. I agree with Steev34. The real problem is the fact that these students, in 2007, have to ask permission to sit under a tree..a whites only tree at that. Jena, LA is apparently stuck in the 60s. Also to comment on Paul's statement, I'm married, livinging with my spouse and children...I'm acting black

I have driven through Louisiana. There are many trees to sit under, and with the apparent exception of the one coveted by the bigots, my guess is none of them require anyone's permission. Avoiding unnecessary confrontations is the first rule for minimizing the regrettable effects of wasted confrontations. That is something else the Reverend never learned.

I think justice should be served. If the Jena 6 committed a crime, they should receive punishments that fit the crime. However, all should be treated fairly. What I have not heard in the media is that prior to these 6 getting into a fight, a black boy was beaten early and no charges were filed against the white kid. That's what the media is conveniently leaving out. All I want is for the system to be FAIR. Charge them all and ensure fair trials.

Some of the attitudes and comments on this page support the ignorance that is contributing to so many terrible and ridiculous acts of hate and violence. I know that we could go back and forth with the whole black and white thing, but that's not what this situation should be about. Still, history, as well as current events, sometimes makes it difficult to see that there is "equal justice"--especially with the recent Megan Williams situation. 6 adults--all with prior criminal histories--kidnapping and torturing a young lady for over a week, and only being charged with a hate crime??? Sexually assaulted, cut with a butcher knife, doused with hot water, forced to drink urine and eat animal feces...We fear the Middle East when the terrorism exists right in our own neighborhoods. It's sad, and it's scary. Take care and be safe.

Well, let's take a look at how Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton treated the Duke kids in the alleged rape of a black woman that never happened. Didn't Jesse and Al condemn those kids?
Barack's comments on this case have been pretty much right on.
Jesse, as usual, is grandstanding, and apparently felt he hadn't been in the news or the spotlight enough recently.
From what I have read, the hanging a noose from a tree (yes, very despicable) had nothing to do with the beating of white teen. The idiot boys who hung the noose were punished for their idiocy. Their idiocy, no matter how moronic, does not equate to the severe beating of a kid, one who apparently was nearly blinded.
As others have noted, if it were six white boys who did this to a black boy, the media, Jesse and Al would be seeking the life in prison for those kids, new hate crimes legislation and sensitivity training for the Louisiana town.

Why can't we ever get the whole story from the news. we only get bits and pieces, sound bites. Did these white students threaten these black students in any other way? If so, why weren't they arrested and charged? Why the double standard? Why are we so ignorant or act as if we are and deny that racism still exists in this country and will always exist. If hair products in Wal- mart are segregrated (ethnic hair), you can't tell me that school districts, neighborhoods, clubs, etc. are not. In PA tests scores for state PSAAs for elementary students are graded by race ie. blacks % an whites % percentile. Should they not reflect how the grade or school was graded? Good old racist USA. Always has been and always will.

The D A says that he searched La. law and could not find something to charge the white youths with. I think he sould ask the federal bureau of Investigation to step in to see if the white youths can be charged federally. If he trully is looking for justice

See the WHOLE STORY...this goes beyond the Jena 6.

Come on people,let's stop talking about Jesse and start talking about HUMAN RIGHTS! They are kids, kids fight one another all the time. Let's please focus on the real story, and white people let's be real, we all know that we are not equal!

Hear it all...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YuoiZnr4jLY

Nothing is more racist than a member of your own race calling you out for not "acting like" you are a part of that race. The racists within each racial group use this line to make it seem that the ones who are successful because they TRANSCEND racial lines are oddites...that they do not "act like" us. This is because the racists within each racial group need division and conflict to survive. People of different races getting along and not caring how each other "acts" with regard to racial stereotypes works against them.

If one hasn't researched or read the story of Jena 6 completely they shouldn't comment. This is an instance where race comes into play. If someone takes the time to read accounts they would see that this is a racially biased case. It is beyond sad.

However, Jesse's comments were ignorant. He has poor timing and should have kept his mouth closed. The one thing black America is proud about regarding this issue is the solidarity this issue has brought us. Jesse's comments - stupid and retarded as they are promotes division.

It seems whereever Jesse goes what he supports turns into a joke. The important matter trivialized because he has appeared. This is one time maybe he should have stayed home and supported from the couch.

Acting White?
Jackson is a RACIST !
His statement is Racist.
It just shows you what a bigot he is. He just like Archie Bunker.

I made a comment when the story first came to light. My basic position has not changed because Jesse Jackson now claims, in retrospect, he didn't say what he said. He meant exactly what he originally said: He wants a candidate who caters to Black interests. Period!

His and Obama's handlers should have put a gag on him before he spoke. That's normally what they're good at so the true candidate doesn’t comes to light.

People should realize what they are getting by supporting Obama. He is not experienced enough to think for himself or apparently to distance himself from their antics. He is still courting the favor of people like Jesse Jackson, Al Sharpton and Louis Farrakhan, who all have hidden adgendas which are not so hidden..

A vote for Obama is also a vote for the Three Musketeers.

I wouldn't accept any fact as gospel by any of those three who ALWAYS claim things are racial. Only Whites are never discriminated against; it's only Blacks, like in the Duke case for instance.

Is it just coincidence that these so called racial grievances are against poor Blacks once again, but Blacks never do anything to taunt Whites?

Six Blacks are being prosecuted— or according to Jackson and Sharpton— persecuted, but only 1 White was involved. Appears from early reports to be a little lopsided there.

As a general rule, I don't believe anything Jesse Jackson says one way or the other, including his little "act" to call attention to yet another "cause" he wants to use mainly to promote himself and his fellow cohorts, Sharpton and Farrakhan.

Maybe I would have more incentive to find any of those clowns credible if they would begin by stating their true names, the true facts about their backgrounds, and education and quit insisting on everyone calling them "Rev" when they don't have the credentials to back up that kind of respect either due to their schooling, The Bible, or their actions.

In regard to the incident in question, as soon as I learned that any one of those three was involved, my skepticism in regard to the TRUE facts kicked in.

Some day someone should direct their attention to the fable about the 'Little Boy Who Cried Wolf.'

Let's not forget that Jessie Jackson is a closet anti-semite. Remember jaimetown? If you don't google it. And while you're at it, google tawana brawley .

i read the news everyday and have discovered that the media only reports on things that stirs up the emotion. It is also usually onesided. Draw your own conclusion from what you read, and dont believe everything.

I am a biracial woman half english and half american I cannot *act* white because I am half white. (????)

Black, brown, red, yellow, white are races --American and English are not races. as far as Jesse Jackson only being for blacks, well he is black and naturally people look after their own first out of love for self BUT "acting white" doesn't mean acting civilized because that's in a black man's nature. Acting a fool and stereotyping others is uncivilized and that's natural to one particular people.

I am disgusted that people are being blind to the fact that an injustice did take place. You guys are all fighting over Jesse Jackson. Forget about him and focus on the children. Every one wants to do the "what if's". Forget about the what ifs too. & just DEAL with what happened in Jena. I am a African American High School student an personally I think all of you grown people need to get a grip & focus on the fact that the boys of the Jena 6 were not wrongfully accused because they too were wrong for retaliating the way they did but they were WRONGFULLY charged. And who EVER said that white peoples rights couldn't violated? That would be a very ignorant comment because peoples rights are violated everyday, but stop trying to make this issue about something it isnt. && besides the boys of the Jena 6 didn't dismember or kill any one. So how can you even compare the two issues? And here today at Plainfield High School, in Plainfield NJ we are all united and wearing black because we are recognizing and supporting the boys of Jena Six. Focus on the children because we are the future of america. White, Black, Hispanic, Asain... We are all the future...Reading all of these comments with you guys bickering at each other like a bunch of fifth grade students is disheartening. Jesus help all of you sad, sad people. && GOD BLESS THE BOYS OF JENA SIX. You are all in my prayers.