Barack, Jesse Jackson, The View And The N-Word
Barack, Jesse Jackson, The View, & The N-Word
I would suggest that before you start to read the following, you should buckle up your seat belt . The ride is going to get a little rough.
You should know the truth and the truth shall set you free (John 8:31). Are you buckled? (The Truth Is On Its Way (Nikki Giovanni)
It was revealed this week that when Jesse Jackson expressed wanting to help Barack alleviate a certain part of his anatomy, “his balls,” Jesse also called Barack a “nigger” in the process. Now Jesse probably didn’t call Barack a “nigger” but probably did call him a “nigga.” Although either of these terms have very limited use in my vocabulary at this point in my life, if I be perfectly honest, at one time in my life this term was used by me and my circle extensively. And I do mean extensively. The word had many connotations. If I had not seen a person for a long time the greeting was probably “Nigga where you been?” If I was trying to show someone the closeness of a good friend it was probably “this is my nigga if he don’t get any bigga. If he gets any bigga then he will be my bigga nigga.” If I was upset with a person then it was probably “nigga you better check yourself.” Understand these uses of the word were all within the circle of friends or associates that were all Black people. The term had different meanings depending on the context of the situation. However, we did not care in what context a white person was trying to use this word; in our view , white people could not use this word around us in any way, shape, nor fashion. In fact, if a white person used the term “nigger” around us it would be hard for someone to guarantee the white person’s safety.
All of these dynamics of the use of the word came up recently on the TV show “The View” in relationship to Jesse Jackson using the term in reference to Barack Obama. Elisabeth Hasselbeck, a white woman, brought up the movie “Crash” as an example of how the term "nigga" was used extensively and said that using it privately is just as bad, if not worse, than using it publicly. Not really. What you do in private that does not reach others ' ears is just that, a private conversation. You shouldn’t say things in the dark that you don’t want to come to the light, but the reality is we do. If it comes to the light then we have either made a mistake or intentionally wanted the secret told. This is a good place of departure for my next point. In my neighborhood we would intentionally call each other “niggas” around white people. We would do so to let white folks know that just because you heard us call each other “niggas” that does not mean that the white person could refer to any of us as such. In fact, we had probably heard, or assumed, that the white people around which we were using the term had called us a bunch of “niggas” and we were trying to see if they had the nerve to say the word to our face. We were using the term in relationship to one another and in front of the white people to dare them to let the word leap off of their lips. If they had the nerve to let that word come out of their mouths then it was on. We would fight, demean, and tear up just about anything that was in the vicinity to send the message to white folks that what you say in private is your business, but don’t use that word in earshot of us. And we meant it! In my opinion, this is what Sherri Shepherd, a Black woman, was saying when she told Barbara Walters that she did not want to hear the word from her lips. I know this is a little rough but I told you at the beginning to buckle up. Hang on.
Now people want to accuse us, Black people, of having a double standard. Well welcome to the party. Just like this society was telling us that whites could do things that Blacks couldn’t we were sending the same message. It was alright for a white man to whistle and flirt with a white woman but it was not alright for a Black male to do the same. This was the message sent to Emmett Till. Emmett lost his life because he supposedly whistled at a white woman. Emmett was one out of many. On May 30, 1921 white people rioted in Tulsa, Oklahoma and burned up all the Black business and killed countless Black people because a Black man supposedly made a sexual advance at a white woman on an elevator. American history is replete with alleged sexual misconduct of Black males with white women and the cost that Black people paid for these false allegations. Check out the following:
In Knoxville, Tennessee, a white mob gathered outside the jail where a black male was being held for supposedly attacking a white female. Troops were called in to quell the disturbance, but the soldiers -- all of whom were white -- instead invaded the African American district and "shot it up" ( The classic study of the Chicago riot is William M. Tuttle, Jr.'s Race Riot. Chicago in the Red Summer of 1919 (New York: Atheneum, 1970, pp. 29-30).
In Omaha, Nebraska, a similar situation rapidly developed after William Brown, who was black, was arrested for allegedly assaulting a young white girl. A mob of angry whites then stormed the courthouse where Brown was being held, shot him, hung him from a nearby lamppost, and then mutilated his body beyond recognition . ( John Hope Franklin and Alfred A. Moss, Jr., From Slavery to Freedom: A History of African Americans, 7th edition New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 1994, p. 351),
If a white man can whistle and flirt with a white woman, and for that matter, whistle at a Black woman and actually rape her without consequence, while a Black male can’t wouldn’t you call that a double standard? When schools were segregated and Black folks couldn’t go to the better equipped white schools, would you not call that a double standard? Those are some historical examples let’s come up to right now today. Right here in Indianapolis the Indiana State Legislature has revealed the findings of a “disparity study” that finds Black youth are put out of school at a rate much higher than white youth who have committed the same offense. Is not that a double standard? America and Britain are trying to tell Zimbabwe how to run its internal affairs. Would America or Britain allow Zimbabwe to tell either of them how to handle their internal politics? Is that a double standard? The New Yorker newspaper can put a caricature of Barack and Michelle in their paper that depicts Barack wearing Middle Eastern clothing implying he is a terrorist and his wife, Michelle with an AK-47 rifle slung over her back and the American flag burning in the fire place. Now the pundits are saying that is just “satire.” In my opinion, this so-called ‘satire” is a clandestine strategy by the New Yorker that really is calling Barack and Michelle a bunch of “niggers” without using the word!! But wonder if someone generated a picture with John McCain wearing a Ku Klux Klan robe and pointed hat with Cindy McCain wrapped in the Confederate flag along with Rush Limbaugh chasing a doctor to get prescription drugs illegally while in the background there is a Black man swinging from his neck in a tree. Would that also be defended by the Sean Hannity and Bill O’Reilly as being “satire?” When is America going to grow up and wake up? Does this so-called freedom of speech help increase the love and decrease the hate? I would say not.
The above depicted type of double standard needs to cease and desist. However, this issue is very complex. Some double standards will stay in place. A term of endearment that a man calls his wife, or vice versa, should not be allowed to be said to either one of them by someone outside of their marriage who overheard the intimate exchange. World politic tradition says you do not go outside of your country and on foreign soil direct criticism toward your country. America has got to begin to discern what is right and what is wrong from a more universal position. To treat wrong behavior as if it is the right behavior because the wrong behavior is perceived to be in America’s interest is the beginning of bad policy. For wrong to be to be treated as right will make government decisions reflect poor domestic and foreign policy. Let me give you an example. For Bush and McCain to say the invasion of Iraq was good policy when the decision was based on Iraq having “weapons of mass destruction” which was not true is poor foreign policy. Bush’s and McCain’s stance on the war makes that policy based on a lie, which is wrong, appear to be right. For the United States Supreme Court to give immunity to phone companies that spied and listened to their customers’ conversations without a warrant is poor domestic policy. To give immunity to these companies makes a wrong appear to be right. It is time for a change.
We really can learn from how Barack handled the words that came to light during Jesse Jackson’s sharing about wanting to cut off his balls. First of all, Jesse apologized. Barack accepted his apology and moved on. America should do the same. America should apologize to the Iraqi people for invading their country without a just cause. And with the apology America should give the people restitution. Likewise, America should apologize to Black people for enslaving our predecessors. Likewise America should pay restitution to the descendants of the Black people who were enslaved. To not do so is to send the message that America supported the ill advised decisions of unnecessary war and the enslavement of people. These wrongs need to be made right so that America can move on. To just move on are blatant signals to people that America just don’t care. Is America willing to learn from her mistakes, or will America still try to make her wrongs appear to be right? These are the questions of the 21st century. It is time for a change. Is America willing to change? Time will surely tell. Thank you for listening to Ajabu Speaks!!
Rev. Ajabu
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Pastor
I told you about those long and winding comments that try to emcompass too much at one time. You touch on several things that are purely opinionated, very little supportive evidence as Chalmer demands. I waited to see if anyone else had comments but there were none this AM.
I never agreed with burying the "N" word as it is impossible to control speech that is private or public. Whoopi was right, we use Nigga however we choose and it is up to the person using it that determines if it is hate filled or a term of endearment, "My Nigga". [Smiling]
I still use it and as a former state officer in the NAACP, I just didn't agree with burying the "N" word. We used to say, "sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me." They will hurt you if you allow those words to penetrate. Look at the example of Jesus, who spent most of his adult life being called a devil, etc.
If you call me a nigga in the hateful tone, then I always have something to come back with. I guarantee you I will make that racist pay.
Jesse was not making a public announcement to the media. He got caught speaking privately. I have been observing Jesse for over 40 years and will never believe he became that enraged just because Barack talked down to Blacks. Jesse himself has been preaching the same thing. And like many ministers, he preaches do what I "say" not what I "do", as with his child out of wedlock.
Jesse has to be angry about something much dearer to him than Black irresponsibility. I noticed that was concerned about Barack supporting the Faith Based Iniative that Bush started. That could be what is making Jesse mad, if it is about money then I could see him reacting like he did, especially if he is left out.
Finally, Jesse Jr is in Barack's campaign as a co chair of something and that gives Jesse Sr access to some of Barack's inner circle information. Jesse and Al Sharpton know more than we do in the general public about Barack. What Jesse said was from very very deep rage inside of him.
Of course, Jesse deserves what he is getting. He sat there and watched Barack Obama challenge the Clintons knowing full well this brother from Chicago was not ready to be president. He also allowed the Clintons, who brought so many jobs and peace to America, be thrown under the bus by an ungrateful Black people. He sat there as the Obama dollars rolled in [probably for his son as a co chair for Barack]. I know Jesse knows what Bill Clinton did in the 90's and to crush them for this unknown brother is very disturbing.
I don't believe in burning any bridge that has brought me and my people across whether it is Black or White. Jesse knows how badly we needed Universal Healthcare when Hillary, [an active and a politically involved first lady] introduced. We could have saved millions of lives after18 years and 47 million Americans without access to medical care. I refuse to pretend that the Clintons did not make this world a better place. I know Jesse and Al Sharpton are keenly aware of what I am saying. Al helped Hillary carry New York city twice for the Senate seat.
Our young people are all caught up in this new brand [Obama] and are totally disconnected from an old brand that they should be screaming for [the Clintons]. They were not aware at their young age in the 90's so we have to teach these young people, not let them lead us.
Now Barack is beginning to show who he really is to Al, Jesse, and so many more of his supporters as he is changing on them. Barack preached CHANGE but the only change we are getting is Barack moving to the conservative right.
Al and Jesse know Obama can't touch Hillary with a 10 foot pole but they sat there and said nothing because of the roar of the crowd.
That is why I have respect for Maxine Waters, Sheila Jackson Lee, Charles Rangel, Stephanie Tubbs Jones, Bob Johnson, Tavis Smiley and other strong Blacks who said no to the crowd. Jesse is reaping what he has sown.
All of you can get mad but the truth does anger you and even hurt you. When Barack finishes with our people you will wish someone had the courage to speak the truth to you. I have seen too many lap dog uncle toms who ran these games on our people and Blacks get sucked in.
In closing, Grady Martin told me yesterday that our people have not seriously stood for anything since the 1960's, and when you don't stand for something, you fall for anything. We have fallen for one of the smoothest, most attractive con artists that I have seen in a long time, Barack Hussein Obama.
Y'all be blessed
Marshall
Marshal,
My opinion are based on empirical evidence. The studies cited allows me to draw the conclusion that a double standard has always existed in America. I state the facts then draw the conclusion that the facts dictate. You don't have any facts that say that Black people are "blindly" supporting Barack. The statement that you make "Jesse has to be angry about something much dearer to him than Black irresponsibility" is again nothing but your opinion.You cite no evidence that allows you, or us to draw the conclusion that you are drawing!! You have an opinion. An opinion that is based on your gut feeling or a feeble observation just does not carry the weight, or authority of a conclusion drawn from empirical evidence. The way Barack handle this present situation, and others is a fact. He did not get mad, upset, and go into a tyrantical rage, not publicly anyway. Our observation about his behavior is a fact. He was, and has been, cool, calm, and collected. Your support for Jesse seems to based on your gratefulness when he came to help you with your suing them Georgia hospitals. Therefore, your support for Jesse, as it is for them Clintons, is an act of reciprocity. You feel indebted to them and want our people to feel indebted to them because of their support for you. Your support is an act of loyalty.
It appears that you don't care what is happening now, you just know what happened in the past. That means you are stuck in the past. The past is over. Hillary lost. Jesse's continued mistakes show that his time has past. Those are the conclusions that the empirical evidence dictates that an astute observor draw.
Get over it my brother. Hillary lost!!! It is time for a change. Jesse is a viable leader of yesterday. It is time to make room for the young folks. Yes We Can!! We can't allow yesterday to be used as justification for anyone, including ourselves, to continue to treat us like "Niggas" today!!! That term, and the behavior that depicts that term, even when the term is not used (here I am speaking about the New Yorker's caricature) must cease. We, as a people and a nation must go into the future without this N-Word baggage. Come on man, get with the program. However, we still love you. Don't support your analysis, but we still love you. This is the lesson of Barrack's behavior and response to Jesse and Hillary. You must go on and learn the lesson so we can move on. May God continue to order our steps.
Rev.,
I'm amazed that Marshall is still stuck on the Clinton's after the comments that they made in reference to Barack. The anger that they displayed during the primary election was fierce.
In one of your articles the number of people that came up mysteriously dead during their administration need not be forgotten. Could it be a Black man, Jackson, has a rage because he isn't calling the shots and may no longer be privy to the conversations of the powerful. I would like to believe that Sharpton and Jackson didn't comment during the primary election because it wasn't in their best interest to do so. They both ran for president and know the game. Sharpton ran and knew he wouldn't win, but wanted whatever he could get as a result of the fall out from having ran. The Clinton's threw themselves under the bus and exposed themselves. The question is, did you see it for what it really was? I highly regarded them too, until, they got nervous, probably over the tight organization and the plentiful finances of a young Black man making a move on the presidency. They were never graceful losers and it was a different place for them. They did a lot for Black American's and it is duly noted, but at the end of the day, the spirit of entitlement rose up and their actions spoke loudly! Let's see what happens...the country is a mess,and Obama is our chance for change!
"g"
Since my name's been thrown into the mix, I'll offer a response to Mr. Marshall's message. I repeat here that opinion based on EVIDENCE is what helps us make prudent decisions. I don't know why Jesse Jackson behaved the way he did and surely, I could guess. But in the long run this is a futile exercise because it doesn't get us closer to that which needs to be done.
I'm about change. Let's stick with the hard evidence: yes, Bill Clinton has done some good things, but when we scrutinize his record closely, he's done some things very poorly and he and Hillary try to rely more on the loyalty of those who have merely hungered some tidbits when in fact they've all compromised on real change.
We don't want tidbits, and we're tired of succumbing to mediocrity and downright disregard for our humanity. By the way, evidence is not merely found in mainstream media. You have to go to the socially conscious, the peace-lovers, the ones who are not out to win popularity contests or to get the biggest bank accounts. Chalmer
Pastor, G, and Chalmer
Lets all take a deep breath and try to understand one another. Let me try and respond to poor pastor. He sounds like an old man trying to be young again; following those young misguided people who don't know their history. I guess you will start wearing your pants half way your rear end. I am not going to get with the program of uninformed young people who need to be educated. They will find out who Obama is real soon and the only change they will get is a new oppressor in Black face.
How did you come to the Hillary discussion when I was beating up on Jesse. I was mainly saying that Jesse deserves what he is getting from Obama. You [pastor] will be saying the same thing about Obama in a few weeks. I just hope you don't go beyond removing his genitals. Again, Jesse is too angry for it just to be about Black irresponsibility.
Pastor, you are too loose and cavalier in your discussions about the past. That is why our young people are headed for a cliff on the Obama bus because they don't know their past or who Obama is in their present. I told you that you are too old to behave like you do. You should be leading and teaching our young people.
Politics is a science and if you know what you are doing, you can educate others. Right now we have the blind still leading the blind. Those young people need to be able to look at the facts of Hillary and Bill Clinton as compared to the anemic track record of Barack. They should see how the Democrats keep making the same mistakes by allowing the Republicans to steal the election in 2000, 2004, and possibly 2008. They need to know not to run a Black candidate against a white candidate if the majority of the voters are white. It will take God or luck to get this brother elected. They especially need to know that they live in the most racist anti Black nation on earth.
Poor "G" said that the one Clinton campaign comment about Barack was what made Blacks move away from Hillary. That is an uninformed comment. Are we to believe that eight years of producing 22 million jobs, many Black appointments, peace, prosperity, and a huge surplus are negated by typical campaign talk. Bless his or her heart. Our people perish for the lack of KNOWLEDGE. "g" you need to read the Black Agenda Report, it will change your life. I was surprised that you admitted that the Clintons did a lot for Blacks. So, why would Black people destroy the good deeds of the Clintons for a brother whom they really don't know.
There was a comment about somebody dead in the Clinton administration, I ask you why aren't the Clintons in prison.
Chalmer came across as uninterested in this discussion and the eloquent rambling continues. Lets talk when you wake up and you are ready to say something.
Please pay close attention to the movement of Barack to the political Right. He will be a Black Clarence Thomas in the Democratic Party.
A hint to the wise is sufficient. Barack has knocked you guys over your heads and you still refuse to call him the deceiver of our people.
marshall
Marshall,
You are blinded by the past and appear to be afraid to go into the future. I know you know everything but still, everything must change. My lesson to the young is do not follow the old. Learn from it, but do not follow it. Make your own mistakes. The Clintons, for now, are washed up. Jesse is history in the way of the future. Marshall is Marshall. Lord help him. May God continue to order our steps.
Is it necessary for us to force whites to teach their kids that they are superior and hense cannot use the N word? Also implies to black kids, a benefit for being inferior.
True or not this influences attitudes. Watch your thoughts, they become words, then action, then habbits, then your destiny.
Pastor
Just listen to how you sound telling the young not to follow the old and for them to make their own mistakes. Did I say the blind was leading the blind. My Lord, My Lord!!! What can I say after hearing you make that statement.
I do not know everything but I do know that we are standing on the shoulders of Harriet Tubman, Marcus Garvey, Elijah Muhammad, Malcom, King and so many more. We always try to learn from the previous generations in order to minimize our mistakes today. We spend countless hours teaching young people so that they will NOT make the same mistakes we made. Some of these mistakes can be deadly.
We have to teach because the young sometimes think that White America loves them. The majority population is very fearful of the Blacks in America because if we ever wake up from the blow to our heads by them, it will all be over. We are a mighty race that will emerge as the head of the human family one day. That scares the racist Whites in this country. It has already been ordained by a mighty God.
It is good for us to debate the issues and see if we can come to our senses and rise up to where God intends for us to be. We certainly won't make it if we think that these racists dogs are changing. Down here in these Southern grassroots we are battling these racists Governors, legislators, District Attorneys, Election Boards, School Boards, City Councils and County Commissioners. And the worst of them all are the spineless, lap dog, uncle toms that block our blessings as a people. I wish Pastor you could see our NAACP case loads of Blacks going to jail for little things while Whites are not even touched. The change that Obama is talking about is nothing but slick talk from a smoothe hustler. These White people are not changing. Even if they elect Barack, he will be used for their purposes and Blacks will look stupid and impotent while being unable to do anything about it.
Pastor, I don't know everything but I am willing to share my limited knowledge in these conversations and accept challenges that make me think about my positions and adjust accordingly. I know I have angered some of the bloggers but we must keep the debate so that we can see the views of others and don't be afraid to disagree. I welcome more debate on these subjects.
I wish I had all of your optimism about America sim;ly because a Black man might be president. I am not stuck in the past, as you have said, but I just see this Obamamania as misdirected and dangerous for our people. And don't forget, it will be left up to White people to decide if your golden boy will be president, they have the numbers.
Be good Pastor, all is well!
marshall
In response to does America want change, and double standards,well they both go hand in hand. To have one would mean to relinguish the other. Since double standards are still quite prevalent would cancel out the other. I believe America wants some change but to what end is the question. When black colleges are utitlizing materials concerning history, colonization and the development of language that depicts Europeans as martyrs and great world developers in the areas of education, architecture, agriculture, language and religion; I think not. When today at Conner Prairie are performances and reactments taking place that encourage children about how the white man came to Indiana and built a great city; not when a picture of Madame C. J. Walker is hanging in the Indiana State Museum as a hairdresser, with no informaton concerning how produtive and progressive she was a black woman in racist town nor the legacy she left for all black women; not when in 1994 Mr. Finney who fought in the Union War could not be recognized for his service to this community as read today in the War Memorial; these places and others along with materials being used in colleges to date are subtle ways of continuing to psychologically condition the minds of our black children and whites as well, still today. So, ask the question again, does America want change and if so to what end and how much. However, where economics is concerned of course America wants change. The discussion of the "N" word and its past and present uses are only held tightly in the crevices of the minds of those who hold deeply that blacks are an inferior race. Americans/Europeans have always shown themselves as a people of intimidation and fear, so it is if a heart does not change, does not matter how long, the people are not changed, and if Ameerica is to change then does it not begin with self? There are more people today however who are willing to look at the bigger picture and see that what had been considered power is not wisdom at its best but a destruction of the fabric of deception this nation was built on. So, in order not to make apologies, just take a risk on the black man, for many and a desire for change that will benefit all for some. In the case of hidden agendas and conversations, one thing is very clear and undeniably true, everything done in the dark will come to light. There is not a thought, word or action that can be hid, but for a while. If we truly believe as we say then we know beyond a shadow of a doubt all things are exposed, so it is not if but when. Many times we give people too much credit, we are but vessels and when we understand our source of power we stop looking at who is doing and saying what and come to know that we can either be that vessel that effects change positively or negatively, but the bottom line is we have all played our part and are not in control of the outcome. So, if it is we do not want exposure we only need check our thoughts, words and actions because, like it or not they make manifest what is truly in our hearts (out of the mouth flow the issues of life). Make no mistake, many of the caucasian persuasion are backing Obama, but for many it is about fear, many blacks will do so because of likeness, it is not about the motive, that is for God to determine and be concerned with, what it is about is the fulfillment of God's purposes on earth, just as we see in John 18:14, "Now Caiaphas was he, which gave counsel to the Jews, that it was expedient that one man should die for the people." When Caiaphas made this statement it was not in the context of salvation for all (Jesus dying on the cross) of humanity, he was merely seeking to get rid of one who they feared and felt intimidated by. However, as with this and all things, God's purpose shall prevail, of that we can all be sure. God bless.
Lloyd,
I am not sure of your point. When we would use the N-Word around whites but not let them use it around us we were not teaching them that they were superior and us inferior. We were teaching equality. Just like they had things that we couldn't do to them, we had things that they could not do around us. The lesson was equality.
Marshall, past leadership is just that, past. Our leaders that are dead can not lead us from the grave. Their lives can inform us but they cannot lead us. The living have to make the decisions that take us into the future. Their comes a time that the old that is living must move out of the way and let the young take our efforts further. As the living legends our job is to teach the young not to make the mistakes already made. But we must allow the young to make their own mistakes. Their mistakes must be new mistakes. Barack has taken this country, and actually this world, into new territory. This territory is especially new for Black folks. He will make mistakes before which we have not had the opportunity to make. Jesse represents the old guard that has to get out of the way and let brother take this struggle forward. That does not mean we give him a free reign. However, it does mean that we give him a long leash so he can move freely. The future is at hand.
Luwanna, You raise a good point. America is ready for change, but how much? Your question reminds me of the parable of the little bad boy who was going to make the wise woman wrong. He had a bird in his hand. As he approached the old lady who was sitting on her porch he said to her, "you think you are so wise, tell me will this bird live or die?" The young boy put the bird behind his back knowing in his mind that if the wise old lady said the bird would live then he would crush the bird to death. If the wise old lady said the bird would surely die then he would release the bird to its freedom. The wise old lady told the young boy that she did not know whether the bird would live or die, but she did know that the answer was in his hands. Hummmmm. How much change will America accept. The answer to that question is in our hands. May God continue to order our steps.
Well..... Well, Po' Marshall seems to think that because the Clinton's administration did do some wonderful things for Blacks they should no doubt still be in power. The Clinton's mademoves on us that some may not be aware; under Clinton's administration more Blacks were imprisoned than ever before...(3 strikes)! How long do you have to feel indebted for something that needed to be done in all fairness anyway? The people that mysteriously came up dead.....I said "mysteriously" during their administration. Has anyone ever been incarcerated on so many mysterious circumstances? I think NOT! The article stated this is what you get when you "disagree" with the Clinton's. It need not be forgotten and I still wonder what were the deeper circumstances to the deaths of so many people during their reign that had dealings with them. Don't you? Death is always a serious equation that hovers like a black cloud . When it can't be controlled it can be erased!
Everyone has their time and the Clinton's have had there's. It was a moment in time that I sincerely appreciated what they did, because it was fresh "at the time." The bible speaks of their being a time for everything... and so it is with them... OVER! Pastor Ajabu is not trying to be young and his pants are in place... on his behind! He simply aspires to inspire (everybody young and young at heart)) before we all expire! He's very fresh and progressive. I admire a person that knows when his time is up and can respect the innovative ideas of young people. History isn't forgotten and is shared as needed for the young that do not know how we made it this far. Loyalty is one thing....enslaved to people because they threw you a bone is another! Wait until something suspicious is done before you start to speak $%^& on Barack!
"G"
I have been pondering the issues lifted up here as well as the responses, I have prayed and asked the Lord if I should even continue in these conversations and have received instructions on how to lift up God through our communications. God continues to remind me of how technology was meant to be a vessel if you will to build Him up so others might come to know Him in the pardoning of their sins. Well, as the Lord continued to remind me of these last conversations He has shown me how soon we forget about our shortcomings and the sins we have commited that we would seek to use this channel to slander others and to influence the hearts and minds of the weak that they do the same, and even if without this channel a person would seek to kill another with his/her hand (writing) and thoughts, we are not to avail ourselves as children of God to encourage it. Jesse Jackson has done and said somethings against God and only against God, as David said, "I have sinned against you God and you only." yes Jesse Jackson had a child out of wedlock, but we know the child is a blessing from God, the act of lust was the sin, how many of you are guilty of the same? Rev. you wrote the youth should not follow this man, I hope not in those ways, but the bible says we should imitate our leaders. How many of us are mentoring youth, should they not follow our example? Are we not called to be an example? It is the spirit of God that gives us discernment. I deal with women on a daily basis, and I make a lot of mistakes, I am glad the Lord allows me opportunity to repent of and even apologize to others, but there are things I am doing to remain in the Lord that if these women continue and or will do they can become as strong in Lord or more, they can reap the benefit of peace and joy everlasting; so it is, like Jesus, when do we look past a persons faults and meet them at their need, then people see the power of God through us; how dare we continue to condemn others and then say we are God's children, are we not called to be like Jesus, in all arenas? In Isaiah 43 God says, "Do not dwell in the past, look I am doing a new thing even now," if it is God does not lay in the past concerning us how can we do this to others. Are we not called to treat others as we ourselves would like to be treated? Well, may God have mercy on us all, for having the audacity to tear down His children and think we will get away with it. It does not matter the reason, what matters is when we continue in this way, we mislead and discourage others, but more importantly we break the heart of God. It is my personal prayer that even through these conversations that God will be lifted up, people will be encouraged and not influenced to rage and confusion which leads to self-destruction, but lead to follow Christ despite circumstances while receiving information that should be leading to prayer and not preying. May the Lord bless and keep you all and may He forgive us all of our shortcomings, no matter what. I love that the bible uses the word "sin" to express there are no categories,it is what it is. Bottom line is as Jesus said, "He who is without sin, let him cast the first stone." Are we living in glass house? God bless.
Luwanna,
All of us sin. All of us fall short. That doesn't stop all of us from getting old and somewhat obsolete as to the present conditions. Jesse having a child out of wedlock is not the issue. Lack of Interaction as a father is. Even with forgiving him, for that, if it is true, for talking of the desire to steal Barack's manhood, which we know is true, or supporting U.S. policy in Zimbabwe, which again we know is true does not mean he is not forgiven. We can forgive the person and not agree with the behavior. We can forgive the sinner and not condone the sin. Barack should learn from Jesse's past leadership, but he should not follow Jesse's leadership into the future. It is time for a change. Jesse's leadership is one of the things from which change is necessary. That is not all things in the past, just Jesse is what I am saying. We must step out of the way and make room for the young folks.
"G"
Let me say it again, I only supported the Clintons because the majority of voters in America are White. It would have been easier to feed the White beasts white meat [Hillary] rather than dark meat [Barack]. Of course not all Whites are beasts. That does not impugn the genius and charisma of Barack. My position is purely political. So Barack is the Democratic nominee and he only got half of the Democrats who voted. He has to wonder what the 18 million who voted for Hillary will do. He really can't determine what the non Democrats will do. We do know that the Southern Democrats have voted with the Republicans in 2000 and 2004 and will probably vote with them this year.
All I have been pleading to my fellow bloggers is to not get so wrapped up with Obama and forget the large number of Whites who do not like Black people. They will have to vote for the brother.
The world is in a disastrous state and we need a Democrat in the White House, I still maintain that we have to rely on Whites in America to have a change of heart and do the right thing and vote for Barack. My experience in this country tells me that they have not changed. We don't have to debate that point anymore, we will know the answer in November.
"G" Our young people need to be taught and inspired. We perish because of the lack of knowledge. They don't have to invent the wheel all over again because we are passing down our knowledge and they can add to what we have given them. I agree with inspiring our youth but educating them is essential.
You mentioned being suspicious of Barack:
History of Cocaine usage he mentioned in his own book.
Lied about his community organizing in Chicago
Associated with an imprisoned real estate dealer
Flipped on the wire tapping bill, by joining Bush
Praised the Bush 'Faith Based Program'
Denounced Farrakhan, Jeremiah Wright,and Father Pfleger all of Chicago
Passed only one bill in his 14 month Senate seat
There is absolutely NO track record to speak of
and there are more concerns.
Pastor, I loved the story about the bird, that was one of your best points.
The Clintons are out with the help of black people and our most racists whites and uncle toms are so grateful. Why do White people hate the Clintons so much? Did you guys ever wonder why? It is mostly these anti Clinton Whites who have been keeping us down.[Rush Limbaugh, Hannity, O'Reilly, etc] Out of all of the meltdown that Bush has produced, Whites rarely show their hatred of Bush like they do toward the Clintons. Why? Is that a hard question?
The world and God watched the Blacks in America stomp on two people who helped us. There aren't that many Whites in high places that we can say matched the Clintons [possibly Roosevelt, Lyndon Johnson]. You reap what you sow. I don't believe in dropping my friends and as I said, the world is watching. If they will do the Clintons like that, how can you trust Black people.
The truth is so painful and it cuts into you like a sword through your gut. Now, start thinking and get pass the emotions [Obamania] and the noise.
I have to leave you with some hope. As dumb as Whites were in 2004 by re electing Bush but after he created the huge meltdown of America, they will probably go for a brother. The Democrats have this presidency in their grasp because the country is almost like it was back during the Great Depression under another dumb Republican [Hoover]. McCain is a very weak candidate with nothing to offer; so if Barack loses to him it will be because Whites would rather cut their own throats rather than elect a brother.
Stop being emotional and think politically!!
marshall
I agree, we should not condone sin, however who are we to continuously lift up someone's shortcomings for whatever reason? Does not even God throw our sins into the sea of forgetfulness? Once we repent, how do we know he hasn't? Do we not understand that minds and behaviors are influence as result of the information we lay before others? All, I am saying is like God, we should put others sins to rest. As far as Jesse stepping down, that is not for me to say, I have not the authority to say or not, especially when I consider Jer. 29:11, the bible also says, we make plans but it is God who orders our steps. (Let us not forget who is sovereign). So, how do we say what and when someone should do anything, unless if falls in line with the word? (This to the body of Christ). It breaks my heart to read how little respect we have for our own, and think we should be pardoned but not others. Does it not matter what our Creator says, does, and allows? Again, I thank God for the WORD "sin," it says until I am complete I need only be concerned with my shortcomings, not those of others, in such a way that I condemn them, but only to pray for them. I was reading in the book of Job and I came across scripture that reminded me of these conversations, Elihu makes a good point as he shares how we can be hypocritical when it comes to others. God is not pleased when I continue to put my brother's ugly out before others, when God has dealt with issues, then as His children we need only to trust Him and leave those issues where they are, in the past, lest we find ourselves being treated in the same manner. According to Matthew 7:1, we are not to judge others, there are no alternatives to this command from God unless we judge according to the word, yet only after we have judged ourselves. This is more condemnation. I have done some ugly things, I have repented, I hope the people of God do not find it profittable to bring up my past, who does it help? I am taught "if it (communications and influences) does not add to your life then it takes away" (Bishop Benjamin). Who of us would seek to take something away from his brother in Christ? Whenever you get through with it Jesse Jackson is a man of God. Simply put. until I have be fully cleansed I can not speak about what is going on with others, unless I have the authority. Jesse Jackson is not accountable to us, only God, and because only God knows our motives He is the only judge. All I am saying is this does not please God, at all. This has been ongoing, in some way for the past couple of weeks, God will deal with our sins, even Jesse's; can't we just pray for the brother and "increase the love and decrease the hate" (Rev. M. Ajabu). If we truly understood how very unloving this is, according to scripture we would be asking God's forgiveness. I just want God to be glorified, especially as we have opportunity to be a blessing. God bless.