It’s time for the good reverend to retire

In the 2008 State of the Black Union, hosted by Tavis Smiley, a panelist made a statement urging people to be sure they knew the difference between “black leaders” and “leading Blacks”. The implication being that a black leader is given the title while a person “leading blacks” has placed the title of leader upon himself.

For many years, Reverend Jesse Jackson has been on the front lines of civil rights issues and issues facing Black Americans. He has also been seen as a moral compass for many Americans. In the past, we would have called him a leader. Since news of his extramarital affair that led to a child and now his remarks about Senator Obama, as well as his alleged use of the “N” word, the Reverend is showing signs of a leader on his way out who is trying to hold on to his past influence. His recent remarks show that he is no better than Reverend Jeremiah Wright when it comes to Black Americans lifting each other up one minute and in the next moment tearing each other down. At least the Reverend tried to make private comments, even though how private he thought he could be while still on mic is anyone’s guess.

I’m curious. If he was so troubled by Senator Obama and his conversation with the parishioners of a Black church why didn’t he contact Senator Obama with his concerns? I think it’s time for Reverend Jackson to retire from public life so that he can say what he wants without having people scramble for damage control.