As was previously reported, Jesse Jackson will be at Olivet Baptist Church today to discuss "the effect the new Volkswagen plant will have on the city’s minority community." He will also discuss "the current economic climate of the Scenic City and the surrounding areas."
What do you think he will actually say in his speech? Do you think VW has done anything to discriminate against the local African-American community? Are you going to the speech? Contribute your thoughts to any of these questions in the comments below.
Robert T. Nash on June 17, 2009
Q: What do you think he will actually say in his speech?
A: Whitey done gwine been keepin' de Black Man down too long...
Q: Do you think VW has done anything to discriminate against the local African-American community?
A: No, and as a people, it's been my experience most Germans have gone beyond accepting Blacks and their culture to welcoming them with open arms...
Q: Are you going to the speech?
A: No, but I encourage anyone who does go to ask Rev. Jackson who is paying the tab to bring him to Chattanooga, Tennessee...
ASmith on June 17, 2009
Are we assuming because it's Rev. Jackson that his argument will be that the VW plant will have a negative effect?
Let's be careful with that.
I'm also not clear on why who's paying for him matters. Many churches in the scenic city host speakers of Rev. Jackson's caliber... is that a problem?
I personally have no idea why he has anything at all to say about how the VW plant will effect any community at all in a city that he has next to no ties in, but hey -- here's an opportunity for people who may never have another chance to hear him speak to do so.
Here's the part where I do some potentially unnecessary (thus controversial) leaps in logic:
I think that if anyone (probably not the authors of this blog) is honestly concerned about the Rev's appearance in the city it's because our city has a long history of not addressing racial issues... I highly doubt that anything the Reverend says will be meant to charge up any issues at all.
I hope, though, that if he does plan to list a whole lot of ills about the VW plant as it relates to the minority community, he outlines what can be done and how he'll help, but I won't hold my breath.
Robert T. Nash on June 17, 2009
Sounds like just what I'd expect from someone who characterizes The Eagles as "a great band"...
Darley Street on June 17, 2009
And Mr. Jackson has credibility left, how?
Have we already forgotten that he tried to hold down his own race? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4aLGkFpsdHo
ASmith on June 17, 2009
Ooohhh.. nice jab Mr. Nash.
ASmith on June 17, 2009
Hmm...
I guess I'm mostly intrigued in what the big deal is. Don't want to hear the Reverend, then don't go. Don't understand why a majority of the African-American community in Chattanooga are jumping at the bit to hear him speak? Well, welcome to a world where we won't understand everything and we don't have to in order to let it be.
If I was home, I surely wouldn't go. I'm not a fan of Olivet and I'm not a fan of Reverend Jackson.
And his extremely idiotic comment about then Candidate Obama was not him holding the race down; it was him being stupid.
Lou Randall on June 17, 2009
He could be in town to secretly ask VW for money to finance his favorite charity. Himself!
Robert T. Nash on June 17, 2009
No offense intended...I just don't like The Eagles...I do think learning who is paying the tab for Rev. Jackson's Chattanooga visit is information worth seeking out...
stephen42 on June 17, 2009
If you're curious as to why Mr. Jackson (I refuse to call anyone who doesn't believe in basic christian dogma 'Reverend') is in town, pick up a copy of Shakedown by K. Timmerman. EVERY assertion made in the book is backed up by tax records, press releases and recorded public statements.
RTN: I'm very curious as to whom is paying his speaking fee. I didn't think Olivet baptist had pockets that deep.
ASmith on June 17, 2009
Have you met Pastor Adams? (That was meant to be tongue-in-cheek)
I doubt Olivet is footing the bill completely (unless Rev. Jackson is speaking for cheap) but they're no hurting church. As far as black "mega" churches go in Chattanooga (for the record, we don't have any "real" black mega churches) they're at the top.
I wouldn't be surprised if a couple of churches got together to help pay for it, but Olivet has the facilities to hold more people than the other churches.
I would love to know what the draw was for him to come. I'm still in a little bit of shock.
bubba on June 17, 2009
He showed up in a BMW 745i with 22" rims. A BMW. Smart.
Truth has a ring to it on June 17, 2009
"Many churches in the scenic city host speakers of Rev. Jackson's caliber."
Do you mean a man who pays for a apartment for his love child's momma from campaign contributions. That caliber?
I quote Jesse: "Great things happen in small places. Jesus was born in Bethlehem. Jesse Jackson was born in Greenville." Oh, so he's comparable to Jesus? Wow that rings familiar.
This arrogant race leverager is paid for by unions and political heavyweights. He can take his manure back to the south side of Chicago where President Omnipotent crawled out of. (or Nigeria or Indonesia or whatever)
ASmith on June 18, 2009
I'm no Rev Jackson apologist; I'm no Rev Jackson fan -- but this is getting a little out of hand.
The man has made a LOT of bad decisions (hence why i'm not fan, I feel like, among other things, his time has come and gone) -- but c'mon with the excessiveness.
I'm sure your question about what I meant was rhetorical.
And I'm sure we'll all be happy to know that he (says) he spoke for free.
bill on June 18, 2009
Jesse Jackson is a thug and, as Booker T. Washington would call him, a "problem profiteer."
NotfromGath on June 20, 2009
I used to work in Chicago (commute) and Jesse Jackson would always be involved in any greivances our union had and really got involved in things he couldn't do anything about but get press.
He is coming here this first time because there will be money here.
He will be back.
Jill on June 25, 2009
Ok. Jesse Jackson has made many mistakes in his life; however, why do so many people care to put any one in any leadership position on a pedestal? If you know that he spends his campaign money on his child, well then don't contribute to his funds. Simple as that.
As far as the Jesus quote is concerned, could it be that his intention was not to compare himself to Jesus, but to encourage others to foster a sense of encouragement? Could it be that the whole point of the quote was to imply that no matter the person, anyone can make a big impact in the world?
Jill on June 25, 2009
Actually, I went to hear him speak he and didn't say anything about how "whitey is keepin' de Black Man down". Nice try.
As I said in a response further down, I'm not a fan of Jesse. I went to hear him speak simply because I was interested in what he would say. Was his speech the best I've ever heard in my life; did I walk out of Olivet feeling a sense of ample power; did I walk out feeling a bitter sense of angst against "the man"? No.
I wasn't profoundly impressed and neither was I bored to tears.
His speech was mainly centered around encouraging everyone (blacks, whites, purples, blues, etc.) building up the community and city of Chattanooga. He also encouraged people to educate themselves and he encouraged children, teens, and young adults to dream big.
Wow.
I suppose that's crime of harsh racism against whitey.
Furthermore, I didn't pay a fee to see him speak, nor was he paid a dime to speak at Olivet.
Assumptions are a bitch.
Have a nice day, thanks for playing!
Robert T. Nash on June 25, 2009
Thats a heck of a recap for what you basically make sound like a non-event...Did you have the presence of mind to ask who paid for him to come to Chattanooga? Please advise...
stephen42 on June 25, 2009
My understanding was that throughout his speech he requested donations to his Rainbow/PUSH coalition. The group he founded and solicits money for. The same 'non-profit' that also pays nearly all of his living and travel expenses. If that is incorrect than I apologize. Assumptions are the mother of all f*** ups, but when you examine Jackson's track record it is a valid question to ask who footed the bill for his speaking fee. He has a proven history of 'requesting' contributions and favors from corporations to prevent boycotts and bad press. Do you think it was a coincidence that VW had representatives at his speech?
Shaquana on June 26, 2009
F*** him. M.J. had nothing to do with him. J.J. is the worst racist of all.