Dale, with all due respect, I'm highly suspicious of Rev. Jackson's presence (and I think Randall Terry is a grotesque opportunist who gets away with a lot because he espouses the "right" views). Where has he been? Or was he waiting for all the major publicity to subside so the cameras and microphones can focus more on him?
I'm sorry, Dale, but the man has a well-earned reputation that he does nothing to negate.
Joe, I can understand the suspicion, but for the life of me I can't see what's in it for him.
And you have hit upon the most cogent criticism so far--what took him so long?
Otherwise, I simply have to disagree--especially with the depoliticization of it--his presence makes it a lot harder to write off as "just those pro-lifers."
Gift horses. Dentition. Etc.
And, for Richard, a preemptive comment:
"Stupidity" is not apply to you.
Perhaps I need to re-edit the title to "pro-life movement."
"Does" not "is." Argh.
I agree, Dale. I have no idea of Jackson's motives (or at least any evidence of them), but the man is doing the right thing now. That doesn't mean I'm going to stop being careful of which of his statements I believe, but there are a lot of people out there who may be influenced by this action to reassess their conclusions about Terri's case.
Jesse Jackson used to be a very eloquent spokesman for the unborn. He ditched them with great callousness in order to advance himself politically within the Democratic party. Now that those ambitions are (apparently) over, perhaps--just perhaps--God's grace is beginning to work upon his soul again. If that turns out to be the case, I will consider it a cause for unqualified joy.
I do agree, however, that Randall Terry is a major liability to any cause with which he is associated.
"I can understand the suspicion, but for the life of me I can't see what's in it for him. "
Not to be the bad guy here, but if you ask what could be in it for Jackson, well, he could shore up support from the black pastors he has been losing due to his increased liberality over the years. Plus, he gets the spotlight back from erstwhile heir-apparent, Al Sharpton. Oh, and this would make Jackson's appeal broader than his usual ditto-heads.
But that aside, I believe Jackson is doing the right thing, no matter his motivations. And maybe, he really IS turning over a new leaf (though his speech lambasting conservatives while supporting Terri leaves me in doubt). Evil will shall evil mar.
Dale is right about this. As SAM recently noted on his weblog the following Gospel passage seems applicable:
"And John answered and said, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name; and we forbad him, because he followeth not with us. And Jesus said unto him, Forbid him not: for he that is not against us is for us." Luke 9:49-50 (KJV)
Say what you want about Jesse or his motives. But he knows when to book out of any cause that has the smell of Loser on it. Probably got negative feedback after his Exclusive Sunday Morning Radio Show Interview With Poor Misunderstood Michael Jackson. Probably got an earful from those in the Black Church Community after the show ended about How Dare You Waste Your Time With That Man or something to that effect. Then looked for the Next Available Cause. Presto- it's Terri's Fight for Life. One redeye flight to Tampa-St. Pete later, there he is with Ma and Pa Schindler. Extending the shelf-life of this story, even if he, and Terri's supporters, can't extend her natural life. As DP noted- Gift Horses. Dental work. Do the math.
Well, the liberals in my office all of a sudden hate him, and are questioning his legitimacy about discussing morality due to his extra-marital affair.
Strange days these...
Remember, everyone, the proof of the pudding is in the eating. If the professional attention grabbers such as the Rev. Jackson, Nader, Terry et al seriously devote themselves in the future to protecting the rights of the infirm and invalid, then I will apologize publically for my remarks on this thread.
But I'm cynical enough to believe that the Lakers have a better chance of winning the NBA title this year than of what I described in the first paragraph happening.
What...with Kobe on the team? How could they not?
/sarcasm
Hello Dale,
Just mixed feelings, that's all.
I don't know his motives. But 1) he did fight the good fight, and 2) he seemed to fight it honorably. It was on the score of #2 that I had the most concern - would he bring discredit on the cause by making bizarre or incendiary accusations?
As you say, it's rough enough with Randall Terry out there.
Blacks tend to be more distrustful of the system. That may be at work here. I would be curious to see how polling broke down on reacial line son this one.
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