"the need for civil rights activists like Jesse Jackson is hardly mitigated by the political ascendance of a singular black man. "

Indeed.  I am discouraged when I hear people like Bill Richardson say they endorse Obama because this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.  That's keeping hope locked in an airtight jar.

Add one last point: It is quite alright for black "leaders" to disagree.

For all we know it was a genius attempt by the Reverend to distance Barack from mainstream African American leaders and thereby make him more digestible to whites?

I hope the flak that Jesse Jackson is getting doesn't discourage other black leaders from criticizing Obama when they feel that he is not addressing our needs.  Unfortunately, the crude way he criticized Obama and his own character flaws distract from Jackson's legitimate concerns about the way Obama addresses the African-American community.  A couple of weeks ago Ralph Nader was labeled a racist when he accused Obama of not addressing the needs of urban communities.  I think there is an element in the black community who think that Obama's campaign will be hurt if they make any demands on him.  We shouldn't expect anything more or less from him than we would a white candidate.

There is no problem with people voicing there own opinion of any leader....some of us even have opinions regarding Jesse Jackson and his character. The only thing I have to say is, if he is man enough to say what he is thinking behind a turned off mic then he should be leader enough to say in front of an open mic, The issue to me is the way Black America continue to smile in each others' face and hate behind each others' back. If he felt that strong about what he had to say then he would not have apologize...he would not have said so that he could look and feel a certain way in front of who ever was there...and he would not have gotten caught doing it twice. I think a lot of people need to think about why they feel a certain way before something like this happens again...it only serves to make us look bad as a People. Jesse had his time more than once...I don't recall Senator Obama being "overheard" lashing out at him.  We need to give him a chance...no he does not have all the answers...who does...but if he is elected he can begin to direct the path in a direction where we can start to see change....that is not the case now. Thank you

I agree with your comment Kinsmankid.  I do not see why we as a people (African Americans) seem to always revert to attacking our own on whenever we disagree with what they are speaking of (i.e. the Bill Cosby incident).  I share many of the ailments that my people are subjected to in our upbringing (deadbeat dad, poverty, racism), yet I am a firm believer of the fact that the changes that I wish to happen in my life have to start with me.  I had to join the military to pay for my education, and take care of my family right out of high school.  It is time for BLACKS (our people) to stop depending on the government to bring on change.  Though there are many obstacles that we will face, we have to roll with the punches and keep our eyes on the prize.  OBAMA 08!!

Wow.  A black man defending (kinda) another black man who threatens to castrate/emasculate another black man, with whom he disagrees.

We shall overcome?

Of course, people like Jackson are breaking putting up the Golden Boy on the cross. We democrats are going to feel it. Succinctly put in a cartoon: "A Detailed Analysis of Obama's Failures in Cartoon Form": from the hilarious site 23/6.com

Down from the tower, or down from the cross? or up?

http://www.236.com/blog/w/lee_camp/a_detailed_analysis_of_obamas_2_7767.php

"To be sure, this approach, combined with his recent public scoldings of black people, will score points with mainstream (read: white) voters. It does nothing, however, to promote the radical change that was promised at the beginning of election season."

Can the man get elected first??

There's a big difference between a popular candidate and a president with some power and authority to make things happen.  Right now, Obama has to present himself as someone that has credibility with both sides.  Having heard some of his speeches and read some of his books, I feel like I have a pretty good handle on Obama's understanding of the problems that we as a people face.  But he won't be able to do much about them if he can't bring it home in November.

It's sad that appearing as a stronger crusader for the African American community would potentially turn other ethnic groups off, but it's something that he's got to deal with until he gets to the Oval Office.

As for the idea of leaders like Jesse becoming obsolete, I agree because we will always need someone pushing for our people 100% without worrying about what other folks are going to say. At the end of the day, a politician still needs to be popular enough to win the next election.

I'm curious. How do you reconcile Rev. Jackson's career spent "...extolling the virtues of parental responsibility..." and his extramarital affair that resulted in the birth of an illegitimate child?

Thank you for this, Professor Hill. I was waiting for someone to make all the points you reflected on here.

Is it at all possible that Jesse, like many of us, has character flaws?  Why do you assume that his verbal attack on Obama wasn't fueled by nefarious intentions?  Oh, I almost forgot, Jesse's a Black minister which I guess means his underlying intentions, if not his words, were pure.

How does Jesse reconcile "talking down to black people" with his use of the word "***"? The same Jesse who was all over that Sienfield guy.  In addition, what does "talking down to black people" have to do with Obama's reluctance to highlight private-sector and governmental investment? Seems to me that Jackson was the one doing the talking down.

Who said Jesse Jackson was a black leader?

if anything, Jackson does justice as an agitator. Political agitators are needed to keep the gov't in check.

I will say however, that Jackson needs to hang it up. There are other black agitators out there. yet Jackson and others of his ilk continue to roll as king makers and the end all be all when it comes to issues that affect our children.

Thank you!  You describe the Rev. Jackson I remember! "Yes, you can!", the father of the Rainbow Coalition.  The man dedicated twenty plus years of his life to wandering around America extolling young people to do their best, stay in school, participate in their communities.  He has held ALL of America to account for why America isn't all she could be.  He has a right to his sour grapes.  Too bad, after fifty years in the public eye, the man hasn't learned when to keep his vitrol in his pocket.

good read

Too African Americans seem to have gotten the same disease as the majority population -- hating on Blacks; but what's new?  lol

Ignorant African Americans are allowing themselves to be played by their KNOWN racist enemies of Faux News!

If anyone needs attacking for outing the PRIVATE COMMENTS of Jess it would be the KNOWN bigots at Faux News!

Jesse Jackson SPOKE IN PRIVATE!

Everyone is allowed to crap IN PRIVATE; and everyone does!

All this nonsense talk by African Americans about  Jesse 'crude remarks' is just the parroting of whites and their racism towards African American.

What is 'crude' is the outing of a PRIVATE WHISPERED CONVERSATION, by the bigots of Faux News.

All the African Americans who are suckered into dumping on Jesse Jackson are demonstrating that they are their worse enemies.

Obama accepted Jesse's apology from the outset, and RIGHTLY so

.

Neither Obama or anyone else with a working brain believes that Jesse means Obama any harm.  

No alert mind believes that Jesse was doing anything but 'trash talk' IN PRIVATE!

Only the small-minded African Americans will continue to unwittingly support the bigots from Faux News by foolishly attacking 'their own' on the basis of 'trash talk' DONE IN PRIVATE!

As for using the word n!gga, those who are near and dear are allowed to call each other by any name they damn well please.

The historical enemies of African Americans ARE NOT near and dear; and so they are not welcomed to be call African Americans whatever they please.

And those who would call Jesse a 'hypocrite' need to go back to school.

If someone suggest that you don't crap IN PUBLIC; it doesn't mean that you can't crap IN PRIVATE with those who are 'near and dear'.

Jesse can call his people 'n!ggaz' if he wants to do so IN PRIVATE!

Only the mental slaves will mind, or will listen to and support the inflaming by racists of Faux News!

Before I explain my take on Jesse Jacksons comments, I think all of us Black American’s need to reflect back on history and try to understand the course or path that have gotten us this far, before we start to make judgemental statements about how Jesse should just ride off into the wild blue yonder. Mr. Jackson has raised the conciousness of American debate more on racism, social, economic, political and legal injustice than any other African American in our nations history, since Dr. Martin Luther King. Regardless, if some of you think that, over the years, Mr. Jackson has been self serving. You must remember, that as a man, he has had to feed his family just like everyone else. Many of you are responding out of ignorance, not really understanding your history or the nature of Politics. Jesse Jackson has been on the forefront when many cowered and exiled themselves for fear of reprisal or retribution if they spoke out. There are some leaders who have even left the country to live in other nations only to find the same oppression of darker peoples prevalent in their respective lands. There is a saying that, “people are the same wherever you go.”

I believe that the “crabs in the barrel syndrome” is not applicable in this last instance here, regarding Jesse’s statement about how it would be wrong for Obama to follow Bushes’ race based initiative program. However, Jesse could have kept the metaphor to himself. He did not mean it literally. The statement made, was for the benefit of all of us whose grandfathers slaved for generations for no wages. You see, Obama’s father fled the country, for whatever reason. But our grandfather’s are buried in towns and cities all over this nation. So before those of you who wish Mr. Jackson would quietly leave the scene, it was him who stood up for us when no one else would. To this very day, he has remained convicted with hope despite his mishaps and occassional blunders. None of us are perfect. His political genuis and oratory skill is unmatched in the African-American Community.

Obama and most of his constituentcy has not had to endure the struggle and pain of the baby boomer generation and some of their parents that are still here today. Matter in fact, we are your elders, and you must respect us with every ounce of civility in your souls. The oppression that we all have had to endure has left a lasting scar on the American psyche that will never be erased, no matter what black person is catapulted to the highest office of this land. Sometimes, people have to be put in check and must not take anyone or anything for granted. For God giveth and God can take away. When a child is growing up and he does something wrong then gets corrected by his father, although it may seem grievious, that father still loves and receives love in return. This is when forgiveness overrides any emotional hurt or pain. What we witnessed was a mutual respect of two men who are fighting the same battle at the same time. One older and wiser, and one younger and still learning. Was Jesse’s statement one of insubordination, no, for he is the elder statesman and in any family, the elder uses his ability and wisdom to correct, enforce and reward when it is necessary or merited.

Being an African-American man in this country has been a castigating experience for millions who have been disenfranchised, marginalized, shutout, scapegoated, slandered, abused and denied equal access to the playing field by the white ruling class. Matter in fact, the reason why some of your fathers did not stay around is because they were denied a chance to prove themselves and some chose to walk away or cop out. Jesse Jackson stayed and is still here. There is a lot that you people need to learn! When you decide to examine the chronicles of history with a microscope than you will come to understand why standing up is the mark of a true man! Even if he has to draw his sword! Liberty or Death! You decide! Only cowards walk away! No one needs to tell Mr Jackson when to retire, there are many lessons that you kids still need to learn. Wake-up people and unshackle your minds for "it is a terrible thing to waste.”

Jessie Jackson and Obama have had this conversation in private. His disagreement with how Obama says publicly we should take more personal responsibilty. Why then was it necessary to repeat/whisper it while in a TV studio?

Obama is not GOD, our Savior or our new "black leader". He is a politician trying to win the Pres of the US. If moving to the center is what he has to do then, do it. Obama can not be ALL the hopes and dreams for Blacks or people of color. He is the first to get within sneezing distance of the White House. A place of tremendous power as evidenced by the current administration. If Obama had become the "Black" candidate in the same way that Hillary became the "Angry White women 55 and over its our turn sexism is more of a problem than racism" candidate. We would not be having this discussion.

White American is only going to tolorate so much talk of Black issues and agenda. Not that what Jessie says is without validity it is that he still is speaking in the language of an era 40 plus years ago. He alone is responsible for many people black and white not taking him seriously. It is not a black person versus black person thing so much as it is a generational divide.  No doubt Obama has the concerns of black people on his mind but if he dares to concentrate too deeply on the issues that concern just our community he will disqualify his self from being the Pres of the US. We can not do the exact same in reverse that white presidents in the past have done. Rich wealthy white presidents taking care of their own and own interests instead of remembering that is it "we the people". It is all of the people not just us or another group.

I keep saying white people because all of our 40 odd presidents have been white men and most of them were blissfully ignorant to the concerns of poor people, people of color, people with out insurance, etc.

Let not go over board in making Obama into something he can never be. He is not our messiah. It is smart to speak to the issues that affect us all as Americans. Isnt this what a President should be any way? The commencement speaker at my nephews high school graduation said this: "Everyone who looks different from you is not your enemy and everyone who looks like you is not your friend."

Thank you for this. I, too, was totally dismayed with how Jesse Jackson expressed his anger at Obama's recent comments, but I understood the underlying sentiment. I had been feeling the same way, and I am glad to see I am not the only one. It seems that Obama, with all his talk of a new kind of politics, has recently embraced the well-worn (by Democrats and Republicans alike) political tactic of scapegoating African Americans in order to reassure white America he intends to take a tough stance with this degenerate minority. Perhaps he is trying to alleviate the fears of those blue collar white male voters. Obama could have used this as an opportunity to increase interracial understanding, as he so eloquently expressed the need for months ago. Rather than repeating the same old conservative saw about personal responsibility, giving the media fodder for their narrative that such a message is alien and unwelcome among African Americans, Obama could couple his message of responsibility (which is, of course, valid) with vocal recognition of the many black people who embrace family- and community-oriented values and enact them in their daily lives. He could have drawn light to the fact that his father's day speech was a typical example of the sorts of messages that go out from the pulpits of black churches across the country on Father's Day and, indeed, every Sunday.  Too often, because they are so oblivious to currents in African American life, whites seem to assume that the majority of black people embrace or, at least, passively accept the problems of the black poor (which, in the minds of many, seems to include all of us). Perhaps, if this narrative was disrupted with a dose of reality, the gulf between whites and blacks in this country could be narrowed somewhat. Instead, the media persists in talking about how Obama's speeches might be upsetting black audiences. Never mind the vocal encouragement and enthusiastic clapping that is quite evident in the video clips. Black people don't mind this message. We love it, coming from someone who we feel has an in-depth understanding of the issues facing the black community, who has compassion for people who are struggling, and who is (hopefully) not trying to use the rhetoric of personal responsibility in order to absolve the government or the rest of our citizenry of their responsibilities. I can't entirely blame Barack for the narrative that the media has embraced, but I do feel he could do a much better job of getting a message out there that delivers a more well-rounded picture. Instead, he seems to be enjoying the tide of approval he's getting from the media, even if it is based on distorted ideas about African Americans' beliefs and values. Perhaps he feels so comfortable now about his support among blacks that he believes we will accept uncritically anything he decides he needs to do to win this campaign. I am not so sure he'd be wrong, and our options are certainly limited at this point. I am disappointed, all the same.

Agreed.  It's time for mainstream America to desist the denial of the story of the U.S  and for ALL to teach and learn it in lieu of U.S. history (his-story).  Indeed, long, long past time. However holding one's breath while waiting won't be good advice to follow.

Jesse Jackson has placed his life and health on the line for Black people.

Jesse Jackson has been a HERO to Black people.

Jesse Jackson has great affection for Black people.

Therefore, Jesse Jackson is at liberty to call n!gger those we know he holds near and dear.

It is less about the word 'n!gger' and more about the emotion/intention the speaker associates with n!gger.

N!gger coming from the white man has historical ILL WILL associated with it.

That is why the word 'n!gger' is rejected coming from the white man.

N!gger coming from one like Jesse Jackson has no ill will; because Jesse Jackson is known historically to demonstrate affection for his people.

Those African Americans who are getting their panties in a bunch over Jesse Jackson's PRIVATE WHISPER are self-hating, and as usual are going after the wrong target -- self.

All African American venom over the HARMLESS incident should be targeted at the KNOWN bigots are Faux News.

Why allow the bigoted vultures at Faux News to sitting on the sideline with glee as some ignorant African Americans do the usual 'Black on Black' hating on each other?  

How self-hating and self-destructive to be hating on each other while the Faux News n!ggaz are having a ball at Black people's expense?

Easy to do -- if you are in public where you can be overheard or a mike is live-- don't expect to think your comments will not be noted...

Reverend Jetstream (those who read Mike Royko in the Chicago Sun-Times will know exactly what I am talkin' about)  just slippin' in his old age.

Must be hard spending most of your adult life trying to be the next MLK, missing your big moment as THE black  presidential candidate ( forget about Shirley Chisolm doing it first) and having some upstart Ivy league  brown guy beat you out of your lasting fame...

I'd like to be more sympathetic but I grew up around the Rev-- got to see him up close and personal-- Narcissism and power hungry despite the trappings of being "for the people."

The Emperor just doesn't have clothes this time folks...

Obama's decision to support faith-based initiatives is moreso a strategic move to garner more of the conservative christian support, and to fortify allegiances from AA clergy,  than it is to continue the programs and policies.   Obama is working to narrow the existant gaps  between him and  staunch conservative christians and lingering AA Hilary loyalists.  Jesse Jackson commentary, albeit tasteless and possibly divisive, is reflective of how many AA's feel about Obama but just are not willing to pronounce because after all, Obama just may be the first AA President of the United States.  Jesse and our local grass roots CR activists don't need to look for another day job cause their agenda is pretty much mutually exclusive to that of Obama.  www.mulloverthis.wordpress.com

Thank you.  I've been wondering when someone, anyone, was going to actually try to make sense of Rev. Jesse's statement and not just vilify him.  

While it was 'overly' crude... Rev. Jackson was simply telling Sen. Obama to "watch his back".  .  And he should know.  Look at how many of us Black people put down Rev. Jackson because we feel he's "pimped" us.  

Sorry Marc, how much is the JJ paying you to rehabilitate his image? To say that, "In reality, Jesse Jackson was not disputing the significance of individual responsibility. In fact, Jackson’s entire life has been spent extolling the virtues of parental responsibility, hard work, and educational engagement" is simply not true. If JJ wants to disagree with Obama then do so intelligently and eloquently not like a street thug. But JJ's comments bring up a larger issue, why is it talking down to your people to point out how they need to clean up their own house?

I do not give JJ A Pass.  Have you Heard; Jealousy Is Cold As The Grave. He & Tavis Smiley want the ATTENTION!!! The Both of them suffer from an extreme lack of Respect; No Black As Ever Got this Far.  Jessie banks on the fact that You and people like you will stand UP and Protect A low down contempt for a Brother,  Jessie would dare to be on the Fox NetWork who really hates him and any productive Black Dem., JJ's Time HAS Come & Now Gone, Real Support was never on his dirty hidden agenda like is Son, Jr., He clearly did not give him Pass.  All of you Intellects Need to take A Step Towards Clarity & Reality.  I did not pass the Rt.Rev., on the OutSide Baby!!  If you are Wrong, If your Brother is Wrong manisfest it.... he is a Disgrace to his family and people like me, who once put him in a select class.  HE was noT sORRY ABOUT THE COMMENT; hOWEVER, hE IS sORRY!!!  

I am starting to agree with Mr. Jackson.  Everytime Obama addresses an African-American crowd he does talk down.  What about talking down to the Hispanics who are to lazy to become a citizen, learn English.  But they just gave 20m to the Hispanic community for the Obama campaign.  Where is the money for the African-American community?  We have always supporting Obama (most).  And we haven't received anything that I know of.

I personally am very angry.   Obama says we should learn Spanish.  Talk about kissing A**.  Without Blacks he would not be were he is today.  He should wake up before there is a real backlash.  I haven't heard him say anything about helping the Black community.  All I hear is we should help ourselves.  But he gives 20m to Hispanics, people that have stated repeatedly they would not vote for a Black man.  Amazing!!

WHERE IN THIS SPEECH IS OBAMBA TALKING DOWN TO BLACK PEOPLE?

Truth is Truth and Truth Hurts....We need to stop sugar coating the junk in our trunk and clean up our acts.  Have anyone forgotten this man is also a victim of a fatherless household?  Talking down...damn if you speak about the elephant in the room and damn if you don't....He spoke from his heart truths about a race that's in poor shape from running to blame another for the trash instead of bending over and cleaning up our own yards.  You clean yours...I clean mine...we help another clean theirs, etc....

Read and point out where this man did what Fox News Jesse Jackson and his crab envy mind said he did:

Excerpt from a speech Barack Obama gave on Father's day at the Apostolic Church of God in Chicago.

"Of all the rocks upon which we build our lives, we are reminded today that family is the most important. And we are called to recognize and honor how critical every father is to that foundation. They are teachers and coaches. They are mentors and role models. They are examples of success and the men who constantly push us toward it.

But if we are honest with ourselves, we’ll admit that what too many fathers also are is missing – missing from too many lives and too many homes. They have abandoned their responsibilities, acting like boys instead of men. And the foundations of our families are weaker because of it.

You and I know how true this is in the African-American community. We know that more than half of all black children live in single-parent households, a number that has doubled – doubled – since we were children. We know the statistics – that children who grow up without a father are five times more likely to live in poverty and commit crime; nine times more likely to drop out of schools and twenty times more likely to end up in prison. They are more likely to have behavioral problems, or run away from home, or become teenage parents themselves. And the foundations of our community are weaker because of it.

How many times in the last year has this city lost a child at the hands of another child? How many times have our hearts stopped in the middle of the night with the sound of a gunshot or a siren? How many teenagers have we seen hanging around on street corners when they should be sitting in a classroom? How many are sitting in prison when they should be working, or at least looking for a job? How many in this generation are we willing to lose to poverty or violence or addiction? How many?

Yes, we need more cops on the street. Yes, we need fewer guns in the hands of people who shouldn’t have them. Yes, we need more money for our schools, and more outstanding teachers in the classroom, and more afterschool programs for our children. Yes, we need more jobs and more job training and more opportunity in our communities.

But we also need families to raise our children. We need fathers to realize that responsibility does not end at conception. We need them to realize that what makes you a man is not the ability to have a child – it’s the courage to raise one.

We need to help all the mothers out there who are raising these kids by themselves; the mothers who drop them off at school, go to work, pick up them up in the afternoon, work another shift, get dinner, make lunches, pay the bills, fix the house, and all the other things it takes both parents to do. So many of these women are doing a heroic job, but they need support. They need another parent. Their children need another parent. That’s what keeps their foundation strong. It’s what keeps the foundation of our country strong.

I know what it means to have an absent father, although my circumstances weren’t as tough as they are for many young people today. Even though my father left us when I was two years old, and I only knew him from the letters he wrote and the stories that my family told, I was luckier than most. I grew up in Hawaii, and had two wonderful grandparents from Kansas who poured everything they had into helping my mother raise my sister and me – who worked with her to teach us about love and respect and the obligations we have to one another. I screwed up more often than I should’ve, but I got plenty of second chances. And even though we didn’t have a lot of money, scholarships gave me the opportunity to go to some of the best schools in the country. A lot of kids don’t get these chances today. There is no margin for error in their lives. So my own story is different in that way.

Still, I know the toll that being a single parent took on my mother – how she struggled at times to the pay bills; to give us the things that other kids had; to play all the roles that both parents are supposed to play. And I know the toll it took on me. So I resolved many years ago that it was my obligation to break the cycle – that if I could be anything in life, I would be a good father to my girls; that if I could give them anything, I would give them that rock – that foundation – on which to build their lives. And that would be the greatest gift I could offer.

I say this knowing that I have been an imperfect father – knowing that I have made mistakes and will continue to make more; wishing that I could be home for my girls and my wife more than I am right now. I say this knowing all of these things because even as we are imperfect, even as we face difficult circumstances, there are still certain lessons we must strive to live and learn as fathers – whether we are black or white; rich or poor; from the South Side or the wealthiest suburb.

The first is setting an example of excellence for our children – because if we want to set high expectations for them, we’ve got to set high expectations for ourselves. It’s great if you have a job; it’s even better if you have a college degree. It’s a wonderful thing if you are married and living in a home with your children, but don’t just sit in the house and watch “SportsCenter” all weekend long. That’s why so many children are growing up in front of the television. As fathers and parents, we’ve got to spend more time with them, and help them with their homework, and replace the video game or the remote control with a book once in awhile. That’s how we build that foundation.

We know that education is everything to our children’s future. We know that they will no longer just compete for good jobs with children from Indiana, but children from India and China and all over the world. We know the work and the studying and the level of education that requires.

You know, sometimes I’ll go to an eighth-grade graduation and there’s all that pomp and circumstance and gowns and flowers. And I think to myself, it’s just eighth grade. To really compete, they need to graduate high school, and then they need to graduate college, and they probably need a graduate degree too. An eighth-grade education doesn’t cut it today. Let’s give them a handshake and tell them to get their butts back in the library!

It’s up to us – as fathers and parents – to instill this ethic of excellence in our children. It’s up to us to say to our daughters, don’t ever let images on TV tell you what you are worth, because I expect you to dream without limit and reach for those goals. It’s up to us to tell our sons, those songs on the radio may glorify violence, but in my house we live glory to achievement, self respect, and hard work. It’s up to us to set these high expectations. And that means meeting those expectations ourselves. That means setting examples of excellence in our own lives.

The second thing we need to do as fathers is pass along the value of empathy to our children. Not sympathy, but empathy – the ability to stand in somebody else’s shoes; to look at the world through their eyes. Sometimes it’s so easy to get caught up in “us,” that we forget about our obligations to one another. There’s a culture in our society that says remembering these obligations is somehow soft – that we can’t show weakness, and so therefore we can’t show kindness.

But our young boys and girls see that. They see when you are ignoring or mistreating your wife. They see when you are inconsiderate at home; or when you are distant; or when you are thinking only of yourself. And so it’s no surprise when we see that behavior in our schools or on our streets. That’s why we pass on the values of empathy and kindness to our children by living them. We need to show our kids that you’re not strong by putting other people down – you’re strong by lifting them up. That’s our responsibility as fathers. "

Thank You Obama

"Great spirits have always found violent opposition from mediocrities. The latter cannot understand it when a man does not thoughtlessly submit to hereditary prejudices but honestly and courageously uses his intelligence." -- Albert Einstein

I can't figure how both "redlining" AND "predatory lending" are supposed to be evil.  Seems like white folks can't get a break.  

"Redlining" is when the banks tell poor folks "you have lousy credit and can't make enough to pay back your loans, and anyway the value of the housing in your neighborhood is declining."  

"Predatory lending" is when the banks say "The heck with it!  We still don't believe you are going to pay back the loan, but we'll give you a mortgage anyway -- no money down --  and sell the mortgage to some fool in China or Europe."

Both of 'em cain't be wrong.  Either it is right to NOT throw money at some fool who cain't even balance a check book and pay his electric on time or it is right to throw money at the fool and watch him fail.  Either one or the other -- not lending money ("redlining") or lending money ("predatory lending") -- must be OK.