For the sake of consistency, Barack Obama should condemn Jesse Jacksons' stereotypical, anti-black 1993 comment, as reported by Bob Herbert of the New York Times.
Said Jackson,
Jesse Jackson is traveling the country with a tough anti-crime message that he is delivering to inner-city youngsters. In Chicago he said, "There is nothing more painful to me at this stage in my life than to walk down the street and hear footsteps and start thinking about robbery -- then look around and see somebody white and feel relieved.
I disagree with both Jackson's and Obama's grandmother's views, and I suppose most of you disagree as well.
But in my opinion, Jackson would have been a much better target , if Obama's purpose was to teach the nation a lesson. The reverend, unlike Obama's grandmother, is an influential figure in our nation and his name is automatically recognized by the American people. For this reason, much more is expected from him than from this lady.
You might argue that this took place 15 years ago, and I would reply, "was it fair to be scared of black people, and relieved by the presence of whites in 1993"?
I believe Obama should condemn Jackson's words, or take back the criticism against his grandmother. You can't do both and be consistent.