I haven’t done a Dumbass of the Day in a long while, so I guess it is not really “of the Day”.  Regardless, this story about Jesse Jackson made me think of the word “Dumbass”.  Then there is the category for “Stupid things people do”.  I guess I’ll have to put this down under both, and the 2008 presidential campaign to boot.

The story of Jena, Louisiana is sad and stupid on many levels. 
First, the black kid went and sat where the white kids normally do.  All of the kids pretty much have the right to sit anywhere, but there is this concept called “asking for trouble”.  These are kids, not adults.  While they all should know better, they don’t.

Second thing–allegedly the white kids hung 3 nooses from the tree with the idea being to send a message.  This was a total dumbass idea.  If hanging nooses can be considered speech, then it is hate speech.  Whoever had the idea–you are a dumbass.

Now for the really stupid part, the racist part.  Allegedly, 6 black youths attacked and physically injured some white youths.  Purportedly it was in retaliation over the noose incident.  Stupid, really really stupid.  This just perpetuates the “violent black man” stereotype.

The 6 black youths were arrested and jailed on a number of charges.  Some, like good ole’ Jesse, The Rev. Al and others say that this is racist–we shouldn’t arrest these youths for beating up people.  This was in December, 2006.  Yes, your math is correct.  That is 10 months ago.

Sorry, I don’t buy it.  Nope, nada, ain’t gonna do it.

That was then.  This is now.  Jesse spoke at Benedict College, a historically black college.  While there he allegedly said that Barak Obama was “acting like he’s white” because he was calling for an investigation and fair treatment of all of the youths involved.  Jackson said that if he were a candidate (he’d know, he was a failed candidate), he’d be all over Jena.  He’d try to turn it into another Selma.  In other words, he’s denigrate the memory of those injured and killed at Selma just to promote his political career and agenda.

At first, Jesse said that he didn’t remember making that comment.  Wednesday he said it was taken out of context.  I’m still searching for a transcript of the speech, but I don’t know what context the Obama is too white statement could be appropriate.

I know that Jesse’s only political agenda is to be color blind, fair and equal to all people like him.  At least The Rev. Al told Don Imus to not insult his race either.  I generally don’t agree with Rev. Al, but I agreed with that.

Jesse now says that he fully supports Obama and that nothing he has said, might have said or might say in the future will change that.

My opinion?  The noose-hanging youths should be suspended for their actions; the youths who beat up the other ones should be arrested and put on probation–no felony, no jail time, just misdemeanor assault & battery.  Everyone involved, especially the parents, should hang their head in shame.

Move along, there’s really nothing to see here.