If I am an American patriot, I am a reluctant one. There are just a few times when I really feel that surge of pride coming up through my chest about this country. Most of the time I feel a skepticism, an anger, and betrayal. The land of the free and home of the brave is really the land of the thieves and the home of the slaves. Yeah, I know it is both sixties rhetoric and bad poetry, but most of the time that’s how I feel.

There are exceptions. When [bad text] good morning." I have to say (though I hate to), that I felt it when Ronald Reagan was sworn in. I had no truck for Reagan, but he won the election fair and square, and I felt that orderly transfer of power, pomp and circumstance, were all of what made our nation great.

Last Saturday, for the first time in my whole entire life, I felt nothing but contempt as I watched George W. Bush sworn in. I was thinking, "hail to the thief" and thoughts much more uncharitable, In fact, I was thinking, "You sleazy, crooked, jerk" as I watched Baby Bush take the oath of office. I thought I’d be o over the thievery by now. But I’m not.

Rev. Jesse Jackson was missing in action on Saturday. Sidelined by his own need to "refresh and reflect," he was reeling from the public revelation that he is the father of a 20 month old baby by a woman who was once on his staff. While Jackson’s paternity came as a shock to some, and a disappointment to many, his public statement indicated that he has attempted to behave honorably in his situation. He is supporting his child, and has apologized to his wife and family. Exactly what else is the man supposed to do? In his public statements last week, he said he would withdraw from the public stage for a while. His withdrawal, frankly, is the nation’s loss.

Because Jackson’s paternity is not new information, I am extremely suspicious of the timing of its public revelation. Headlines blared and talk shows buzzed just two days before Jackson was scheduled to lead a march in Florida. The march went on, but Jackson’s voice was missing, and it was the nation’s loss. After receiving many shows of support, Jackson has indicated he won’t be leaving public life anytime soon, which is a good thing. I am still questioning the timing of the National Enquirer’s revelations, though, and wondering what is behind them.

Obviously, there are many that would benefit if Jackson’s fiery voice were muted. Say what you will about Jesse Jackson, he is a tireless advocate for African American people and others who are underrepresented and exploited in our society. His opponents have often been frustrated at his effectiveness, his ability to galvanize and organize people, and his brilliance at analyzing issues. Those who succeeded in sidelining Jackson, even for a moment, were able to take the spotlight off the horrible injustice of the Bushy inauguration.

Neither the National Enquirer nor the mainstream press is responsible for Jackson’s moral lapse. Jackson’s simple statement of responsibility has made it clear that he has no desire to shift blame to others for his actions. Still, it makes sense to question the timing of the Enquirer’s revelations and to wonder whether there was some hidden agenda in the timing. And it makes sense to put Rev. Jesse Jackson in context. He’s a man, not a god, who made a mistake and admitted it. Next.

I’ve read too many editorials and listened to too many conservative commentators who have attempted to judge Jesse Jackson, and suggest that his recent troubles change the way he lifts its voice. They are wrong. Jackson should continue to do what he does best. He should keep lifting his voice, fighting against injustice, motivating people. He reminds us that people are not perfect, but that imperfections should not prevent people from offering themselves as leaders. And, if he is challenged, he should make the distinction between his personal imperfections and our nation’s structural imperfections. His weakness resulted n the birth of a child who is much loved and cherished. Our nation’s structural weaknesses resulted in the selection of a President who will be reviled until election reform takes place. Jesse has no reason to be quiet.

 For the Sun Reporter
 January 24, 2001