While John McCain spoke at XavierUniversity on Thursday, Reverend Jesse Jackson was at the University for another purpose.In light of John McCain’s appearance, Bayoubuzz talked to Reverend Jackson about the events surrounding Katrina and what would he would do if he were running for President.
Jackson has previously run for President and has played many controversial roles in United States and International politics.
Ironically, much of what he told Bayoubuzz was not different than what John McCain.
Both political personalities blamed President Bush for the aftermath of the storm and the administration’s commitment to New Orleans.
Jackson said “New Orleans went through a period of exile that was botched.Many people are in exile.The period of right of return continues.I would ask what is the plan of reconstruction?
Perhaps parting from McCain in terms of source of money, Jackson said, “If we have a plan for reconstruction of Iraq, what about New Orleans?New Orleans represents abandoned America including needing roads, sewers and other infrastructure for a major city”
The debate over rebuilding New Orleans and American infrastructure versus Iraq will continue during the Presidential campaign even if Jesse Jackson is not a candidate.There is no doubt that McCain is sincere about wanting to restore New Orleans but he and other candidates will be required to provide details and not just hyperbole.
As the economy sours, and more people have needs to be met, US commitment to Iraq will be even more tested politically.One of those questions that will persist will be how to rebuild one of America’s oldest and the country’s most international cities that sat under water for weeks.
Let's remember that Jesse Jackson was in the area after Katrina. He appeared on television, opposing sending evacuees out of state, saying they could be put in "tent cities." (A recommendation apparently motivated by electoral, rather than humanitarian, considerations.) Later when he brought 4 busloads of people "back" to New Orleans, 3/4 of them turned out to be from other cities. When asked, again on television, where these people could be housed, he suggested "English Air Force Base." Presumably he was referring to the former England Air Force Base, north of Alexandria, 200 miles away. Hardly a good track record for criticizing other people's responses after the disaster. Written by Prof
on 4/26/2008
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Sid, thanks for the Booker T. Washington quote. I remembered reading it and being struck by how clear it was and relevant today. Mr. Sullivan would probably call Mr. Washington an "Uncle Tom". Written by Sharon
on 4/26/2008
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What, the city had wonderful roads and sewers and other infrastructure before the storm? So George Bush is the reason for all the problems? If that's the case, it's time for him to FIRE Nagin, Blanco, Landrieu, Melancon, et al proclaim marshall law and strat over. C'mon get a grip. Anad as for Mr. Jesse read this:
“There is [a] class of colored people who make a business of keeping the troubles, the wrongs and the hardships of the Negro race before the public. Having learned that they are able to make a living out of their troubles, they have grown into the settled habit of advertising their wrongs—partly because they want sympathy, and partly because it pays. Some of these people do not want the Negro to lose his grievances, because they do not want to lose their jobs… There is a certain class of race-problem solvers who don’t want the patient to get well, because as long as the disease holds out they have not only an easy means of making a living, but also an easy medium through which to make themselves prominent before the public.”—Booker T. Washington in his 1911 book, My Larger Education
Written by Sid
on 4/26/2008
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When are u guyz going to stop wasting press on al sharpton not rev because he doesnt preach uless he is paid and jesse smackson he is a womanizer and a rascist al sharpton was caught on video making a coke deal in don kings name by the fbi and yet we still listen to his crap .I for one will not buy any publication that reports on these two rascist slime who stir things up for a buck clone huey p
vote for smitty Written by Jeffrey j Schubart my real name
on 4/25/2008
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This is a news story? "Jesse Jackson, who is not running for president and who has played very controversial roles in US and international politics, comes to New Orleans and blames President Bush for the problems the city faces post Katrina". Duuuhhhhhh, really. What is newsworthy about this and why is it important? Did you think to ask Mr Jackson during the interview if he had any specific ideas other than "shaking down" the feds for more money? Written by poboy1
on 4/25/2008
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While John McCain spoke at 
