Jesse Jackson compares Vick to Jackie Robinson

[Pinocchio Liberal 268]

I am part of the Rush crowd now?

How is it pure blatant hypocrisy?

I'm talking in general terms. Whenever you see a thread about this type of stuff the loudest voices are the same people that condone the antics of the far right. There seems to be little middle ground.

Tell me, do you see dead ppl too? ####### dude, your perceptions are really fvcked up. the loudest voices? Dude, there letters on a fvckin message board. Quit tryin to turn ####### into things that arent there.

[thongd4me 69]

“I want to make it an issue,” Jackson said Thursday in a telephone interview. “I want teams to explain why they have a quarterback who has less skills but is playing or at least is on the taxi squad, and a guy with more skills can’t get into training camp.”

Two years ago this month, Vick pleaded guilty to felony charges related to his participation in an unlawful dogfighting ring and was indefinitely suspended from the N.F.L. Vick was sentenced to 23 months in federal prison in December 2007.

He was conditionally reinstated to the league last month by Commissioner Roger Goodell. Under terms of the reinstatement, Vick can take part in preseason practices, workouts and meetings and may play in the final two preseason games — if a team signs him.

•

When the season begins, Vick may participate in all team activities except games. Goodell said he would consider Vick for full reinstatement by Week 6.

“Democracy does not guarantee success,” Jackson said. “Democracy guarantees an opportunity. It’s not fair to de facto try to lock him out of his right to compete. If he can’t make the team, don’t let him play. If he can, let him work.”

Jackson, born in 1941, has been a civil rights activist for most of his adult life. He said that in some ways, Vick’s attempt to re-enter the N.F.L. was similar to Jackie Robinson’s entering Major League Baseball.

Although their situations were drastically different, Jackson said, the challenge was the same: Which owner would have the courage to make a controversial signing?

Viewed from a 2009 prism, that comparison seems blasphemous. Robinson became an American icon because of his courage and perseverance. The only thing he did wrong — in some eyes — was to be born African-American.

But in the era in which Robinson came of age, his admirable qualities mattered to Major League Baseball owners. A significant segment of the American population knew little to nothing about Robinson, and saw him as someone who threatened a way of life. Owners were not going to allow Robinson or any other African-American to play major league baseball, regardless of how much character and fortitude he possessed.

Many fair-minded baseball owners had the same concerns about Robinson that fair-minded N.F.L. owners today have about Vick: What will critics say? How will the public respond?

Finally one organization, the Dodgers, and one man, Branch Rickey, were bold and pragmatic enough to weigh the risks and take the leap of signing Robinson.

Vick, unlike Robinson in 1947, has a proven track record. Vick has performed at a star level in the N.F.L. Robinson performed briefly in the Negro Leagues before joining the Dodgers.

The question is: How severely have Vick’s skills eroded? You would think that one owner, one team would at least be curious; training camps have been open for only a week.

“If the guy has paid his dues to the criminal justice system, paid his debt to the N.F.L. and shows remorse, what else does he need to do?” Jackson asked.

•

For many, the nonnegotiable issue in the Vick case is cruelty to animals. But let’s climb off our high horses. We know many fans hunt. They track down innocent animals, blast them with shotguns, shoot them out of the sky with rifles — for sport. Some take off animals’ heads and mount them as trophies.

Perfectly legal.

But the issue here is that Vick served his time in prison for breaking the law. The issue is degrees of cruelty. Who is worse: someone who tortures in the name of sport and then apologizes, or the one who kills in the name of sport and continues to hunt?

Vick was cruel and was punished. Now he has promised to be compassionate.

Jackson pointed out that Vick had satisfied the demands of the legal system. Now, like thousands of young men who are released from prison each year, Vick is eager to become a productive citizen. So far, he has been unable to find a job and his options are limited.

The Canadian Football League will not consider Vick or any player under full or partial suspension by the N.F.L.

“One of the big issues of re-entry is that when people come out, can they get gainful employment?” Jackson said.

Vick is fortunate. As a quarterback, he has skills that are highly valued.

“He has a right to compete,” Jackson said. “If he doesn’t make the team, then he can’t play. If he can, let him work.”

So far, everyone has said no. Someone should have the guts to say yes.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/08/sports/f...l/08rhoden.html

The comparison to Jackie Robinson is a waste of time because sports teams have all broken the race barrier already.

Mr Jackson forgets that decisions to hire this or that player are STILL made by the owners, in Robinson's case Branch Rickey,

so Mr. Vick's acceptance or rejection has nothing to do with democracy. It does have more to do with media spin and

his injured reputation. If he can rise above that and keep his nose clean for an extended period, more credit to him.

I did meet Jesse Jackson once and in an effort to get a pic of him

I enlisted a young lady who I work with who is from Africa.

I said "do you want a photo with Jesse Jackson?"

Wow she was all excited.

I took the pic and it was good.

I didn't get much of a reaction from my friend after this, so I asked her "do you know who Jesse Jackson is?"

---"Michael Jackson's brother?"

[spookyturtle 9,466]

I am part of the Rush crowd now?

How is it pure blatant hypocrisy?

I'm talking in general terms. Whenever you see a thread about this type of stuff the loudest voices are the same people that condone the antics of the far right. There seems to be little middle ground.

Tell me, do you see dead ppl too? ####### dude, your perceptions are really fvcked up. the loudest voices? Dude, there letters on a fvckin message board. Quit tryin to turn ####### into things that arent there.

You mean this isn't real?

[Pinocchio Liberal 268]

I am part of the Rush crowd now?

How is it pure blatant hypocrisy?

I'm talking in general terms. Whenever you see a thread about this type of stuff the loudest voices are the same people that condone the antics of the far right. There seems to be little middle ground.

Tell me, do you see dead ppl too? ####### dude, your perceptions are really fvcked up. the loudest voices? Dude, there letters on a fvckin message board. Quit tryin to turn ####### into things that arent there.

You mean this isn't real?

Smart a$$.

[nowhereman 1]

I am part of the Rush crowd now?

How is it pure blatant hypocrisy?

I'm talking in general terms. Whenever you see a thread about this type of stuff the loudest voices are the same people that condone the antics of the far right. There seems to be little middle ground.

Tell me, do you see dead ppl too? ####### dude, your perceptions are really fvcked up. the loudest voices? Dude, there letters on a fvckin message board. Quit tryin to turn ####### into things that arent there.

Rogue you know damn well I have a point, you are just so close to the problem that you won't admit it. Example: Danno made thread after thread after thread about hate crimes vs whites, but when its the other way around he's more silent than a fart in church. Most people are outraged at any racism, regardless of which way it goes. Focusing on one type of racism and ignoring another is hypocrisy.

Pull your head out of your four point of contact & maybe you can start to see reality.

- As for "voices" it's obvious I meant opinions. Oh yea it's "they're", not "there".

Edited August 16, 2009 by nowhereman

[Jasman0717 9]

Didn't Jesse Jackson cure cancer too

[Ban Hammer 15,088]

I wouldn't of lost any sleep either if he had been banned from sports.

[*Robert* 2]

First of all... the laws need to be examined, as there's a gray area between animal rights and human rights.

Second of all... the guy served his time, so therfore should be allowed a second chance.

He's better than all the other NFL stars who have commited manslaughter, rape, and other colorful crimes.

[luckytxn 2,265]

The man has served his time that was deemed as a punishment for his crime. Very few has attained the heights that he has and then sunk as low and survived the experience. Just think of the message this will send to others, that one can be shown forgiveness and given second chances. It will be in how he reacts to this great second chance that should be looked at. I will be looking to see if he is truly remorseful and humbled by his experience. Most people would be shattered beyond redemption.

[Pinocchio Liberal 268]

I am part of the Rush crowd now?

How is it pure blatant hypocrisy?

I'm talking in general terms. Whenever you see a thread about this type of stuff the loudest voices are the same people that condone the antics of the far right. There seems to be little middle ground.

Tell me, do you see dead ppl too? ####### dude, your perceptions are really fvcked up. the loudest voices? Dude, there letters on a fvckin message board. Quit tryin to turn ####### into things that arent there.

Rogue you know damn well I have a point, you are just so close to the problem that you won't admit it. Example: Danno made thread after thread after thread about hate crimes vs whites, but when its the other way around he's more silent than a fart in church. Most people are outraged at any racism, regardless of which way it goes. Focusing on one type of racism and ignoring another is hypocrisy.

Pull your head out of your four point of contact & maybe you can start to see reality.

- As for "voices" it's obvious I meant opinions. Oh yea it's "they're", not "there".

Geez, You say im to close to the problem and then use danno as an example? I cant speak to what dannos intent was or even what your saying is true. The whole premise that there should be a designation of "hate" is ridiculous.

Hate crimes? What a joke! What murder no matter what the race, is based on love? If a gay dude murders his lover then thats good old time murder. If I kill a gay dude its a "hate" crime? Foolishness!

The whole reason to divide the two types of crimes is simple. Keep racism alive and well!

And as far as me knowing damn well that you have a point is also foolish, because you dont.