Protesters turn on Jesse Jackson during rally

ABC 7 Chicago ^ | November 25, 2003 | Rob Johnson

[Land_of_Lincoln_John]

A Loop rally demanding more jobs for young black men turned into a protest against the leadership of Reverend Jesse Jackson.

With roughly 100,000 Chicagoans between 16 and 24 out of work or not in school, Rainbow Push was hoping to call to action disenfranchised young people, but a group of people disenchanted with Jesse Jackson led a spirited protest that sometimes drowned out the message of more jobs.

Hundreds converged upon a frigid Federal Plaza today to hear politicians and political candidates talk passionately about creating more jobs.

"Since this is a union working town the unions need to provide job training and set up a trade school in the city of Chicago," said Sen. James Meeks, 15th District.

However some of the speakers were quickly drowned out by boos, bullhorns, and verbal jabs from a group called VOTE, ex-offenders, community activists, church leaders, and Muslims, tired of what they call the rhetoric in the African-American community.

"We are tired of coming here to voice our opinion when we got African-American people sitting at the table and saying they represent our interests and playing this puppet game," said one protester.

Afterwards ABC7's Rob Johnson asked Reverend Jackson why he felt like so much verbal venom was aimed in his direction.

"They lashed out at Dr. King, they lashed out at Nelson Mandela, they lashed out at Jesus, so all of those who fight for change become the object of frustration," said Rev. Jesse Jackson, Rainbow-Push Coalition.

"What has he sacrificed for his beliefs? Us. We've been sacrificed. On the altar of his political ambition our people have been destroyed," said John Johnson, VOTE.

Rob Johnson: Does this distract from the message you're trying to put forth today?

Jesse Jackson: It distracts from the message but it shows the pain.

The group "VOTE" is frustrated because it says not enough job training programs have been offered to those who need them the most. But despite the contentious afternoon at Federal Plaza Reverend Jackson says he will continue to make sure jobs are more readily available.

[hellinahandcart]

When I hear Jesse talk about "fighting for change", I can't help but picture a supermarket. The CoinStar machine has exploded, and Jesse is shoving the welfare moms out of the way so he can get his. Strollers have been overturned, and the children are all crying.

[Victoria Delsoul]

[Navy Patriot]

They don't need no damn training. Just do like everyone else does. Find a job. Show up to work on time everyday, and there ya' go. You started a career.

You raise a valid point. Many buisinesses Just want a fundamental high school education, a good work ethic, and they will be happy to train. Many Americans pulled themselves up by their bootstraps this way.

[Guillermo]

He's done it on other occasions as well.

[uvular]

Anyone know anything about the group VOTE?

Hope there is a comparable outcry for Dorothy Tillman's most recent blovations about-was it Shearson/Lehman?-having a slave back in the 1800's.

[Arpege92]

Yes, Jesse compares himself to Jesus. I'm just waiting for him to say that he is more popular that Jesus ever was.

[ValerieUSA]

Jesus was an afterthought in Jesse's list of fellow persecuted leaders.... after the adulterer King and the communist Mandela.

[Jorge]

Help me, somebody; my eyes rolled up too far into my head, and now they're stuck.

Call Jesse. I'm sure, like Jesus he can heal you of your eye-rolling affliction.
The idea Jesse compares himself to Jesus makes me want to heave chunks.

[Paul Atreides]

Those were the guys, whose wives/girlfriends have a kid who looks like Jesse.

[Mo1]

Ummm ... Jesse, your days of being a political leader are number

Looks like folks are waking up to your BS lectures

[rface]

Rev. Jesse Jackson, selfdiscribed as Dr. King, Nelson Mandela and Jesus all rolled into one lovable little fuzz-ball.

when the ex-offenders start cussing J Jackson, then you know he got troubles

maybe the vocal Jackson-haters got Michael and Jesse confused?

[BBell]

As much as I hate to say this, Louie takes care of HIS own.

[dware]

I had to read the title twice. At first I thought it was about Jesse Jackson being the next involved in a sex scandal...

Protestors turn on Jesse Jackson at rally

[gonzo]

"...A smile for your evening..."

It worked! I'm smilin'.............FRegards

[hellinahandcart]

Jesse is the cause of my affliction, not the cure. :D

[BBell]

Jesse worries about confederate flags. Jesse worries about alleged racial incidents at concerts, High School games, traffic stops and so forth.Jessie worries about people not being able to punch the right hole on a ballet. He doesn't have time to worry about jobs, black on black crime, out of wed lock births...these are trivial things to be handled by the government.

[Walkingfeather]

Hmmm hell looks to be a bit chillier ....

[Zipporah]

This is unbelievable.. I thought I'd never see the day.. guess Rev. Jesse Peterson is making a difference. I hope this link for the video works ..

Jackson video

[Coroner]

No but he does remind me of a so-called prophet..........I'll give you a hint his name starts with an "M"

[jocon307]

"Somebody just figured out that the rainmaker is making plenty of rain for himself, while they're all bone dry."


Well put, and won't be the first or last time that happens either.