Jackson Calls for Healing Following Riots

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution ^ | 20 June 2003 | JAMES PRICHARD

[demlosers]

BENTON HARBOR, Mich. (AP)--The Rev. Jesse Jackson said community members--even those responsible for nighttime rioting this week--need to come together for a period of healing.

``People need healing. They need hope, and they need faith,'' the civil rights activist said Friday morning after a closed-door meeting with police and community officials. ``Faith has substance. Those who are torching the buildings, they, too, need help.''

Jackson's visit came after the second relatively peaceful night in this southwestern Michigan city of 12,000, following two nights of riots and high tensions.

Apparent arson fires burned five buildings Friday morning near the site of the riots that erupted earlier this week after a motorcyclist was killed in a crash while fleeing police.

On Thursday, the city began demolishing 40 vacant buildings, including some that were burned during the riots, sheriff's spokesman Deputy Chris Corteville said.

Several hundred officers patrolled streets for the third night in a row. Some local officers were given a break after officials decided it would be safe and state troopers stayed on duty, Corteville said.

Benton Harbor, a city of 12,000 people about 100 miles northeast of Chicago, is 92 percent black. Since the rioting, many residents have said they distrust police officers, particularly white officers.

The motorcyclist who died, Terrance Shurn, 28, was black. The police officers from neighboring Benton Township who pursued him into Benton Harbor, where he lost control of his bike and crashed, are white.

The subsequent rioting involved hundreds of people roaming a six-to eight-block area, setting fires and attacking passers-by, police officers and firefighters. At least 11 people were hurt, and nine people were arrested.

On Thursday afternoon, Gov. Jennifer Granholm had what she called powerful, frank meetings with community leaders, and also met separately with police and Shurn's family.

She called for reconciliation and healing. ``The state must wrap its arms around this community,'' she said.

AP-NY-06-20-03 1149EDT

[joesnuffy]

Those who are torching the buildings, they, too, need help.''

what can you add to such a brilliant asessment

[Roughneck]

Finally something the Reverrrrrrand Jackson can get on TV spouting off about. . . .

Geez!

[Arpege92]

This man chose not to pull over for the police officers and he crashed his bike and died.....how is this a racist situation? Because the dead guy is black and the cops are white?

[river rat]

"``The state must wrap its arms around this community,'' she said."

I think a wall would be more appropriate...or perhaps, handcuffs..

Semper Fi

[HELLRAISER II]

Go home Mr. Jackass, there isn't any racism going on except against the white police officers and white people who happen to venture into the wrong neighborhood. It really amazes me how when someone kills themselves in a high speed pursuit(Black or White) that it's alway's the cops fault. Who made him run?

[Ohioan]

The "healing," that this community needs is the absolute opposite of what Jackson and the dsyronic Governor have in mind. It was well, and very succintly defined in another thread, a little earlier, by Reverend Patterson.

William Flax Return Of The Gods Web Site

[chachacha]

Hey Jesse! Does this mean the good for nothing firemen, policemen, and those injured trying to keep peace are invited or do you prefer to do what you do best.

SPREAD MORE HATE AND STICK WITH THE THOSE POOR POOR LITTLE ANGELS WHO ARE DOING WHAT THEY DO BECAUSE WHITEY MADE THEM?

[martin_fierro]

[IGOTMINE]

When Jackson starts talking about "healing", reach for your wallet.

[Husker24]

Whenever Jackson calls for "healing" he really means uniting against Whitey, and getting some money.

[latrans]

Can't we all just get along?

[Ohioan]

REV. PETERSON: BENTON HARBOR THUGS "ON CALL" FOR A RIOT

This is the other article to which I referred.

[Seeking the truth]

Those who are torching the buildings, they, too, need help.

Yep, 12-20 at the State Pen sounds about right!

[OREALLY]

Those torching buildings they need help too...I agree please help them directly to jail !

[Sparta]

They should've been shot dead with live ammo.

[OREALLY]

The State should wrap it's arms around the community...and their hands around the criminals throats...

[Sparta]

The State should wrap it's arms around the community...and their hands around the criminals throats...

I agree with the second half of your statement, but not with the principle of the first part.

[RightOnline]

"Those who are torching the buildings, they, too, need help."

Sure, Jesse. I agree. Let's help 'em to the nearest deportation center.........flights awaiting. One way.

After serving time, of course. We'll help 'em there, too.

As for "healing", 'Rev.' Jackson, we know your definition of "healing". It's akin to your buddy Clinton's "ministering" to young women. IOW, you've been f**king the community for years...............