The black leader of a California-based nonprofit organization has blasted Jesse Jackson and other civil rights leaders for accusing the Bush administration of targeting black leaders in the U.S.
Jesse PetersonThe Rev. Jesse R. Peterson of the Brotherhood Organization of a New Destiny – or BOND – said Monday that Jackson, Al Sharpton and Atlanta Mayor Bill Campbell were "desperate" to remain relevant now that President Bush and his team are in power.
Speaking at the State of the Black World Conference meeting in Atlanta last weekend, Jackson characterized the administration as being "extreme right wing" and accused the Bush team of "targeting our leadership."
"The extreme right wing has seized the government. Tonight, [Attorney General John] Ashcroft, the CIA, the FBI, Homeland Security and the IRS can work together, so look out," Jackson said. "Because without a definition of who is a terrorist, anyone can be. … The right-wing media, the FBI – they are targeting our leadership."
In his speech, Jackson also said it would be important for Democrats to win next year's congressional elections.
"If we [Democrats] can win in 2002, we can empower 40 of our black leaders," he said. "Maxine [Waters] becomes a No. 1 congressional leader … and we can put on trial the Ashcroft contingent."
"How does the terrorist attack on America relate to black leadership?" asked Peterson. "Is Jackson saying that black leaders are terrorist groups and are afraid that the government is coming after them as well? Is Jackson afraid of the IRS? Does he have something to hide?"
"Jackson's statement reveals that so-called black leaders are now on the run with their tails between their legs because President Bush and the GOP have the overwhelming support of the country behind them – including minority voters," he added. "The popularity of President Bush has Jackson and others grasping at straws to hold on to power."
In a statement, BOND says it will sponsor the third annual "National Day of Repudiation of Jesse Jackson" in Los Angeles Jan. 21, 2002 – which is also the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Peterson has pledged to hold the event every year "until Jesse Jackson repents of his ways and stops attempting to tear the races apart for his own personal gain."
