Dear FRONTLINE,
I thought the program was spectacular in its presenting of history as well as
Jackson's position in it. I was most touched by Andrew Young's tears. He seemd so
ambivalent about Jackson and perhaps his own failure to take up the mantle of
King.One question only: How come you always end these programs so abruptly? It
seems like there is no real end, that the editor said, "Let's just stop here." I
always think it's going to come back. Is there more to the Jackson story?
Susan Ragan
ragan@sirius.com
Dear FRONTLINE,
Thank you for the special on Jesse Jackson.
Like many Americans, I have been a part of, and observer of civil rights activities for almost forty years. It was one of the defining events that prompted me to become a sociologist.
Dr. Martin Luther King and Jesse Jackson may be more successful than commonly assumed by looking at popular measures of success. Dr. King did not live to see many of his ideas become a part of our cultural heritage. For example, his "I Have a Dream" speech is as much Americana as Lincoln's "Gettysburg Address". And many of Jesse Jackson's ideas are now included in both Republican and Democratic Party agendas. The Democratic Party, in particular, must consider Jesse Jackson's presence and impact when planning for a national election. If we measure success by the acceptance of ideas, then both are successful. Both men have changed American life. How many people of any color get that privilege?
Jesse Jackson is not the only voice which serves as a moral compass for America, but it is certainly one of the clearest and most effective.
Again, thanks for the special.
Jerry W. Shepperd
Austin, TX
Dear FRONTLINE,
How terrible! A black guy with an ego and ambition!
That's what folks seemed to be saying in the special on
Jesse Jackson. Well, it takes that to run for president,
and how much more so for a black man running for the
presidency of a racist white society? I find a lot to
admire in Jesse's pride and belief in himself and the
rightness of his cause. That's what got him nearer than
anyone has ever come to busting the race barrier wide open
during that campaign. Thanks, Jesse, from a white Hoosier.
Eric A. Thiel
eric@dcwi.com
Dear FRONTLINE,
Perhaps living in small town Canada, we get sheltered from racism, but I couldn't
agree more with Mr. Jackson's comments (paraphrasing) that we must forget race,
colour nationality and become a global family. I am very concerned that we are
becoming more negative in our feelings toward race and have had many discussions
with my children in the "we are all the same" tone. I would like to see more
historical shows that give us an understanding of the struggles of others but also
the gains all races have made in dealing with it.
I am most encouraged by the the video responses on the feedback portion and in the
children's obvious desire to help. I am sure that with the attitude of these young
people and their insightful educators, the dream of Mr. Jackson's rainbow coalition
is on the horizon, one only hopes it is not a mirage.
Mike Huber
mike.huber@odyssey.on.ca
Dear FRONTLINE,
Thank You for your documentary on this man of the people. However, at the end of
your broadcast, the question was raised as to whether Rev. Jackson's time has
passed. Seemingly you wonder if, during these times of frightening conservative
backlash, there is still an audience to receive his message. It is precisely now,
when it seems the majority is more interested in increasing profits and cutting
taxes for the upper five percent of our nation's wealthy than seriously considering
solutions to lack of medical care, hunger, and homelessness in our society, that
his mission is most crucial.
There are a great many people who go without. Without
justice, without food, without dignity...
Although nearly all but the most sheltered citizens of the U.S. see the suffering
which goes on each day, very, very few actually do something about it all. I've
seen Rev. Jackson speak, and have felt his inspiration. As long as he's able to
speak for those of us who cannot, and those of us who have not, I believe he will.
And as long as America continues its ignorant slumber, we in the minority need him
to make that wake-up call.
Sincerely,
T. A. B.
Dear FRONTLINE,
Thank you for showing the human side of Jesse Jackson. I've long admired him (behind
Dr. King). I think I most admire his ability to speak and inspire others with his
words.
I think above everything else, you've shown all sides of Jackson; not only the moral
side, but the human side, yearning for acceptance and acknowledgement.
So many of us yearn for the same! Yet, I believe he'll have his place in history,
along with Dr.King.
Please continue to produce and show your outstanding programs.
Ellen Ghiselli
Arroyo Grande, CA
Dear FRONTLINE,
Your writers for the Jesse Jackson story tonight described
the nation as dangerously divided racially and economically.
This is more and more evident with each month that passes.
Dr. King had the right ideas and Rev. Jackson clearly has
related goals.
I simply want to praise Jackson's long standing efforts to
help America be as great as it can be and has been from time
to time.
Separatism breaks my heart and Jackson's actions past and
present lift my spirits.
And you, obviously do the nation a great service by
presenting the man without sugarcoating, but realistically
so that your audience can put aside suspicions and hear his
important messages to us all.
Can you possibly pass this on to Rev. Jackson from an aging
WASP male who is broken hearted daily at the nations
divisions. I was in my twenties in the 1960's and full of
real hope for all of us. Who am I to invoke any blessings
but I have to say, God Bless you, Jesse Jackson.
Sincerely,
R.W.
Oshkosh, WI
Dear FRONTLINE,
I saw Jesse Jackson give a speech at Georgetown University
when I was an undergraduate in the 1980s. It was then that I
discovered that he IS one of the most powerful moral leaders of
out time. It is not just the eloquence of his speeches, it is
his message. The problem is that most Americans do not want to
face the problems he brings to our attention. He presents us
with the universal Christian message of brotherhood to which
other leaders only pay lip service. He continues this message
in spite of the hatred he faced with other leaders of the
civil rights movement in years past. It is my hope that he can
find an appropriate forum from which to continue to provide
moral guidance and leadership.
Michael Licamele
Unq@aol.com