IN YOUR ARTICLE about Rev. Jesse Jackson (“God’s Frequent Flier,” Oct. 2), the subhead proclaims, in part: “He just chases the cameras, critics say . . .” Jesse Jackson’s critics should walk a mile in his shoes. Having spent time with Jesse, I have seen firsthand that cameras follow him, not the other way around. Saying Jesse Jackson seeks out the media is like blaming the left foot for not being able to wear the right shoe comfortably.
Fortunately, Jesse’s persona does attract attention for the causes he has adopted. And causes need cameras. If a tree falls in the forest and there is no one to hear it, does it make a sound? Despite the frequent criticism Jesse endures, not a single critic has dared to say that he is not well versed on the issues he champions. If more people would take on responsibility, Jesse wouldn’t have to be in front of the camera so often.
BILL COSBY / Los Angeles
DOES JESSE JACKSON still matter? Mr. Jackson’s often unilateral approach to racial matters and ability to manipulate the same media he routinely censures, while repeating punch lines reminiscent of John Lennon’s chant, “Give peace a chance,” can only lead me to believe one thing: Jesse Jackson does matter; I am just not sure for what reason.
G.R. WATKINS / Indian Head Park
DON TERRY SPENT the whole summer with Jesse Jackson, and after several thousand words we learned nothing new or insightful about the man. We knew that Jackson takes a lot of airplane trips; we see him pop up everywhere, and figure he didn’t drive around the country.
You should have had Cheryl Goines, who peppered him with substantive questions while he was eating breakfast, write the piece. Perhaps then we might have learned why for the past 20 years Jackson has not put the black community’s feet to the fire about accepting personal responsibility for their place in society instead of reinforcing the notion that all failings rest with white racism.
KENNETH GLASSMAN/
Arlington Heights
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