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Many years ago Jesse Jackson claimed the mantle of being the successor to Martin Luther King Jr. The mantle passed from a man so principled that he continued his path knowing he may be killed to a man who has helped himself far more than he has helped others. I don’t know who Jackson was back then. All indications are that he was a principled man who inspired many. I do know that he does not deserve this mantle now. Today Jackson is a divisive man who’s only method of supporting himself depends on racial intolerance in America. Granted he is an extremely intelligent man who could certainly make money in any profession, but his experience lies in cashing in on racism. When Barrack Obama speaks the truth about missing fathers Jackson want’s to “cut his nuts out”. I tell you one thing, as many people (black, white, red, or brown) who want to speak about missing fathers we should listen to them. It is a plague in this country that affects all races. Anyone who cares about the children of this country ought to listen to that message.

If we are, as many hope, seeing the demise of Jesse Jackson who will replace him? There is definitely a need for leadership in this country to unite the “races” (or the human race if you prefer). There are many who’s goal is to unite Americans but most of them do so on a local scale. Who of you reading this does not know at least one great man or woman who unites their community? How many of them would want the national and world stage that comes with being a public leader? No, the next leader will probably not be the one working the streets today. How about Barrack Obama? This is a man who, even though I disagree with his policy and will not vote for him, I would be proud to call president. His speech on racism is one of the great American speeches and probably one of the five greatest speeches in my lifetime. Even if he does not become president, he may be even greater as a non elected public figure. Maybe George Lopez would be a good choice as well. Few minorities in comedic show business have been as successful as he has without falling into stereo types. Through interviews he makes it clear that racial equality is very important to him. However, it’s not clear whether racial healing is a goal of his. Maybe the pragmatic common sense of Miriam Wright Edelman would be a good fit. This woman has labored her whole life for the benefit of others. Maybe her experience in fund raising and actual street work would make her a good candidate. She has shown her commitment to children and if she turned that energy to racial healing who knows how far we could go.

Whether it is one of these people who replaces Jesse Jackson or someone else, Jackson needs to go. Let’s not rejoice at his demise but look towards the future and to a new leader dedicated to racial healing.