From an Associated Press story on today’s protest in Washington DC:

The crowd heard addresses from more than a dozen veterans, anti-war activists, religious leaders, Hollywood stars and political leaders like the Reverend Jesse Jackson.

“Keep hope alive. No more death. Keep hope alive. No more money. Keep hope alive. Bring the troops home,” chanted Jackson, an African-American civil rights statesman.

Merriam-Webster defines the word “statesman” as follows:

1 : one versed in the principles or art of government; especially : one actively engaged in conducting the business of a government or in shaping its policies
2 : one who exercises political leadership wisely and without narrow partisanship

With regard to definition number 1: the Reverend Jesse Jackson has never been elected to a political office, and has never been in government (although he has run for president more than once, and your humble scribe — barely out of the cradle, mind you — even voted for him in a 1988 primary).

With regard to definition number 2: Would even Jackson’s staunchest supporters claim that he is without partisanship?

…

Addendum: In the same story, there is the following regarding Jane Fonda’s appearance at the rally:

She said her daughter and two granddaughters were with her at the protest.

“I’m very proud that they’re here, but I’m so sad that we still have to do this, that we did not learn the lessons from the Vietnam War,” Fonda said.

She’s not the only one who is sad about that.

...................
Share this!

Posts which might be related to this one based on a mysterious algorithm:

• Pace Unhappy with the Pace
• Worthy of note: On Bob Dylan, Vietnam and the conventional wisdom
• Weather