Lovely words, Earl. I remember that day when SCOTUS stopped the ballot count in Gore vs Bush. I could not believe they would do this when it was so close. I really do believe Gore would have won. It wasn't even a unanimous vote.
Jesse was one of the most important voices of our time. One of the first to stand with Palestine back when most ameriKKKans didn't even know what Palestine was. He was a great anti-war compassionate soul who was on the right side of history more often than not. He'll be missed greatly.
Such a beautiful memory! What a gift you were given to have that moment with such a great man. He devoted his life to working for justice for all. His legacy is one of greatness. Thank you for sharing your story, it is touching.
I will never forget an interview that Jesse Jackson gave years ago in which he said he had met a custodian who worked at a hospital, but who could not afford medical care at the same hospital, in case he became ill. I remember being so astonished by that and it's something I've always remembered, the unfairness of it all. I found something similar to this observation in a speech Jackson gave in 1988 to the Democratic convention that year, where he says, "They work in hospitals. I know they do. They wipe the bodies of those who are sick with fever and pain. They empty their bedpans. They clean out their commodes. No job is beneath them, and yet when they get sick they cannot lie in the bed they made up every day. America, that is not right." I guess that is when my feeling that medical care should be accessible to all, "medicare for all," was reinforced by his story. I am 75 now, and I can still remember the shock of Jackson's story as if I had heard it yesterday.
I was born in the city of Chicago in 1946. I went to Chicago Public schools and eventually taught in the inner city in 1968 before moving to Wisconsin. His views on education inspired me. I was proud to vote for him in the presidential primaries. In 2011 he came to the Wisconsin state capitol to support teachers when Gov Walker stripped our bargaining rights. I have a photo of him standing in the rotunda. He has always been a hero to me in his unfaltering work supporting the common man and woman. Rest in peace. We don’t have heroes like him these days.
He was able to redeem himself in many ways and fought for the underdog. Compared to the pedo in office he was a saint. Glad you had a chance to meet him even if briefly. Thank for this article Earl..
His death feels like the passing of an era in American history, a time when the high ideals of the civil rights movement were represented with power and courage.
Lovely words, Earl. I remember that day when SCOTUS stopped the ballot count in Gore vs Bush. I could not believe they would do this when it was so close. I really do believe Gore would have won. It wasn't even a unanimous vote.
No doubt in my mind that he would have won, Rita.
Earl, what a effervescent full of life memory for you. Thanks for sharing.
Well, thanks for reading (as always), Dawna.
Jesse was one of the most important voices of our time. One of the first to stand with Palestine back when most ameriKKKans didn't even know what Palestine was. He was a great anti-war compassionate soul who was on the right side of history more often than not. He'll be missed greatly.
I’ll never forget his words to kids on Sesame Street & to all of us….”I am somebody”. He was & will always be Somebody.
Beautiful and perfect.
What a wonderful remembrance of a real hero. Thank you for the snapshot of your personal moments with him. Rest in peace good man.
Thanks for reading, Helen. It was nice to share that story.
Such a beautiful memory! What a gift you were given to have that moment with such a great man. He devoted his life to working for justice for all. His legacy is one of greatness. Thank you for sharing your story, it is touching.
Thanks, Susan.
"We'll all keep doing our best to keep hope alive. " I like that. God be with you .
Not a good memory of that frigging decision (I was furious), but hilarious memory of Jackson!
I will never forget an interview that Jesse Jackson gave years ago in which he said he had met a custodian who worked at a hospital, but who could not afford medical care at the same hospital, in case he became ill. I remember being so astonished by that and it's something I've always remembered, the unfairness of it all. I found something similar to this observation in a speech Jackson gave in 1988 to the Democratic convention that year, where he says, "They work in hospitals. I know they do. They wipe the bodies of those who are sick with fever and pain. They empty their bedpans. They clean out their commodes. No job is beneath them, and yet when they get sick they cannot lie in the bed they made up every day. America, that is not right." I guess that is when my feeling that medical care should be accessible to all, "medicare for all," was reinforced by his story. I am 75 now, and I can still remember the shock of Jackson's story as if I had heard it yesterday.
38 years later nothing has changed.
Healthcare is but a privilege in America, Carol.
I was born in the city of Chicago in 1946. I went to Chicago Public schools and eventually taught in the inner city in 1968 before moving to Wisconsin. His views on education inspired me. I was proud to vote for him in the presidential primaries. In 2011 he came to the Wisconsin state capitol to support teachers when Gov Walker stripped our bargaining rights. I have a photo of him standing in the rotunda. He has always been a hero to me in his unfaltering work supporting the common man and woman. Rest in peace. We don’t have heroes like him these days.
Thanks for those remembrances, Carol.
It's sad that little scene is now national reality.
True enough.
A very touching remembrance, Earl.
Jesse would approve.
Thanks, Sharon.
He was able to redeem himself in many ways and fought for the underdog. Compared to the pedo in office he was a saint. Glad you had a chance to meet him even if briefly. Thank for this article Earl..
Imperfect but iconic.
Thanks for reading, Teri.
His death feels like the passing of an era in American history, a time when the high ideals of the civil rights movement were represented with power and courage.
Thanks for the story Earl!
Thanks for reading it.
I really enjoyed writing it.
How sad such an important icon died, while the barking yam is still in power.