Ramblings' Journal

Jesse Jackson plays Pied Piper in the UK

Jesse Jackson spoke to a "rapturous" crowd in London last night, using the opportunity to bash the Bush Administration yet again. Jackson's appearance was part of a rally for Operation Black Vote, designed to increase minority participation in the upcoming general elections in the UK this coming May.

Reverend Jackson's roots as a preacher were clear from the outset as he led the audience in a rousing chant.

When he demanded: "Let me hear you scream", the audience responded enthusiastically.

It set the tone for his 45-minute oration - a polished performance encompassing the African slave trade, his deprived boyhood in South Carolina, the war in Iraq and UK issues.

It elicited applause and cheers at regular intervals from his audience in the manner of an evangelical church service.

Throughout the historical and contemporary references, Jesse Jackson's repeated mantra was "use your vote".

"Use your power to change the course of this world and this nation.

"Vote for your share of power, your share of management, your share of education," Reverend Jackson said.

Jackson drew comparisons to his efforts in past US elections when talking about the power of the black vote in the upcoming UK elections.

Sounds like Jesse's found himself a new bully pulpit to get himself some fresh "face time" -- even though it'll mostly be on the other side of the ocean.

Posted by mhking at March 10, 2005 10:14 PM