Yesterday's Florida Today newspaper columnist Peter Kerasotis had a very interesting article on the Revs. Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton and their roles in the recent Duke lacrosse team rape scandal, and how they turned it into a racial matter. One money quote from Jackson:

"The idea of white males fantasizing about black women is quite old and quite ugly, and now quite illegal. That's why we really want the truth to be told. We want justice served. And we want the law to serve as a deterrent."

Methinks that Jesse doesn't like the idea of white men going after black women. Is this why he was going so hard after the lacrosse players, even though they were innocent until proven guilty? Imagine what kind of hell he'd be raising if the lacrosse players were black and the alledged victim was white and someone like Richard Barrett, David Duke or another of their ilk would've said that.

I never formed a real opinion as to whether or not I thought the players were guilty, and I developed a habit over the years to never form one for a trial, even though there have been times when evidence would make the accused seem guilty or innocent. It appears to me that Jackson and Sharpton both owe the lacrosse players an apology (as Kerasotis implies that they should later in the column), as well as others who have convicted them before they ever went to trial.

While I can get with standing up for the victims of a crime, I was afraid that the rape case would be turned into the soap opera that it did, especially with the racial angle involved. Now, I hope the accused who have been acquitted can get their lives back together, and the alledged victim, too. God knows she's been used as well.

golden, I forgot about their role in this. I agree - they do need to apologize.

L.W., it will never happen.

I'm not expecting them to, Jeff. I'm just saying that they need to. This is going to come back and haunt them the next time they speak out about something.

Did Jackson and Sharpton do anything beyond trying to make sure power, prestige, money and race didn't trump the facts. Did either ever emphatically say the boys were guilty? Did either say they knew the facts? Did either say they talked to the so-called victim about what happened. Did Sharpton do here what he did in Twana Brawley's case? It's not like there isn't a history of power, money, prestige and whiteness trumping poverty and blackness numerous times regardless or despite of the facts.

If neither said the boys were quilty or tampered with evidence then why do they owe an apology? I agree that it would be nice and kind if they said something in support of the boys at this point, but I bet even that would be criticized too. Much criticism of the wo is warranted. I aver that about half or more of it isn't warranted because I know there are many bigots criticizing them who could never stand for the cameras to film what they believe, say and do on a daily basis.

If neither said the boys were quilty or tampered with evidence then why do they owe an apology? I agree that it would be nice and kind if they said something in support of the boys at this point, but I bet even that would be criticized too.

Ray, even if they get criticized for the gesture, I still think they should do it so it can't be said that they didn't do anything at all.

I don't believe Jessie was dumbly saying it is wrong or illegal for a white male to lust after a black woman. Plenty lusting of all types of women by all types of men go on daily, and it's intended and proper. They are as quilty as lusting beyond racial lines as anyone else. I think Jessie was referring to rape of balck women with the illegality comment. Many black folks, if not most, are sick of Jessie and Al also for running coast to coast and jumping in every matter where a seemily race matter exist. They can afford to do it and consequently do as often as possible.

While the Florida author condemned Jessie and Al for their roles he made no mention of history with respect to race matters. I wonder why? Was he engaged in the so-called fair and balanced writing or reporting, or was he doing the Fox news type thing? Does history not matter anymore. Has racism and similar abuse-like behavior being purged from all or most of the minds, hearts and souls of the majority in this country? Many would say yes. Many would also say that's a lie.

These guys are playing a role, often a divisive one, I agree. Sharpton surely went past the line in Brawley and deserved the fine and maybe some jail time or other stern punishment. They certainly were all over the line in this case but I don't know that they abused their self-given roles here. Somebody has to do what they do. If not I can easily envision the old style abuses of the past. Lots of people just simply hate them, no whether they're right or wrong, and will never give them credit for doing anything good. Jessie has done lots of good. Both are very smart and capable indiiduals with lots to give. Both are too smart to let the majority tell them what to do. Surely, both have looked out for self quite hansomely. If they don't look out for self who else will do it for them would be their come back for that criticism.

Let me say again, had I been the DA, I would have dropped all charges a year or two ago or longer.

After looking at the title of this thread, I just realized that it's grammatically incorrect. I sure hope my high school English teachers don't read this site. Is there a way the title can be changed to read "Where are Jackson, Sharpton now?"