Bailout Watch 51: Reverend Jesse Jackson Votes Aye

Robert Farago
by Robert Farago

Automotive News [sub] reports that JJ’s busy lobbying on behalf of The Big 2.8, helping them secure $25b to $50b in low-interest federal loans. “‘Just how many cities will sink, how many small towns will sink, how many homeowners will be facing foreclosures, and how many kids will have to come out of school?” Jackson said during a conference call with reporters Tuesday, Sept. 16. ‘There is a lot riding on this.'” Not the least of which is Jackson’s ongoing activism re: African-American owned automotive suppliers, dealers and ad agencies. To wit: “Jackson also said the loans should follow federal contract compliance and Equal Employment Opportunity Commission guidelines for the inclusion of minority auto dealers and suppliers.” Huh? Why wouldn’t they? Hang on; I thought the loans are for building fuel efficient vehicles, not a bailout to make sure kids stay in school (go figure). Anyway, Jesse and Motown’s automakers have plenty of history, much of it financially rewarding for Jackson’s organizations. In fact, in October 2007, Rainbow PUSH named GM its Corporation of the Year. According to GM’s Diversity Letter, “Jackson said that Wagoner was a great friend to Rainbow PUSH and that he was ‘a man of sensitivity, vision and integrity.'” Birds of a feather flock together. Makes sense to me.

Robert Farago
Robert Farago

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  • Obbop Obbop on Sep 17, 2008

    Gutless politically correct politicians and federal-level bureaucrats refuse to indict the "reverend" jackson and his sham coalition on RICO act charges.

  • Ppellico Ppellico on Sep 18, 2008

    obbop Its not just the PC politicos. Each time THE REVEREND has boycotted a business, they listen to their lawyers when told its better to give in, with money and a franchise, than continue a battle. Its always about the money, never the priniple. (did I use the right "priciple" here. Still working on I before E and shit..damn language!)

  • GS650G GS650G on Sep 18, 2008

    When is the Reverend up for re-election? Oh wait, he's not elected to anything. Being a quasi tax exempt organization he won't be paying much for this bailout. Jesse is a LOT older than I am, I'll be reading his obit some day. Then we can move on.

  • Joeaverage Joeaverage on Sep 18, 2008

    Isn't a bailout still delaying the inevitable? Unless Detroit changes people's perceptions and business practices, nobody is going to buy their products even with a bailout. Detroit seems to do this thing where they are quality automakers until nobody is looking and then they go back to their old ways.

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