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Jesse Jackson: 'You Can't Vote Against Health Care And Call Yourself A Black Man'

Rachel Slajda | November 18, 2009, 6:25PM

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The Hill reports that the Rev. Jesse Jackson criticized Rep. Artur Davis (D-AL) for voting against the House health care bill, saying, "You can't vote against health care and call yourself a black man."

Jackson was speaking at a Congressional Black Caucus Foundation reception commemorating the 25th anniversary of Jackson's presidential run.

"We even have blacks voting against the health care bill," Jackson said.

All of Alabama's representatives voted against the bill. After the vote, Davis released this statement explaining why he voted no, and saying he would prefer something closer to the Senate Finance Committee version of the bill.

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ArturDavis2010

November 18, 2009 7:50 PM

Statement from Congressman Artur Davis:

"One of the reasons that I like and admire Rev. Jesse Jackson is that 21 years ago he inspired the idea that a Black politician would not be judged simply as a Black leader. The best way to honor Rev. Jackson's legacy is to decline to engage in an argument with him that begins and ends with race."

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Andreams

November 18, 2009 8:13 PM

The statement from Davis is laughable. The best way to honor Rev. Jackson is to remember what he and other great men fought for. They fought for equality and that battle is not over. There is nothing equal about healthcare in this country today.

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ru4862

November 18, 2009 9:38 PM

As a black man, I have to disagree with Jesse Jackson. We must remember Rep. Artur Davis is a politician first and a 'black man' second.

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ShawninMo

November 18, 2009 10:29 PM

Oh great, something new on the list of things to make someone an "authentic" black person. I could have sworn people were considered black because, well, they were black.

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Trochilus

November 19, 2009 11:05 AM

Jackson's stark and illegitimate view -- that simply on the basis of race, a vote against a particular health care bill is somehow unacceptably deviative -- should finally lay to rest any thought that he ever was a legitimate heir to the true legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr.

One major and very ugly consequence of making any such statement, is that it gives aide and comfort to the views of racists and bigots of all stripes . . . it is a foundation stone for erecting a faux legitimacy.

Anyone can now say: "You can't vote against (insert subject) and call yourself a (insert race) man."

In response, Congressman Davis has gently chided Jackson with his own previously expressed views.

He is a real gentleman.

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trig

November 19, 2009 12:54 PM

Congressman Davis has often admitted in his interviews his admiration for Rev. Jackson. It is time to move past race and engage in critical, thoughtful dialogue that moves Alabama forward. Honoring the leaders that have sacrificed and paved the way for all Americans, we need to be able to think about practical solution and ways to implement them. More so, we need to find and support leaders that will go against the grain to push us forward. Artur Davis is that candidate that I truly believe is able to deliver on what Alabama needs. This is also relevant to the health care reform where he obviously wants MORE for us. This health care reform must work for Alabama and the small businesses. Kudos to Congressman Davis for taking a stand!!!!

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