The Hindu : New Delhi News : ‘Haves’ building walls instead of bridges: Jackson

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Tuesday, Jan 29, 2008
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‘Haves’ building walls instead of bridges: Jackson

Staff Reporter

American civil rights leader Jesse Jackson

NEW DELHI: Delving briefly into the relevant issues of equality in a globalised society with ever-changing international relations, American civil rights activist Jesse Jackson on Monday said India and the United States formed the frame and reference point of a successful democracy the world over.

Instrumental in carrying on the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. in bringing civil rights to the forefront of mainstream America’s consciousness, Reverend Jackson said a social upheaval could be effected only if people en masse were used as the instrument of change.

Addressing a press conference here, Rev. Jackson explained that the crux of economic inequality was the ‘fear’ that the ‘haves’ harboured towards any external force breaching their funds.

“There are threats of nuclear war and not enough counter-nuclear mechanisms in place. There is too much arms security and not enough education and health security. A major chunk of wealth is in the hands of too few people. The ‘haves’ are building walls instead of bridges thereby increasing the divide,” he said.

Spirituality and determination

Here in India to honour the life and legacy of Mahatma Gandhi, Rev. Jackson said a combination of spirituality and determination was required to alleviate poverty and bring about equitable solutions to seemingly irresolvable situations. Drawing parallels between issues relating to blacks in the United States and ‘untouchables’ in India, the respected activist said: “Gandhi epitomised non-violent struggle and determination. Though he was not a Christian, he symbolised Christianity through his deeds. Martin Luther King was inspired by Gandhi to conduct the revolutionary marches in 1965 demanding equal voting rights for blacks.”

While saying that the legacy of Gandhiji reached out to the world through all the democracies that had managed to put humanity over disparate interests, Rev. Jackson called attention to the volatile situation in neighbouring Pakistan and the unending Israel-Palestine conflict.

“There is a prevalent trend to resolve conflict through missiles and not minds. One has to find common ground for coexistence rather than co-annihilation, to seek remedial measures through dialogue rather than confrontation. There are too few people involved in resolving conflict and terror and tyranny have a knack of spreading far and beyond.”

After being persistently quizzed about his preferred candidate in the upcoming United States Presidential elections, Rev. Jackson toed a neutral line.

“Both alternatives will bring in a more enlightened and informed policy. However, intra-party politics and pressure can rear its ugly face in unforeseen ways and it becomes hard to know where to draw the line.”

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