Jesse Jackson’s Cutting Comment
Graphic by Angelie Zaslavsky
NEWS ITEM: In a burst of anger over a speech delivered by Barack Obama, the Rev. Jesse Jackson told a colleague that he felt like castrating the presidential contender. Jackson did not realize his remark was being picked up by a live microphone.
When Jackson feels the urge to vent,
He’s apt to wax inelegant.
(Remember when he won renown
By calling New York “Hymietown”?)
Now Jesse’s made a nasty crack
About the eloquent Barack.
Is this the way to talk of pals?
To reference their genitals?
Republicans are sure to laugh
At such a monumental gaffe.
The folks who campaign for McCain
Are toasting Jesse with champagne.
It’s reasonable to expect
A pol to be more circumspect.
Can thoughtful Democrats defend
Such language from a reverend?
Should they rebuke with mild “tut, tut”
So pointedly unkind a cut?
His parlance makes the mind recoil
Envisioning a vengeful moyl.
But if Barack election wins,
He’s sure to pardon Jesse’s sins.
Few Dems this matter will recall
If there’s a presidential ball.
Ven Jackson vil nor epes zogn,
Kumen di verter fun zayn mogn.
Di fraze, “Hymietown,” iz zayn.
Mir proklamirn, “Feh, nisht fayn!”
Yetst makht der man a beyzn atak
Oyf zayn barimtn fraynd, Barack.
“Kastrir dem elokventn Solon
“Un varf avek zayne genitaln!”
Oy, a shande, aza shiltn!
Aza klole hert men zeltn!
Politikantn far McCain
Bagrisn Jesse mit champagne.
M’vayst az a politikant
Muz nit geyn shlogn kop-in-vant.
Barekhnt muz er zayn, a friend,
An emesdiker reverend.
An umglik oyf im, der bandit,
Der man fun der umfrendlekh shnit!
Dos oysklebn vet Jesse spoil?
Er zet oys vi a broygez moyl!
Nor az Barack vert president,
Zeyer shnel vet Jess-eh-leh repent.
Un kumt shoyn an inaugural,
Vet zayn a presidential ball!
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