Jackson's argument could use some logic and data
Congressman's comments regarding firefighters are flimsy at best
Just about any argument will attract conspiracy theorists to not only support it but amplify it as well. It will be interesting to see how many show up to support U.S. Rep Jonathan Jackson’s contention that Chicago is rife with boarded up buildings because white firefighters allow West Side and South Side structures to burn out of control.
Jackson, a first-term member of Congress ignored the fact that some Chicago buildings are boarded up because of interior renovations; landlords of vacant buildings are trying to keep out thieves and vandals; or they have been acquired by the city for taxes and/or permit violations.
Instead, Jackson chose to offer the baseless claim that white firefighters who once lived in these neighborhoods and had to move are angry; and when there is a fire in their old neighborhood; which is now predominantly Black they don’t attempt to save the building. Listen to Jackson's comments-click here Most white flight occurred in the city long before any of these men and women were old enough for school, much less join the CFD.
He provided no context, no research, not even anecdotal evidence to substantiate his point. Without those things the Congressman was being irresponsible to the tune of bordering on race-baiting. His words were especially thoughtless given that Chicago and the CFD held memorial ceremonies last week on the one-year anniversary of two firefighters killed in the line of duty-one Black and one white. Jackson probably could have received positive feedback and support if he had lifted those in praise.
It puzzling that he would put himself in the midst of such a niche local concern as he was elected to represent us on the federal level. We have yet to see him successfully introduce one piece of legislation in the House.
It is equally puzzling why he failed to mention that the CFD in recent years added more than 110 Black firefighters and build on that information.
Without anything to back his words, Jackson should have been embarrassed; if he wasn’t I was embarrassed for him. It is not the kind of recklessness Black folk need from someone who ultimately can have a role in international diplomacy and sweeping U.S. policy.