Jesse Jackson Blackmailing Nascar

www.nascar.com ^ | April 24 | Marty Smith

[Jeff Gordon Fan]

A reluctant foray into political writing By Marty Smith, Turner Sports Interactive April 24, 2003 12:06 PM EDT (1606 GMT)

I'm not one to delve into the political ring of fire. It's not my job and, quite frankly, mixing sports and politics is often clich? at best. But incessant inquiries about NASCAR's involvement with Jesse Jackson have forced my hand.

Marty Smith

Never have I seen such a heated backlash against NASCAR, so I contacted them to get their side of the story.

This will be brief. And like Joe Friday, just the facts, ma'am.

On April 2, Peter Flaherty, President of the National Legal and Policy Center (NLPC), sent a letter to NASCAR chairman Bill France, Jr., requesting that NASCAR completely cut its ties with Jackson, whom the sanctioning body last year gave $150,000 toward the Rainbow/PUSH and Citizenship Education Fund Annual Conference in Chicago, Ill.

Flaherty then authored a report, published by the Capital Research Center, to make his request of NASCAR public. According to NASCAR, a member of the NLPC then contacted local Talladega, Ala., media to ask NASCAR about its involvement with Jackson, and the conflict of interest involved in supporting both the coalition troops in Iraq and one of the country's most vocal anti-war advocates.

The media followed suit, and on April 4, NASCAR vice president for corporate communications Jim Hunter responded by saying that the sanctioning body supports the diversity work Jackson does, but considers it unrelated to any other issue.

"We support the president. We support the coalition troops. We support what America is trying to do," Hunter said. "As far as anything else, we also support the freedoms we enjoy in this country to have varying opinions."

Days later, FOX News aired the story, saying NASCAR had no comment regarding the situation. NASCAR says this is false reporting, that they sent FOX news the same statement issued the media at Talladega on April 4.

"It is unfortunate that FOX news erred when they said NASCAR had 'no comment' regarding our support of the Rainbow PUSH National Conference," Hunter said. "NASCAR forwarded a statement to FOX news on April 8, 2003 saying the sanctioning body supports the diversity work Jackson does, but considers it unrelated to any other issue."

In short, NASCAR considers the issues completely separate in nature. They wholeheartedly support the troops. They wholeheartedly support diversity, which according to Hunter is the reasoning behind them giving Jackson so much cash.

"At that conference, leaders of American industry and leading political figures discuss initiatives that are important to minority communities," Hunter said. "They include things like civil rights, leadership, home ownership, education and health, just to name a few.

"That's what we support, but there are people out there who are trying to divert our fans' attention away from what's important here. It's not Jackson's view on this or that. We don't care. It's about diversity and our support of it."

Most fans think that's a corporate line of bull. What everyone really wants to know is this: Is NASCAR paying Jackson off to turn a blind eye to the lack of minority drivers in the sport?

Late Wednesday evening, I got their answer via an e-mailed statement from NASCAR president Mike Helton. It spells out their reasoning for contributing to Jackson's cause, and exactly how the hefty donation is being used.

"Much has been said about NASCAR's participation in Reverend Jesse Jackson's Rainbow Push Conference. We appreciate your interest in NASCAR and want to address your concerns. We know all of our fans support NASCAR's leadership position in the area of diversity because it is the right thing to do and is a means to broaden the appeal of our sport and attract the best and brightest talent in America. NASCAR does not endorse political views. NASCAR endorses DIVERSITY.

Mike Helton

"While we have supported the Rainbow Coalition's work on diversity issues, we do not endorse many of Reverend Jackson's political views or any other political views. That being said, we feel the annual Rainbow Push National Conference in Chicago brings together many of America's corporate leaders to address and focus national attention on issues important to minority communities throughout America, including civil rights, leadership, education, health, home ownership and other key areas important to all Americans. Our participation in this conference helps us communicate our support of these important issues as well as NASCAR's and the motorsports industry's ongoing efforts to bring greater diversity to our sport.

"We take our commitment to diversity projects very seriously and have made great strides in recent years with projects like the support of the Urban Youth Racing School, our Diversity Summer Internship Program, scholarships to Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Hispanic Serving Institutions, our partnership with the NASCAR Technical Institute and most recently, the NASCAR College Tour presented by the Coca-Cola Company.

"NASCAR has taken a leadership position in promoting diversity within our organization and throughout the motorsports industry because we believe diversity is part of what makes our country great. NASCAR is truly an American sport and we want our sport to look like America. Based on this conviction, we continue to create opportunities for EVERYONE to be a part of the NASCAR community.

"We would also like to stress once again NASCAR's on-going support for America's men and women in uniform, who serve the American public through the military, whenever they're in harms way."

That's NASCAR's take, and thankfully marks the end of my brief foray into political writing.

Can we get back to racing now?

Marty Smith is NASCAR.com's senior writer. His column appears each Thursday. The opinions expressed are solely of the writer.

[Jeff Gordon Fan]

Here he is again Blackmailing Nascar because there are only white drivers in the sport.

[kimoajax]

Marty Smith is full of you know what. It is obvious to everyone what went down. Like a local thug, Jessie just gets bolder as he move on to his next mark.

Thanks NASCAR

[uncbob]

Jesse could care less about any black drivers

Other wise he wouldn't take the $$$ to keep quiet

[Seeking the truth]

Why doesn't NASCAR sponsor inner city Midnight Drag Racing?

[JSteff]

Hey, I see plenty of "minority" nascar drivers on fox's "Scariest police chases 1 - 5". Oh, I guess those aren't "minority" nascar drivers...

[John Beresford Tipton]

"Why doesn't NASCAR sponsor inner city Midnight Drag Racing?"


Hell, Why doesn't NASCAR sponsor Rodney King, he's experienced, black, and wants us all to get along.

[Vigilantcitizen]

"Here he is again Blackmailing Nascar because there are only white drivers in the sport."

Nascar Craftsman Truck series driver Bill Lester is black.

And lives near me, along with freeper mhking, in Mableton, Ga.

[evad]

Jesse gets more stupid by the minute.

NASCAR..now there's a good group for him to f*k with. He's liable to find his double speakin' arse riding outta town on a rail.

[NormsRevenge]

Mike Helton--- driving below the Rainbow colored line and getting black flagged.

Late Wednesday evening, I got their answer via an e-mailed statement from NASCAR president Mike Helton. It spells out their reasoning for contributing to Jackson's cause, and exactly how the hefty donation is being used.

"Much has been said about NASCAR's participation in Reverend Jesse Jackson's Rainbow Push Conference. We appreciate your interest in NASCAR and want to address your concerns. We know all of our fans support NASCAR's leadership position in the area of diversity because it is the right thing to do and is a means to broaden the appeal of our sport and attract the best and brightest talent in America. NASCAR does not endorse political views. NASCAR endorses DIVERSITY.

I'm gonna have to chew on that one for awhile.

As long as we're here...

Let me know if you want ON or OFF my NASCAR Ping List. The Food City 500 in Fontana,California this week-end, the Next stop on the NASCAR Busch and Winston Cup Serieses...

Don;t blame the drivers and crews and all those who labor to make the cars go round and round, they can't do anymore then You or I to send Je$$e and certain other folks packing.

[fight_truth_decay]

"If NASCAR is prejudiced, it's biased for only one color, and that's green. If you've got the green, then you can be involved in this sport. The only thing I've had to overcome is learning the racing business. This is a friendly place," he said. "We've got black owners and you don't have that in the NFL." -Joe Washington (NFL), Busch Series team owner (co-owner Dr.J-NBA)

[Uncle George]

I am afraid "The Good Ole Boys" ain't gonna take kindly to the news about NASCAR paying blackmail to ole Jessie. We ain't heard the last of this caper.

[jackbill]

White men can't jump.

Black men can't drive.

What's the big deal?

As long as Nascar gives money to the Poverty Pimp, Jesse Jackson, they won't get a dime from me.

[Libloather]

Why?

[lawdude]

As I put my flame suit on...

"Why doesn't NASCAR sponsor inner city Midnight Drag Racing?"

Driving a get-away car?

Is there any sign of systematic discrimination against black racers, or are there no black racers? Just asking.

[Jeff Gordon Fan]

NASCAR should never have responded to this. Let Jesse rant and call names. He is a joke and NASCAR would not have lost a single fan. Heck, they might have gained some.

Your probably right I have gone to four races in my time and I'm just stating the obvious that I did not see a "minority" in the whole crowd of like 200,000 that I was in.

[fight_truth_decay]

Minority drivers are waiting on sponsors. It doesn't matter if you're black or white, you still need the financing and the sponsorships. NASCAR is all about corporate dollars -- deep pocket sponsors that put the wheels on the cars and pay for the engines that run them. The purse strings of Big Corporate America are pulled tight right now.

Jackson has big $$$ dollars..perhaps he can be a sponsor.

[Martin Tell]

NASCAR..now there's a good group for him to f*k with. He's liable to find his double speakin' arse riding outta town on a rail.

So how come NASCAR paid him off then?

[the Deejay]

I heard on O'Reilly's show, this is where JJ gets the money to pay off his mistress and anyone else he needs to buy off. JJ blackmails big corporations. He tells them he'll say they are "racists", if they don't pay. Yeah, he sure has blacks and their rights at heart. ( How stupid they are not to realize JJ is using them as blackmail material.)

[fight_truth_decay]

Black men can't drive. Untrue. You probably were quoted as saying "Black men can't play golf", pre-Tiger Woods.

[jackbill]

Find yourself a dictionary and look up the word sarcasm. And then learn how to recognize it, dunce.

[fight_truth_decay]

JJ blackmails big corporations..you can only be blackmailed, if you allow yourself to be blackmailed.

[fight_truth_decay]

Dunce? Perhaps the word ' sarcasm ' in posting, would add to clarify without name calling.

Respectfully,
'the dunce'
f_t_d

[the Deejay]

"JJ blackmails big corporations..you can only be blackmailed, if you allow yourself to be blackmailed."

That's what surprised me about NASCAR! I wouldn't think they would allow to be blackmailed by the likes of JJ no less. Personally, I won't buy another thing for my grandsons with NASCAR on it.

[kcordell]

I did not see a "minority" in the whole crowd of like 200,000 that I was in.

Two friends and I got a little drunk one night and attended a James Brown concert in Athens, Ga. and we were the only three white people in the crowd. Maybe I should have screamed "racism"?

If NASCAR is willing to buckle under to Je$$e then they deserve what they get.

[Bob J]

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[FReepaholic]

>>...NASCAR had 'no comment' regarding our support of the Rainbow PUSH National Conference...<<

Bill Franz, Jr: "Rainbow PUSH?, I said give the money to the Rainbow WARRIORS!!"

[VOYAGER]

"KNOCK 'EM UP" JACKSON RIDES AGAIN!!

[Lawgvr1955]

Seeking the truth: Midnight Drag Racing

Excellent three word annihlation of the "Revvvvvvvvrrrruuuund Jaaaaaaaaaackson"s despoiling of NASCAR

[sport]

I bought my last ticket.

[GirlShortstop]

 
Reverend Jesse Shakedown must've missed this portion of an important speech:

I have a dream that my four children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.   MLK

[Blood of Tyrants]

Blackmail infers that NASCAR has something to hide. What Jackson is attempting to do is slander, libel, bully, and strong arm.

[Jeff Gordon Fan]

Bill Franz, Jr: "Rainbow PUSH?, I said give the money to the Rainbow WARRIORS!!" NOW THAT's WHAT I'M TALKING ABOUT. HIGH FIVE!!!

[sport]

Wendal Scott drove in the '60s. He drove a '63 or'64 Chevy.

[quebecois]

Just a couple of random thoughts on this story:

1) Is there anything inherently evil about a sport which is overwhelmingly white?

2) If so, why isn't there anything inherently evil about sports which are overwhelmingly black?

3) When did white people become so cowardly that they have to pay off poverty pimps like Jackson just because their sports drivers and fans are "too white"? Does BET pay David Duke because most of their programming and on-screen talent is black?

[Mr. Mojo]

[evad]

So how come NASCAR paid him off then?

Good questionh.

In my comment I was referring to the fans, the drivers and their teams.

There's no accounting for what today's double dealing, scum sucking corporate execs will do in any enterprise...including NASCAR. MY guess is this guy is gonna find himself on a rail next to the huckster.

[montag813]

In short, NASCAR considers the issues completely separate in nature. They wholeheartedly support the troops. They wholeheartedly support diversity, which according to Hunter is the reasoning behind them giving Jackson so much cash.

HUH? This "writer" is an idiot. Since when is NASCAR an agent of the Politically Correct movement? How does "supporting diversity" equal giving $150k to PUSH, an organization many times exposed for its fraudulent "shakedowns" by a bestselling book of the same name, as well as the #1-rated cable news program "The O'Reilly Factor". Jesse Jackson himself has been totally discredited/

There is no excuse for any American company to claim ignorance when it comes to Rainbow/PUSH and their racist extortion schemes. Any company or group which pays them with full knowledge of this should feel the wrath of angry American consumers. I think it would be wise to "Dixie Chick" the NASCAR by way of a coordinated protest/boycott campaign until they widthdraw all support from this anti-American, Marxist, racist mafia organization.

[tuna_battle_slight_return]

Old news.

[katze]

"Jackson has big $$$ dollars..perhaps he can be a sponsor"

Why of course, that is why he wants the money.

Niger Innes was just on O'Reilly, and it once again caused me to wonder why responsible, respectable and honest minorities like Niger and his father Roy, Rev Jesse Peterson and others who have a genuine interest in helping, don't get together and run Jesse Jackson out of the country.

[billbears]

So how come NASCAR paid him off then?

Why? Because Mike Helton won't leave well enough alone. I swear that man's going to run NASCAR into the ground. On top of that, he's taking races away from tracks that sell out every time and moving them to parts of the country that are not NASCAR territory. To tell the truth the way he's been acting, I think he's just upset NASCAR has always, and will always be a Southern sport

I grew up not more than a half an hour from CMS and it sickens me all that's been done to NASCAR over the years. I still watch it and still pull for DJ in the 88, but as to the quality of driver today compared to then? Cale, Benny, DW, Earnhardt (God rest his soul), and half of the old pros still out there could drive the tires of these young guns if you stuck them in a 'stock' car

Ah, but the days of Junior Johnson under the hood tweaking out every bit of power from the engine are long gone. Now it's aerodynamics, wind tunnels, computers, and a whole bunch of mess that unless you have a million dollars or more, you could never get your hands on. You won't see any more Rick Hendricks deciding to start up a team on a shoe string budget and being successful. No, Mike Helton, and Humpy Wheeler to a lesser extent, have flat out ruined it. And to make matters worse, to 'gain fans', they have bowed to the PC police in the form of Jackson. Just don't accept the fact that this started out of moonshining and there just aren't that many black drivers. Oh, no, we've got to be PC!! Let's get some guys that may not even want to do it and get them out there. Granted, there are a few black drivers, and good ones to boot. But instead of just allowing whatever happens to happen, we've got to get in and force a private industry to implement quotas. Who cares if who they pick can't drive? Heck, do we want to consider how many Chinese people drive NASCAR? What about women? Who cares if they can't drive? We've got to be PC. And people will end up getting hurt out on the track if their hearts aren't in it.

[NormsRevenge]

A few threads from recent articles

Je$$e HiJackson and NASCAR Next on O'Reilly (O'REally!)

Appealing to NASCAR (Jesse Jackson Alert)

NASCAR Urged to Stop Financial Support of Jesse Jackson

[NormsRevenge]

and a few more articles, not so recent

Move to diversify NASCAR

Jesse Jackson/PUSH will sponsor A NASCAR team

Johnny Cochran Seeks to Break Up NASCAR

[IronJack]

Instead of mailing out press releases and gibberish about "diversity," how about NASCAR getting some spine and mailing a simple one-sentence imperative to The Rev:

Dear Rev. Jackson:

Go to hell.

Problem solved.

[tubebender]

the Rainbow WARRIORS!!" NOW THAT's WHAT I'M TALKING ABOUT. HIGH FIVE!!!

Come on...Jimmy Johnson is going to blow the doors off his boss.

[DED]

You can support diversity without supporting the Rainbow Co-Extortion.
I say boycott NASCAR until they cease supporting this band of thieves.

[LiteKeeper]

read later

[Navy Patriot]

Here he is again Blackmailing Nascar because there are only white drivers in the sport.

You are right about this, it's about shakedown cash not about more black drivers. It's a pity NASCAR has been paying off.

[DED]

Jesse blackmails corporations FOR PERSONAL GAIN.
He blackmails Coke, and his half brother winds up with a franchise.
He blackmails a beer company, and his son winds up with a Chicago distributorship doing several million bucks per year.
(All this is from memory - the companies are right, but I may have the half brother and cousin mixed up.)
He blackmails KFC and a cousin gets a franchise.
A friend made a good point the other day when I likened Jesse Jackson to Al Sharpton: Jesse is a crook, Al is only ridiculous.

[cyborg]

Could it be that there aren't a lot of black NASCAR drivers because they assume you have be either from the South and white OR have a lot of money? When I mention racing most black young people look at me cross eyed. Instead of Jesse Jackson looking to line his pockets, he should be sponsoring racing school scholarships,etc. Far be it from Jesse to ever part with his own money though...