Jesse Jackson: Duck Dynasty's Phil Robertson was exercising his 'white privilege'

There was a time, not so very long ago, when one name was at the heart of virtually every controversy. That name was "Jesse Jackson." It didn't really matter what the story was. If there was a race riot, the Mayor called Jesse Jackson. If the feds were deporting a Cuban child, Jesse was there. If you were a President who'd had a cigar-laced affair in the oval office, Jesse was your guy. He was everywhere.

However, ever since he said he wanted to cut Barack Obama's "nuts off," Jesse's been... well... let's say "less conspicuous." In fact, he's been downright quiet for the last few years. Sure, he tries to insert himself into controversies like he used to, but it just doesn't seem to be working anymore. The latest example of his diminished power comes to us via the Duck Dynasty kerfuffle. According to Jesse, Phil Robertson is a monster. Why, he's even worse than Rosa Parks' bus driver! According to ABC News, Jackson has released a statement putting Phil Robertson's comments in historical perspective:

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"These statements uttered by Robertson are more offensive than the bus driver in Montgomery, Alabama, more than 59 years ago. At least the bus driver, who ordered Rosa Parks to surrender her seat to a white person, was following state law. Robertson's statements were uttered freely and openly without cover of the law, within a context of what he seemed to believe was 'white privilege.'"

Apparently, if you thought Robertson's views on homosexuality were somehow based on religion, you're wrong. He doesn't care about God. He's coming at things from a place of "white privilege." Robertson's inherent racism has caused him to lash out. OK, fine. There may be something about the almighty in there too, but Jackson would like to keep the focus on the obvious, glaring, and not-made-up racial problem. So, what are we - as a country - to do about this? Well, true to form, Jesse has demanded "the meeting." According to Jackson's statement, execs from A&E and Cracker Barrel have "72 hours" to appear before Jackson and his allies at GLAAD. ...or else. Apparently, the elderly race-baiter wants to guarantee that A&E maintains Robertson's suspension. An intimidating face to face is the only way to be sure that they'll comply. Clearly, Jackson's intentions are of the highest order. This is a man of great and lofty goals. He'll certainly be classy enough not to demand a hush-money donation to the Rainbow Coalition during such a sensitive time. After all, he's a man of God - a reverend. He'd never consider such ugly "shakedown" tactics, right? In the end, it might not matter. Jackson's very, very, important statement is dated December 23rd. In case you're not a mathematical genius, that means 72 hours have already passed. In short, Jesse made his best race-baiting effort, and no one noticed. Ouch. How the mighty have fallen. Look for Jackson to issue a statement claiming that "he tried to help" but the racists behind Duck Dynasty were "too barbaric" to respond. Until then, Jackson's thoughts on Barack Obama are presented below. Be sure to "like" Robert Laurie over on Facebook and follow him on Twitter. You'll be glad you did.