World in motion: President Obama should grant pardon to Jack Johnson

[Blue_Tires]

We understand that President Obama has a fair amount on his agenda, yet it is peculiar that he has no space for Jack Johnson, the African-American who was world heavyweight boxing champion before the First World War. Johnson is perhaps better known not for his six years as champion but for the ten months he served in prison because of his relationship with a white woman.

It took two hours for an all-white jury in 1913 to convict Johnson for violating the Mann Act, which prohibited the transportation of women across state lines for “immoral” purposes.

The campaign for a posthumous pardon is being waged by John McCain and Peter King, the Republicans, who have pushed a resolution through the Senate and the House of Representatives.

Rarely will a simpler, more popular piece of legislation cross the desk of Barack Obama. However, the same opportunity sat in the in-tray of George W. Bush and there it was ignored.

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/columnists/owen_slot/article6888297.ece

[FrenchieCat]

1. it is peculiar that he has no space for Jack Johnson?

Right, Obama is trying to save this country.....
but this is what he should be doing? Issuing a pardon to someone gone for
over 1/2 a century?

I can imagine if it is something that he should do,
he still has 3.3 years to go. I'm sure Mr. Johnson doesn't mind waiting considering. :eyes:

[Number23]

2. Right?? This is the weirdest thing I've seen all day

[NOLALady]

3. Here we go again.

Did any past Presidents have a space for the American, Jack Johnson?

While I think he should be pardoned, along with many others wrongfully convicted, now is not the time.

Besides, I question any Republican agenda.

[firedupdem]

4. There you go....

I question their agenda too. Why are they pushing this?

[Brewman_Jax]

5. Pushed by repubs?

My question: why would ANY repub give a rat's ass about Jack Johnson--a black man who made no secret what he thought of most white people. He was no lawn jockey.

Why would they want President Obama to care, unless they want to portray Obama as pushing a "black" agenda at the expense of the country. Lies and exaggerations have never stopped the rabid racist republican right. :grr: