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From Rage to Responsibility: Black Conservative Jesse Lee Peterson and America Today

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I first saw this gentleman on the "O'Reilly Factor" chatting with Bill O'Reilly about the climate in America and the pursuit of the American Dream for all americans. His poise, presence and the manner with which he responded to questions from his host impressed me. His book is equally impressive and candid. He writes from the depths of his own experiences and sweeps us along into the painful long-standing unresolved issues of today: "families without fathers", "the on-going victim consciousness", "the welfare system that perpetuates dependency, malaise, apathy, defeatism, expectation of entitlement- generation after generation, after generation." His focus is on black americans; those who are still struggling, as well as those who have achieved success. "From Rage to Responsibility" is the saga of one man's tranformation from anger to acceptance and responsibility for his own actions, the ripples he "creates in others", and his belief in his own natural innate ability to achieve success. It is about recognizing one's own self-worth rather than succumbing to the negative binding seductive rhetoric of others. Self-value, self- wisdom or self-realization some might call it. Tapping into the natural knowledge and beauty that is within you, and drawing on it to survive. What is refreshing about this book is that it does not promote rebellion nor anarchy not hate, nor angry explosions, but offers loving solutions to complex issues. The power of love as the panacea for political and social issues? Nothing new about the concept, but who applies it? Maybe more "movers and shakers" will-- after reading this penetrating book. In the words of Bill O'Reilly, "I certainly respect you, Reverend Peterson, and the work you are doing." Read the book- wake up, and listen to another voice, make up your own mind about the quality of your life!

The cover describes the author as a "Black Conservative," so you probably already know what's coming. Rev. Jesse Lee Peterson pulls no punches in calling on the African-American community (especially the men) to provide the impetus in reversing the trend toward social dysfunction. "From Rage to Responsibility" is one man's tough prescription for overcoming the "victimhood" that permeates the mindset of minorities in America today.

This book is organized very simply in seven chapters. The first is a brief historical account dealing with the path Rev. Peterson took to get where he is today. The middle five chapters expound on the "Problems With ...," in order: Race, Men and Women, Abortion, Immigration, and Education. The final chapter tells us what to do to defeat these problems. Each chapter is chock full of statistics (most of which I found rather eye-opening) and anecdotes supporting the author's contention that society (especially black America) is heading in the wrong direction faster than what the media are reporting. He backs up his numbers and quotes with an exhaustive list of reference notes. The overall message: morality has been cast aside, life is being dehumanized, God is forgotten, and no one seems to take responsibility for anything. The tone and viewpoint are decidedly very conservative (Peterson admits as much), and if you lean too far to the [political] left, you might be taken aback if you're sensitive to proselytizing. Still, the topics are worth the consideration, and I have no problem with someone expressing himself this way.

The only shortcoming of this book is the last chapter, which should have had more to say toward altering perspectives, changing attitudes, and re-thinking the way we relate to different generations and ethnicities. Instead of generalities ("focus on the family," "recover the knowledge we once had"), I think a point/counterpoint type of discussion might have been more informative. Still, this book is a good effort from a man who's pretty good at expressing a strong, sincere point of view.

What an exceptional book! Jesse Lee Peterson stresses personal responsibility not just for the black individual but for everyone in the human race. This book may be viewed by many as an attack on blacks but I didn't feel that way. As a black man Mr. Peterson sees the problems his race is experiencing from the inside out. He examines many controversial issues including, but not limited to, racism (both black and white) the welfare problem, the immigration problem, the education problem and the problems that are created by the fact that over 70% of black children are born out of wedlock.

In his no-holds barred observations he holds up the idea that black leaders are exploiting the family problems of black people for review. he quotes many interesting facts about black families and middle class workers that you normally do not hear on the liberal news or from black leaders themselves.

Overall a very interesting read for anyone who would like to analyze the perceptions of blacks and whites about each other in this country. To review some of the reasons behind it and to ponder some potential solutions.

The Reverend Jesse Lee Peterson is NOT someone who is afraid to speak his mind. He lays it on the line and stresses fact not tact.

As a proud Black conservative, he is a lightening rod for the liberal establishment to besmirch, which is ironic because the successful station he has achieved in life stands as a consummate refutation of racism. He bravely articulates how the specious slur "racist" gets bandied about today, but he knows what bona fide bigotry is, and he fearlessly condemns it. In a meticulously research passage he describes the racist goals of Planned Parenthood boldly spelled out by its found Margaret Sangar and still surreptitiously practiced by the organization today with the active support of many so-called Black leaders. Highlighting Sanger`s hatred, he quotes her own venomous writing, "Blacks are "mentally inferior to native-born Americans." Her popularity in the Third Reich was no doubt due to her consideration of Jews as "human weeds." His expresses justifiable outage and bewilderment that abortion is still heavily pushed in minority communities with the vociferous approval of alleged liberals.

Planned Parenthood and self-appointed "black leaders" who sell out their community for political advantage are just two of the sacred cows Reverend Petersen sacrifices on the altar of truth. Other oblations offered include feminists, welfare proponents, and a culture of victimization. Nor is he afraid to name names; in addition to Sangar, the likes of Bill Clinton, Jesse Jackson, Maxine Walters, and Sharon Stone are all knocked off the pedestals on which liberalism has placed them.

One drawback to this work is its brevity. A mind as sapient as Reverend Peterson's should not limit his insightful observations to a scant 107 pages (A Few thoughtful appendices enhance the book`s length.). Still in one instance, this abbreviation works brilliantly. In an autobiographical chapter, under a heading of "Lost Years," he artfully spends less than three pages delineating two decades of his life spent on drug-laden welfare. It does not seem possible to paint a more authentic picture of the emptiness that envelops a life devoid of personal responsibility.

Some may dismiss Reverend Peterson as part of Hilary's Vast Right Wing Conspiracy, but that is their loss. He has much to say. He surmounted obstacles including poverty, illegitimacy, prejudice, and addiction to achieve personal success and peace of mind. Anyone with an open mind should read his work, and carefully consider the intelligent arguments he makes.

This book will upset a lot of people. The author isn't trying to make friends or coddle his readers. If you sincerely want to know what has gone wrong is so many black communities across the country you will want to read this book. Warning: a lot of your cherished beliefs about race and racism will be challenged.

Jesse Peterson is exactly what all Americans need to get past racial tensions created by Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton....

Take care of your children, demand a quality education from the teacher's union, clean up your house and call the cops if someone is doing bad things beyond your control.

Then we'll see how much racism there really is and begin to focus on what needs to be done to correct inequities and help the needy.

Mr. Peterson's words of wisdom are applicable not just to blacks, but also to any American citizen who has an ounce of common or uncommon sense left!

I bought Reverend Peterson's book after seeing him on the C-SPAN Book Club. This book should be required reading for all students and adults. The Reverend's ability to explain in detail and in plain English the numerous problems regarding liberal politics and how those liberal laws and philosophies prevent Americans (and yes, unfortunately, Black Americans) from bettering themselves is astonishing. This book was a real eye-opener regarding recovery, Black racism, the civil rights establishment, feminism, abortion, and love for our Country, for example. As a white, married woman, this book taught me a great deal. I am forever grateful to Reverend Peterson.

This was not all that bad, but it is not as good as his book SCAM. This book doesn't really focus on the decietfulness of black leaders, but it does however, show the very anti-white statements that blacks make, like black authors, black entertainers, and that there are black groups that actively don't want whites to adopt black kids. Could you picture the outcry if there were a white group that tried to prevent blacks from adopting white kids? Such bigotry would never be tolerate in this politically correct culture.

I didn't like his chapter on abortion, because to me it is like capital punishment; you already have you mind set up before coming into the debate.

I did think his views on immigration were interesting. IN fact, I was kind of shocked to hear a black man speak out against illegal immigration. Peterson states taht it's already bad enough in LA and other major US cities that black males have higher unemployment rates, but add that with illegal immigrants who take their jobs. This also deters teenagers and young adults when illegal take low paying jobs, because those menial jobs are a good way to get experience, get a good work ethic and learn job skills.

It's really not that spectacular. I would say pick up his book, "SCAM: How the Black Leadership Exploits Black America"

This book really hit home for me. Peterson provides some fundamental reasons as to why the black community has not reached it's full potential. We are the only race that has completely politicized our culture. In return we have recieved promises and rhetoric, and yet the chasm that seperates the black community grows wider.
His assessment of our so-called leadership is also dead on. Unfortunately, many people will call him an "Uncle Tom" or self-hating black. However, one only has to honestly read the book, not from the perspective of politics, i.e. Democrats or Republicans, but from the perspective of honest self evaluation.
An excellent read.