I realize a lot has already been said about the unfortunate, anddownright ugly, comments that the Rev. Jesse Jackson made last week inreference to Sen. Barack Obama. But I must add that many of the attackson Jackson missed the larger issue. OAS_AD('ArticleFlex_1'); Of course, what Jackson said was way out of line and wrong. That's an easy call.Butthe bigger picture is the ugliness of Jackson's sentiment as it relatesto -- and somewhat represents -- the discomfort of the black civilrights leadership of yesteryear with this new blood that some of themseem to think hasn't been properly vetted by the "old guard."Somemembers of this senior generation of leaders seem to think that perhapsObama should have sought approval from them before running, and sincehe didn't, then he deserves to be held in contempt. He isn't one of"them," he doesn't owe "them," and therefore cannot be trusted.Well,as one of "them" -- not only a member of that generation of leadershipbut one who counts many such leaders, including Jackson, as friends andcolleagues -- I have to say that it is time for the old guard to stepback and let the new guard take control. Without question, that newguard is best represented by Obama.I realize quite well howdifficult it is to step down after so many years in the limelight, andafter having paid so many dues. It's easy to fall into the trap ofbelieving that we are somehow owed something by this new generation,that we should have one hand on the steering wheel at all times.Wedo not have that right. The simple truth is that our generation -- mygeneration -- has not only failed to fulfill the dream of Dr. MartinLuther King, but we have also failed this younger generation. We gavethem nothing, and yet it is a member of this generation that is comingcloser to fulfilling King's dream than any one of us ever thoughtpossible.The current condition of America's black youths -- andblack America in general -- did not come about as a result of Pres...