LOOK, IN THE SKY. IT'S JESSE JACKSON.

Here he comes again. Reverend Jesse Jackson has offered to bring the two sides to an agreement on the release of prisoners in the Lebanon affair. The war began when the Hezbollah kidnapped two Israeli soldiers across the border in Israel. At least hundreds of Lebanese men have been held in Israeli prisons for months and years. Both sides should welcome the effort.

Jackson has contacted the ambassadors of both nations and received favorable reactions. He insists he can be an effective go between and bring freedom to captives. Who would bet against him? He has an impressive record of accomplishment in this realm. He achieved freedom for hundreds of captives, including Americans, in Syria, Iraq, Yugoslavia, Cuba, etc.

Predictably, the Bush administration spokesman, Tony Fox Snow, is throwing cold water on the reverend. He insists that this is a government matter to be handled by officials. We've heard that before. Would Tony dare suggest that Bush could achieve this noble goal?

If the Israelis and Hezbollah/Lebanese will agree to meeting with Jesse Jackson, he'll set men free again.

It's a tough job. Jesse has to do it.