But what does this say about the Black voter? Instead of comparing Dukakis and Bush to each other, Blacks have been blind followers of Jesse Jackson. While many of Jackson's delegates did not agree with his anti-nuclear no-first strike proposal to the Democratic Platform, they still supported it because it was Jackson's idea. Are these people supporting Jackson or his issues?

WITH a lock like that, one must wonder just how hard politicians will campaign for the Black vote in the future. This year, none of the candidates made concerted efforts to garner Black votes, as they all conceded the vote to Jackson early on. And Black voters did not get much attention until Dukakis emerged as the front-runner. Even then, Dukakis by-passed Blacks and went straight to Jesse Jackson.

This time around, politicians did not waste their time bidding for Black voters. They focused on the bi-partisan Hispanic vote instead. Black voters stand up and tell Dukakis and Bush that they have minds of their own. What Blacks must say to Dukakis is "show us." Jackson has given his "recommendation," now is the time for Dukakis to show why Blacks should support him.

Otherwise, there could come a day in which the Black vote will no longer be considered worthy of campaign stops.

That is, until there is another legitimate Black candidate to challenge Jackson. When this happens, look for Jackson supporters to accuse the newcomer of being a stoolie, or an Uncle Tom for white Democrats who want to dislodge Jackson.

Another dilemma would occur if the first Black to challenge Jackson is a Republican. This would immediatly split the vote. General Colin Powell and former Massachusetts Senator Ed Brooke have both surfaced as possible running mates for Vice-President George Bush.

When another Black does emerge as a Presidential player, Black people will get the chance to see just whose interests Jesse Jackson has at heart.

Either Jackson will attempt to silence the challenger as he tried earlier this year when Detroit Mayor Coleman Young refused to endorse him in Michigan. Or he will welcome the challenger, without trying to intimidate his competitor, and be glad there is another Black playing the game.

Whatever happens, Black people have got to realize they don't need a leader. Leaders are happy to be leaders because they are in comfortable positions. Whenever anything concerning Blacks comes up, Jesse Jackson will be the one to answer.

Not all Blacks agree with Jackson. Yet, because Jackson is the Black leader, and so long as Blacks are content to be his followers, his opinion will be the only one that counts.