Sharpton attacks white media, (and Dean too?)

[tjdee]

This is why some of us were not thrilled with his running, but I can't say he's completely wrong either. I was waiting for Al to get started, and here he goes.

"SIOUX CITY, Iowa -- Veteran black activist Al Sharpton contended Wednesday that the news media are dismissive of his presidential campaign because newsrooms are overwhelmingly white.

"I think when you look at the lack of diversity in the newsrooms, when you look at the lack of diversity from the editors and those in power, then you see them as automatically dismissive of anything that is not like them, which is white males," said Sharpton."

snip...

"Sharpton complained that former Vermont Gov. Howard Dean has been virtually anointed the hot candidate for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2004 -- a case, he said, of a white-dominated media focusing on a middle-age white man."

snip

"When I come to Iowa, they ask how can Sharpton get the white vote," said Sharpton. "I've run in New York and gotten more white votes in my races than he's gotten black votes in Vermont? Why aren't we talking about that?"
http://www.newsday.com/news/politics/wire/sns-ap-sharpton-race,0,3161091.story?coll=sns-ap-politics-headlines

Uh, Al--maybe because Dean WON his governor race?

[birdman]

1. It's only a matter of time before this creep attacks the whole party

as racist. He's already playing the race card. I have
no doubt that he'll stay in the race right to the convention
and then demand a prime time convention speech or maybe even
scream that he should be the running mate.

What are the chances he sells his endorsement to Bush in
return for some of that "faith-based" money for one of his NYC
organizations.

[WhoCountsTheVotes]

4. He should get a prime slot in the convention

"It's only a matter of time before this creep attacks the whole party"

The whole party? Will he be attacking black elected Democrats? Will he be attacking Democrats who are members of the AFL-CIO? I bet it's only a small faction of the party he's going to theoretically, at some point, maybe in the future, attack.

[sangha]

20. Ignore the BS

Anyone who has to invent claims that Sharpton, a man whose finances have been gone over several times with nothing untoward uncovered, could be bribed by Bush* obviously has no facts to argue.

[birdman]

26. Yeah, I'm sure that he endosed D'Amato and Pataki and Bloomberg

out of his deep commitment to the progressive cause.

[WhoCountsTheVotes]

31. do you know anything about NYC politics?

It's a different ball of wax, I assure you. You could ask the same about any candidate - why is Dean running? Just to feed his ego?

[sangha]

36. That's just dumb

For one thing, being "progressive" is not the same as being "a Democrat". For another, Sharpton's commitment to "the progressive cause" (whatever that means to you), or lack thereof, has nothing to do with taking bribes, a criminal act. Thirdly, why should Sharpton have any sense of loyalty to Democrats like Mark Green, Cuomo, etc who have screwed Sharpton multiple times?

Why don't you question Mark Green's (whose campaign distributed racist flyers) commitment to "the progressive cause"?

[birdman]

48. Crapola

First of all Green is not running for President.
His "racist" flyers consisted of suggesting
that Ferrer would be highly influenced by Sharpton.

In fact it was probably true but it certainly wasn't racist.

[sangha]

71. More crapola

First of all Green is not running for President.

Neither was Pataki, Bloomberg or Giuliani. Have you got any more straw men?

His "racist" flyers consisted of suggesting
that Ferrer would be highly influenced by Sharpton.

Wrong. They depicted Ferrer as a puppet and Sharpton as the puppetmaster and were distributed in mostly white neighborhoods. Even Green himself said they were racist.

In fact it was probably true but it certainly wasn't racist.

Then why did Mark Green say they were, deny responsibility for them, blame an aide for it, promise to fire the aide, and then renege on the promise?

[Name removed]

2. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[THUNDER HANDS]

3. what does that mean

When his audience wakes up and finally discovers that they are fighting a war that is long over, he will finally, and mercifully, vanish from the limelight.

Are you saying there aren't racial problems in America anymore?

Are you saying that news organizations aren't predominately white?

Or are you just mad at Al Sharpton for being Al Sharpton?

[buff2]

7. Wow.........

What a racist statement. Sounds just like the repukeliKKKan mantra to me! :thumbsdown:

[htuttle]

8. Sharpton threads...

...tend to bring that out in some people at DU.

It's very disappointing.

[Character Assassin]

74. Telling the truth is disappointing? Sharpton is a race-hustler

The man is a shameless, opportunistic charlatan who's actions have led to the deaths of others.

If the Democrats want to avoid this albatross being hung around their necks, they need to drop him pronto.

[sangha]

77. Another "liberal" pulling the "race card" out.

They always make unsubstantiated charges that Sharpton profits from his work, but they never can "show us the money"

SHarpton's finances are a matter of public record and he's been investigated numerous times. He's never been accused of any sort of corruption by these investigations. But the blowhards know better than those idiot investigators.

Yeah, right

[Character Assassin]

80. I haven't mentioned his finances, Einstein.

What I said was "The man is a shameless, opportunistic charlatan who's actions have led to the deaths of others.", but don't let that stop you from your usual dodging and blowing smoke.

Freddy's Fashion Mart. 'nuff said.

[sangha]

81. More lies?

Sharpton wasn't even in NYC the day Freddys was burned, and he has never advocated violence. The man who actually did commit the crime was mentally disturbed, and somehow, I'm sure, Sharpton is responsible for that.

'nuff said

It's "'nuff" for those who are ignorant of the facts and wish to exercise their bigotry

[Character Assassin]

84. Anything to excuse Sharpton's racism, I see. Et tu, Brutus?

Sharpton wasn't even in NYC the day Freddys was burned, and he has never advocated violence. The man who actually did commit the crime was mentally disturbed, and somehow, I'm sure, Sharpton is responsible for that.

Sharpton organized the 'demonstrations', allowed for others to speak, inciting violence and didn't have to be anywhere near NYC to be held responsible. The transcripts are available online.

"There is a systemic and methodical strategy to eliminate our people from doing business off 125th Street. I want to make it clear . . . that we will not stand by and allow them to move this brother so that some white interloper can expand his business."

Sharpton’s colleague, Morris Powell, said of the Jewish owner — Sharpton’s "white interloper" — "We’re going to see that this cracker suffers."

Sharpton did nothing to counter that statement.

But hey, don't let little things like facts get in the way.

It's "'nuff" for those who are ignorant of the facts and wish to exercise their bigotry.

If you're trying, in your bumbling, disjointed manner, to call me a racist, come out and say it.

[sangha]

86. More crap

Sharpton organized the 'demonstrations',

So what do you have against non-violent protest?

allowed for others to speak,

Oh yeah, Those black nationalists were silent until Sharpton showed up. I'm sure they would not have said anything without SHarpton's permission to speak.

Yeah, right.

inciting violence

Sharpton has never incited violence. Not ever. Other people have, but you blame Sharpton, and not them.

and didn't have to be anywhere near NYC to be held responsible.

Of course. He's black and he's proud. That's enough for people like you to hold him responsible, even though you know it was others who advocated violence.

The transcripts are available online.

Yes I know, and Sharpton says nothing to incite violence in them which is why the liars can never quote Al "inciting violence"

[Character Assassin]

89. Hey, nice dodge!

Sharpton has never incited violence. Not ever. Other people have, but you blame Sharpton, and not them.

No, genius, I blame Sharpton for not having called them on it. I didn't say that he incited violence, and I clearly stated the name of the individual, not Sharpton, who did incite.

Sharpton organized the 'demonstrations', allowed for others to speak, inciting violence and didn't have to be anywhere near NYC to be held responsible.

Those who spoke at his demonstration incited the violence, not Sharpton.

Nice try.

[CWebster]

5. Any Afro-American who tells it like it is

will be kept out of the big house. Only the boys who carry water will gain admission.

Sharpton is right.

[Brian Sweat]

11. Unfortunately, I fear you are correct.

It is amazing how many people will accuse an African American of being racist just because they stick up for their people.

[tjdee]

28. I agree to a point about the press. BUT

Sharpton acts as if he's a five term ANYTHING, and the press just won't cover him, and he is shocked, just shocked!

Sharpton would be getting more press if he actually had a chance.
That's pretty obvious.
But I do agree that the media is mostly white guys taking other white guys seriously. I don't agree that Al Sharpton himself is the best example.

[sangha]

39. Then explain Nader's media coverage

Nader also act like he's a "five term ANYTHING", which he isn't, and the press DOES cover HIM. He has never had a chance of winning, but the media paid attention to him, but ignores Sharpton, whose talent for spectacle should have made him a media darling. They give time to racists like Lott, Armey, Pat Robertson, etc.

[tjdee]

65. Okay, why isn't Graham getting more press?

Again--I do think Sharpton is right about the media. But I don't think, in his case, it applies.

Kucinich gets no press either--because he's very liberal ('liberal media' after all) and currently has little chance of winning. Graham got no press until he started talking about what he knew about intelligence.

If Nader were running as a Democrat in 2000, I don't think he would have gotten as much press as he did. His presence in the election was a threat to Gore (minimally, but enough to suck)--Sharpton at this point isn't a threat to anyone, as this is the primary process.

Plus, I don't know what his problem is, every time I turn around he's on Crossfire or something. Poor Moseley-Braun *really* gets no press at all.

[sangha]

72. Here's why

Graham, like Sharpton, teels the truths that hurts TPTB. They must be silenced, unless they do or say something embarrasing. Then they get more media attention than they ever asked for.

Sharpton's candidacy doesn't pose a threat, but the truths he speaks do.

[govegan]

66. Why should the press decide who has/hasn't a chance?

The mainstream media and their whorish ways are well known and documented.

Competent and fair journalists don't try to decide who does and does not have a chance.

Al has all the right in the world to be ticked about his coverage in the media. Dennis Kucinich has a similar problem, because he doesn't fit the preconceived mold either.

A fair media would give all of the candidates serious consideration on a regular basis.

[jpgray]

6. I'd say he's dead on about the media. As for Dean, what do you expect?

It is true that white males are seen as more electable than black males in our media. Now, on personal history of course Dean is also more electable than Sharpton, but Al's not going to say that himself. Sharpton is dismissed more because of his personal history than his race, but I agree that race is a factor.

[Muddleoftheroad]

15. Media

As an African-American who has worked in the media at one time, yes there are more white people in the media. Part of this is due to the crappy pay that most journalists get. Highly qualified minorities of any race are hot commodities and are recruited away from media companies into other jobs.

As for Sharpton, the reason he gets little press is that he has no f----ing chance in the world of getting elected. His is the nuisance campaign and is treated that way by the media.

[ProfessorGAC]

33. I Buy That , Muddle

The media covers the horse race. They don't care what the horses think. So, like any horse race, they don't care about the ones at the back of the pack.

The frontrunners get the attention, and it doesn't matter the color of the horse. Al's not getting coverage because he's so far behind that he is a non-factor in the horse race. He could have the best ideas since time began and it wouldn't matter to the media.
The Professor

[sangha]

41. I don't. It's obviously wrong

If electability determined how much media attention a candidate received, then Nader would be ignored.

[Muddleoftheroad]

50. Nader

Nader actually represented a party. Sharpton never represents anyone other than himself.

[sangha]

73. Nader doesn't represent Greens

He's not even a member. Furthermore, even if he did represent the party, that doesn't lead to media attention. How many times do you see the Natural Law Party's leader on TV?

You just like repeating lies about Sharpton.

[Muddleoftheroad]

85. What lies

Lies that he has no chance in hell of getting elected? He doesn't. I also said he is a race baiter. He is.

Like it or not, the Green Party had a major impact on the last election. That means Nader matters.

Nuff said.

[sangha]

87. These lies

Nader actually represented a party. Sharpton never represents anyone other than himself.

Nader doesn't represent the Greens, and Sharpton has fought and sacrificed for others without ever profiting from it himself.

And Nader got media attention *BEFORE* he ever had an impact. Nader has never mattered in electoral politics.

[Muddleoftheroad]

90. Nader

Nader DID represent the Greens. That's enough.

Again, Nader has ALWAYS been a bigger name than Sharpton. Outside of the Tawana Brawley case, Al has NEVER been the big name that Nader has.

Sharpton has profited plenty. There is more to life than money and Sharpton tries his best to hog the headlines, even though his impact is marginal.

I have heard him speak in person. He is a self-promoting blowhard.

[ProfessorGAC]

91. I Think You Overstate The Attention He Got in 2000

Remember he didn't even get to participate in the debates. The coverage on him about half of what Pat Buchanan got, for goodness sake! He got less than tenth of what Gore and Bush got.

The horserace was smaller, so last place horses are closer to the front. In a primary this packed with horses, the horserace watchers don't care who's in 8th place. Win, place, show, are all that matters.

Remember, it was never a certainty that Nader wouldn't at least finish a distant third. But finishing third in a national election is newsworthy. So, he got the coverage due someone who was running as a spoiler and had a chance to make a difference.

The media obviously believes that Sharpton has so little chance, even in Dem primaries, that he's a lagger in the race. Not interest to those for whom the race is more important than the message.
The Professor

[WhoCountsTheVotes]

61. I don't buy it

Dean didn't have a chance of getting elected until he started getting media coverage. If Sharpton got the kind of media coverage that Dean has, his campaign would be more than a nuisance - or more of a nuisance, to some people :)

You can't run a serious campaign without media coverage, and you can't get media coverage unless you have a serious campaign. Sort of a catch-22 there don't you think?

[Muddleoftheroad]

68. Perhaps

But Dean at least has some political standing -- governor and all that. That gives him a base and a legitimacy that Sharpton has always lacked.

[liberalnurse]

9. Well thats all we need now folks....

Racist remarks to further divide our disorganized party. Well the repukes are laughing at us while kicking back in their peanut gallery seats.

I had been an advocate for Al Sharpton up to this point. It is a weak and cheap shot. Yea, anybody should be able to become President.....I don't argue that dream....I don't deny anyone. Al Sharpton was truely building national credibility beyond the marginalized and predictable activist image. He chooses to be separate by using the race card. Not the whites. So if he wants to be President of a African-American country, I hear Liberia is looking for one.

Today, we are being controlled by a facist regime. We really need to bond together to even make a dent in this republican coup.

Looks like it will take another 4 years of painful lessons to turn on the light bulb. Then, it will be too late.

[jpgray]

10. Some of his concerns are valid. We won't bond by ignoring them (nt)

[liberalnurse]

12. Al has been on many cable news talk shows.

He was just on CNN with Tucker and C-Span last week after he returned from Africa. He was on NPR too. I know because I called my friends. He just is using the race card to get more attention. He will step on anyone to do so. I don't like mean opportunist. Dean has earned the attention from his hard work just as Al has done up to this point. Al appears jealous or something, I don't know what it is.... He's a divider, I can see that.

I am truely disappointed.

[CWebster]

16. Its not the damn race card

it's the truth.

[Muddleoftheroad]

17. The truth

Is that Sharpton is a race-baiting loon. I am ashamed that there are two black presidential candidates and he is one of them.

[CWebster]

23. Sharpton

came back from Liberia, livid over the Bush stalling policy of "thinking about" sending in help for the people who were begging for it ( while the Iraqis were trying to throw off the mantle of US occupation).

Say what you will about Sharpton, he is a controversial figure, but he stands his ground and unless you think Afro-Americans shouldn't bother rocking the boat, don't knock him for making waves about the way it is.

[theboss]

30. That's unfair

Just because I think Sharpton's a careless con artist and hustler doesn't mean I think blacks should have no say. First of all, who made Sharpton the spokesman for anybody? I don't have to accept anything the man says.

I find a lot of the causes that Shaprton fights for to be worthy. I find him personally reprehensible.

[CWebster]

35. I think he is pretty funny

and spot on, myself. Not crazy about the hair. What is it with politicians and their strange fixation on hairdos?

[theboss]

38. I'm different

I don't find accusing people falsely of rape amusing. Or using language that starts riots. Or talking about importing cocaine.

[CWebster]

43. Not really

you just don't hear the dirt on the other candidates parroted around as much with such bipartisan glee.

[qanda]

18. The entire time Al was on Crossfire last week

They had negative things about him posted on the bottom of the screen. Honestly, it was sickening! Al is right on this one-- you don't have to agree with him and you don't have to like him, but the truth will set you free. p.s. Please don't say he's using the race card it actually is a very racist thing to say!

[chimpymustgo]

19. What is the "race card"?

I hate to hear that phrase, as though it's somehow a cheap trick to mention race.

[Rich Hunt]

34. It's a boring and meaningless cliche

Apparently, it means bringing up race in any way that makes a lot of white people uncomfortable.

:boring:

Yesterday, people were praising Al Sharpton, and suddenly he displeases them and there is a Sharpton-bashing thread.

:boring:

[sangha]

44. It's RNC propoganda

It's how the RNC dismisses claims of racism. It's just like "class warfare"

[Wonder]

55. like the exposing of the CIA tapes on MLK

and the issue of his womanizing...pure smear tactic in an effort to off the CR movement. Man. The tactics ain't changed since Jesus Christ.

[sangha]

42. What's wrong with geting attention

DO you really think that the rape and assault of Abner Louima would have been investigated if it weren't for Sharpton getting people to pay attention by "playing the race card"?

Do you really think the shooting of four unarmed black kids by NJ State troopers would have been investigated if it weren't for Sharpton getting people to pay attention by "playing the race card"?

Do you really think the shooting of Patrick Dorismond would have been investigated if it weren't for Sharpton getting people to pay attention by "playing the race card"?

Do you really think the phrase "playing the race card" is NOT the RNC's way of dismissing genuine concerns about racism?

[Wonder]

24. Sharpton's campaign illustrates why what is broken can not be fixed

The system is rotten from the head through to the tail and the gils no long filter any of the crap out anymore. For this reason, I was hoping for a real breakaway candidate. Someone who sees the corruption and speaks on it, rather than someone who gets into the pig sty (yes I am mixing metaphors) and merely brushes the shit off to one side. Instead, I was hoping for someone passionate about raking the sty out.

Certainly one might argue well Sharpton is only concerned with his own, and that might be true, however, I have no problem with any candidate willing to call a spade a spade. Someone willing to reveal all of the hypocrasies, the double standards, etc. None of the candidates are doing this. Instead they are (as is to be expected) working within the status quo, speaking out on issues only, but they are not revealing the rot.

What Sharpton has done here is plunge through the subtrefuge and focus in on one of a number of root causes to our problem: the media. My criticisms would be NOT that he has chosen to do this, but 1- that his concern seems to be the lack of coverage for his campaign, 2- as eloquent as he is, he could have taken the opportunity to also speak out against the war propaganda, identified the outlets most guilty, and articulated the adverse effects the various propaganda agenda's and orthodoxies have upon free thought and the voice of WE THE PEOPLE, which takes me to my last point.

Sharpton is a figurehead for one people within a country that houses many cultures and religions. I say the unity of the party could take a backseat a bit to the unity among all americans. The Afr. Am agenda could easily lend itself to this unity IF someone like Sharpton (someone willing to call it like he sees it - someone willing to reveal the hidden agendas and the mendacity of our system), would not play a race or religion card (which I really do not feel that is what he is doing specifically); would not just speak out for his own people BUT for the American people, and instead would play the CLASS CARD followed by the HUMAN CARD.

As the Neville Brothers have said in concert WE ARE ONE RACE - THE HUMAN RACE.

I could go on, but...

[poskonig]

13. Looks like emotion, not logic.

There are many reasons why Sharpton isn't doing well. No fundraising, poor campaigning, lack of a message, lack of political experience, et cetera. He is joining Kucinich in attacking the media out of frustration for his failure. I'm a white male and have appreciated Sharpton's run so far, but this attack leaves a Lieberman-like sour taste in my mouth.

[private_ryan]

14. white media has nothing to do wth the "Rev" getting no /bad press

he has no one but himself to blame....

how the hell did he become a "reverend" anyway? what does it take?

[Judi Lynn]

21. A quick google provides information a lot of people already knew

(snip) Raised by his mother, he began his ministry at the remarkably tender age of four when he preached his first sermon to hundreds at Washington Temple Church in Brooklyn. Throughout his adolescent years, the legendary Bishop F.D. Washington mentored "The Wonder Boy Preacher." By the age of nine, Reverend Sharpton was licensed and ordained by Bishop Washington, and was appointed Junior Pastor of the 5,000 member Washington Temple congregation.

At age 12, Reverend Sharpton became interested in politics, mesmerized by Harlem Congressman Reverend Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. In one of his first forays into the public arena, Reverend Sharpton founded the National Youth Movement in 1971. Under his 17-year leadership, the NYM registered thousands of young people to vote, won hundreds of job opportunities and led the fight to put the first black on the New York State Metropolitan Transit Authority Board.

He also spearheaded the campaign that resulted in the first minority School Chancellor of the New York City Board of Education. During this time Reverend Sharpton led the now-famous marches against "crack" houses, exposing them to law enforcement agencies.

Throughout the 1980s and early '90s, Reverend Sharpton led a series of direct-action campaigns and crusades to fight racism in the criminal justice system- from Howard Beach and Bensonhurst to Wappinger Falls and Los Angeles. As one writer said at the time, "Reverend Sharpton is literally reviving a civil rights movement."

Reverend Sharpton's runs for political office in 1992, 1994 and 1997 shook the New York State political establishment. His first campaign for a seat in the U.S. Senate garnered him 70% of the state-wide Black vote and helped three Black legislators achieve victory. His challenge of Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan astounded the pundits, who were quieted when Reverend Sharpton tallied more than 80% of the statewide African-American vote and 26% of the general vote. In his 1997 run for New York City Mayor, he came within 1% of forcing a Democratic Primary run-off. (snip/...)

http://216.239.37.104/search?q=cache:PjEAnLdhx4AJ:www.lordly.com/talent/lordly/SharptonAl.html+%22Reverend+Al+Sharpton%22+%2B+church&hl=en&ie=UTF-8

Before Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated, certain kinds of "white" people delighted, like brain-damaged trolls, in calling him "Martin Luther Nigger." This entertained them no end. They believed it revealed them as the greatest comic minds of the Western World.

Anyone who hears attacks on others ALWAYS understands just where those attacks originate. No one is fooled. Hatred rises from deep, proud ignorance which resists enlightenment.

[birdman]

29. Oh Please - Get with the real world

Tawana Brawley ???? Anybody home ?

He was willing to let an innocent man go to prison
branded as a racist child molestor on charges that
he knew to be a complete fabrication. How can anyone
call themselves a progressive and support someone like
Sharpton ?

The guy is a crook - his one way of making money and
getting his name in the paper is calling people racists
and he's shown a marked disinterest in whether the charges
he levels have any validity. Those are the tactics that Joe
McCarthy used. It's a grotesque insult to
Martin Luther King to compare Sharpton to him.

[Wonder]

40. tawana brawley is a splotch

Wrong poster girl for his agenda. however, there are enough spotches to go around.

[Name removed]

46. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Wonder]

51. Thank you Sangha

for clearing that up... specificity important.

[birdman]

57. Two of Sharptons associates quit

because they claimed he knew Brawleys charges were
a hoax and he pressed the issue anyway.

I didn't say Sharpton was rich. I said it was his
way of making money and that's true.

[Wonder]

60. the sad fact of the matter here

is politics is a corrupt affair. people can be corrupted absolutely. If that is true... Sharpton for me bites the dust like most all of these candidates... then none of them are breakaway either... than again... if it is true ... it must be weighted within its appropriate historic context...

where politics is concerned it has always been the lesser of all evil.. the system has been broken a long time.

Poltical Button: If god had wanted us to vote he'd have given us candidates.

[Name removed]

75. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[ikojo]

63. Sharpton

"The guy is a crook - his one way of making money and
getting his name in the paper is calling people racists
and he's shown a marked disinterest in whether the charges
he levels have any validity."

The same could and has been said about Jesse Jackson. Both are hustlers, although Jesse is more adept at getting corporate American to pony up money almost anytime he screams racism. Somehow Jackson seems to be able to get them to donate to Rainbow Push whenever he cries racism.

Of the two I prefer Al Sharpton. At least Al Sharpton will utter the "C" word (class) on national media. Jesse Jackson (and most Democrats) is loath to utter that word.

I think when some people say certain politicos play the "race card" they are saying that politician cheapens the very real problem of racism in America. Yes there is a lot of racism in America but the solution is not to divide by saying only one side has fault. There are ways to bring people together and if I knew them then I would be wealthy beyond belief.

I feel the same about Jews who see antisemitism behind everything. Criticize Israel and you are branded an antisemite. Say anything about Jewish wealth (as was said during Cynthia McKinney's recent congressional race) and you are accused of trading in antisemitic stereotypes.

What these things do is anesthetize (is that spelled correctly?) people against the really hardcore antisemitism and racism. When it gets really hot people will be less likely to react because of all the incidents the terms have been attached to in the past. What I am trying to get at is similar to the kid who cried wolf. When it was real noone believed him.

[sangha]

76. Not true

Sharpton makes 90% of his income by giving speeches. He draws a very small salary from NAN, his organization. Compare that to the salaries of people who head other non-profits and you'll see that SHarpton is underpaid.

[Wonder]

37. reviving a civil rights movement

If Sharpton broadens his fight to include the lower class (without the race or religion card), and makes it a "human" rights movement. If he pumped up the volume on the need for POLITICAL REFORMATION...and made that the heart of his campaign (of course with appropriate proposals for the needed reformation) he in my mind is the closest to what I call a "breakaway" candidate. He teams up with Braun... perhaps...

I am sick of status quo corporate elitism on capital hill... i believe it is what has succeeded to render me indifferent to campaign 2004.

[theboss]

22. It could be worse

He could have called the white media "interlopers."

The thing about Sharpton is he is often right. But he is terribly terribly reckless even when he is right. And his recklessness has in the past destroyed careers and quite possibly lives.

(There is also the small fact that he may have wanted to be a drug smuggler in the 80s).

[sangha]

47. More lies

There is also the small fact that he may have wanted to be a drug smuggler in the 80s

That's not a "small fact"; It's a "non-existing" one.

[theboss]

52. Check the tape

http://www.nydailynews.com/front/story/5581p-5131c.html

I saw the story when it aired. It's difficult to watch the tape and not be convinced that Al was interested in selling some blow.

[Wonder]

54. one article does not a conviction make

Sharpton is not the poster boy for America's drug problems.

[theboss]

56. Which is why I said "may"

I'm not saying Sharpton's Scarface. Just that he's a street hustler who talks to drug dealers about possible deals, slanders District Attorneys on the flimsiest of grounds, and calls Jewish businessmen interlopers. Not attractive qualities.

[Wonder]

58. no not attractive qualities

BUT before I can believe this as fact I would have to read through a hell of a lot more than one article particularly when one considers how drug dirty the bushmob really is, along with their ability to lie outright even in the face of being caught. Especially considering the thugs that have been and are on their payroll...

AND PLEASE LET US NOT FORGET the bushmobs propensity for disinformation and propaganda. Really, smearing a black candidate is not beneath the bush cabal or the texas good ole boys.

In other words, while perhaps this might be true about Sharpton, I believe no one without doing my own homework. It is highly conceivable there is in place a subtle anti-sharpton propaganda campaign coming out of the WH. Black Leaders have always been kind of a pain in the ass to the status quo. Why? Black Leaders tend to scrutinize the system in a way that can reveal the more incidious criminals in this country. An articulate, educated black male, has always been IMHO seen as a threat to the good ole boys status quo. They will try and take Sharpton out anyway they can. And the truth is they don't even have to break a sweat or spend much money to do it.

[sangha]

78. How cowardly

Which is why I said "may"

So exactly how weaselly can you get?

theboss *MAY* be a republican

Just that he's a street hustler who talks to drug dealers about possible deals,

He was working with the Feds as an informant. He was helping to bust drug dealers.

slanders District Attorneys on the flimsiest of grounds,

Unlike you. You would never slander anyone. You only criticize after you have the facts, right? (See above comments about "may")

and calls Jewish businessmen interlopers. Not attractive qualities.

Not true. He called an individual businessman who happens to be Jewish an "interloper" because he was. At the time Sharpton said that, he was also renting space for NAN from a Jewish businessman who happens to be a longtime friend. Even Dov Hikind, a radically conservative Jew who has clashed with Sharpton many times denies that Sharpton is an anti-Semite.

[Wonder]

53. drug smuggling? Sharpton is hardly the culprit there.

why not try answering these questions.

1- what entities were responsible for shipping Heroin into Harlem?
2- who helped ship cocaine into this country during Iran-contra?

Please whatever one might say about Sharpton... He did not create or participate in the drug traficking which has succeeded in innudating America's inner cities with drugs. WHO ARE THE ENTITIES INVOLVED, and I mean those active and those complicit?

[bushisanidiot]

25. Sounds Like He's Attacking White Dominated Media, NOT Dean

He's just ticked at the coverage other's are getting.

I LOVE Al, but I'm a firm Dean supporter. I really think Al's great for the party and would love to see him included in a democratic president's administration to set him up for becoming president.

Go Al!

[tjdee]

27. Well, he says Dean's support is one dimensional.

I'd say that's a slam.

"He noted that many commentators have compared Dean to former presidents Carter and Clinton, both governors of relatively small states, without mentioning that both Georgia and Arkansas have sizable minority populations, while Vermont is nearly all white.

"No one has even asked about the fact that this surge of support has been really one-dimensional," said Sharpton."

[Wonder]

32. What is the problem with this?

Amidst all the bullshit we have all walked through one dot unconnected to the next, all the lies and political condescension to the people, are contenders now expected to be polite and not criticize the politics of a candidate he/she is competing against? IMHO, Dean reeks of the status quo. The democratic party in my eyes is as in trouble as the republican party. The A number one stump issue in this democratic campaign (as well as the presidential campaign once a contender is chosen) should have been first and foremost POLTICAL REFORMATION....

I do agree that slamming the other contender is not the best way to go. Slamming the system is a whole other story. At present the status quo needs to be put under scrutiny BOTH PARTIES PARTICIPATE IN THE SHAM. The question is who and to what degree. If Sharpton was to be the man for the job: Exposing the rot and helping to rake out the pig sty. I would suggest he broaden his pallete a bit to include WE THE PEOPLE, apply how he sees the system works against Afr. Americans to class and ALL THE PEOPLE, and pinpoint what in the present status quo on Capitol Hill perpetuates racism and elitism.

[Mairead]

45. "how he sees the system works against ... ALL THE PEOPLE"

It seems to me that that's what he is doing. I certainly haven't heard much from him that I can't immediately and personally relate to.

[Wonder]

49. and to do this will take almost complete POLTICAL REFORMATION

I find it so telling NONE of the candidates seem to have grasped this.

Look at what has happened in this country. If anyone believes the democratic party corners the market on innocence here they are sorely mistaken. It finally hit me why none of the rhetoric of any of the democratic candidates have succeeded in even getting my interest, let alone moving me. POLITICAL REFORMATION should be at the HEART of campaign 2004.

THE SYSTEM IS BROKEN IT NEEDS TO BE FIXED. It is polluted by corporate buyouts and mergers that have little to do with the many problems Americans and America faces today. Whether Sharpton is the man for the job remains to be seen. I am not in wholehearted support of any of the candidates, I have yet to hear what I need to hear. The days of working within the system have passed.

Sharpton just represents in my mind (from a symbolic perspective) a voice willing to SLAM THE SYSTEM ITSELF.

Sorry --- playing footSie with the diseased just further breeds the infection. And that is what it looks to me like all of the democratic candidates are doing. Which I can not fault them for...they are merely working within the system... those days are over... time to stand outside the political arena a bit... in an effort to reform it... IT IS THE SYSTEM THAT IS THE PROBLEM HOUSTON!!

Why no rhetoric for POLITICAL REFORMATION...? Very telling...

[jiacinto]

59. Tawana Brawley

I'll leave at that.

[Wonder]

62. Iran contra! I'll leave at that.

Interesting how with certain candidates they can not seem to live certain things down. While others always seem to get a free pass, are never really questioned, and rarely asked to explain.

[birdman]

64. So Sharpton should get a pass

on making a false allegation of a racially motivated rape
because he's not the only political figure to do something wrong ?


Sheesh.

[Wonder]

67. you can't take my comments out of context

you have to have read all my other posts in this thread to understand where I am coming from. I already stated I am not sold on Sharpton. I am not sold on any of the democratic candidates.

but since drugs were a big part of iran contra it seems to me that one would focus in on the real criminals regarding drug traficking in america. It is not hard to find them either. They are within bush&co with some whose bio's go back to bay of pigs. Sharpton is hardly the problem.

[nolabels]

82. *'s question to the" Nation of Africa---"

"Does South America have blacks too?"

I rest my case

[sangha]

79. That is very cowardly Carlos.

That's all you ever say. For someone who has proven capable of arguing their point, you have been awfully cowardly when it comes to this.

[nolabels]

69. Who's afraid of the big WHITE media, Cow tow to them, oh so good..

Can the man help it if he just tells the truth? Al Gore just stated pretty much the same thing about the whole matter this mourning in his speech. He just didn't get that little word "WHITE" mixed up in it. This Corporate Media that so many seem so afraid of, why is not someone pillorying Al Gore for such statements.

After all, Mr. Gore also besmirched this holier than thou oracle of truth called the corporate media. Other than needing to elaborate on the word "WHITE" to ad them extra little words to make "WHITE PLANTATIION OWNERS". Mr. Sharpton was merely saying the same things as Mr. Gore. If you question the ideal "WHITE PLANTATIION OWNERS", you should be honest and question who are you really working for, I mean really.

This past and current government was selected by the "WHITE PLANTATIION OWNERS" in one way or another. The only thing I would question is what the difference between a share cropper and a slave and who really works for the "WHITE PLANTATIION OWNERS"

I look in the mirror and see beige - pink colored person my self, does that mean I am any less or more of a person?

I just can't understand how some could be indoctrinated on one word, that is even a lie in it's self

[Sweetpea]

70. Even at the AFL-CIO debates, Sharpton cleary got a lot of response

From the audience, yet I saw people putting Graham, Edwards and Kucinich way above him. That is in this forum so I would expect the media would be even more biased.

[kybob]

83. BIG AL ROCKS!!!

HE TELLS IT LIKE IT IS, AND HAS THEM OLD WHITE MEN IN THE PARTY SWEATING BULLETS, HE WILL BE A MAJOR PLAYER IN 2004.

oops sorry for the caps, i wasn't shouting.

[SyracuseDemocrat]

88. Alan Keyes said that same thing in 2000

But i laughed at him, because Alan Keyes doesn't support affirmative action and is a Republican. Alan just sounded stupid accusing the media of racism, but at least Sharpton has a basis for it.