WashPost Offers Al Sharpton a Peacemaker Op-Ed: 'Passion Without Poison'
By Tim Graham | January 13, 2011 | 09:35
On the very same day that The Washington Post is shaming Sarah Palin on the front page for using the phrase "blood libel," the Post editorial page welcomed the shameless Rev. Al Sharpton to paint himself as a peacemaker in the post-Tucson political games. The headline was "Passion without poison." Nowhere in the article did the supposedly reformed Sharpton find the words to apologize for smearing innocent people with the Tawana Brawley rape hoax, something he's never apologized for. But the Post finds him worthy to deliver their sermon.
This may have been organized by Post editorial writer Jonathan Capehart, one of the first on Wednesday to attack Sarah Palin on TV for using the words "blood libel" to describe the evidence-free charge that Palin and other conservatives were guilty for Jared Loughner's murderous rampage. On the Post website, Capehart honored Sharpton for his maturation:
I have known and covered Rev. Al Sharpton for about 17 years. And during that time I have watched him evolve from the rabble-rousing "portly preacher" with a penchant for chasing controversy in jogging suits to the slimmed down statesman comfortable and welcome in the halls of power. This maturation didn't happen overnight. He learned from his mistakes and listened to those who saw him on the verge of wasting his potential.
Sharpton has a lesson for Palin, Capehart insisted: "Hopefully, Palin and others across the political spectrum will take heed." Capehart wrote this even as he acknowledged: "Again, there is no direct link between the gunsights map on which Sarah Palin targeted 20 members of Congress, including Rep. Gabrielle Giffords (D-Ariz.), during the midterm elections and the alleged murderous actions of Jared Lee Loughner." But she still deserves Sharpton's lecture, apparently.
The morning that I was to lead a peaceful march, I gave a speech during a weekly radio broadcast in which I said that we need to deal with a "white interloper" who was trying to alter the landscape of Harlem. My clear intent was to lead a peaceful protest. I did so that day, but I was wrong to refer to this man's race, and I was not careful in making distinctly clear that we were solely calling for nonviolent opposition.
Two and half months later, a disturbed and troubled man went to a neighboring store and set a fire. He killed several of the store's employees and then himself. My words were immediately raised in the media. My initial response was to defend the fact that I had never condoned such violence, and never would. But the fact is, if I in any way contributed to the climate - which was clearly more volatile than I had thought - I had to be more careful and deliberate in my public language rather than sharpen my defenses.
Does anyone believe that Al Sharpton "learned his lesson" back in 1995 and has been a racial peacemaker for 15 years? It's jaw-dropping that a "respectable" newspaper would honor Sharpton as someone who can teach Sarah Palin a lesson.
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Comments
Bwahahahahahaha
Submitted by donabernathy on Thu, 01/13/2011 - 9:50am.
Next week Rev. "God Damn America" Wright will lecture.
roflmao
Jonah Goldberg had this to
Submitted by motherbelt on Thu, 01/13/2011 - 10:01am.
Jonah Goldberg had this to say, at NRO's The Corner, about the use of "blood libel."
I should have said this a few days ago, when my friend Glenn Reynolds introduced the term to this debate. But I think that the use of this particular term in this context isn’t ideal. Historically, the term is almost invariably used to describe anti-Semitic myths about how Jews use blood — usually from children — in their rituals. I agree entirely with Glenn’s, and now Palin’s, larger point. But I’m not sure either of them intended to redefine the phrase, or that they should have.
You see? THAT's how you correct someone who's unintentionally made a mistake. You assume that they harbored no ill intent, and were guilty of nothing more than (out of ignorance) extrapolating a meaning that wasn't warranted.
And regarding the "maturation" of Al Sharpton:
<Chris Matthews imitation> HA!
He's still a hateful race-baiter whom the media have "decided" has matured.
Here he is, just a few months ago, insisting, that he, personally, saw the tape of some calling John Lewis "nigger" when no such tape exists.
What does the term
Submitted by dmaley1714 on Thu, 01/13/2011 - 10:22am.
No justice , no peace exactly mean Reverand AL
Capehart: "I've known and covered Sharpton for 17 years." (1994)
Submitted by SickofLibs on Thu, 01/13/2011 - 10:23am.
Brawley hoax: 1987.
Nice copout, weasel.
Those of us who watched . . .
Submitted by Galvanic on Thu, 01/13/2011 - 11:16am.
. . . Sharpton turn the Tawana Brawley episode into a daily media circus know this schmuck's tactics well.
The fact that networks including Fox News treat this guy with any respect -- most borders on reverance -- angers me.
If this rediculous exercise
Submitted by Barack_must_go..... on Thu, 01/13/2011 - 10:30am.
If this rediculous exercise and accompanying testimonials does not prove having a black, community organizer, con man in our White House is a science experiment gone terribly wrong, and an affront to everything America stands for, than nothing will.
If speaking the truth is racist.....guilty as charged
Barack_Must_Go.....
What does being black have to
Submitted by Jer on Thu, 01/13/2011 - 10:57am.
What does being black have to do with the "science experiment going wrong"? This isn't the first time you've made breathtakingly obscene statements. Nor the second. Or the third. The fact that you are allowed to remain at this website--despite several conservative members properly calling for your ouster--is the real affront to everything that NewsBusters should stand for.
Jer
Ditto
Submitted by SickofLibs on Thu, 01/13/2011 - 11:08am.
Ditto
A good question to ask...
Submitted by jimbo297 on Thu, 01/13/2011 - 11:12am.
...those who voted for him. Excactly what does being black have to do with being a good choice for the presidency? His color seems to have trumped all other considerations like experience, qualifications, etc.
I think the "science experiment" BMG is referring to (and I don't want to put words in anyone's mouth) is affirmative action. I haven't seen any other examples of his "breathtakinlgy obscene" comments, but I'm not on NB as often as I would like to be.
jimbo...Allow me to suggest
Submitted by Jer on Thu, 01/13/2011 - 11:56am.
the "Track" function. It shouldn't be too time consuming.
And, ftr, affirmative action may be described as a social experiment. Science experiment? Negative.
Her
~
Submitted by Wrathful Brunette on Thu, 01/13/2011 - 12:12pm.
~NB
Submitted by Wrathful Brunette on Thu, 01/13/2011 - 12:14pm.
made me a mother of triplets, again.
LOL
~Her?
Submitted by Wrathful Brunette on Thu, 01/13/2011 - 12:12pm.
That's awesome.
W B...
Submitted by Jer on Thu, 01/13/2011 - 12:19pm.
That was my wrathful feminine side which posted that rebuke.
Jer
I don't get it...
Submitted by jimbo297 on Thu, 01/13/2011 - 12:23pm.
...was I just zinged or something?
No. Signature typo in
Submitted by Jer on Thu, 01/13/2011 - 12:26pm.
No. Signature typo in comment #10.
Jer
OOOOOhhhhh...
Submitted by jimbo297 on Thu, 01/13/2011 - 12:29pm.
...That's a relief. Nothing worse than getting zinged and not even realizing it.
I dunno, Jer...
Submitted by jimbo297 on Thu, 01/13/2011 - 12:19pm.
...gave this track thingy a once-over. Nothing too "breathtakinlgy obscene" that I'm seeing. But maybe I'm just another right-wing racist...who knows?
Social vs. science? For the purposes of this discussion, a difference without distinction, imo.
Anyway, I have to leave now---Rev Al is coming to Burlington on Monday, and I need to go scoop up as many free tickets as I can get my hands on. And then flush them down the toilet.
I hate racists, and Al Sharpton is most certainly a RAAAAAACCIST!
Okay, Jimbo...
Submitted by Jer on Thu, 01/13/2011 - 12:26pm.
I'll do your homework for you, but you have to promise me you'll come back later and review it. Unless there have been some deletions, they're there.
Jer
Nah, Jer...
Submitted by jimbo297 on Thu, 01/13/2011 - 12:28pm.
...I wouldn't want to put you out. Besides, you're probably pretty busy these days, what with all the inflammatory rhetoric out there that needs policing. I'll get around to tracking BMG sometime. Heck, maybe I'll track you too.
Be my guest.
Submitted by Jer on Thu, 01/13/2011 - 1:13pm.
Be my guest.
Jer
jimbo...you might want to check out
Submitted by Jer on Sat, 01/22/2011 - 10:17pm.
The Vet's forum. He's done the homework for both of us. You might want to have your eyesight checked out, too.
Jer
Jer
Submitted by Radical1979 on Sat, 01/22/2011 - 10:19pm.
You might want to stop being a pig before you speak to someone else.
Rad...
Submitted by Jer on Sat, 01/22/2011 - 10:21pm.
What are you talking about?
Jer
Check your pm's
Submitted by Radical1979 on Sat, 01/22/2011 - 10:23pm.
Check your pm's
Rad...
Submitted by Jer on Sat, 01/22/2011 - 11:02pm.
I did and PMed a reply.
Jer
EVERYTHING in this country
Submitted by Barack_must_go..... on Thu, 01/13/2011 - 12:30pm.
EVERYTHING in this country revolves ( actually devolves ) into race & class warfare since the Ass Clown has been in our White House.
Obama's manifesto which he refers to as funda - MENTAL transformation is nothing more than a black, community organizer, con mans word play on REPARATIONS.
Everything he's done against this country starting with closing Gitmo, Apologizing for America's transgretions to muslim country ( unauthorized by the American people) concert tour, ObamaCare, Cambridge police ( white )are stupid for arresting a belligerent ( black ) law breaker ( that just happen to be one of his best friends, also his vacation neighbor ( who arranged rental of Barack's Martha's Vinyard digs ), cover up of New Black Panther thugs, suing Arizona over them protecting citizens from illegal aliens killing Americans, meddling in school lunch on behalf of minorities, provoking Hispanics to rise up with him to destroy their common ( white ) Republican enemy, telling Republicans ( white ) to get in the back seat, plus the many examples highlighted by Michelle Malkin among others just this week.
Then we have his own words and actions and associations with black radical ( so called ) clergy, sought out only minorities and like minded thinkers, self avowed communist and white man hater, Van Jones, brought into his administration, actually sought him out, knowing his views, then there is his intimate association with the criminal enterprize A.C.O.R.N. ( which still to this day he denies ) and how he planned on integrating this group into every aspect of his corrupt administration.
Maybe some of you need more proof than this of Obama's true intentions for the future of this country, but I've seen, read and heard way more than I need to make a decision.
STILL NOTHING ON JOBS FOR THE WHITE MIDDLE CLASS EITHER, IT'S ONLY BEEN TWO YEARS........I WONDER WHY?
Just as You're entitle to your own opinion, the same as I.....
Barack_Must_Go.....
Kiss the racists when you meet them.
Submitted by troglodyt on Sat, 01/22/2011 - 10:43pm.
While borowing Tucholsky's phrase you get a big smooch from me.
xxxxx
I agree.
Submitted by almostacowboy on Thu, 01/13/2011 - 12:56pm.
with obama_must_go.
I'm confused
Submitted by RefudiateObama2012 on Thu, 01/13/2011 - 10:33am.
None of the commentariat, including those at FoxNews seemed to understand what Palin said. Everyone of them have claimed that Palin was defending herself, without ever placing her words in their full context. She defended the Tea Party. She defended talk radio. She defended others who use political rhetoric, and yes she did defend her use of a target graphic.
Palin wrote 1200 words and spoke for eight minutes and the only takeaway by the media was "she defended herself", "she inserted herself into the tragedy, and "blood libel". What a bunch of goofballs.
I must be dense
Submitted by Agnostic on Thu, 01/13/2011 - 10:42am.
I thought the term 'blood libel' was being used because it was a recognized phrase. Blood because the stories being about an assassination and libel attached to the actions of the media as they continue to distribute information that would be questionable if it wasn't against a public figure. I had heard the phrase before but like macacca it is regional/period oriented phrase that isn't applicable to all times and places. The media needs an attack piece and nothing will prevent them from having it - not even common sense.
They had to go find the source of the term 'blood libel' in order to continue their attack but I'm sure even the hack journalist that exist today know the definition of libel.
BTW - I am not a supporter of Sarah Palin for President - Yet. Way too early.
Al's MLK Day plans?
Submitted by jimbo297 on Thu, 01/13/2011 - 10:48am.
Preaching at the Universalist Unitarian church in Burlington, VT. I'm so thrilled he's gonna bring his race-baiting, shakedown artist show to my corner of the world!!!
I said it a few days ago--when Al opens his mouth, this hypocritical BS will have come full circle.
Thanks, Sharpton
Submitted by Cool Arrow on Thu, 01/13/2011 - 10:49am.
Hey Al,
And let's not forget your racist attack on a white man in the Tawanna Brawley incident.
You still owe the court ordered restitution there, Rev.
I saw Golberg
Submitted by dirtydan64 on Thu, 01/13/2011 - 12:01pm.
on Megan kelly yesterday and he tore his opponent a new one and defended everyone who was attacked Palin included and it was quite interesting to listen to Goldberg give those who attacked everyone a good old fashioned Ass Whopping I lived every minute of it !!!
"Statesman" Sharpton
Submitted by markprice1983 on Thu, 01/13/2011 - 12:19pm.
Wasn't Sharpton much in evidence during the Duke lacrosse rape hoax and the "Jena 6" case? Both of those occurred within the last 17 years, I believe.
I've got a better title.....
Submitted by almostacowboy on Thu, 01/13/2011 - 12:52pm.
.....for an article on Rev Al - "Verbosity Without Veracity".
May I add that Sharpton's
Submitted by David Gerstman on Fri, 01/14/2011 - 10:39am.
May I add that Sharpton's demurral is plainly false.
According to the NYT, the buildings manager sought to get Sharpton to stop the demonstrations as he feared the threats. Sharpton refused to help.
The day before the massacre Freddy himself went to court to get the demonstrators moved away from the store due to the threats.
If Sharpton didn't realize that the situation was volatile, it was because he wasn willfully deaf and blind to what was going on. At best he was negligent.
While Sharpton here mentions that he brought up the issue on his radio show 2 and a half months before the massacre as if that was the last he had to with the protests, this is misleading. Jeff Jacoby presented a chronology of events leading up to the massacre. Sharpton joined the protesters a week before the massacre.
!5 minutes of research would have exposed Sharpton dishonesty. No one at the Post was willing to do the work.