Sharpton has a long history of controversy, starting with Tawana Brawley case, which is largely accepted to be a hoax (here and here). Sharpton was accused of slander in the aftermath of the case and was successfully sued, but Sharpton refused to pay up. Sharpton's portion was eventually paid by others. Sharpton has also been accused of some pretty shady business and political practices as well.
Maybe it's just me, but I think that the President of the United States should be held to a pretty high standard in who he speaks with and what groups he speaks to. With some liberals trying to play the association game with politicians like Governor Scott Walker and with people like the Koch brothers, I hope they hold the politicians of their party to the same standard.
Additional commentary: Jonathan Turley's legal blog.
45 years ago some folk were denouncing that crooked Communist Dr. Martin Luther Coon [sic] for stirring up racial strife and anti-Americanism.
ReplyDeleteThe Brawley case happened about the time you were born -- both Sharpton and you have grown and matured since then.
I suppose you will criticize Michael Bloomberg and Newt Gingrich for working with Sharpton as well on education issues. I'm waiting for your blog post.
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ReplyDeleteWilson and I have already had this discussion, so I won't bother repeating myself.
ReplyDeleteAs to Jon, if you want to hold President Obama to the same standard as a washed up former House speaker, go for it.
That said, I don't disagree with Sharpton on absolutely everything. He's one of the most outspoken critics of the black church when it comes to the homophobia that is expressed by some within that community (so is Rev. Wright). Regardless, this is more focusing on the politics of this situation than anything else. It's an odd political move and it looks like Obama is needing to energize his base, even though Organizing for America has never really ceased it's campaigning.
I agree with 'Student' completely and suggest that those on either side of the aisle who work with Sharpton do so only after a cold political calculation.
ReplyDeleteAs to Wilson's point about Sharpton having 'grown and matured' - Sharpton still owes a big civil settlment to that cop ....yet Sharpton, who wears $3000 suits, hides all his assets.