Civil Rights Job on His Mind (Sharpton Asks W For OK To Visit Troops)

[Khephra]

Civil Rights Job on His Mind
By MICHAEL JANOFSKY

Published: November 23, 2003


IF there is any doubt that the Rev. Al Sharpton, a Democratic presidential candidate, is trying to become the next Jesse Jackson, consider that he has asked for President Bush's permission, and his blessing, to travel with a group of clergy members to Iraq this Christmas to tend to the spiritual needs of the troops stationed there.

The request underscores Mr. Sharpton's desire to emulate Mr. Jackson, another former presidential candidate, who has made frequent trips to global hot spots, both to tend to the spiritual needs of people and to raise his profile. Mr. Sharpton has spoken admiringly of Mr. Jackson in the past, but has left little doubt that he hopes to replace him as the nation's top civil rights leader.

"The purpose of this trip," Mr. Sharpton wrote in a letter to Mr. Bush this month, "is not political, as I would be traveling in my capacity solely as minister and an American, and not as a candidate for office."

Nonetheless, Mr. Sharpton is no stranger to slipping between roles. He frequently laces his sermons with appeals for votes, and then accepts personal donations from the congregation for his work as a minister.

more................

http://www.nytimes.com/2003/11/23/politics/campaigns/23POIN.html?ex=1070168400&

[SlavesandBulldozers]

1. go get em Al

"The purpose of this trip," Mr. Sharpton wrote in a letter to Mr. Bush this month, "is not political, as I would be traveling in my capacity solely as minister and an American, and not as a candidate for office."


Yeah, and as a minister you could tell the troops Bush lied, and as an American you can do your best to convince them that you are fighting for their safe return.

[Voltaire99]

2. Go, Al!

The best thing to happen to the Democratic Party in many a moon is Sharpton's incisive, caustic wit, deployed in service of traditional liberalism.

Since the leading contenders aren't offering a single valid alternative to the Iraq debacle, Al's presence in Iraq should be widely welcomed. Someone has to lead on this issue.

[PartyPooper]

3. Why is Rev. Al Sharpton asking for Junior's permission to visit Iraq?

Can't he just visit with or without Junior's permission? Inquiring DU'ers want to know!

:shrug:

[Sweetpea]

4. What is W going to say?

Sorry Al, Iraq is so out of control right now, a tour of it is not safe for patriotic Americans.

[Marnieworld]

5. There's that liberal media again

Isn't the world big enough for more than one civil rights leader? Why does Al have to be replacing anyone? How does this writer know what is in Al's mind and heart anyway? There is never such a cynical dissection of someone on the right's motives for otherwise charitable work.