Sharpton To Crawford?

[DistressedAmerican]

WTF???

According to MSNBC.

The politicians should stay out of it. At least he was against the war from the start.

[skooooo]

1. oh lord, here we go...

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

2. Sharpton is a publicity hound. I hope he doesn't horn in on this.

[wryter2000]

9. Before the campaign, I would have agreed with you

I think if he does it as a reverend and acts with as much dignity as he showed at the convention, he can make a positive contribution.

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

17. I did like his speech at the convention.

But over the years he's shown a tendency to move in on events and make them about him and his issues. If he just shows up and participates like everybody else, fine; more power to him. I worry, though, that he'll bring an entourage and hold press conferences.

[wryter2000]

18. Fair enough

I'm going to be really pissed if he gets silly. :)

[Eloriel]

20. Over the years,

those are the right wing talking points that have evolved about him. I don't believe that's true. They also like to say about the same thing for Jesse Jackson, Sr. Do you say that about him too?

Please drop the rightwing talking points.

[LSparkle]

21. I agree -- Sharpton went to Vieques (Puerto Rico) and got arrested

He's been doing these kind of things for years -- he's not a "recent convert" or specifically looking for publicity IMHO.

[davidinalameda]

3. that was my reaction too

Al, stay home

Please!!!!!!!!

[OmmmSweetOmmm]

4. I heard he was going there for the prayer service on Sunday. nt

[growlypants]

5. Sharpton gives everything he touches a bad image. I wish he

would steer clear of this. Its only gonna make the vigil look like a joke.

[Eloriel]

24. I really hate this Sharpton bashing --

it's so damn kneejerk; it's so damn rightwing; it's so damn inaccurate (aka: lies); and I think there's more than a touch of racism involved in it too. No, not the real blatant, overt kind, but rather the subtle residual racism that most of us whites still harbor simply because we were brought up in a racist culture -- the kind that's all but invisible.

And I'm not calling you and the others racists -- but I WOULD strongly encourage you to examine your beliefs and opinions very carefully, and look real damn hard for some substance and FACTUAL basis for the ones you hold and especially espouse.

[Generic Other]

27. I agree with Eloriel

Sharpton has delivered our message when many others have not. He has earned some respect for that. As have many of our African American leaders.

[DistressedAmerican]

29. I Do Not Want ANY Politician There. Nothing To Do With Him Per Se.

No Politicians. Period.

Speak in support from DC.

This is about the people not the pub seeking politicos.

Racism has nothing to do with it.

[Eloriel]

31. Then think of him as a Civil Rights Leader, which he is. n/t

[DistressedAmerican]

32. Once You Run A Campaign For POTUS, You Are A Politician.

I think that fits most definitions.

[Eloriel]

35. Okay -- where was your outrage about Maxine Waters showing up?

Or Colleen Rowley (candidate for U.S. Senate)? How about some of the other politicians who have already been there? And just what would your reaction be if you heard Dennis Kucinich or Russ Feingold or Barbara Boxer or __fill in the blank__ were coming?

I hope you'll take this opportunity to examine your attitudes -- and all the various assumptions and beliefs underlying them -- very closely. I know that you've been very involved in this, and I respect that. But I sure don't respect the way you're behaving right now. Frankly, I'm shocked and dismayed. BUT, I also recognize it as a powerful opportunity to learn and grow and heal.

[Kerebos]

41. You are right on the money!!!

Where was the attitude when he blew the roof off the DNC? Was that a publicity stunt?

[DistressedAmerican]

48. I Spoke Out On Both. NO POLITICIANS.

I have been consistent on that.

This is a grassroots action not a partisan exercise.

I have said it on every thread I could find that advocated politicos joining up.

[Eloriel]

71. I'd love to see your rants on Maxine Waters

Link(s), please?

[funflower]

56. I wasn't crazy about Maxine going down there, either. I think Cindy is

stronger without an army of politicians riding her coattails.

[Guaranteed]

33. I think politicians with the record to back it up should absolutely

go.

I could see Kucinich heading down there. I think Sharpton is well-qualified.

[howmad1]

60. Why no politicians?

I could agree until pres. prick turned this into a political discourse. The moment the prick mentioned Cindys' name, it became political. I would now encourage all democratic politicians to come to the aid of Cindy. (Hmmm, safe bet that won't happen). And if they do, what's the worst that can happen? Rethuglicans will get oh so upset. Well, duh. Wouldn't that be so cool? C'mon already, stop worrying what the rethuglicans will do. If our dems don't develop some backbone and learn to fight back, Cindy's cause is a waste.

[funflower]

63. They make Cindy's heartfelt quest seem like a stunt.

The sad truth is people don't trust politicians. The sadder truth is they often have good reason for not trusting them.

[howmad1]

67. I agree to a certain extent.

But your logic regarding people not trusting pliticians escapes me. What has that got to do with dems taking a stand and supporting Cindy? And, if people do not trust politicians, how come the rethuglicans have the power?

[growlypants]

36. I actually LIKE Sharpton and loved watching him in the debates

last year cuz he was the only one who told it like it was. But NOBODY in the MSM takes him seriously after the Tawanna Brawley incident. Having him in Crawford will be EXACTLY what these repugs want.

[Generic Other]

42. No one in the MSM takes any of us seriously

We're all in the same boat.

[Just Me]

59. Bah. The repugs couldn't overcome the man's impactful words.

The simple truth is that, no one viewed this incredible orator and activist as a serious contender for presidency. THAT is okay. Sharpton is the epitome of impactful, outside influence on the "system" and he is exceptional as that force.

He is a priceless contribution to the same force WE comprise. He gives "the people" a voice above and beyond the GAME of politics which has completely separated itself from the rest of us.

He is incredible. I love him in spite of his great ego. If he didn't have that "ego", he wouldn't be the touching and tickling and inspiring speaker that he is.

[goclark]

75. Go Sharpton! He can speak and they listen

they may not like what he says but he is clear on his message.


I'm glad he is in Crawford.

My Black brothers and sisters will be glad to hear that he is there.
Maybe then, some will get the message and not send their babies to war.

Wish everybody would do likewise.

[fooj]

6. He looked like a man who was deeply moved at the DSM hearing.

It was authentic. He was sickened. IMO, how he looked and obviously felt that day could not be faked. It doesn't surprise me that he is throwing his support behind Cindy. I believe this is much more to him than a political opportunity. Doesn't anyone here believe he has the right to know what the "NOBLE CAUSE" is, as well? IMO, we all have that right and should demand an answer.

Peace.

[Snotcicles]

7. Flame away but I think Sharpton gained a little credibility during the 04

primaries

[wryter2000]

12. Hi, Snoticles

:hi:

I agree totally. His speech at the convention was one of the best.

If this is like Vietnam, African Americans are suffering beyond their numbers in the population. If Al acts the way he did at the convention, I think he'll be great.

[Snotcicles]

25. And we're gonna ride this mule as far as it will take us.

:kick:

[skooooo]

23. I agree with you ..

...I like Al. I just hope he does something useful and doesn't detract from the momentum...

[z-man]

8. I just saw that on Yahoo news

I wish he wouldn't go. He'll turn this into a circus and this needs to be about Cindy. It's her time.

[dogday]

10. I along with others have my concerns, however

Al Sharpton is not a politician and he can speaketh the truth very well. He will have a good inspirational message for everyone. I like his style.

[funflower]

14. Just because Sharpton's never been elected to anything doesn't mean he's

not a politician. If he wants to be a Reverend, I suggest he speak from a pulpit.

[dogday]

55. He is speaking somewhat from the pulpit

since he is giving the sermon on Sunday from what I understand...

[funflower]

11. Camp Casey is a PEOPLE's campaign. POLITICIANS, BUZZ OFF!!!

Better yet, introduce a bill and end this mess.

:spank:

[wryter2000]

16. Al can't introduce a bill

Did I miss where he was elected to Congress?

[funflower]

37. Surely he can do something besides put his face in front of a camera

as usual....

[wryter2000]

45. What, exactly, would satisfy you?

:shrug:

[funflower]

49. Apologies. I didn't intend to offend.

I have a strong aversion to people I perceive to be publicity-happy. I'm not singling out Sharpton for my annoyance. I'd just as soon he stayed home, along with all of the other politicos.

I know many people admire him, and I'm sure that's justified.

[Eloriel]

34. It's my understanding there've been plenty of politicians there

more at the state than federal level, and also candidates like Colleen Rowley. How do you feel about the fact that she showed up?

[funflower]

39. I can live with the state people, I guess. I just can't stomach the

thought of Joe Biden down their giving her international affairs advice in front of a camera....:puke:

or any of the rest of them who have voted over and over in favor of this mess.

[dogday]

58. People like Biden and others that want to drag this

war on till one day when we have killed enough people and had enough of our people killed and the money is all gone then they will pull out.


Here is the rub, when they finally decide to pull out, things will be no different or even worse than they are now in Iraq.

[funflower]

62. Yeah. But we'll have some permanent mega-bases there.

:grr:

[DistressedAmerican]

13. self delete.

uncalled for...

[fooj]

15. So much for solidarity...

Peace.

[jonnyblitz]

19. nice.

:eyes:

[Eloriel]

30. Thank you

I was shocked, and about to respond when I saw your deletion. Thanks.

In any case, I really do believe you're way wrong about Sharpton. He's going -- it's definite, I think, so why not give him just a whisper of a chance to be as decent and even inspiring as he was during the campaign? Please.

[Rainscents]

43. I love AL!!! He was great at Democrats Convention!!!

He kick ass!!!

[jmm]

22. Cindy isn't complaining so nobody here should

Her opinion is the only one I care about in this matter.

[wryter2000]

26. Good point

I bet those two will make for some nice pictures. I hope he loses the suit, though, or he'll sweat to death.

[Generic Other]

44. Me too

[DemonFighterLives]

28. Sharpton dug into dub* the most during the whole campaign

When I heard he was going, I thought- Yes! He can cut dubby up and spit him out and was one of the better candidates before all the voices got shut down. Al will only hurt us amongst the rabid right wing and who cares what they think anyway.
I think Al is smart enough to focus where the focus is due. Ending the war and bringing the troops home. I know Cindy started things, but now she must take help whenever it shows up.

[evil eggplant]

38. Sharpton is an asshole.

Al Sharpton, Maddox and Mason. Three assholes. Instigating low-life bastards.

Anyone remember Tawana Brawley or Crown Heights. People died because of these instigating, race-baiting degenerates.

Al Sharpton is a clown, and a fucking low-life. On the way to the cameras (Crawford) Sharpton should stop in Va. and see his pal Tawana.

Maybe he will stay there. Maybe Tawana will fabricate another bullshit story. If she does, Sharpton can do his thing again.

Please, God, keep Sharpton away from Crawford. I beg you.

[Name removed]

46. Deleted message

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

[Wizard777]

53. So is Bush! Who would you rather put your differences aside with?

Maybe it would help if you grit your teeth and just keep thinking. It's Halloween and that is really Al Gore dressed as Fat Albert.

Personally I say Welcome Brother Al! All three of you. LMAO

[Name removed]

65. Deleted message

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

[OneBlueSky]

40. if there's a camera, Big Al will be there . . .

and if past performance is any indication, Chuch Schumer won't be far behind . . .

[noiretextatique]

47. sharpton is an activist

and has been most of his life...something many here fail to grasp.
i agree with eloriel...some of you need to check yourselves about the knee-jerking responses to anything certain african-americans do.

[funflower]

54. Oh, come on now. We're equal-opportunity critics. If Joe Biden heads

for Crawford, I'll have the same reaction.

[funflower]

64. Actually, Biden would annoy me a lot more than Al. He's camera-happy

and he's a major chickenhawk jerk.

[noiretextatique]

77. come now

as others have mentioned, other politicians have already joined her effort. and i don't see Chappaquiddick mentioned everytime ted kennedy's name is mentioned. i don't doubt your sincerity...just that of some others.

[Ce qui la baise]

50. Email him NOW

[funflower]

52. THAT's the most productive suggestion I've seen so far.

Welcome to DU, Ce qui la baise! :hi:

[Wizard777]

51. Why not welcome Rev. Al Sharpton? Are we afraid of too much support?

Everyone has their own lil crazy spin on life and this war. Why not let all the whirling dervishes just spin at will? Isn't this inpart a battle to restore America. It's that what America was about? Being an individual with a common cause. Rev. Al can speak to the spin of his people far better than Cindy. Who cares how they get to Bush is wrong. Just as long as they get there. Are they any less there if they suddenly show up on the back of a whirling dervish?

Hopefully one day after these wounds have healed. America will have some of those Suffi Preists come here and do their shtick on stilts. They are truly amazing. It's something you have to see to believe.

[knowbody0]

57. id stand next to him proudly

[Hubert Flottz]

61. Maybe Al Sharpton just feels in his heart,that going to Crawford

Texas is the thing to do. Like so many other people, have felt the need to go there so far. As far as mixing in politics... Politics, sadly, is the indirect, underlying, cause of the death of Casey Sheehan. I think it will work out okay for Al to go there!

[DistressedAmerican]

66. <<<I HEREBY RETRACT MY OBJECTIONS.>>>

I have reconsidered my initial reaction which was posted almost immediately as I heard the news.

Reading through I find myself thinking I was a bit knee-jerk. Sharpton does have a lot of good points. As initially noted, he has been consistently against the war. It is not like he is some Johnny Come Lately reformed war-hawk type.

I also needn't worry about a parade of politicos rolling down for a photo-op as soon we will all be in Washington.

Give 'em hell Rev. Al!!!



I hereby withdraw my prior objections!

DA

[Snotcicles]

68. Flexibility and a willingness to reconsider

Not GOP material I must say.

[DistressedAmerican]

69. I'M A FLIP FLOPPER!!!

:dilemma:

[Eloriel]

72. The very best kind:

the type of flip-flopper who has thought things through and come to a better understanding. I'm very impressed. And pleased.

I was going to post something else, tho, that maybe I should go ahead and post. From an "outsider." I consider myself an "outsider" because I wasn't into this Cindy thing from the get-go (probably thought it was a stupid idea), didn't even like her or her whiny voice at first, and do NOT feel "compelled" to go over there.

But I have been absolutely amazed and awed by what has been going on. For NO real reason that we could probably identify, she and what she's about has caught on. Yeah, public sentiment is already in the toilet re Iraq so the timing for what she's doing is good. Yeah, it's hard to slam a grieving Gold Star Mom. But there's more to it than that.

I'm amazed and stunned that the media have given her so much time, and (in the overall) such positive treatment. I am often startled by the clarity of her thoughts and pronouncements. I am awed by her courage, tenacity and determination. I am humbled by her grief and mourning. I am touched by her down-to-earth crone-like disdain for her appearance -- always clean and neat, of course, but no make-up, no frills, no pretenses or vanity. I am awed by the groundswell of support at this, the right time and right place. I have seen DUers (and others) say they simply felt COMPELLED to be there, adding their energy and making it grow and grow. And on it goes. It has taken on a life of its own.

I was also greatly moved by the article I posted excerpts of in this post, as well as Cindy's own blog entry for which I posted the link:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=245&topic_id=11670&mesg_id=11670


You might also be interested in this amazing column if you haven't seen it already:

My mom, not Cindy Sheehan, is Bush’s biggest problem
(Cindy has broken the party loyalty barrier)
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=103&topic_id=150639&mesg_id=150639

In short, there is more going on here now than what we mere mortals can engineer, manage or even screw up. Trust me on this one. This is BIG. And not only big, it's a phenomenon. I believe Cindy and those who are working with her have Divine Protection and Assistance. I really do, along with the positive energy of hundreds of thousands if not millions of people the world over. Rev. Sharpton coudln't screw this up if he tried. This is now BEYOND our human reach, and has entered a stream of flow with its own power and pace and momentum. All we can do is hang on and enjoy the ride. Do our part, enjoy the process, and be a part of history in the making.

[eridani]

73. Dead on with that Crone archetype

Her children are grown, and now it's about everyone's children. She's fulfilling a very traditional Crone social duty.

[Eloriel]

76. And that truth-telling and warrioress persona

so typical of the Crone is EXACTLY why Patriarchy had to demonize and discredit and isolate the Crone, the Wise Old Woman, by making her into a caricature of herself -- the Halloween Witch.

Pisses me off every time I think about it.

[dogday]

74. Not a flip-flopper, you are willing to listen

to all sides of a topic and make up your mind accordingly. That is a good quality to have. The right could learn a lesson from your actions... Way to go DA!

[Hotler]

70. I like Reverend Al...

he says it like it is and doesn't hold back. One of the few with a backbone. To bad Nancy Pelosi doesn't have more backbone and the gift for stinging sarcasm like Al.