The Observation Deck

One of the most surprising outcome's of the Don Imus imbroglio is the anointment of a race huckster and bigot like Al Sharpton as the nation's moral arbiter. The left wings David Duke has sprouted wings and a halo.

Just a few years ago the Reverend was attacking "diamond merchants" (Jews) and inciting the murder of a young rabbinical student as his mob chanted, "Kill the Jew". Apparently they were upset that, according to Al Sharpton, that the Jews have "the blood of innocent babies on their hands." I guess the new moral arbitrator of American politics believes that Jews sacrifice Christian babies in their religious rituals.

But, don't ask him about it. That would be rude.

There are other, bloodier episodes in his recent history. If you are interested see:

http://www.capmag.com/article.asp?ID=2411

Fresh from his victory over Don Imus the reverend has set his sites on the whole concept of freedom of speech. "This is just the beginning" he said. The beginning of what?

An assault on any media that doesn't tow the party line. The left wing has been in a tizzy about all of the media choices available to the American people.

They liked things better when the New York Times would set the agenda for the news that appeared on the three networks, which would set the agenda for the news that appeared in the two weekly news magazines which would set the agenda for your local newspapers which would set the agenda for the next round of congressional hearings exposing the "fact" that government is too small and doesn't have enough money and that the real trouble with the USA is that there is to much consumin' goin' on out there.

The reality is that there have never been more choices or greater access to information. See:

http://www.city-journal.org/html/17_2_media.html

In Al Sharpton's world framing innocent people for crimes that never occurred, killing Jews and burning people to death is all in a days work. And from what I have seen on the recent reporting on the Reverend, it is all perfectly acceptable.

But, make fun of my hair? NOW you have gone too far.

Ho, Ho, Ho.

One of the most surprising outcome's of the Don Imus imbroglio is the anointment of a race huckster and bigot like Al Sharpton as the nation's moral arbiter.

Do you mean self-appointed arbiter? Because I dont see where he is anything but self-appointed.

Sad but true is the fact that Imus gave him an opportunity and he took it - but that doesn't mean that the majority of democrats cannot see racial opportunism when it occurs.

Democrats can no better control the fact that Sharpton calls himself a democrat than the republicans can control the fact that Duke calls himself a republican.

Both spread hate messages that corrupt what are necessary and valid discussions about race in this country.

What is necessary (in my not so humble opinion) is for strong leaders to stand up and willingly and openly talk about race in a spirit of true compassion and with a desire for full understanding and dialog. FOr someone to take the reins from these guys and say "We have racial tensions. Lets talk about them and how we can overcome them." Unless someone does this - those reins will stay in the hands of extremists and the messages will remain divisive.

It is not us versus them. It is us versus us. The sooner people start to realize that - the better.

As always this is simply my opinion and mine alone,
Charyn