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In this age of blogosphes, viral videos and talking points substituting for real journalistic integrity, at or near the bottom of the pile is Mr. Breitbart. In full-on Joe McCarthy style, he went about framing an innocent USDA employee, declaring racism when it did not exist. And, pompous ass that he is, refuses to apologize, even going so far as to declare the white farmer who has defended Ms. Sherrod to be a fake.
And to their utmost shame, the Main Stream media picked this fraud up and ran with it. The result? Without so much as a glimmer of fact-checking, Ms. Sherrod was vilified by the media, and subsequently asked to resign.
Not only does Ms. Sherrod deserve an abject, face-to-face apology by President Obama and the NAACP, but she also deserves a front-page and lead-story apology from every Broadcast and Print News Media outlet that ran with this fraud of a story and didn't bother to check it's authenticity.
It is this kind of garbage disguised as journalism that is the real danger to this country. The misinformation and half-truth glut that serves only to further whatever cause these frauds ascribe to. Half-truths are lies, and, yes, context matters. read on:
Sherrod's case parallels deceptions used in that other big smear -- and offers a chance to restore lost standards
Former USDA official Shirley Sherrod, a dedicated public servant innocent of the prejudice and misconduct falsely imputed to her, deserves justice. As soon as the White House and Tom Vilsack restore her job, with an appropriate apology, they will begin to remove a stain of cowardice from their administration. But while that may be all the government can do, it isn’t sufficient to close this case.
Shirley Sherrod's Disappearing Act: Not So Fast | Washington Examiner (http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/opinion/blogs/Examiner-Opinion-Zone/Shirley-Sherrods-Disappearing-Act-Not-So-Fast-98846149.html - broken link)
The cash (settlement) award acknowledges racial discrimination on the part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture for the years 1981-85. ... New Communities is due to receive approximately $13 million ($8,247,560 for loss of land and $4,241,602 for loss of income; plus $150,000 each to Shirley and Charles for pain and suffering). There may also be an unspecified amount in forgiveness of debt. This is the largest award so far in the minority farmers law suit (Pigford vs Vilsack).
~~~~~~~~`
So, imo, Vilsack had cause to make the decision he made. He apologized, offered another position--more than likely more money and the opportunity to utilize her skills--many citizens of all races would love such an offer. Gibbs apologized on behalf of the administration and that should suffice.
I wish other farmers had been able to find ways to express their concerns more effectively. My granddaddy never expected help and was grateful for anything--tried to feed, clothe his family--built his house by himself and died with very little.
I can certainly empathize with those who had worse experiences. 'Doing Without'. It seems that is a lesson that will be relearned--I suppose it is necessary.
Last edited by TakeAhike; 07-22-2010 at 07:50 AM..
And to their utmost shame, the Main Stream media picked this fraud up and ran with it. The result? Without so much as a glimmer of fact-checking, Ms. Sherrod was vilified by the media, and subsequently asked to resign.
Not only does Ms. Sherrod deserve an abject, face-to-face apology by President Obama and the NAACP, but she also deserves a front-page and lead-story apology from every Broadcast and Print News Media outlet that ran with this fraud of a story and didn't bother to check it's authenticity.
Shirley Sherrod's Disappearing Act: Not So Fast | Washington Examiner (http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/opinion/blogs/Examiner-Opinion-Zone/Shirley-Sherrods-Disappearing-Act-Not-So-Fast-98846149.html - broken link)
I couldn't get past this point of your rant as I was choking up with laughter. It appears the Breitbart has simply taken a page from the Lefts playbook.
Breitbart says it's not about Sherrod, it's about the smears that the NAACP has been making about the Tea Party being racist. He is pointing out the applause Sherrod got from the members when she mentioned that she didn't help the white farmer to her fullest ability. Later, apparently, she is saying she had a change of heart, but that doesn't negate the fact that the members were applauding her first intention.
Interesting thing about that class action lawsuit...
Agri-Pulse has an article indicating that the Pigford class action suit (minority farmers throughout the U.S.) may share similarities to ACORN-like tactics...
Quote:
...confronted with the skyrocketing federal deficit, more officials are taking a critical look at the billion dollars spent thus far and wondering when these discrimination cases will ever end.
Moderator cut: Copyright violation -- please post a link and a "snippet" only
Interesting thing about that class action lawsuit...
Agri-Pulse has an article indicating that the Pigford class action suit (minority farmers throughout the U.S.) may share similarities to ACORN-like tactics...
Furthermore, Sherrod's appointment to that USDA position occurred within days of her multi-million dollar settlement.
Not complying with FOIA requests? Someone is stonewalling at the USDA.
I think there is more here than meets the eye. In the coming days and weeks I suspect we'll learn a lot more about Ms. Sherrod that will not be flattering.
Again, folks, blame the victim. And defend Breitbarts obvious skewing of the truth.
Sad and pathetic, to say the least.
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