Al Sharpton: The Not So Grand Reverberation

-Frank Salvato

Reports have Al Sharpton, the self-appointed Civil rights leader saying that he plans to “keep the pressure on” Senate Majority Leader Bill First and the rest of the Republican Party to push race issues onto the next congressional agenda. This is troubling for more than one reason.

Not only should the American-African community question Al Sharpton’s credibility after the Tawana Brawley incident but they should also question his entire organization and history should be held to the same light that Trent Lott was held to by the mainstream media during the past weeks. This is the only


way to achieve racial equality right now. To not hold Mr. Sharpton’s past to the light would certainly be considered racist, as he would be denied the same and equal treatment that a “white man” received, that “white man” being Trent Lott.

Al Sharpton has issues with one of the basic rights that are afforded to the citizens of the United States, the Freedom of Speech. Recently the movie “Barbershop” drew the ire of the good reverend because he believed the films portrayal of the American-African community was off and degrading. It was irrelevant that an American-African filmmaker made the film. It was irrelevant that all involved described the film as a comic effort. The simple fact is it didn’t portray the image that Mr. Sharpton would have preferred the American-African community to be seen in. So in his infinite wisdom he decided because he didn’t like it neither should anyone else. This sentiment clearly discriminates against those who would defend the Freedom of Speech, and this from a rights activist.

It is still quite unclear what happened 19-years ago but one thing is clear; there is a videotape out there that exposing Mr. Sharpton as he spoke with federal agents that include verbiage pertaining to narcotics. Although Mr. Sharpton vehemently denies the allegations it is irrefutable that he is on the tape and that he was talking to federal agents about the purchase of cocaine. Interestingly enough this investigation faded to black faster than money was deposited into the Clinton’s bank account from Whitewater investors.

But the thing that troubles me most about Mr. Sharpton is that he is greedy for fame. He seeks out media opportunities at all cost, much like how Democratic National Chairman Terry McAuliffe goes after votes. It doesn’t matter if the cause is just or not the litmus test is how much media exposure it will afford the good reverend. He has shown up at protests that are for good causes but it remains that he has never championed any one cause. He flits from cause to cause almost following the media cameras. It is quite pathetic in a certain light but this country is based on certain freedoms so I will not call for an end to his narcissistic ways.

Perhaps it is time for Mr. Sharpton to run for President of the United States. I am starting to believe that it is a good idea. Then he will have his past scrutinized by the mainstream media the way that everyone else does and especially the way the Republican’s do. We will get to hear about all of his “youthful indiscretions” and we will all get to know who the real Al Sharpton is. I am sure that after the media focuses the microscope onto him, his organization and his past that he will be the obvious choice as spokesman for the American-African community and the New Democratic Party.

With that said I would like to ask the first questions if no one else minds. Mr. Sharpton, I’m sorry, Reverend Sharpton, what church are you affiliated with and where did you go to divinity school? Where were you ordained? Hhmm…this should be good.

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