View Full Version : Guess who is using the out of context defense



Easy180
05-10-2007, 07:16 AM
Old Al doesn't judge anyone or make insensitive remarks...No no...Totally out of context...Not one bigoted bone in his body

Civil rights activist Al Sharpton, who led the charge to have radio host Don Imus fired for making racially insensitive remarks, is now under fire for a comment about Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney's Mormon faith.

During a debate on religion and politics at the New York Public Library with atheist author Christopher Hitchens, Sharpton said, "As for the one Mormon running for office, those that really believe in God will defeat him anyway, so don't worry about that. That's a temporary situation."

On the campaign trail in Iowa Wednesday, Romney fired back, calling Sharpton's comment "terribly misguided." (Watch Sharpton's comment and the controversey that followed )

"It shows that bigotry still exists in some corners," Romney said. "I thought it was a most unfortunate comment to make."

Asked if he thought Sharpton is a bigot, the former Massachusetts governor said, "I don't know Rev. Sharpton. I doubt he is personally such a thing. But the comment was a comment which could be described as a bigoted comment.

"Perhaps he didn't mean it that way, but the way it came out was inappropriate and wrong."

Sharpton said his remarks were being taken out of context and that he was responding to an attack by Hitchens, who, he said, had charged that the Mormon Church supported segregation until the 1960s.

"In no way did I attack Mormons or the Mormon Church when I responded

Karried
05-10-2007, 08:11 AM
I absolutely dislike the guy.

Tawana Brawley controversy


On November 28 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/November_28), 1987 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1987), Tawana Brawley (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tawana_Brawley), a 15-year-old black girl, was found smeared with feces (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Feces), lying in a garbage bag, her clothing torn and burned and with various slurs and epithets written on her body in charcoal. Brawley claimed she had been assaulted and raped (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rape) by six white men, some of them police officers, in the village of Wappingers Falls, New York (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wappingers_Falls%2C_New_York).
Attorneys Alton H. Maddox (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alton_H._Maddox) and C. Vernon Mason (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/C._Vernon_Mason) joined Sharpton in support of Brawley. A grand jury (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grand_jury) was convened; after seven months of examining police and medical records, the jury determined that Brawley had fabricated her story. Sharpton, Maddox and Mason accused the Dutchess County (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dutchess_County%2C_New_York) prosecutor, Steven Pagones (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steven_Pagones), of racism and of being one of the perpetrators of the alleged abduction and rape. The three were successfully sued for slander and ordered to pay $345,000 in damages, the jury finding Sharpton liable for making seven defamatory statements about Pagones, Maddox for two and Mason for one. [28] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Al_Sharpton#_note-17)

Crown Heights Riot


On August 19 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/August_19), 1991 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1991), the Crown Heights Riot (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crown_Heights_Riot) occurred after a car accident involving the motorcade for the Lubavitcher Rebbe (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lubavitcher_Rebbe), killing a young boy named Gavin Cato. A riot was sparked after a private Hasidic (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hasidic) ambulance came to the scene and, on the orders of a police officer, removed the Hasidic driver from the scene. Gavin and his cousin Angela were picked up soon after by a city ambulance. Caribbean-American and African-American residents of the neighborhood then rioted for four consecutive days fueled by rumors [29] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Al_Sharpton#_note-18) [30] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Al_Sharpton#_note-19) that the private ambulance had refused to treat young Gavin. [31] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Al_Sharpton#_note-20) A visiting rabbinical student from Australia by the name of Yankel Rosenbaum, 29, was killed during the rioting by a mob shouting "Kill the Jew." [32] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Al_Sharpton#_note-21) Sharpton has been seen by some commentators as inflaming tensions with remarks such as "If the Jews want to get it on, tell them to pin their yarmulkes back and come over to my house" [33] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Al_Sharpton#_note-22) [1] (http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/columnists/chi-0704100440apr11,0,2322390.column) and referring to Jews as "diamond merchants." [2] (http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=18224532&BRD=1697&PAG=461&dept_id=44398&rfi=6), [3] (http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,266363,00.html), [4] (http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/opinion/archive/s_502069.html), [5] (http://news.bostonherald.com/columnists/view.bg?articleid=194246&srvc=home), [6] (http://www.suntimes.com/news/quicktakes/335714,CST-NWS-qt11.article)
Sharpton marched through Crown Heights and in front of "770" (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/770_Eastern_Parkway), shortly after the riot, with about 400 noisy protesters (who chanted "Whose streets? Our streets!" and "No justice, no peace!"), in spite of Mayor David Dinkins (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Dinkins)' attempts to keep the march from happening. [34] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Al_Sharpton#_note-23)

Freddie's Fashion Mart

In 1995 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1995), Sharpton led a protest in Harlem (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harlem) against the plans of a black Pentecostal Church, the United House of Prayer, which owned the retail property on 125th Street (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/125th_Street_%28Manhattan%29) to ask Fred Harari, the Jewish (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jewish) tenant who operated Freddie's Fashion Mart to evict his longtime subtenant, a black record store, The Record Shack. [35] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Al_Sharpton#_note-24) [36] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Al_Sharpton#_note-25) [37] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Al_Sharpton#_note-26) Sharpton told the protesters, "We will not stand by and allow them to move this brother so that some white interloper can expand his business."[38] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Al_Sharpton#_note-27) On 1995 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1995)-12-08 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/December_8), Roland J. Smith Jr., one of the protesters, entered the store with a gun and flammable liquid, shot several Jewish (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jewish) customers and employees inside the store and burned it down. He killed seven in the store, and himself.[39] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Al_Sharpton#_note-28)[40] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Al_Sharpton#_note-29) Sharpton claimed that the perpetrator was an open critic of himself and his nonviolent tactics. Sharpton later expressed regret for making the racial reference, "white interloper," and denied responsibility for inflaming or provoking the violence.[41] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Al_Sharpton#_note-30)[42] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Al_Sharpton#_note-31)

LoanMax spokesman

In November 2005, Sharpton appeared in advertisements for LoanMax, an automobile title loan company. Sharpton was criticized for appearing in the ads, as LoanMax has been accused of predatory lending (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Predatory_lending) charging fees, and for marketing them to primarily poor, urban and African American audiences. The ads featuring Sharpton were run in predominantly African American markets. [43] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Al_Sharpton#_note-32)
On December 7 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/December_7), 2005 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2005), he ended his relationship with LoanMax. In a letter to Rod Aycox, LoanMax president and chief executive officer, Sharpton said, "I respectfully, but firmly decline your offer for further engagement on my part, and will not engage in any business relationship to promote auto lending with LoanMax." Sharpton said he had not done the research before agreeing to the commercials. [44] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Al_Sharpton#_note-33)

Duke lacrosse players

In April, 2006, Sharpton went on the public stage calling for the prosecution of three white Duke (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Duke_University) lacrosse players who had been accused of sexually assaulting an African American woman, Crystal Gail Mangum (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crystal_Gail_Mangum), who was hired as a stripper at an off-campus party.[45] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Al_Sharpton#_note-O.27Reilly) Sharpton appeared on The O'Reilly Factor (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_O%27Reilly_Factor), taking the side of the Ms. Mangum and defending prosecutor Michael Nifong (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Nifong), saying "I know this DA is probably not one that is crazy. He would not have proceeded if he did not feel that he could convict. So it tells me that all of what you said is either not true or he has convincing evidence that would certainly knock that out." [45] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Al_Sharpton#_note-O.27Reilly) The accused players were later exonerated in light of evidence that the Ms. Mangum was lying[46] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Al_Sharpton#_note-34); DA Nifong, was removed from the case and is facing possible disbarment for unethical conduct. Sharpton refuses to apologize.[47] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Al_Sharpton#_note-35)

Response to Don Imus' slur

On April 7 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/April_7), 2007 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2007), Sharpton called for the firing of radio host Don Imus (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Don_Imus). On his morning radio show, Imus in the Morning (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Imus_in_the_Morning), the host had referred to the women's basketball team at Rutgers University as "nappy-headed hoes." On April 9 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/April_9), Imus appeared on Sharpton's radio show. Again, Sharpton indicated that Imus should be fired, asking Imus if he was ready to sign his resignation. The following morning, Imus and Sharpton went head to head once again on NBC's Today Show (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Today_Show). On April 11, MSNBC dropped its simulcast of the show. On April 12, Imus was fired by CBS, effective immediately.[48] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Al_Sharpton#_note-36) Some, including The Kansas City Star (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Kansas_City_Star) journalist Jason Whitlock (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jason_Whitlock), have criticized Sharpton for using the situation "to step on victim platforms and elevate themselves and their agenda" when he should instead be focusing on other issues like the effects of hip-hop culture (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hip-hop_culture) such as gangsta rap (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gangsta_rap). [49] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Al_Sharpton#_note-37) Whitlock further accused Sharpton and Jesse Jackson (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jesse_Jackson) of "exploiting [the Rutger's women's basketball team], making [...] the problems much bigger than what they should be."[50] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Al_Sharpton#_note-38) Sharpton has received death threats from angry fans of Don Imus' show, causing him to increase personal security.

Accusations of racism, homophobia, and bigotry

Many conservative [51] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Al_Sharpton#_note-39) and liberal commentators [52] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Al_Sharpton#_note-40) have accused Sharpton of being racist and homophobic. Sharpton was quoted as saying to an audience at Kean College in 1994 that, “White folks was in caves while we was building empires ... We taught philosophy and astrology and mathematics before Socrates and them Greek homos ever got around to it.” [53] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Al_Sharpton#_note-41) Sharpton defended his comments by noting that the term “homo” was not homophobic but added that he no longer uses the term.[54] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Al_Sharpton#_note-42) Sharpton's defenders have said that the the quote is often used out of context to undermine Sharpton's image.[citation needed] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citing_sources) Sharpton has since called for an end to perceived homophobia in the African-American community. [55] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Al_Sharpton#_note-43) On May 8th, 2007 Sharpton was accused of bigotry in his remarks against presidential candidate elect Mitt Romney's religion (Mormon (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mormon)). Sharpton said:
"As for the one Mormon running for office, those who really believe in God will defeat him anyways, so don't worry about that; that's a temporary situation."[56] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Al_Sharpton#_note-44) [57] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Al_Sharpton#_note-45) Romney's spokesperson told the papers, "America is a nation of many faiths and common values, and bigotry toward anyone because of their beliefs is unacceptable."[58] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Al_Sharpton#_note-46) On May 9th, 2007, Al Sharpton appeared on Paula Zahn NOW on CNN and stated that his views on Mormonism were based on their traditionally racist views regarding blacks and the so-called "Curse of Ham (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Curse_of_Ham)".

He has done more to hurt his cause than anyone else I can think of.... except maybe Jesse Jackson.

Patrick
05-10-2007, 08:51 AM
I actually agree with al on his statement. Mormons don't worship the same God Christians do.

Easy180
05-10-2007, 08:59 AM
But he didn't say that Patrick...Said they don't believe in God and they do

So he misspoke...Just like many others did that he jumps all over and gets paid to do...Kinda fun to see him get burned at his own game...Not that many think he isn't anything but an idiot anyway

Patrick
05-10-2007, 09:35 AM
Depends on whether you think Joseph Smith is God.

Tim
05-10-2007, 10:41 AM
Patrick, I read Sharpton's comment as "He doesn't believe in MY God, therefore he is wrong". The implication as I see it being those who worship different gods are less worthy to lead than Christians. I'm curious about how you feel about this.

Karried
05-10-2007, 10:44 AM
The implication as I see it being those who worship different gods are less worthy to lead than Christians. I'm curious about how you feel about this.

We should start a discussion in the Faith/Values Forum and talk about it...

This thread being in the Current Events section is really about Al Sharpton's latest blunder.

Tim
05-10-2007, 10:53 AM
But Mom...(whiny voice) he started it!

Karried
05-10-2007, 11:16 AM
*smack* .... lol

Easy180
05-10-2007, 11:20 AM
Way to go Tim...Just made Karried pull the car over and come back there!! :fighting3

Tim
05-10-2007, 02:07 PM
Easy, stop touching me!

Karried
05-10-2007, 04:09 PM
You're both grounded until further notice.. and I'm taking away the XBox 360 .. and putting it in my room.. tee,hee..

dismayed
05-14-2007, 09:24 PM
You know, every Mormon I've ever known has been an absolute example of kindness and fairness that most other denomination's members can only dream of. Say what you will about them, but they are obviously doing something right.

Dark Jedi
05-15-2007, 12:22 PM
Well, SouthPark says they are the ones that inherit heaven....

dismayed
05-20-2007, 01:46 PM
I was wondering if someone would bring up that reference. :) I caught myself nearly quoting Kyle a few times in that last post.

Easy180
01-10-2008, 07:38 PM
Looks like annoying Al's wife needs a new Benz....Run out of adjectives to describe this man

CNN) -- Broadcaster Kelly Tilghman has apologized. Tiger Woods has accepted it. But the Rev. Al Sharpton says it isn't good enough.

In events resembling the prelude to the fall of radio host Don Imus, Sharpton appears to be marshaling his forces for a fight with the Golf Channel, which suspended Tilghman on Wednesday for a racially insensitive statement made last week.

Tilghman uttered the remark during coverage of Hawaii's Mercedes-Benz Championship on Friday, while she and and co-host Nick Faldo were bantering about how young golfers might challenge ever-dominant Woods.

Faldo said, "To take Tiger on, well yeah, they should just gang up for a while until ..."

"Lynch him in a back alley," Tilghman interrupted with a chuckle.

Tilghman is a far cry from Imus, the morning show host who was canned after calling the Rutgers University women's basketball team "nappy-headed hos." Unlike the disc jockey, who is known for his off color humor and outspoken remarks, she has no history of stoking racial tensions.

But Sharpton says it is the word -- not the person or their history -- that matters. In a Wednesday interview, he compared Tilghman's statement to calling for a woman to be raped or for a Jewish-American to be sent to a gas chamber. Watch why Sharpton thinks apologies are insufficient »

"Lynching is not murder in general. It is not assault in general. It is a specific racial term that this woman should be held accountable for," the reverend said. "What she said is racist. Whether she's a racist -- whether she runs around at night making racist statements -- is immaterial."

Sharpton said he wants Tilghman fired, period. And if the Golf Channel doesn't comply, the network can expect to see Sharpton and his National Action Network supporters picketing its Orlando, Florida, headquarters.

At first, the channel said it had no plans to discipline Tilghman, who issued a statement saying she had apologized to Woods and wanted to further apologize to offended viewers for "some poorly chosen words."

Woods, who through his agent issued a statement saying he was friends with Tilghman and respected her, said, "We know unequivocally that there was no ill intent in her comments."

A spokesman for IMG World said Woods' agent, Mark Steinberg, would not be available for an interview, but it has been widely reported that Steinberg said Tilghman's remark was "a non-issue in our eyes. Case closed."

But as word of Tilghman's remark circulated via the media and video clips made their rounds on the Internet, the Golf Channel reconsidered its stance on Wednesday, suspending Tilghman for two weeks.

"There is simply no place on our network for offensive language like this," the network said in a statement. "While we believe that Kelly's choice of words were inadvertent and that she did not intend them in an offensive manner, the words were hurtful and grossly inappropriate."

MadMonk
01-10-2008, 08:29 PM
Kinda make you look at those Pace picante commercials a little differently.

Crowd: "New York City!??!"

Cowboy: "Get a rope"

Sharpton: "RACIST!!!"

Dark Jedi
01-11-2008, 04:57 PM
Depends on whether you think Joseph Smith is God.

You need to get out more. Mormons worship Jesus. Joseph Smith is another prophet, like Abraham or Moses.