I don't care what you anti Sharpton people say

[CatWoman]

some of you are stuck in the past when it comes to Rev. Al.

Most posts about him are riddled with "Tawana Brawley" bullshit.

That is sooooooooo 80's.

[Misunderestimator]

1. I love Al... a man full of compassion and grace.

:thumbsup:

[formernaderite]

41. not to mention wit....

which is a sign of superior intelligence.

[bpilgrim]

84. here's an MP3 clip of the speech ---- ------ -------- > LINK

http://news.globalfreepress.com/mp3/cindy/al_sharpton-camp_casey-aar-.mp3

who got the whole thing :shrug:

peace

[CatWoman]

89. you're such a doll!!!

:hi:

[bpilgrim]

99. aw, you know what i like to say...

Thank GORE he 'invented' the INTERNETs :bounce:

:hi:

FLASHBACK: AS 04 Convention Speech (a real barn burner)
http://news.globalfreepress.com/mp3/al_sharpton.mp3

enjoy B-)

peace

[xultar]

2. I loves me some Al Sharpton!

[cry baby]

3. I really didn't like him that well then, but he has grown on me...

as he really made a lot of sense during the 2004 campaign. He has a sharp wit and is good off the cuff.

[kitkat65]

16. I saw him on some quasi news debate thing and though I can't remember

what he said exactly, I remembering thinking "Whoa! Snap!" I started liking him after that.

[Generic Other]

4. AMEN

We shall overcome.

[DanCa]

5. Al's the coolest of the cool

I got no problem votting for him. People are human they make mistakes. Al owned up to his imo. Go Al and thanks for the pics.

[dogday]

6. Al speaketh the truth

and thats why I like him. I don't care what he does in his personal life, he speaks the truth and he takes this government to task....

[speedoo]

7. Looks to me like he's doing exactly the right thing.

Just supporting Cindy. Setting an example.

[WillyT]

Right On Cat !!!

I've got NO problem with Reverend Sharpton. I'm glad he's on our side!

:bounce::hi::bounce:

[Kingshakabobo]

8. He's one of the few that tells it like it is.

I was on the Tawana Brawley-te side before the 2004 election but the man really grew on me.

[shireen]

9. thanks for the photos

He's outrageous, but I've always had a soft spot for the Rev! :-)

[Booster]

79. Yep, I think that's why I like Al also. He's outrageous and right on.

[shadowknows69]

10. For me it was tough deciding who I wanted to win the primaries more

Sharpton or Kucinich. The Reverend Al is alright by me. Anyone who isn't afraid to speak the truth gets my respect.

[elehhhhna]

49. AMEN same here!

[Tim4319]

11. CatWoman, I totally agree!

[Ian David]

12. Actually, I was concerned about the race-baiting and anti-semitism

I couldn't care less about the "Tawana Brawley Shit."

[Bumblebee]

13. I wouldn't vote for him for Pres but he is one of the sharpest

and most fascinating people around. I don't know of anyone else, including Clinton, who is as fast on his feet. His zingers are priceless and his heart is definitely in the right place.

[katinmn]

14. I love Al Sharpton!

I thought HE was the best speaker at the DNC last summer.

I have a video of his speech bookmarked and I look at it when I need inspiration. :loveya:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/mmedia/politics/072804-26v.htm

[SmokingJacket]

20. That speech was great!

No bullshit whatsoever -- what a breath of fresh air that was.

I'm glad to see he's supporting Cindy Sheehan.

[katinmn]

26. Yeah, it was! Brought tears to my eyes, gave me hope.

:thumbsup:

[Kerry fan]

29. katinmn

Thanks for the link. I will use it. Loved that speech and his passion.

[katinmn]

37. You're welcome! It's a great speech. Leaves me feeling a little

sad, though.

I thought we were gonna run the bastids out for sure in November.:)

[IndyOp]

52. katinmn - thanks for everything you are doing these days...

We did run the bastids out last November - in terms of votes cast.
The spirit was strong, and we the people, did what had to be done...


Unfortunately our leaders did not enforce fair vote counting.


POWER TO THE PEOPLE
:hippie: :patriot: :hippie: :patriot:

[REACTIVATED IN CT]

46. I thought it was too! nt

[Lady President]

68. That speech is why I don't like him.

Personally, I liked Sharpton a lot until his speech at the Convention. When he went off script it showed how egotistical he is, and how little he cared about the Party. Most of us on the floor were pissed! We sat (not stood) and stared at our watches as the time ticked by, and kept looking at the teleprompter hoping he would get back on track. His biggest cheer was when he returned to his script-- at least it would be over soon. If you recall, Edwards' speech wasn't one of his best because he was so rushed to finish it in prime time. Edwards is a brilliant speaker and it was a shame he didn't get to showcase his talents.

Bottom line Sharpton cares about Sharpton-- not the Party.

[hippywife]

86. Funny,

that's not what I was seeing as I watched that night and especially not what I was hearing as the applause rang through the place all during his speech. I'm glad he went off script. He was the heart and soul of the party that night.

[Beelzebud]

15. I said it over and over in the democratic debates.

Sharpton was the only one acting like he wanted the job. He was the only one to go right after Bush. He never minced words, and he even made a few jokes.

I love Al Sharpton.

[shadowknows69]

23. Well said B

I was a total Sharpton fan at that debate. And fukin hoot owl Larry King all but asked him and Kucinich why they we're even still bothering. One of CNN's worst (in a long line of bad) moments.

[Inspired]

17. I like the Reverend Al

just not for President. He really threw some life into the campaign.

[welshTerrier2]

18. i agree ...

Sharpton is a great orator and a powerful force for justice ...

Sharpton has the kind of strength and passion that is sorely lacking in many of our other "leaders" ...

[Pepperbelly]

19. I am a Sharpton fan ...

Sharpest debater we have by a country mile.

:hi:

[acmavm]

21. I think he got caught up in something he thought really happened with

Tawanna and her rape claims.

The bad part was look at the history of the NYPD. With it's history, it was thoroughly possible that is could have happened.

[VPStoltz]

22. I liked him and then there was the thing with the young woman

in NY. Then I like him again and then there was the mayoral race in Newark where he stepped in to prop up an obviously corrupt candidate. Maybe now I can like him again.

[jmm]

24. Beautiful pics

Like I've said before if Cindy isn't complaining about him being there then nobody else should. People who feel entitled enough to pick who she wants to stand by her side aren't much better than the people saying she shouldn't be there at all.

[Double T]

25. How could you not love Rev. Al.........

he is more articulate than the rest of the Democratic leadership combined.

[Kerry fan]

27. Not me.

I have his convention speech in a notebook and still ocassionally read it and visualize his saying, "This vote can't be bargained away.

This vote can't be given away.

Mr. President, in all due respect, Mr. President, read my lips: Our vote is not for sale."

I totally love his blunt truthfullness and only wish we had more like him.

[Mairead]

28. I've always thought him tough as nails and with one of the fastest

minds around. I respect him a lot.

And look at those photos--he changed his hairstyle!

[Chovexani]

30. You said it

Funny that so many DUers are willing to forgive Robert Byrd for his Klan involvement, but keep bringing up the Tawana Brawley bs.

People fuck up and make mistakes, and they change...is that REALLY so hard to understand?

[Gormy Cuss]

45. Nice summation of the Brawley 'problem'

It was years ago, and everyone is entitled to be evaluated based on who they are now and their whole life's accomplishments rather than just isolated periods in a different era. Rev. Al in 2004 was an articulate candidate in a tough field.
A few days ago I stopped on the FOX News channel by mistake --I saw Sharpton and thought it was MSNBC until the white-haired John Gibson's sour puss was on camera. Gibson kept trying to goad Al using the most inflammatory Sheehan quotes and Al held his ground. He did it without anger, without talking over Gibson. It was masterful.

edited for typo

[FreedomAngel82]

64. I think he is a master too

He could teach some of our people something about public speaking on these programs.

[Isere]

57. Byrd has apologized for his Klan involvement

but, to my knowledge, Sharpton has never apologized or admitted that the Tawana Brawley story was a hoax. Nor has he ever apologized to the man he slandered, Steven Pagones, who was assistant DA at the time and who subsequently won a judgement against Sharpton.

I regret that I can't get on the Sharpton bandwagon here even though I enjoy his very quick wit and skills at oration. I also like the gutsy way he challenges the establishment.

People do "fuck up and make mistakes" and people do change...but the sign of character is the willingness to admit when we have been wrong. This Sharpton has never done.

[Chovexani]

102. For christ sake

It was like 20 years ago! People act like he raped this guy in public last Tuesday

Meanwhile he's done a hell of a lot of good for the poor and people of color...which is more than I can say for a lot of the people talking shit about him on DU.

I don't care if you can't get on "his bandwagon" and I doubt he does either, he's going to be out there fighting the good fight regardless of what you say. And for that I'm grateful.

I get fired up when people talk about Al, because I know first hand what a good person he is...he was there for me and my family when racist ass rich fucks that ran my private school were railroading myself and other black students with scholarships...his lawyer took my case pro bono and Rev. Al was ready to march in the street so we wouldn't be denied an education. I will NEVER forget that as long as I live.

Ever.

[Libby2]

31. I like Al

he tells it like it is.

[faithnotgreed]

32. you tell them catwoman

some people are just stuck while al is speaking some impressive truths

he went after bush in the debates and gave a phenomenal speech at the convention
for that i thank him deeply and continue to do so

[lastknowngood]

33. When Big Al pulled the race card on Howard Dean he lost me

forever, also taking money from repugs and using their tactics doesn't sit well with me.

[CADsortaGUY]

34. I met Reverend Al last week

I met Reverend Al last week in NYC. He was extremely cordial and approachable. We discussed politics briefly and I thanked him for saying the things that needed to be said during the Democratic debates.

He replied, "And we're going to keep saying them."

My man!

Reverend Al is one of my all time heroes.

[CatWoman]

36. Thanks for the info

and welcome to DU!!

:hi:

[newyawker99]

42. Hi CADsortaGUY!!

Welcome to DU!! :toast:

[Pathwalker]

35. I love him - he speaks truth to power!

One of the best preachers around, too!

[Snotcicles]

38. I use to get a kick out watching Al smack Novak or was it Carlson

around on Crossfire.

[DemonFighterLives]

39. Al Rocks!

He knows what's happening!
:yourock:

[LittleClarkie]

40. The primary debates wouldn't have been the same without him

that's for damn sure.

Whatever he did in the past... oh, hell, I see by some posts he did something. Excuse my ignorance, I don't know what it is.

Glad to see him there today. For my money, we need those kind of higher profile and yet unelected folks doing just what he is. No elected folks. They'd just "Frist" the situation and make it all partisan.

[stevedeshazer]

43. So true.

Works for me.

By God, he showed up in Crawford.

Name another 2004 Democratic presidential candidate that did.

Dennis Kucinich is off the hook, he's on his honeymoon. :)

[bobbieinok]

44. wasn't a major primary backer a republican group???

that's what I remember from DU

he seems a great debater and with a good heart

[BigBearJohn]

47. I LOVE AND RESPECT SHARPTON

[seabeyond]

48. so 80's you are just right. sharpton certainly has his place

in this nation. i the guy is a fast thinker, funny, clever dude. i always enjoy listening to him talk

[bribri16]

50. It's not only so "80's", it's so tranparent. Hats off to Al!! n/t

[IndyOp]

51. Wow! Let's call him AL

If you'll be my bodyguard
I can be your long lost pal
I can call you Betty
And Betty when you call me
You can call me Al

:hug:

Okay - posting this song is making me :cry: because it was the theme song of the rightful President of the United States - President Gore.

[wildeyed]

53. Sharpton is great.

One of the best speeches of the convention. He is more fun to watch than anyone else on the cable shows, too.

I did not follow politics in the 80's as closely as I do now, so I am not sure exactly what the Brawley issue is about. But, hell, I did lots of stuff in the 80's that I am not so proud of now. I am glad that most people choose to judge me on my more recent accomplishments.

[tishaLA]

54. I really like Rev. Sharpton

he is much more brave, honest, and candid than he needs to be. He could skate by on his accomplishments, but instead he embraces LGBT issues, women's issues, and calls for coalitions between African Americans and Latinos in LA. More of our leaders should be doing that kind of work.

[Tom Yossarian Joad]

55. You're preachin' to the choir right here.

God, I loved him in the debates.

Quick witted and true to his heart.

[allalone]

56. he's grown on me too

He came down on the wrong side of the Brawley fiasco, but hey a lot of people did.

[KG]

58. indeed.

it's almost amusing to read the bashing of Sharpton and others. some people just don't understand who's really on their side.

[Cocoa]

59. his hair looks good like that

[AuntPatsy]

60. Ive always found him worth listening too..

[FreedomAngel82]

61. I've grown to really like him

I love his fire and his passion for things and how he's clear spoken and blunt and all of that. I loved his speech at the DNC convention last year.

[angryinoville]

62. If you think he's phony, he sure went all out to prove it

Good for Al. Where's Kerry? Where's Edwards, Hillary or any of those fucking jerks for that matter? Al seems to be the real deal as far as wlking the walk. Never mind his superior debate skills.

[Just Me]

63. Hey, I love Al!!! And,...those pictures are just beautiful.

Thank you for sharing them! :hug:

[scarletwoman]

65. Hear! Hear! This deserves another vote -- Reverend Al is awesome!

What a mind, what a speaker! He's a force of nature, a voice of truth. Long life to him! :loveya:

sw

[applegrove]

66. Al is an amazing communicator. He is an incredible leader these days.

The way he takes on Mexico and stuff - he is a treasure for Dems. He did make mistakes in the past. You have to own your stuff. But yes - today he is inspiring and on the days he is 'on' he is the most inspirational of the whole lot. Way to go Rev. Al!


"Those aren't the right kind of Christians" speaks more truth in the one sentence than the accumulation of anything George Bush has ever said.

[are_we_united_yet]

67. I second that Catwoman

eom

[ultraist]

69. Al Sharpton brought down the house at the Dem Nat'l Convention!

I love Al! He had THE BEST one liners during the campaign.

Glad to see he visited Camp Casey! Thanks for the pics.

[sundog]

70. i'm a big al fan

his speech at the convention moved me to tears...

he's not a phony cardboard politician with a starch collar throwing empty statements on issues he really doesn't have a clue about...

he is true blue because he has been there... he has lived through it...

he's a man of the people...

i think he's great :)

[SalmonChantedEvening]

71. Preach on, Reverand Al, preach on.

:loveya:

[HysteryDiagnosis]

72. He is one smart, articulate and righteous man in my opinion.

[ElsewheresDaughter]

73. i love al sharpton...wanted a kucinich/sharpton ticket in the primary

[eridani]

74. Looks like the fears of him taking the spotlight did not come true

He stood with Cindy, not in front of her.

[Pam-Moby]

75. Reverend Sharpton is one of the good guys.

He is a intelligent man with good morals.

[tandot]

76. I love him. I wish more Democrats would be like him

He is smart, sharp, funny, and charismatic...and he tells it like it is...it is just sad that some democrats would rather vote for a republican-light version.

Al Sharpton :applause:

[hiley]

77. Al Sharpton

is great and I love to listen to him.

[SwimmerFilms]

78. Check out this guy

http://homepage.mac.com/godofkarma/swimmerfilms/iMovieTheater79.html

I'll be posting more of my visit soon.

And I love Al.

[CatWoman]

90. wow!!!! that's very good!!!

that poem ROCKS!!!

Thanks for sharing.

:hi:

[Lilith Velkor]

80. Sharpton/Kucinich '08!

If only...

[sellitman]

81. He has come a long way.

I admire a man who always is looking out for the downtrodden and disadvantaged. Rev. Al has more class in his pinky then junior has in his whole body.

[politicasista]

82. Rev. Al Rocks!

I love the "ride this donkey" line from the DNC speech. :) I agree Catwoman.

[snot]

83. Best speech at the DNC convention--by far. nt

[nothingshocksmeanymore]

85. The words Tawana Brawley and "illegals" are code for me

if ya know what I mean..and yeah...every once in a while it smells in here...who pooted? :evilgrin:

[jonnyblitz]

92. i know what you mean.

and i smell it too...

MINUTEMEN ANYONE? :P

[donheld]

87. Catwoman kicks ass

You go girl. I really do love Al.

[Bluerthanblue]

88. thank CatWoman- you pegged him as one of the few- and great

a REAL person-
I've even heard repubs admit he alone among all candidates was the most honest, clear thinking and clear speaking of ALL choices on all sides.
Twanna was a mistake, hell, is that's all anyone can 'get' him on, he's a rare man indeed.- Sharp 'shooter'- sometimes we ALL miss on occasion.

Great, honest, and well spoken man.

[ArkDem]

91. He has always been a policy wonk on the level of Bill Clinton!

[jonnyblitz]

93. great pics!!

:thumbsup:

[leftchick]

94. he makes mincemeat out of the faux whores

every fucking time he is on. He is outstanding and I love him!

:loveya: Al!

[Avalux]

95. Thank you Catwoman.

What matters is that Sharpton went to support Cindy. I like the guy and I'm happy he showed up at Camp Casey. :thumbsup:

[lateo]

96. I love Al...

[shugah]

97. kick for al sharpton

and these great pictures.

and looking to the future - not the past.

[regularguy]

98. I agree with ya. (eom)

[FrankChurch]

100. Photo op king

I like his humor and what he says, but he can get a bit to media whorish.

I doubt Martin King would approve, but I do like the guy.

And, he is way too nice to Hannity.

[Laughing Mirror]

101. Sharpton "media whorish"???

Do you mean media hammish or media hoggish, maybe?

I believe that Sharpton began his life of political activism, as many of us, as children marching to the movement of Martin Luther King. I'm rather certain Dr. King would approve of the Sharpton message, which is the same message as King's, which is a universal message of civil rights and dignity for all people.

People criticize Sharpton for many things, but no one can ever criticize him for going off message. I've never heard an example of him changing his message to pander to somebody, let alone anybody in the media. If you can cite an example, I'd love to hear it.