Vilsack: “I am of course willing and will conduct a thorough review and consider additional facts.."

[jefferson_dem]

(CNN) -- Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said early Wednesday that he will review the case of a former Agriculture Department official who resigned after a video clip surfaced of her discussing a white farmer.

"I am of course willing and will conduct a thorough review and consider additional facts to ensure to the American people we are providing services in a fair and equitable manner," Vilsack said in a statement.

...

http://www.cnn.com/2010/POLITICS/07/21/agriculture.employee.usda/

[underpants]

1. Start with facts Tom

does that even have to be said?

[jefferson_dem]

4. Amazing level of incompetence...

I propose Vilsack be kicked to the curb ... after a thorough review of the facts.

[hvn_nbr_2]

18. "will...consider additional facts"

Additional facts? How about considering any facts? The initial decision was made based entirely on flat-out lies that were never even questioned or investigated. No facts were considered in the initial kneejerk capitulation to the Wingnut Propaganda Network.

[patrice]

2. This is so repulsive. I want to know that CORRECTIONS are made in their processes! nt

[OneGrassRoot]

3. Is it possible that, with a thorough investigation, charges could be filed?

Does anyone feel there any way Breitbart and Faux could be held liable in a court of law? I'll settle for humiliation in the court of public opinion, but the bad thing is that Faux viewers don't watch or listen to anything else, so they shall always remain clueless.

[jefferson_dem]

6. Doubt it.

Slander is difficult to prove in cases involving internet media and political speech. She was making a public speech, which was edited and put on a conservative website. They effectively lied about Sherrod and there was hideously malicious intent but it is still probably defensible under the First Amendment "freedom of the press" provision.

[zipplewrath]

10. Faux is probably covered

As you suggest, Breibart is wide open to the malicious intent clause. The hard part will be demonstrating that they "lied" or otherwise distorted the story. It will rest upon whether what they edited out "changed" the facts they were attempting to illustrate. Those are hard trials to win, but I'd bet in this case they just might.

[Liberal_Stalwart71]

9. Because Faux is protected by the First Amendment, I don't think they can be brought on charges.

This is sadly. I often wonder how Faux gets away with sedition day in and day out, but then I realize that speech is constitutionally protected.

[activa8tr]

11. I think there is a case here for a civil suit, not a criminal one.

The amount of damage done to the victim.
She might get a few million out of Fixed Noise and Breitbart in a settlement.

[Nicholas D Wolfwood]

25. Not likely.

She's a political appointee, making her a public figure, which makes a libel claim nearly impossible to win. See: Kerry, John vs. the Swift Boating assholes.

[LostinVA]

5. Why wasn't this done in the FIRST place

He would be fired for doing something like this in the private sector. Companies don't like managers who open them up to lawsuits. Sherrod could sue for racial discrimination, easy.

[bigwillq]

12. Good post.

:thumbsup:

[LostinVA]

14. Thanks!

[Ignis]

24. WHAT?!? You want facts to carry more weight than FAUX "news?"

That's just crazy talk! :freak:

[bigdarryl]

7. WE know the facts ASSHOLE give this lady her job back NOW!!!!!!

[activa8tr]

13. I think he should tender his resignation about now AFTER he

re-instates her.

[Liberal_Stalwart71]

8. No, Tom! Do it NOW!!! Reinstate her NOW!! There are no other "facts to consider"

other than what every American has already seen!

[Jennicut]

15. He better. It is the only right thing to do here.

[BeyondGeography]

16. What a boob

[Bluenorthwest]

17. Will Vilsack send out a survey on Shirley?

This clown should be ashamed to show his face in public. He's a shill, who is used to being commanded by the right, and it shows.

[rucky]

22. haha

We need to make sure farmers feel comfortable around her. Vote early & often!

[ladjf]

19. Translation: "I'm re-instating her just as soon as I can figure out some

way to cover my ass. " nt

[Milo_Bloom]

20. LMAO!

So you conduct the investigation and consider additional facts... AFTER you fire the person.

This entire mess showcases what has been the biggest problem with this administration.

They react based more on POLITICS rather than FACTS.

[Connie_Corleone]

21. So how long does it take to watch a 45 minute video and reverse his decision?

[donal dubh]

23. here is more distraction caused by Breitbart.

This is criminal. He created this whole thing.