NAACP Retracts Shirley Sherrod Statement, Says It Was "Snookered" by Fox News

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When news first broke about apparent racially charged comments made by former Department of Agriculture employee Shirley Sherrod, the NAACP backed her departure from the agency.

...

"Racism is about the abuse of power. Sherrod had it in her position at USDA. According to her remarks, she mistreated a white farmer in need of assistance because of his race," NAACP President Benjamin Jealous said in a statement at the time.

But tonight, the NAACP has changed is mind as the full context of the original remarks was revealed -- including the fact that the incident in question happened 24 years ago (before she worked for the USDA) and the farmers involved have praised Sherrod's efforts on their behalf, calling her a "friend for life."

"With regard to the initial media coverage of the resignation of USDA Official Shirley Sherrod, we have come to the conclusion we were snookered by Fox News and Tea Party Activist Andrew Breitbart into believing she had harmed white farmers because of racial bias," a new statement from Jealous released on Tuesday night said.

"Having reviewed the full tape, spoken to Ms. Sherrod, and most importantly heard the testimony of the white farmers mentioned in this story, we now believe the organization that edited the documents did so with the intention of deceiving millions of Americans," the statement added.

The NAACP statement called for Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack to reconsider his decision to fire Sherrod, while adding that "we understand why Secretary Vilsack believes this false controversy will impede her ability to function in the role."

http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-503544_162-20011138-503544.html

[Trumplestiltskin 5,791]

What's sad there is that the media establishment will happily ruin someone's life and all they, politicians and activist groups are interested in is their own image management. It's quite shameful really.

[Sofiyya 1,687]

"Act nice, talk racist" passes muster with Black Leftists when the racist is Black. What else is new?

[I AM NOT THAT GUY 5,715]

Fox News is so evil, preying on such weak minds...

[Sofiyya 1,687]

Fox News is so evil, preying on such weak minds...

The weak minds it preys on run their lousy network competitors

[Fandango 1,440]

They didn't put the words in her mouth. If it were a white person talking about a black/mexican person, we'd be hearing cries for a head on a stick and 10 lbs of flesh.

[Trumplestiltskin 5,791]

It was 24 years ago. Who hasn't said something stupid?

[Fandango 1,440]

It was 24 years ago. Who hasn't said something stupid?

It was obviously pertinent enough for her to recall it in this current speech.

[Trumplestiltskin 5,791]

So what? Perhaps she should have kept it a secret. Somehow I doubt you'd find that satisfactory.

[Fandango 1,440]

So what? Perhaps she should have kept it a secret. Somehow I doubt you'd find that satisfactory.

If it were secret, how would I know?

Now that it's no secret, she has snookered herself in finding another job in a position of power over deciding who gets what.

[Trumplestiltskin 5,791]

Uh-huh.

[Fandango 1,440]

Uh-huh.

uh huh!

Is this what we're doing now? lol. Don't worry, I'll let you have the last word.

[Trumplestiltskin 5,791]

Sure. Ok. Whatever. The last word thing is a pathetic gotcha. Never mind, its only VJ.

[Fandango 1,440]

Sure. Ok. Whatever. The last word thing is a pathetic gotcha. Never mind, its only VJ.

Well, other than having the last word, what is the point to responding with an 'uh huh' Now, it's 'sure, whatever' like a belligerent teenager.

It's rude. Don't agree with me but ####'s sake, no need to mock my opinion, or battle me as to why I'm wrong and you're right. Lately you seem to need to dismiss opinions that don't jive with yours. This is 'idealism' that is 'this ism', and now this post is 'vj sheesh'. We see things differently, big whoop. That doesn't make either of us evil, misguided, bad, wrong, etc.

I think you know me well enough to know that I'm not trying to start a sh`t fling with you, or disagree for the sake of doing so. So please do try to treat that with some respect, as I have done with you. Thanks!

Edited July 21, 2010 by Happy Bunny

[Trumplestiltskin 5,791]

Uh-huh. Don't take it personally and it won't be.