General Discussion

procon

(15,805 posts)

30. My rightwing brother recently answered that question

Mon Dec 22, 2014, 04:40 PM

Dec 2014

We were watching TV and Rev Al was speaking at some protest, and all he was saying was pretty benign stuff like, peace and justice, fairness and equality. Out of the blue, my brainwashed, FoxNoise-watching brother goes ballistic and starts hurtling racial epithets and slinging invectives. He was so agitated that his face turned red and the veins in his neck popped... I thought he was going to have a stroke!

So I asked him what set him off, and in between the usual disjointed snippets anti-liberal propaganda that labeled him a Communist, Marxist, Leninist and/or socialist -- like me -- the only thing he cited the Tawana Brawley story that happened nearly 30 years ago. Mind you, he didn't actually know the details and was primarily interested in casting Sharpton in a negative role to prop up his own preconceived notions.

He thinks Sharpton should not show up to rally black Americans even when he's invited, because he just fires up The Blacks@ into hating Republicans, rich folks, and the Tea Party, so he wants to see conservatives attend instead of Sharpton... it's the "Fair & Balanced" thingy, doncha know!

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Why are right wingers so obsessed with Al Sharpton? [View all] Cali_Democrat Dec 2014 OP

He is just a thorn in thier side. tradewinds Dec 2014 #1

Because he and Tawana Brawley leftynyc Dec 2014 #46

Maybe so. tradewinds Dec 2014 #50

Spare me leftynyc Dec 2014 #51

I made no such acusation. tradewinds Dec 2014 #52

Yes. Back in the '80s and very early '90s, I lived in the NYC area. amandabeech Dec 2014 #62

I assume you are White... BronxBoy Dec 2014 #102

What you describe is a very unfortunate situation for the black community in NYC. branford Dec 2014 #113

Well... BronxBoy Dec 2014 #121

..... CatWoman Dec 2014 #152

Yeah, Al Sharpton Had Brawley and Crown Heights wellst0nev0ter Dec 2014 #153

Those are completely different leftynyc Dec 2014 #189

1+ ... 1StrongBlackMan Dec 2014 #165

Thank you. n/t Judi Lynn Dec 2014 #172

Yeah, I am white. amandabeech Dec 2014 #124

Why is it always White people that are his worst critics? VanillaRhapsody Dec 2014 #127

Because they don't understand how Sharpton came to be.... BronxBoy Dec 2014 #138

I know right? VanillaRhapsody Dec 2014 #146

I saw he preach at my wife's church when we were dating.... BronxBoy Dec 2014 #150

I met him in person in DC when they dedicated the MLK memorial! VanillaRhapsody Dec 2014 #157

But that doesn't count ... 1StrongBlackMan Dec 2014 #176

true true! VanillaRhapsody Dec 2014 #181

Odd, isn't it? eom BlueCaliDem Dec 2014 #160

Having become familiar with posts from some of them... Nothing unusual there at all Scootaloo Dec 2014 #163

Because they so desparately want him to be that ... 1StrongBlackMan Dec 2014 #169

You also need to be reminded that the people...... BronxBoy Dec 2014 #136

It is hard to believe that anyone posting here has ever supported Giuliani, or anyone like him, amandabeech Dec 2014 #147

Not saying they support him.... BronxBoy Dec 2014 #149

nother CatWoman Dec 2014 #154

BINGO! BlueCaliDem Dec 2014 #161

this White woman agrees with you! VanillaRhapsody Dec 2014 #164

'If the power structure in NYC was a just and equitable one...' and elsewhere... Nailed it! freshwest Dec 2014 #199

I agree with you. I do 840high Dec 2014 #81

And who else was speaking to our viewpoint of things.... BronxBoy Dec 2014 #109

The family never backed off their claims JonLP24 Dec 2014 #151

Congratulations Depaysement Dec 2014 #212

because of some very high-profile events in his past Enrique Dec 2014 #2

No ... 1StrongBlackMan Dec 2014 #15

+1 uponit7771 Dec 2014 #43

If the idiots knew the truth about Al and his affiliations with their precious institutions NoJusticeNoPeace Dec 2014 #78

however CatWoman Dec 2014 #86

Cosby is no longer useful ... 1StrongBlackMan Dec 2014 #90

I have seen many on the discussion boards defending him...but it isnt him NoJusticeNoPeace Dec 2014 #94

I Can Respect His Views wellst0nev0ter Dec 2014 #156

Yes he was rbrnmw Dec 2014 #80

Apparently, not *only* the rightwing s**t list. BlueCaliDem Dec 2014 #170

Not sure if you care, GummyBearz Dec 2014 #217

Yep Boreal Dec 2014 #67

3 ... 2 ... 1 ... 1StrongBlackMan Dec 2014 #91

Post removed Post removed Dec 2014 #98

I don't believe in anyone ... 1StrongBlackMan Dec 2014 #129

'To a very great many' bravenak Dec 2014 #132

It's always right to speak the truth Boreal Dec 2014 #178

I'm not upset ... 1StrongBlackMan Dec 2014 #182

But that's not what I said nt Boreal Dec 2014 #186

But it isn't up to you, is it? kwassa Dec 2014 #183

And cops are fucking killing unarmed Black men.... BronxBoy Dec 2014 #111

Ghouliani Boreal Dec 2014 #179

Why do people keep mentioning the past? jen1980 Dec 2014 #168

Mostly his personal Wellstone ruled Dec 2014 #3

You Have To Ask Cali_Dem? ProfessorGAC Dec 2014 #4

Seems like it but I need to know how Sharpton went from the Tawana Brawley hoax tenderfoot Dec 2014 #5

the tawana brawley case was just one moment in a long career. unblock Dec 2014 #7

I was introduced to him because of that case... tenderfoot Dec 2014 #10

yeah, well, i was introduced to paul mccartney because of "band on the run". unblock Dec 2014 #12

I'm sorry, was I PERSONALLY attacking you? tenderfoot Dec 2014 #13

lighten up, francis. unblock Dec 2014 #17

"Lighten Up Francis" is from the movie Stripes!! lol... I still say that... I never thought Id meet uponit7771 Dec 2014 #41

I guess I've heard it a thousand times from a hundred different people. cherokeeprogressive Dec 2014 #79

Well ... 1StrongBlackMan Dec 2014 #19

I have a feeling some POC and poor aren't impressed with him either. tenderfoot Dec 2014 #20

Can't be everything to everybody ... 1StrongBlackMan Dec 2014 #22

+1 And JustAnotherGen Dec 2014 #31

And a bunch of other white declared Black spokespersons. n/t 1StrongBlackMan Dec 2014 #36

You have such a way with words! JustAnotherGen Dec 2014 #39

Honestly, ... 1StrongBlackMan Dec 2014 #40

If I say Rinse Penis JustAnotherGen Dec 2014 #42

LOL! That made me laugh. 1StrongBlackMan Dec 2014 #60

I am now awaiting their answer to this question 1SBM rbrnmw Dec 2014 #84

What question? n/t 1StrongBlackMan Dec 2014 #92

who is the white leader? I may not approve of them rbrnmw Dec 2014 #99

LOL ... 1StrongBlackMan Dec 2014 #130

none we are just suppose to stop all this protesting and shut up rbrnmw Dec 2014 #137

Or, just accept the acceptable negro spokesperson ... 1StrongBlackMan Dec 2014 #139

lol rbrnmw Dec 2014 #140

I personally would nominate Paul Mooney rbrnmw Dec 2014 #162

Not even the POTUS, AG, etc. They'd rather burn the house down than do that. Sorry _____'s. freshwest Dec 2014 #201

1SBM: I signed in just because of your post! And may I quote you? I'll take the challenge. I figure: freshwest Dec 2014 #190

I never found him loud or obnoxious. That label belongs to the RWers who are on 24/7 hating on Al! freshwest Dec 2014 #200

here's my take. sharpton gives voice to what his constituents are feeling. unblock Dec 2014 #61

Without Malcolm, there could be no Martin. n/t 1StrongBlackMan Dec 2014 #93

indeed... x is to king as sharpton is to jackson. unblock Dec 2014 #96

Actually, I was think Malcolm is to King as ... 1StrongBlackMan Dec 2014 #118

fair enough. i thought of my version years ago, pre-obama. unblock Dec 2014 #135

Well you obvisously don't know many poor and POC..... BronxBoy Dec 2014 #104

Thanks for the lesson tenderfoot Dec 2014 #106

You're welcome My Brother.... BronxBoy Dec 2014 #108

I'm a girl tenderfoot Dec 2014 #110

Well...Thank You... BronxBoy Dec 2014 #114

"He's a self promoter". Name one outspoken Black leader today who is not routinely called that. ieoeja Dec 2014 #191

That and their epitaph 'community organizer.' Like Beck, Brillo, Rush, Hannity, etc. aren't? freshwest Dec 2014 #203

! CatWoman Dec 2014 #48

Hey Catwoman tenderfoot Dec 2014 #107

wait, you worked out a side agreement with catwoman that says she's not to laugh at my jokes? unblock Dec 2014 #195

LOL Capt. Obvious Dec 2014 #193

Well perhaps you should read up..... a kennedy Dec 2014 #24

Rev. Al reeked of self promotion long before Tawana Brawley. immoderate Dec 2014 #27

+1 Go Vols Dec 2014 #35

This message was self-deleted by its author otohara Dec 2014 #56

One more job wouldn't hurt Go Vols Dec 2014 #64

This message was self-deleted by its author otohara Dec 2014 #72

Well, I didn't say that about MLK, but I can detect it Rev. Al. immoderate Dec 2014 #69

This message was self-deleted by its author otohara Dec 2014 #75

as a matter of fact he was INVITED to help CatWoman Dec 2014 #82

How Often Do We Hear Certain People Say wellst0nev0ter Dec 2014 #158

They would collapse without someone to yammer hate about publicly. Judi Lynn Dec 2014 #175

... CatWoman Dec 2014 #198

That case is a convenient red herring for people who dislike him Ykcutnek Dec 2014 #11

The Reverend AL was a "civil rights spokesperson" long before Brawley. n/t 1StrongBlackMan Dec 2014 #16

++++1,000 nt kelliekat44 Dec 2014 #49

not as annoying as your uninformed post CatWoman Dec 2014 #26

Please educate yourself on Al Sharpton.... giftedgirl77 Dec 2014 #47

I explained that to you in another post... BronxBoy Dec 2014 #123

because he worked with Jesse olddots Dec 2014 #6

Well, he has been in the news frequently for months maced666 Dec 2014 #8

He has the nerve to speak out and have black skin at the same time. Ykcutnek Dec 2014 #9

Because a Black mkan pointing out racism is ... well ... racist! n/t 1StrongBlackMan Dec 2014 #14

Not every right-winger... kentuck Dec 2014 #18

because they are always looking for Blacks that VanillaRhapsody Dec 2014 #21

Same reason they're so obsessed with Obama. KamaAina Dec 2014 #23

his style turns off some people in all groups Enrique Dec 2014 #25

When Al Sharpton gets involved... BklnDem75 Dec 2014 #28

+1 uponit7771 Dec 2014 #44

Because he's black mainly. PeteSelman Dec 2014 #29

My rightwing brother recently answered that question procon Dec 2014 #30

I feel your pain. I called to check in on two relations... BNL got off the topic with 'Obamanation.' freshwest Dec 2014 #206

They can call him all of the names they... JoePhilly Dec 2014 #32

Sharpton often speaks good sense. Nye Bevan Dec 2014 #33

I think they see him as an ambulance chaser and a self promoter helpmetohelpyou Dec 2014 #34

Always preceded by "yeah but what about.." louis-t Dec 2014 #37

^^^ This Atman Dec 2014 #53

I like him because the wing nuts hate him tularetom Dec 2014 #38

Me too hollowdweller Dec 2014 #134

Sharpton is to Palin as science is to creationism, fact belief versus fantasy belief. He is also a Fred Sanders Dec 2014 #45

Because he's a Democratic Party-supporting black man who speaks out against racism YoungDemCA Dec 2014 #54

I don't think that is accurate. Atman Dec 2014 #57

I was answering the question in the OP YoungDemCA Dec 2014 #59

many who think this? rbrnmw Dec 2014 #89

Good thing I didn't actually post "many who think this." Atman Dec 2014 #144

Are you serious? I never, ever made that kind of connection. kwassa Dec 2014 #196

You are ONE person on ONE DU thread. Atman Dec 2014 #197

Trying to minimize my comment? Good luck with that. kwassa Dec 2014 #213

Did you even read my post? Atman Dec 2014 #215

yes, I am mouthing off ... kwassa Dec 2014 #216

"Many (most) people think he is speaking for the president" Number23 Dec 2014 #97

I don't think many, most or hardly any of the folks I know think that rbrnmw Dec 2014 #101

I know for a fact that no one I know --American or otherwise-- would be stupid enough to think Number23 Dec 2014 #122

I actually don't know anyone like that either rbrnmw Dec 2014 #128

Because ... You know ... they're both Black! n/t 1StrongBlackMan Dec 2014 #180

This is a serious question. Are there people here SERIOUSLY stupid enough to believe that Al Permed Number23 Dec 2014 #185

And thus a threat to their power structure. freshwest Dec 2014 #205

They find him "uppity" Tom Ripley Dec 2014 #55

Because they're f'n idiots d_b Dec 2014 #58

They think he (and Jackson, Obama, etc.) Jamaal510 Dec 2014 #63

Wingnuts esp southern ones do not think there is any discrimination anymore hollowdweller Dec 2014 #65

he is black, has a tv show, a radio show on like a brazilion black radio stations dembotoz Dec 2014 #66

Since Sharpton made a false accusations, they cite him as a means of dismissing all complaints. Marr Dec 2014 #68

I have no use for Al Sharpton. branford Dec 2014 #70

...^ that 840high Dec 2014 #85

So sayeth the White man.... BronxBoy Dec 2014 #105

Isn't that shit enlightening??? giftedgirl77 Dec 2014 #143

Yep... BronxBoy Dec 2014 #148

Well you know they have always known what was giftedgirl77 Dec 2014 #171

I most certainly don't look to him as a leader. vdogg Dec 2014 #207

Yea white privilege!!! giftedgirl77 Dec 2014 #145

+ 100 delete_bush Dec 2014 #187

Let me be the first to rec your post NoGOPZone Dec 2014 #71

So glad to have seen your post. Thank you for this information, NoGOPZone. n/t Judi Lynn Dec 2014 #173

No problem. Since any right winger is going to demand proof NoGOPZone Dec 2014 #177

Good golly, I never heard about this. That is a very revealing article. TY. freshwest Dec 2014 #208

Because he's easy to caricaturize mythology Dec 2014 #73

Sharpton to this day has never actually admitted that the Brawley matter was a "screw up." branford Dec 2014 #74

i think its because d_r Dec 2014 #76

They don't like hearing what he says treestar Dec 2014 #77

He can begin to rehabilitate his reputation by simply admitting he "messed up" branford Dec 2014 #87

color me dubious of your claim CatWoman Dec 2014 #88

You can be "dubious" all you want. branford Dec 2014 #95

He does not believe it was fraud. bravenak Dec 2014 #115

Something bad happened to her gwheezie Dec 2014 #166

Something bad definitely happened. bravenak Dec 2014 #167

I do, I will continue to do so CatWoman Dec 2014 #117

That One's clueless..... BronxBoy Dec 2014 #125

he pretends to "think" CatWoman Dec 2014 #155

He is a leader and he black n/t doc03 Dec 2014 #83

Right there. Iggo Dec 2014 #210

sadly it's not only rightwingers I love Reverend Al rbrnmw Dec 2014 #100

+1 freshwest Dec 2014 #209

Because They Are Giving Jessie Jackson A Break WillTwain Dec 2014 #103

That's how wingers operate... MrScorpio Dec 2014 #112

He was a very angry gadfly in the 1980s and early 1990s. applegrove Dec 2014 #116

some here are also still stuck in the 80 and 90's CatWoman Dec 2014 #120

I did not like Sharpton in the 1980s. I do not follow applegrove Dec 2014 #133

there's always online CatWoman Dec 2014 #214

They have the mullets to prove it Capt. Obvious Dec 2014 #194

He is an easy target ... JEFF9K Dec 2014 #119

He reminds them of Jesse Jackson? B Calm Dec 2014 #126

for the same reason right wingers were obsessed with MLK steve2470 Dec 2014 #131

Basically because he is a black activists who tells it like it is and MSNBC gave him a prime time jwirr Dec 2014 #141

Same reason they still obsess about Chappaquiddick TransitJohn Dec 2014 #142

He is black. Agnosticsherbet Dec 2014 #159

He's black JustAnotherGen Dec 2014 #174

He is black, smarter than they are and ties tight knots in their knickers. appleannie1 Dec 2014 #184

Black guy who talks about black matters Prophet 451 Dec 2014 #188

And they never look in the mirror, either. freshwest Dec 2014 #211

Because their talking points are always twenty years out of date... Orsino Dec 2014 #192

He's black and he "talks back." True Blue Door Dec 2014 #202

They're authoritarians. Iggo Dec 2014 #204