47 Responses to:
THE SHIRLEY SHERROD SAGA

# 1. 7/23/10 12:08 AM
Sometimes I have conversations with people and I go away wondering how on earth their minds work. Unfortunately, I have the same experience with race relations. I have heard black people say they've been discriminated against in a situation in which it is clear to me that they have not. (As the old saying goes, if you get crappy service in a restaurant, it's because the restaurant has crappy service, but if you get crappy service and you're black, it's because you're black.) But I also don't get how blatantly racist comments can be held up for approval if it is a black person doing the talking.

# 2. 7/23/10 12:10 AM by DaWiz - San Antonio, Texas
Hmmmmm. Nuf Said!

# 3. 7/23/10 12:30 AM
Understood, and agree with your primary point. However, this part is just flat out wrong: "Was the White House wrong to call for her to be fired? Probably not."

Huh? This is the same WH that wouldn't denounce the racist rants of Jeremiah Wright, repeatedly said the clips were taken out of context, and until they could see them in their entirety they wouldn't criticize.

But a 2 minute clip of Ms. Sherrod causes an immediate and swift termination before one person is interviewed or any video is sought? Same for the NAACP.

There is stank all over this.

# 4. 7/23/10 6:10 AM by rjd
There is no doubt that blacks have gotten treated like crap in this country for many years and I can fully understand why they would have anger and a chip on their shoulder or whatever you want to call it. I watched a documentary the other day on some "Great Mississippi flood" back in the 20's i believe, where Black migrant workers were forced to fill sand bags, etc by the plantation owners and werent allowed to leave the area that was becoming dangerous because the owners were affraid they wouldnt come back. This was a good 60 years after the abolition of slavery and still they were essentially treated like property. They showed pictures of white boyscouts with rifes watching over the Blacks as they worked. They were not given the same food and medical supplies that the whites had, etc. so here you are in America and because of your race you are not allowed to freely go about your business and do what ever you want. Can I understand why Blacks would be angry? of course, but they still should learn to let it go for their own sake. I can understand why that will be very hard. I certainly have had times in my life where someone has "done me wrong" that isnt a distinctly black experience, but I have found that the anger and hatred did far more damage to me than what the original offense had dane. I guess what I'm trying to say is, remember your history and be proud that you have endured. You were forged in the fires of hatred and slavery but now you are an American citizen just like anyone else, with all the rights to pursue your happiness, so dont let your anger and mistrust spoil the dream of equality that so many before you have struggled and suffered on your behalf. You may not beleive this, and i wouldnt blame you if you dont, but millions of folks "not of color" pray for you every day and for an end to racism and hatred.

# 5. 7/23/10 6:19 AM by Eli - Clarendon, NY
Bob, thanks for having the balls to say what others in the media know, but are afraid to point out.

I'm not sure what is killing our country faster - political correctness or entitlement attitudes.

# 6. 7/23/10 6:22 AM by rochester escapee
I heard part of her speech on the radio, and couldn't understand a word she said.

Editor's Note: interestingly, when she made the rounds of tv shows the other day, she spoke in a completely different way.

# 7. 7/23/10 6:39 AM
nice column - but the larger point is Brietbart was proving not so much Sherrods behavior, than the audiences favorable response to her behavior on the heels of the Tea Party comments (by the NAACP) alleging racism

# 8. 7/23/10 6:43 AM by david - rochester
ok..ok..I agree with your point. But Holy crap, Batman, why is it so hard for people to just say out loud that to some degree we are all racist; that because of experience, exposure, upbringing or education, everyone recognizes and reacts to a person that presents differently from themself. As long as we aren't treading on the civil rights of that person (regardless of color, religion or nationaility)...let the retoric work itself out. The do-gooders in their quest to insure equality through exposure have alienated peoples more than ever. Time to go to work.

# 9. 7/23/10 6:50 AM by Keith - Queensbury,NY
Fox News managed to make themselves look even more like an arm of the Republican party than they did before with this episode. Shepard Smith was the only one who showed the slightest journalistic skepticism about the tape.

What Breitbart or his source did with the editing is the same as Hannity has been doing for years. They and Fox are propagandists masquerading as journalists.

# 10. 7/23/10 7:13 AM by Rick G. - Spencerport, NY
You can’t jump over your shadow.

In these politically correct times, we are all aware that we have to treat others equally and with respect, but isn’t it human nature to be a little wary of things that are different?

# 11. 7/23/10 7:14 AM by Heather - NY
I don't think Shirley was lying in her speech. She didn't do all she could do for the farmer at first, by brushing him off to one of "his own". She goes on to explain that her change of heart happened after the white lawyer, didn't help the farmer. She then realized her job was to help the "have not's", at that point she did go above and beyond. After watching the entire clip I was disappointed that someone could've twisted it's message. The speech was really touching to me, but I guess someone else saw it and said gotchya!

Editor's Note: you're watching a different speech than the rest of us

# 12. 7/23/10 7:23 AM by jaymor
There's absolutely no evidence to suggest that Sherrod lied in saying that, at an earlier phase of her career, she intuitively discriminated against whites. The perception of one white person that she treated him well is highly subjective. Your "liar" allegation, inserted for the sake of controvery, detracts from an otherwise objective. well-written column.

Editor's Note: no, she said things which are demonstrably untrue. she was talking big for her audience, and that's an interesting thing to learn from this episode.

# 13. 7/23/10 7:29 AM by OldVietVet - Rochester, NY
The NAACP is a Black Racist organization,dedicated to absolute power/ and repressive rule of Blacks over Whites,and the eventual destruction of the White Race in America. They are annually consolodating their gains-Obama being a major victory. They have succeeded on the basis of the 1964 civil rights amendments, social agitation/violence, and the "tolerance" of a brainwashed White Middle Class that will see-no/speak-no/hear-no/evil. The Black Shirleys know all about the NAACP, its objectives, and the hatred of all of its members for Whites,even if we Whites deny it-and that is why she spoke the way she did.The Jews of Eastern Europe could not believe what was happening to them, even as they were led to the gas chambers.And they were an educated and eminently civilized people. What of us?

# 14. 7/23/10 7:32 AM by JK Bell - Harrisville Uta
Look, the NAACP is a racist organization. The name proves it. If it wasn't racist its name would be NAAP.

But I don't think being a racist is that big of sin.

My mom was a racist and I still loved her. She didn't like blacks but se didn't hate the either. She just didn't want to be around them.

Shirley Sherrod (to me) seems like a racist. Not someone out to hurt white people but a black person who prefers the company of other black people.

I would assume that most members of the NAACP are people like her and my mom. People who cling to the comfort of being around their own kind.

The sad lesson is my mom and Ms Sherrod failed to learn is that they belong to the same race. The human race.

The so called "different races" of humans is an illusion. All of us could trace our lineage back to Adam.

The idea of "race" is scientifically wrong and obsolete. Yet we still believe in race!

Why is that?

Because we believe that millions of years ago monkeys turned into humans and that somehow the different races evolved making us cousins instead of brothers.

You can no longer say it but that is what this mixed up world believes.

And that is what Ms Sherrod meant when she said she sent the white farmer to one of his own kind.

# 15. 7/23/10 7:47 AM by Andrew the fired up Democrat - Henrietta, NY
Bob, There is something that most national radio talk show hosts do that you do not. You will often hear them playing excerpts of politicians' speeches out of context. Then they will dissect the sound bite one word at a time in order to twist the meaning of the speech into something the speaker never intended. It is one of the reasons your show is the only one on WHAM that I can stand to listen to for the whole three hours...when I have the time.

Editor's Note: i am honored to have you in the audience. thank you.

# 16. 7/23/10 7:48 AM by tw - rochester
Um, no. Brietbart is clearly a moron and knew exactly what he was doing. He's not a "journalist", he's a shill with an agenda. That agenda is hate, bias, and lies. People complain about the liberal media, but when something like this happens so many of the "conservative" news channels eat it right up without it being properly vetted.

The very FIRST question that Fox should have asked was about context. But they didn't, and would rather degrade journalism by jumping at the opportunity to lower themselves. Disgusting.

# 17. 7/23/10 8:20 AM
Gee, I have to ask myself, what could possibly come out of Sen. Gillibrand meeting with the Rochester Business Alliance, which will include open dialogue about employer concerns. Hell, if I was unemployed, I wouldn't have a clue where to look in Rochester, NY for a job.

# 18. 7/23/10 8:21 AM by Rick C - Rochester,NY 14610
Just another way for The FOX Commentary Network to sabatage Our President Obamas Presidency and administration.

# 19. 7/23/10 8:27 AM
Once again, trying to defend the indefensible.....

You should choose your battles more wisely.

Do you really want to be an apologist for Breitbart and Fox News?

# 20. 7/23/10 8:27 AM by Vet '72
There will always be a group of people in this country that will carry a chip on their shoulder for one reason or another and then dare you to knock it off. Once you take them up on that challenge, they'll say you did it because you're a racist or a hater.

# 21. 7/23/10 8:31 AM by Mark - Greece
To paraphrase Joe Friday, 'get the facts, man get the facts!' If there is one cuntinuing pattern throughout this new admin, it is that they insist decisions be made without them. Tarp- nope, Congress can't read it. Rangle- nope, not looking into his misdeeds. Black Panthers- ditto. And on and on. News media pull stuff out of context constantly to make it fit their agenda. Those of like mind will accept it blindly. And ultimately, act rashly.

# 22. 7/23/10 8:31 AM by NascarDad - Richmond, VA
Not sure if it is true but I heard they had already called for her to resign before the tape even aired on Fox. If so their blame of Fox in this matter rings rather hollow.

The reaction of the NAACP is sickening but really not unexpected.

# 23. 7/23/10 9:03 AM
And she will walk away with a better paying job. Double standards for sure.

# 24. 7/23/10 9:21 AM by Diane - Erda, Utah
What bothers me is that the media has the power to show bits and pieces of anyone's comments to stir up public opinions. Instead of showing the whole speech, they showed the "damming" part. I know there are race problems but I think it's on both sides. Good writing Bob.

# 25. 7/23/10 9:36 AM
So because the white farmer appreciated Sherrod's efforts and felt no ill will toward her, Sherrod herself must have been lying when she says she recalls doing less than she could have because of the color of the farmer's skin? And that lie is a bigger deal than the right-wing media's deliberate acts of dishonesty?

That's a stretch, and you know it. It's a clever attempt at deflection, but still a stretch. You don't know if she was speaking with sincerity, but you're ready to assume she was not because it gives you another topic to distract from the real issues of this incident:

>> Breitbart and FOX were wrong to air the edited video and base their ceaseless rhetoric solely on that out-of-context footage. It's not a question. They were wrong. Then, after Sherrod was fired and the full story was revealed, FOX came out against Obama for throwing Sherrod under the bus ... conveniently omitting their own leadership role in fomenting the public opinion that led to her firing.

>> The Obama administration screwed up big time. After Obama himself has gone on the record labeling FOX (correctly) as the organized voice of the GOP, it's ridiculous to think his administration would so easily cave to public opinion created by knowingly misleading footage. No White House should allow itself to be pushed around by any media outlet -- especially if the administration has the facts on its side.

Your career as a right-wing apologist is coming along nicely. It's actually surprising you haven't moved higher up the ladder by now.

# 26. 7/23/10 9:42 AM
we, the people NOT in the "big leagues" of politics are so confused and nieve. what appears to us as wrong doing or not paying property taxes being seen as wrong, is all an illusion to us here as civilians. politicians are all doing the right thing all the time. for that what the swearing in service what was about, wasn't it? politicians all tell the truth, do the right thing, and uphold the law. that is why people are elected. because the person who is elected for whatever office, is a decent person and if they have a family or wife, a decent family man or woman. i don't know why reporters have to ask foolish questions. there is no wrong doing going on.

# 27. 7/23/10 9:51 AM by Dave - Penfield, NY
I was beginning to wonder if I was the only one paying any attention to the crowd's reaction.

By far, the most intelligent and insightful commentary on the topic to date.

# 28. 7/23/10 10:03 AM by Calvin Pitzrick - Rochester, NY
Bob, another very great column! I would like to add that Shirley Sharood`s own father was murdered by the KKK! So after hating for awhile, she turned to a life of Redemption! Her reason for living was to help others, white and black, and has been very successful in doing it. It looks like she has been a Saint!

But the dems and NAAP already had the real facts on what had happened and held back with the truth! Shirley Sharood stood her ground and did not give up while Obama threw her under the bus! Since she reacted so strongly for her rights, finally everyone appologized to her when the truth finally came out! She called for Obama to meet with her so that she could explain to him the real needs in the South because Obama lacked experience!

So Obama was forced to call her and they talked for just 7 minutes and no meeting in person in sight! She doesn`t know if she would take the new job offered by him! She has stated that she wants her lost job back!

When all the news was breaking, Glen Beck, was the only one publicly supporting Shirley Sherood on his show! He stood up for her! He had a feeling that something was missing!

All the panic started when Obama heard that Shirley Sherood was going to appear on the Glen Beck Show, which Glenn said had not been scheduled! I would be very happy to see Shirley on the Glenn Beck Show now, since they were both involved and connected in the No 1 news story of this momentis week!

GOD WORKS IN MYSTERIOUS WAYS!

Cal Pitzrick

# 29. 7/23/10 10:04 AM by Jolene
That wasn't even a white lie.

# 30. 7/23/10 10:07 AM by Boomer - Scottsville ny
She is still a racist as is the Lying Communist Fraud!! Give me a break the NAACP , the National Association of COLORED People, yea right .

# 31. 7/23/10 10:08 AM
What you are saying is what is the current conservative take on the issue, that both whites and blacks can be guilty of racism.

In other words, blacks who are angry about whites making them slaves for several hundred years and calling them 3/5ths human are more likly racist than justified. Remember, 80% of America approved of slavery during its day. Can't imagine why blacks would be skeptical about whites---then that skepticism seen by whites to be racist.

Whites hurt black people deeply. They made them work at very hard jobs and stole their pay at the end of the day. Whites "bred" blacks like they bred dogs and cats. They killed intelligent blacks because their voices were dangerous to whites pocketbooks. Whites bred blacks to be physically superior and now fear the black man's physical superiority. Ironic, huh. Why do you think modern sports are so full of blacks. They were bred in America to be superior---you don't see many blacks coming here from Africa to play on the Celtics.

Shirley Sherrod's dad was killed by a white man who was not prosecuted for it. Gee, I wonder why she'd have a grudge.

There are some grudges that have truth behind them. The grudge that whites have had for blacks has no truth behind it. The grudges blacks have for whites does have some truth behind it.

Also, the website that ran this video that caused this uproar is KNOWN for doctoring tapes to cause this kind of grief. How come we've never heard a peep out of you, Bob, about how this website was in collusion with that trashing of Acorn set of videos that have now been proven everywhere to have been as fake as could be. The same bastards were behind the phony trashing of Acorn that ruined them.

Fox News ran this video over and over and over and over and over.....no news organization does that! Only propagandists do that.

# 32. 7/23/10 10:15 AM
Just heard on the radio about 8am here in Utah that the Obama Administration is saying Sherrod's bosses acted too quickly when they asked her to resign.

What the f-word?

Wasn't it the administration that asked her to pull over and resign enroute? Has Obama ever taken responsibility for any stupid thing he's done? Heaven knows he has a long list of screw-ups, and yet we're supposed to believe someone else is always to blame?

# 33. 7/23/10 10:40 AM by JT - Rochester
The only reason to write this column would be if a reader didn't know what your position would be.

# 34. 7/23/10 11:36 AM by Dave - Rochester, NY
Do people actually READ the column then digest it BEFORE forming an opinion or response??? Hey morons.... Fox did not air the video until AFTER she was fired. Breitbart did not fire her. All these calls for properly vetting are only good for the "other" guy??? ..... sigh.... moonbats..... barking moonbats.....

# 35. 7/23/10 12:01 PM by Liam's Dad - Rochester
MEGA - SUPER - UBER - FUBO

If I could live in a Brady Bunch Neighborhood, instead of the city, I'd move in a heartbeat..., If I had to give mouth to mouth resuscitation to a black man to save his life, I would in a heartbeat.!

Does that make me a Hater, or a Hero...?

NO!!

It makes me any one of you who, who has a good heart, and is honest with yourself.

I hate PC, and the name calling is for elementary school.

Wake up People, its not too late.

# 36. 7/23/10 12:42 PM by Gramma
#9: Glenn Beck, on the very day the video came out, took the attitude that Ms. Sherrod had likely been treated unfairly, and that more information needed to be obtained before anyone made a judgment. If you are aware of what Fox News broadcasts, be fair about it. If you are not aware, don't make blanket statements.

# 37. 7/23/10 3:25 PM by ex-pansy
So what's next...a "Shirley Temple" summit?

# 38. 7/23/10 3:32 PM by Mike K. - Pittsford
Good points Bob, but I think the president has got to learn to stop shooting from the hip. It got him in trouble in the case of teh cop vs the Harvard professor and it got him in trouble here. In both cases he should've indicated concern based upon "surface level" information and committed to getting more info.

# 39. 7/23/10 5:53 PM by CJ - SLC, UT
Really dont see what the big deal is. Get a life. Who uses the term colored people anymore anyway. Just an subservient organization designed to keep black people down and in line - not the other way around.

# 40. 7/23/10 6:37 PM by cj - salt lake city
An interesting side note regarding the dept. of agriculture is that the president of consumers & producers of dairy products in Mexico, Alvara Munoz, has alerted the public of the possibility that contaminated milk may be entering this country. Mexico imports milk mostly from the US, and some from New Zealand, Argentina and Uraquay. This is about profit over health and safety. Mexico will sacrifice 10,000 head of cattle due to the Secy of Agriculture knowing that to import contaminated milk is cheaper and not keeping his word bla bla and someone is trying to hurt Mexico as of course it poses a high health risk and how they can raise the import tax etc...

# 41. 7/23/10 6:54 PM by Mrs. J - SLC, UT
Just read that just a few days before this happened Shirley and her husband were awarded $13,000,000 in their lawsuit against that very same government agency? Have you heard of this? Was I reading it wrong? Maybe that's why she was fired. Why no mention of this pertinent fact Bob?

# 42. 7/23/10 7:12 PM by JJ - SLC, Utah
She helped the white farmer and his family but she probably obviously helped her own more. No lie in that. I've helped people fill out forms too and picked them up as a volunteer. Never asking if they were white or black. If that was her job then why is that a lie? All agencies are supposed to by law help all people Bob. Shirley Sherrod said this morning on CNN that she would like to “get back at” Andrew Breitbart. Asked if she would consider a defamation suit against Breibart, the conservative blogger who posted the edited clip that got her fired, she said, “I really think I should.” “It’s hard for me to understand a person like him, and it’s hard for me to understand what is his purpose, what is he trying to do really,” she said. “He could easily make a decision to destroy me, but in destroying me, what else is he trying to do?”

# 43. 7/23/10 7:30 PM by dean - henrietta
When did involvment by government employees and agencies in debt relief between private individuals/corporations become a legitimate governmental function?

I don't remember that clause in the Constitution.

# 44. 7/23/10 8:25 PM by W Ross - Provo, Utah
If you have white skin you're a racist. If you have black skin there is no way in hell how you can be a racist.

Being a racist has nothing to do with what you think of yourself or of others. It's has to do entirely with the color or the skin.

# 45. 7/24/10 3:19 AM by Rob Staples - Henrico, VA
#13 hit the nail on the head, well done and thank you!

# 46. 7/24/10 11:15 AM by Chris
Blacks have every reason to resent and distrust white people. To equate how they feel with simple racism is naive. Whites have no excuse - Blacks do.

# 47. 7/25/10 9:59 PM by Ron
Rick C. #18: the administration needs nobody's help in looking bad and being the most scandal ridden in history.

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