The Beck and Sharpton Rallys

I was very embarrassed to see Reverend Al Sharpton criticize the Glenn Beck rally at the Lincoln Memorial, last Saturday. This once lion of civil rights just did not get it. Instead of Sharpton joining with Glenn Beck, he met at a football stadium to talk about the past. Beck talked about moving ahead with God as our leader.

Reverend Sharpton came across as a bitter old black man who is out of touch with the reality of our times. Beck came across as a man who knew the times and the seasons. Why is this the case?

Reverend Sharpton lives in an era long past. He still believes or gives the impression that government is the salvation of minorities instead of self effort. He, and those of his ilk, talk about the dream but encourage being part of the nightmare. Lastly, Reverend Sharpton tries to hide his liberalism behind a pulpit that would have be criticized if he were a conservative.

Mr. Beck, on the other hand, has made a meteoric media ascent to a place of national popularity. His desire to have the nation return to the Judaeo-Christian ethics of the past is refreshing. Instead of establishing a theocracy, he espouses living the golden rule (do unto others as you would have them do unto you). Who, in his right or left mind, could oppose that? Lastly, Mr. Beck epitomizes what he preaches and has worked very smartly to establish a place of admiration and emulation.

The Pot Calling the Kettle...White

I was taken aback recently when I heard former Congressman Walter Fauntroy saying that the Tea Party movement was “exclusive” as he discussed the Glenn Beck event at the Lincoln Memorial. Here you have a guy who supports the black caucus, which is 100% black, while the Tea Party includes all colors.

Whether one will admit it or not, prejudice is an equal opportunity destroyer. Contrary to popular belief, blacks can be as prejudiced as whites, just ask Shirley Sherrod. She was thrown under the bus (fired) by the Obama administration before they did their due diligence and discovered that she was not actually prejudice against the white farmer she helped in Georgia.

Many of the old guard black leaders harbor a root of bitterness that could insure that they end up with the very people they hated here on earth. Many who speak of brotherly love only mean that it exists between them and those who look like them.

So, give Brother Beck a break and let him hold his meeting. Perhaps the visage of all colors together will help the country realize the true dream of Dr. King. I am sure if Dr. King was alive, he would again be the key note speaker.