Obama, NAACP wrong in forcing black woman’s resignation over race comments

 Powered by Max Banner Ads 

Shirley Sherrod, USDA Georgia Director of Rural Development, told an audience at the NAACP Freedom Fund dinner about a time, 25 years ago, when while working for non-profit entity she didn’t give a white farmer, “the full force of what I could do.”

Sherrod resigned on Monday after receiving four calls from the White House urging her to resign because of her statement.  The NAACP issued a statement saying, “We are appalled by her actions.”

Folks, a few minutes ago I heard that farmer’s wife on our local NPR station (and saw a report on CNN).  The wife said that Sherrod had in fact done a lot to help them keep their farm.  Further, if you watch the 2 1/2 minute video of Sherrod’s offending speech, I believe you’ll agree with me that Sherrod is actually explaining that she learned and has grown from this incident. “It was revealed to me that it is about poor vs those who have. It’s not so much about white…it is about white and black but it’s not, it opened my eyes…”

I can’t say that I like what Sherrod had to say about “poor vs. those who have.”  That is blatant class warfare and not at all helpful to the poor or to “those who have.” But as for race; don’t we need more people like Sherrod?  People that have grown to believe that it is “about white and black but it’s not.”  And folks, let’s not forget that this incident that Sherrod speaks of, in which she apparently helped save a family farm despite some personal misgivings, occurred in 1986, nearly a quarter of a century ago.

Can we all just calm down about race?

Shame on Obama and the NAACP for their overreaction.  Forcing Sherrod’s resignation can not right your abuse of the race card to discredit political opponents.  Rescind Sherrod’s resignation. Put her back to work.

UPDATE: I just saw Sherrod on CNN (about 6:40 pm, EST) claim that the Obama administration wanted her resignation because the story was going to be on Glenn Beck that night.  Why is a U.S. president afraid of Glenn Beck, a cable talk show host?  This is the type of incident where Obama should be standing behind – no, in front of, and in full support of Sherrod and against the false charge of racism.

Further – Dear CNN, please play the full comment to include the part I quoted above with her comment, “It was revealed to me…”   Without that comment you have an incomplete story.