Rebb'n Al's in trouble again.
I know, I know. You should take everything in the tabloid-ish New York Post with a grain of salt. So consider this a disclaimer and don't waste your keystrokes commenting on it.
Still, there's lots of "Shakedown"-ishness (it that a word? it is now) to this recent article, which essentially accuses the good rebb'n of extortion. And here I was thinking the National Action Network was being funded by it's thousands of dues-paying members. Silly me.
Anheuser-Busch gave him six figures, Colgate-Palmolive shelled out $50,000 and Macy's and Pfizer have contributed thousands to the Rev. Al Sharpton's charity.I'm sure some of my more critical readers will slam me for "trying to bring another black man down", but come on, can we not just call this what it is? Extortion. A Shakedown. Racial Pandering At It's Worst.
Almost 50 companies - including PepsiCo, General Motors, Wal-Mart, FedEx, Continental Airlines, Johnson & Johnson and Chase - and some labor unions sponsored Sharpton's National Action Network annual conference in April.
Terrified of negative publicity, fearful of a consumer boycott or eager to make nice with the civil-rights activist, CEOs write checks, critics say, to NAN and Sharpton - who brandishes the buying power of African-American consumers. In some cases, they hire him as a consultant.
The cash flows even as the US Attorney's Office in Brooklyn has been conducting a grand-jury investigation of NAN's finances. A General Motors spokesman told The Post that NAN had repeatedly - and unsuccessfully - asked for contributions for six years, beginning in August 2000.
Then, in December 2006, Sharpton threatened to call a boycott of the carmaker over the closing of an African-American-owned GM dealership in The Bronx, and he picketed outside GM headquarters on Fifth Avenue. Last year, General Motors gave NAN a $5,000 donation. It gave $5,000 more this year, a spokesman said, calling NAN a "worthy" organization.
Sharpton denies his organization pressures corporations for cash.
I haven't seen a stickup this bad since Omar cleaned out Marlo.
This story isn't incredibly different than the "shakedown blueprint" perfected by Jesse Jackson and outlined in a comically biased, yet still informative book called (what else?) Shakedown a few years back. Jesse would do the same thing: find a company with shady employment/community investment/minority contracting record, threaten to boycott or picket, and quietly settle by getting each company to donate to Rainbow/PUSH and/or steer business the way of one of Jesse's close associates. Once word caught on, the gig was up. Corporations finally figured out the whole card game and called Jesse's bluff. "Eff' it, boycott us then! We're not cutting you anymore checks!" And since Jesse's juice in the Black community was already on the wane, he couldn't muster up the numbers to comprise any credible public protest.
I really have hated watching Jesee almost singlehandedly reduce himself to a walking caricature. The man's powerful oratory gave strength to a political movement in the mid 80's unforeseen in America until Obama-mania took hold. Who the heck can ever forget "Run! Jesse Run!"!?!?
Obama 08' couldn't hold Jesse 88's jockstrap when it comes to inspiring talk.
While I give my parents all the credit for impressing upon me the importance of the Democratic process, the guy who actually got me to registered to vote, and subsequently pull the lever[1] as a wide-eyed freshman engineering student was none other than Jesse himself. I can still remember the window-rattling "Vote For Harvey Gantt" semi-sermon he gave that day in our campus auditorium, and my hand still aches from the grip dude gave me as he handed me a voter registration form with the other hand. For all his faults, I'll likely carry that positive memory to my grave. So it's easy to see and understand his motivating effect on others.
The really disappointing part about this all is that much like Jesse, Rebb'n Al for all his warts, has indeed done lots of good. He advocates the voiceless, even when they don't necessarily want his help. At the bare minimum, he gives those who listen to, and call into his radio show (which I listen to pretty regularly) a forum to speak. Folks will phone in and literally drone on and on for uninterrupted minutes, spouting all manner of tin-foil hat musings and barbershop k-nowledge. And if you listen very closely, I swear you can hear the faint sound of Rebb'n Al finishing off a platter of spare ribs just inches away from the studio mic. Seriously, listen in sometime and try it.
It's good listening, with lots of credible information being dispersed when Al isn't busy riling up "Freedom Fighters" and prattling on and on about "speaking truth to power". As bleak a picture as I'm painting, I really wish more folks would give the show a listen, if only because it paints a far less threatening (read: very shifty and very disingenuous) and far more human (read: very funny and very likable) picture of Sharpton than most news accounts.
So what really stumps me is why, other than an unbridled lust for money and power, either of these guys have ruined their own reputations with such sleazy "behind closed doors" tactics to get rich. Besides, other than rib tips and hair products, what exactly is Rebb'n Al spending all this money on? He sure isn't dropping any loot on The National Action Network's embarrassingly amateurish site. Can you say Fisher Price™ My First Webpage? That sh*t is just awful.
Did they really need to shake down Fortune 500 companies to keep the lights on? Couldn't they just preach or something, given the fact that both are (allegedly) ordained ministers? Isn't a life of service payment enough? Sheez!
MLK is crying inside.
But let's not end the post with Al & Jesse bashing here. I'd prefer to present this as simply a cautionary tale of what happens with the desire for money and power overcome the desire to do good for your own people. So my question's going to be a bit different.
Question: Name something GOOD that either Jesse or Al have done in their lifetimes. No, that isn't a trick question. And if you can't say anything nice... just do what you know your Mama said to do.
REV. AL SOAKS UP BOYCOTT BUCKS [NY Post]
[1] For none other than Slick Willie. Hey, I was young and stupid. I did far worse as an 18 year old through.
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Think about it for a second.
"Power concedes to nothing but a demand" and these brothers have figured out how to structure a demand to these companies. How is this different from elected officials wheeling and dealing for appropriations riders (pork barrel spending) to bills that go before the congress and the senate? In both cases, it is simple bartering. The only difference is that when black people do the same stuff that white people do, ethical questions get raised. Adam Clayton Powell, Sr. exposed that contradiction in American politics years ago.
They are both far from perfect, but find a person who is.
First, this tactic was used many moons ago throughout American history. While many political pundits, journalist, academia, and bloggers may bemoan Al Sharpton's style or his deals on the side people tend to forget his continued grassroots efforts and work ethic. I once read a quote from Sharpton where he basically said that getting involved in politics is important because you cannot sit idly by while those in politics influence, control and effect our lives.
He's a part of the process which is saying more than many of his detractors that yield the mighty pen. Now I understand that you can effect policy without getting your hands dirty in local communities but that human touch really counts.
There's too much biased information against Sharpton that really effects the public's perception. I am not the biggest Sharpton advocate, but I do not dismiss him or his work.
End note, if NYPD does me dirty . . . I really hope some one like Sharpton is around.
I once had an unfavorable opinion of Rev.Al until I started to listen to his radio show. Rev. Al said one day that marching was not design to change thing but, to bring attention to a problem and that's what he does.
Right-on Phil great call.
Time for a different opinion....
While I respect Phil, and my blog rollers Vee and JJBrock, it is important to understand why Jesse Louis and Al have lost respect of the community.
It's not about power for us; it's about power for them. That's the sad part. They are mouthpieces for personal gain, a.k.a. "Poverty Pimps", and this is why people don't respect them.
Yes, I listen to his radio show as well. Mostly, I do it for a good laugh to hear a man speak words that he doesn't live by. And I also watch Revv'n Jackson (I don't know how the hell one pronounces "Rebb'n")live every Saturday for his fake church service called Operation Push. But again, I do that for entertainment purposes rather than enlightenment.
These men are more VISIBLE than INVOLVED in our community. If they had been honest with their financial matters- none of this would be happening.
*SMH*
I read this article early this morning. Just damn...
"a cautionary tale of what happens with the desire for money and power overcome the desire to do good for your own people"....
....And this is different than the current White House administration (or congress, or my local county commission) how?
Granted, it's wrong, but it's politricks as usual. Once again, I am not surprised.
Jesse Jackson was on an episode of A Different World. And something about freeing some hostages? Other than that, I got nothin'.
I never trust politicians that spend too much time grooming their hair (this for example is our Dutch example: http://www.nrc.nl/multimedia/archive/00201/wilders_201414a.jpg, I do NOT trust a man who bleaches or straightens or curls his hair).
They should spent more of their time on the issues and less on their hair.
:)
OMG Wilma! LOL! That could be Rebb'n Al's long lost Dutch cousin!
Brother AB... I wish there could be a machine that could take the 45 and under crowd to the time. You ask what they have done that was good. I will be brief but your understanding may be limited because when Jesse Jackson was young and socially energized there were NO MINORITY veiwpoint in the media PERIOD. For me as a young Black who was also fighting racist powers, JJ was a Black man that stood alone without the fear of retribution. Now thirty years later he is scrutinized in some arenas as a comic relief. If there were more Blacks that could have influenced our people and carried the fight forward we would not be a fourth world people in a first world land. I know a lot of people will try to convince themeselves otherwise but the proof is in the numbers. 45 and others dont realize that majority of what in their heads was supplied by Europeans. I also find it sad that REVERAND AL SHARPTON has been placed on the Europeans list of " Men to Buffoon" list. Have you ever thought that these two men went into cities that were racial hot-beds before the cameras and etc. So I tell all you young Blacks striving to please the Europeans... they love it because you are on automatic self hate. That what makes it so easy to ridicule Reverands Sharpton and Jackson. If they get over, believe me they are overdue. Back to my original thought (the machine).. who do you think got US this far? STILL A BLACK PANTHER. 66-forever By the way... when the Reverands first started... we were called "COLORED" and addressed as "boy and gal".
Sorry, Elder above me. I gotta rebut your claim.
FIRST, if you took time to listen to the 45 and under crowd and not judge us- you'd speak more in truth than opinion. We are concerned about our communities. We live in a time in which it is NORMAL for parents to bury their children. And their kids aren't getting killed in Vietnam, like in your day. Kids are losing their lives over shoes, bikes, and bad moods.
In fact, it is because of your hard work that we can see things OUR WAY by researching both ends of the spectrum. European has nothing to do with it. It is about us wanting to see the America that Obama fallaciously sees. He sees black males with a fair chance (although somebody on my blog told me that Obama said otherwise on Oprah).
I am 4 classes short of a Master's Degree, 1 month before I turn 24. But stillapanther, you know that I am more of an exception than the rule. We are disappointed in Sharpton and Jackson marching all the time with ulterior motives.
Where's the money they are soliciting. My parents told me that Jackson was given millions by President Carter that was never accounted for.
While I respect your argument, please note that I am offended on behalf of the 45 and under crowd that reads this blog- and writes it. (AverageBro is not 40 yet, but he's close. :))
Brother Zack.. sorry to offend 45 and below. My point may not have been explained. My contention continue to be that with the younger generation not having first hand experiance sometimes you/they may depend on veiws that are given by others. My time period, that remains untold/distorted by Europeans history tellers, post racial 70s o was told in super negative ways. I contend this was done to suppress the Black man finally standing up.REVS Al and Jesse was there.. I wish there was a way that you could understand the disappointment that I feel about our current plight. Remember, I said the numbers will bear out. My Lord there is now over a million Black males incarcerated, fatherless homes, our women protrayed in such a negative manner. I am aware there is a lot of younger generation that are individually doing well... but tell me if you fought and struggled like some did you may feel the same way. My age group was motivated to attend post high-school and beyond which someone instilled in you and AB. Me.. maybe my disappointment cloud my eyes.. but I know 60s I could WALK to the store at night and not be afraid of Black males. Today.. thats a challenge. Thing like that makes me sad because there has been no one on the national to carry the ball for old man AL and Jesse (said in a loving way). I am not your enemy.. I have fought the fight...and still do. Just like being the first to start school intergration (1960) I am the "first" Black Dust-Off medic in Viet-Nam. 159th Medivac 69-70. I could go on and on about an average brother leading by example. What I expect is my younger Brothers to show that they appreciate by social examples.(numbers again) Thank you and this brother for being in the fight. I am on your team. Or maybe I am getting cynical in old age.. NOT :) Panther forever. Brother AB sorry for using you blog in this manner.
Jesse, Al, and his ilk did a lot of good during the 60's by braving the hoses and rifle butts of the Democrat mayors, Democrat sherrifs and Democrat governors in the south. For fighting this post-slavery evil we cannot thank them enough. Unfortunately however they still think its 1958. We dont need them anymore really. Instead we need people like Barak to carry the torch and show that black people, with education and couth can achieve the same liberal elitism and the same real-estate deals and the same socialist thinking that all those with priviledge have. Havard, Stanford? Jim crow my ass.. LOL...
Well I am under 45 too, but I happen to agree with a lot what of StillaPanther is saying here.
With all due respect, part of this so-called "shakedown" includes questioning the hiring and promotion practices of these companies. I know all the readers here are highly educated and qualified and certainly would be successful in the companies that employ them, because, after all, every public company is a complete meritocracy and the old boy network died a long time ago.
But for folks like me, who welcome the 'heat' from Jesse's Wall St. Project, Silicon Valley Project, Jesse's still the man.
By the way, John H. Johnson & several black biz owners came to the aid of MLK once to help him meet payroll for the SCLC. Why? Because, as they noted, he 'shookdown' stores to help get their products on the shelves. Come on, AB, you're better than this.
Guys, I don't think we can gloss over the sorts of shakedowns (yeah, that's the correct word) Al and Jesse have pulled off.
It's great to put pressure on employers who don't hire/promote minorities. But if the ultimate payoff seems to only go into your personal coffers, not towards the "victims" themselves, it comes off as being self-serving. I don't really consider it bartering if you interject (whether invited or now) yourself into someone else's dilemma, then end up solely profiting from it yourself.
Seriously, the NY Post article, as well as the book on Jesse showed a similar pattern. The only ones who actually profit/benefit from all this are usually Jesse and Al, or their close friends.
The question about the GOOD the guys had done was probably not worded correctly. It wasn't meant with any sarcarm. I really and truly wanted others to say some good things about them to combat much of the bad news. I noted quite openly that there are several things I admire about both men.
The whole point of this post is that it's a shame either of them has to do such things to get over.
I co-sign with AB. Read this and tell me you're not just a bit disturbed.
http://www.nlpc.org/gip/cef-e/e-k.htm
stillapanther2,
I'm sorry for being so emotional. It's just that it feels like young people are so misunderstood in this country. WE DO CARE! This is why we blog, and form strong arguments about what we believe in.
Thank you for your hard work and commitment to our community. AverageBro wrote everything as good as you can state it.
I'm replying simply because you've got skills. "since Omar cleaned out Marlo".
Bravo.
I'm sorry, but folks are seriously missing the point here. How did folks think that Jesse and Al earned money? Neither one of these men have ever had a "real" job in their lives.
And please spare me the work they did for the "cause." Martin Luther King Jr. was broke most of his career, so was Malcolm X. Jesse and Al have always had more money than there "civil servant" positions should amass.
The problem is with them shaking down companies is that they are supposed to be advocates for the people. When they shakedown a company, they can NEVER go back and say ONE word about the company again!
They steer their organizations and their resources from attacking this companies and that limits black folks' power. Ever wonder why Jesse and Al are silent as church when black folks raise a little noise about certain issues? Funny that.
Hey Averagebro!
This sounds very, very fishy....
If it's NOT a shakedown...it surely smells like one...
{shaking my head}
Lisa
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