"As for the one Mormon running for office, those who really believe in God will defeat him anyways, so don't worry about that; that's a temporary situation."This remark came in a debate at the New York public library with none other than Christopher Hitchens, who is currently making the rounds to promote his new book, God is Not Great: How Religion Poisons Everything. Given Sharpton's remark, I'd have to give that debate point to Hitchens.
I might humbly suggest that our culture of jabber is really what's wrong with the likes of Imus, Sharpton, Limbaugh and the rest. When one engages in a constant stream of words pouring from the mouth, it is inevitable that regrettable statements will flow forth. As for Romney, of course he believes in God, and Sharpton later took pains to correct himself, albeit in revisionist fashion:
"What I said was that we would defeat him, meaning as a Republican. A Mormon, by definition, believes in God. They don't believe in God the way I do, but by definition, they believe in God."Oy vey. I need a drink. Care to join me, Mr. Hitchens?
Reader Comments ( Page 4 of 4)
46. freddieep, Rob Sivulka... What's your point and motive? What are you really trying to say? If you're going to teach people about "Mormon" Theology, at least have the courage to state your sources, what faith you represent and be truthful that you have prejudice and hatred towards Mormons... It's so blatantly obvious that your quoting anti-Mormon literature and sources... I've read about every piece of anti-Mormon literature out there, all the rhetoric, the "proving" points and your way to predictable... "By their fruits ye shall know them"... What are you saying? I've never seen anyone use that in a more inappropriate way... If someone does good, does that not tell you what kind of fruit that is? Aren't things that are "good" of God... If someone does something good, is that not good? You're saying that no one of the LDS faith does anything good and if they do, it's not sincere? I'm not sure what Mormons you've been hanging around but it's obvious you don't know many... Every faith has a few bad seeds... I don't care who your are... I would be surprised if you've ever been to a Mormon Church, to a service or honestly studied the faith with an open mind to understand it... What's your background? Were you previous members? That would explain a lot... Do you feel in someway that your helping people by sharing your hatred and biased points of view towards a faith? Do you consider yourselves "Christians"? If that's the case, do Christians follow Christ teachings? Did Christ teach hate, bigotry, intolerance and deception? Even if you don't believe what "Mormons" believe, why disrespect the Faith that others hold dear with sincerity and love? Wouldn't you want the same treatment of your Faith? Teach what you believe, not what you don't believe if you want people to believe you, save souls and "Come unto Him"... Maybe you don't know... Maybe your still searching and are confused... It's ok... I understand... Let go of the hate! Peace-
Rob A at 1:07AM on May 11th 2007
47. Let Joseph Smith speak for himself.
(Regarding Joseph Smith's alleged first vision where celestial personages appeared to him.) . . .) "My object in going to inquire of the Lord was to know which of all the sects was right, that I might know which to join. No sooner, therefore, did I get possession of myself, so as to be able to speak, than I asked the personages who stood above me in the light, which of all the sects was right — and which I should join. I was answered that I must join none of them, for they were all wrong, and the personage who addressed me said that all their creeds were an abomination in His sight: that those professors were all corrupt . . ." (Joseph Smith, "History of the Church, Vol. 1, page 5-6.)
Who's the bigott?
joe smithVII at 4:22PM on May 11th 2007
48. Mr. Sharpton,
I think we have had enough rhetoric from both you and Jesse Jackson. Actions speak louder than words and your actions are almost non-existent. I see a lot of showboating but nothing of substance ever seems to come out of it except more words that come down to nothing more than 'You owe me". Well the world does not owe you or "your people" anything. Get over it and move forward. Slavery was a very bad thing but that was over a century ago and that represents so many, many generations of the past.
The two of you were so quick to go after a fellow talk show host when he made an outlandish statement and now you are sitting in the same place but for some reason you are not doing anything about it. It is time for you to do something that sets a positive example for 'Your people" as well as the rest of the world; suspend yourself from the public including your talk show.
When Imus came to your studios, I noticed from the pictures and videos that he was surrounded by mostly black men. How many non black people do you have working at the station? What is the ratio? It appears that you are quick to say how everyone else is a bigot or is anti black, but what would happen if a major communications company had a “White America Web.com"?
I believe that many outside your small community are tired of hearing the double talk, tired seeing the double standards and are tired of seeing your and Jesse exploit every negative situation with a wall of inflammatory words.
The both of you need to clean up your own shop. Take positive steps to set yourselves as examples of how to be a successful black person in today’s world. Stop the whining, stop the blaming, stop the double standard, stop living in the past and move to the future. You get jobs by hard work, through a good education, by earning respect through doing. You get respect through actions, by making your neighborhoods safer for everyone. Why is it that China Town, Korea Town, Little Italy, Greek Town and so many other ethnic areas within our communities attract people of all races; but the black ghetto’s are still so dangerous?
Why is it you and Jesse set the example of attack and not compromise or compassion. Where is your project to make a Black Town a place where people can come to celebrate your race? What would they celebrate: Illegal drugs? Brutality? Hip Hop that exploits women? Unprotected sex that delivers unbelievable rates of single parents?
I grew up in the Philadelphia area in a very poor neighborhood that boarded a black ghetto. My friends were beaten by black gangs. They purchased drugs on black controlled corners. I installed phones in black homes. I supervised installers for the telephone company in a black neighborhood. I have been there.
On the other side I have many people of color who have been and continue to be good friends. I really do not notice their color, they are just people. There are black people I respect for what they a have accomplished and what they must have endured to over come the issues you so quickly point out: I enjoyed working for Bruce Gordon when he was President at Bell Atlantic (Verizon), I would follow Colin Powell into battle, I think that Condi Rice has a chance at being one of our future Presidents and I would vote for her.
When I see you and your community celebrate these people and set them up as examples and role models, and see 'your people ' use them instead of the sports escapees or the quick dollar drug dealers and the anti social Hip Hop stars, then you will see a change. When I see you and Jesse police these poor examples and showcase the good examples, then you will see change. When Jesse does not add to the already too large fatherless population, you will see change. When Jesse does not extort money from major companies, then you will see change. When you and Jesse no longer jump at every opportunity to show off the negative side of progress, then you will see change. When you and Jesse work to show positive things and set a positive example, then you will see change.
This now means that it is now your turn to lead; set a good example, stop the rhetoric. Apologize profoundly, take the punishment. Or will this be yet another example of the double standards, of the poor me, of how you are held back. . . This is your choice. This is your chance. Make it a good one.
As with so many things only the bad usually gets noticed. I know that there is a struggle within in your community. I know that there are so many more positive examples of success but it seams that only the negative is being exploited by you. You need to change.
White Rabbit at 8:56AM on May 14th 2007
49. well, well, well, Al struck a nerve....Was his statement really that bad or untrue?.... If you really give him a chance he'll break it down for you....He's a good, smart, well informed caring person....He cares for you also...He knows how it is. He is not the type to hurt or harm.....just inform you of the truth......I pray He'll keep the message of Dr. King going...(non-violence in every way and everything)....Love him like christ does...
forever...... If you receive this...Be blessed.....
jidwill13 at 1:35PM on May 11th 2007
50. While we may not like what Al Sharpton said or the way he said it let us be honest about the chances of a Mormon being elected President. He has about as much chance as a Muslim. As the run for the White House becomes more contested Mitt Romney"s religion will become more of in issue and whether we like it or not Americans do not tolerated religions outside of the main stream when it comes to our highest office.If elected would Mitt take his oath on the Book of Mormon rather than the Bible?
don at 1:50PM on May 11th 2007
51. Brother Al is only concerned with HIS agenda and being in the spotlight. He is much like Brother Jesse. Those two Rev's seem to make the racial tensions in this country worse than they really are.....why can't they be concerned with HUMAN issues & not look at the color of someone's skin and help each other, black-white-brown-yellow-red !
Lori A at 5:12PM on May 11th 2007
52. Whoever wrote that Mormons believe that Jesus is an angel is wrong. Mormons believe in God, The Eternal Father in Heaven, and Jesus Christ, son of God and therefore a God himself, and also in the Holy Spirit. We just believe that the Trinity are 3 separate beings. As for Sharpton's remarks, lots of people don't understand Mormons and don't want to. I think Romney would be a great President, but I don't think voters will give him a chance because he is Mormon. We sure need him to eliminate the national debt and balance the budget like he did as Governor and with the Olympics.
It is really unfortunate.
Jean Barclay at 2:34AM on May 12th 2007
53. Post 52 writes "Mormons believe in God, The Eternal Father in Heaven, and Jesus Christ, son of God and therefore a God himself, and also in the Holy Spirit. We just believe that the Trinity are 3 separate beings."
You percisely point out why mormonism is not Christian. Christians believe that Jesus is not just "a God" as you suggest but IS GOD. You are concerned that someone thinks mormons refer to Jesus as an "angel" and go on to deny His deity. Also Christians believe in one God. So I can only conclude by the strict definitions of mormonism and Christianity that mormon followers believe in different gods than the Christian God of the bible.
Gov Romney would probably make a great President for our nation. But I am getting kind of sick how his proponents and the media try to lump his mormon faith with that of Christianity. It's not even close. And if you are a believer of either faith, you have to think the other faith is false or you wouldn't believe.
If voters choose not to vote for the Gov because of his religion, his policies or hairdo, it's an individuals vote and the individuals business.
I really love America for that too!
joe smithVII at 1:29PM on May 12th 2007
54. I find it interesting how people like Al Sharpton rant and rave about comments made about his people. But when comments are made about my religion, and it's believers no one is there to call for his job. I find it interesting how he calls himself Christian, yet he deems himself higher than rest of us that God created. That he make such comments and it not be wrong. Mormons are different, but we believe in God. Lots of people bash on our religion without taking the time to learn what we believe. It is taught in our church that it is wrong to bash on other faith. But people do not give us the same courtesy. Many Mormons volunteered they're time and efforts for this country, without asking for anything in return. My husband and his father went to help the Katrina victims. But no one remembers that, they look at our religion and bash it. We don't look for rewards or fame for helping. It's what we are suppose to, all we ask for is a little courtesy when it comes to talking about us. How about instead of bashing Mormon's and Mitt Romney, try learning what we stand for and believe in. But ask someone who is Mormon, instead relying on what you have heard. If I wanted to know about how to make bread, I would ask a baker. If I wanted to know about meat I would ask a butcher. If you want to know about Mormons, ask a Mormon. We bleed just as the rest of the world does. We have feelings just as the rest of the people do. Just think about that before you bash us the next time AL Sharpton.
Christina at 12:19AM on May 14th 2007
55. I have met Reverand Al and I think he is a brilliant and courageous man. Lets not forget anyone who tells the truth and stands up for the oppressed and down trodden is going to be villified. His main critisizm came on the Tawana Brawley case which the grand jury found that there was no evidence. If you remember correctly thier legal team demanded and were trying to get a new prosecuter, i dont remember why but they refused to present any evidence or engage that grand jury in any way whatsoever so the grand jury basicly had nothing to go on and had no choice but to conclude the way that they did. Now because they werent given any evidence as the Sharpton team tried to get a new procuter does that mean nothing happened to her. She was found in a bag with urin and feces covering her body. Somthing happened to her, we just dond know exactly what and by whom. In retrospect ,sure they should have cooperated with the court system but they had success in other cases getting special procuters and thought they could do it in this case. Any time you speak out against the status quo you are going to be ridiculed, portrayed as a buffoon,caricatured in the media with the intent of manipulating public opinion against you,and in a lot of cases they just kill you. Throughout history this has been the pattern of how the power structure is maintained. Nelson Mandela was locked up for almost 30 years and branded a terrorist for rebeling against an unholy regime which treated black people like sub-human beasts. A blood-thirsty croud called for the release of a murderer and the execution of the Son of God. M.L.K., Malcom X, J.F.K. and countless others who stood up for righteousness have been imprisioned tourtured killed, etc. Rev. Al is not a racist. The only thing he has ever done is try to help people. I just wish people would just listen to the insight that he tries to impart without putting up that wall that has been built up by the thirty years of media manipulation by constant attacks, he really is a good man God bless you
James Allen III at 2:04AM on May 14th 2007
56. Post 55 states " My hope is that whom ever is chosen to lead this country is not...just an ordinary man."
Does that mean hillary the "woman" will fit the bill?
Are we allowed to choose our president based on gender or is that bigoted also?
joe smithVII at 12:09AM on May 15th 2007
57. Poster 55 states " My hope is that whom ever is chosen to lead this country is not...just an ordinary man."
Does that mean Hillary the "women" only fits this category?
Can voters vote based on gender or is that bigoted also?
joe smithVII at 12:20AM on May 15th 2007