Al Sharpton on Paris Hilton Release

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Posted Jun 7th 2007 1:19PM by David Knowles
Filed under: Media, Al Sharpton

Because no cultural story is complete until the Rev. Al Sharpton makes his views known, I give you the following statement regarding Paris Hilton's jail-break from the man himself:

"Though I have nothing but empathy for Ms. Hilton whom I have met and appeared with on Saturday Night Live the night I hosted in 2003, this early release gives all of the appearances of economic and racial favoritism that is constantly cited by poor people and people of color. There are any number of cases of people who handle being incarcerated badly and even have health conditions that are not released. I have served several sentences for civil rights and civil disobedience actions and I even fasted which caused health concerns to prison authorities who paid for a doctor to come see me daily rather than release me. This act smacks of the double standards that many of us raise."

You know, say what you will about Sharpton, but when he's right, he's really right. Note to all the candidates for president: here's your chance to pile on. Well, unless the Hilton family happens to donate to your campaign. We know, for instance, that Paris' grandfather gave $22,300 to Arnold Schwarzenegger. A fan of George Bush, it is unclear who Ms. Hilton supports in the current field. Probably not Barack Obama, who, for some inexplicable reason, thinks the country spends too much time worrying about the celebrity maven. I have no idea what he's talking about.

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Reader Comments ( Page 1 of 1)

1. Her release has less to do about race as it does economic status. A poor white woman would still be in jail. Paris was released because someone got paid off. It's that simple. Money talks and most of us are powerless in this land of greed.I pray she gets what's coming to her. Maybe she will actually contract a debilitating disease.

Joh Petrowski at 4:32PM on Jun 7th 2007

2. I may not always agree with Rev. Sharpton but today I am 100% behind him. Paris Hilton has now put a face at how unfair the system really is. Jail time was suppose to be a time of reflection and penance for what she had done and instead she thumbs her nose at all Americans who because of their own actions have to complete their own jail time for crimes that they have committed. It's a shame that people look up to a deviate, self centered, egomaniacal person like Paris Hilton. If she had served out her sentance she could have possibly gotten her GED.

David at 4:48PM on Jun 7th 2007

3. ..and like, I really want to do this the way it should be done...and like -- I don't want any special considerations -- and like -- I am really white and rich ...and like ...could someone please fluff my pillow for me?? ..and like pass me an alcoholic drink...and like -- hand me the keys to my car.

Sheila at 5:46PM on Jun 7th 2007

4. ..and like, I really want to do this the way it should be done...and like -- I don't want any special considerations -- and like -- I am really white and rich ...and like ...could someone please fluff my pillow for me?? ..and like pass me an alcoholic drink...and like -- hand me the keys to my car.

Sheila at 5:51PM on Jun 7th 2007

5. This does NOT give the "appearance of", it shouts it from the highest mountain. MONEY buys anyone! I have no doubt she will be be picked up drunk or on drugs within her 40 day probation and will get off again! We can only hope she doesn't kill someone else while driving while on booze or drugs.

Mary at 5:53PM on Jun 7th 2007

6. Paris Hilton is an ignorant cunt. Her doctor, lawyer and the sheriff are paid whores. Not much else to say.....

The Truth at 7:29PM on Jun 7th 2007

7. the american media made her and all so called celeberties what they are I allways say people in entertainment and sports think they are above all law and common people but where do they get there money the working people and there kids.

bill at 9:35PM on Jun 7th 2007

8. People of color have been telling you all along that even though our justice system is the best in the world, it goes out of it's way, to favor the white, the rich, and the powerful. I'm not eager to see paris Hilton go to jail, and I'm not sure it would serve any useful purpose, but nothing I did put her in that situation, and if my son were arrested under similar circumstances, the only "card" I'd have left, is to point out the blatant discrepencies in the justice system.

Firstsai at 12:04PM on Jun 8th 2007

9. Little Kim was sentenced to a year and a day for lying to a grand jury. She served the majority of her time. She is rich but I guess not enough. Paris needs to suck it up and do her 25 days.

Faith at 1:14PM on Jun 8th 2007

10. THERE IS JUSTICE !! WE SEEN TO HAVE A JUDGE WITH (YOU KNOW WHAT) THAT SEE'S THIS SLUT TRAMP PARIS FOR WHAT SHE IS. SHE NEVER WAS A STAR OF ANY SORTS ! AND SHOULD MADE PAY ALL THE COST FOR HER CASE IN COURT. (NOT THAT WOULD HURT HER BANK BOOK ) THE BITCH NEVER WORKED A DAY IN HER MISSERABLE LIFE ! MWYBE, JUST MAYBE SHE WILL LW=EARN A LESSON FROM IT ALL!

jackie at 3:44PM on Jun 8th 2007

11. THERE IS JUSTICE !! WE SEEN TO HAVE A JUDGE WITH (YOU KNOW WHAT) THAT SEE'S THIS SLUT TRAMP PARIS FOR WHAT SHE IS. SHE NEVER WAS A STAR OF ANY SORTS ! AND SHOULD MADE PAY ALL THE COST FOR HER CASE IN COURT. (NOT THAT WOULD HURT HER BANK BOOK ) THE BITCH NEVER WORKED A DAY IN HER MISSERABLE LIFE ! MWYBE, JUST MAYBE SHE WILL LW=EARN A LESSON FROM IT ALL!

jackie at 7:48PM on Jun 8th 2007

12. Dear Paris, I a 75 year old woman and wish you no harm. I believe I know why this has happened to you.. Please, if you read this, contact me. I know I can help you. I am not a crackpot. I have a daughter in prison who does not belong there. You need to know what I have learned.
Sincerely,
M. Armstrong

M. Armstrong at 7:35PM on Jun 13th 2007