Al Sharpton Criticizes Democrats For "Diluting" Stimulus Bill

MIDDLEBURY, Vt. — The Rev. Al Sharpton criticized Democrats on Wednesday for "diluting" education portions of the economic stimulus bill in order to get re-elected. In a speech at Middlebury College, the civil rights leader also encouraged collegians to become vocal advocates for change.

"I am a civil rights activist and advocate," he told a packed house of 675 people. "I do not seek, as many who seek political office, to be appreciated or liked. I do not seek approval as opposed to clarity, unlike some politicians. I was concerned to see that some of the Democratic members of the Senate took out the portions that gave real vision and strength to president Obama's stimulus plan and diluted educational funding. It seems they were more concerned about midterm elections than vision."

In addition to those who got into the campus chapel to hear him, another 700 students crowded satellite venues on campus to watch him speak on a closed-circuit video feed.

Jeanine Busily, 21, who helped organize the event, said Sharpton was invited to the exclusive private college to speak because of growing student interest in activism.

"People wanted to hear from a sort of political figure that also dealt with issues of social justice," Busily said. "We wanted to be able to speak with someone about how Obama being elected changes the fight for social justice."

She wouldn't say how much he was paid for the appearance, but that the fee and production costs combined were about $20,000.

Sharpton said that despite the election of President Barack Obama, the civil rights fight isn't over.

"Many feel because we made this huge, historical step forward, we no longer need advocacy," Sharpton said. "We won the right to change, but we did not win the change. There is work yet to be done," he said, citing equality gaps in health care, the justice system and the economy.

Stressing the need for advocacy, he used the analogy of a thermostat _ which changes or pushes temperature _ and a thermometer, which merely records it. One student asked him which applied to Obama.

"I think he's a politician that has been a thermostat and has a thermometer agenda," Sharpton said. "And he had to have that kind of agenda to get elected. I've known President Obama for many years, we don't agree on everything. But I think if he at least holds to what he said, probably he can still make a dramatic difference."

Of newly appointed Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Steele, the first black to hold the position, Sharpton said: "He's a likable guy.

"I think he will try to bring some people _ particularly from the black church _ over to the Republican side, with his right-to-life and anti-gay messages. And I will resist. Is he a nice man? Yes. Will I smile while I fight him on those issues? Yes, but fight I will."

Comments

[KansasWrangler]

Who the hell cares what Al Sharpton thinks? Why is he even getting press?

[progressivegreg]

Harry Reid let 3 THREE republicans sabatoge this most important stimulus package. Do away with the filibuster rule, there is already a system of "checks and balances" built into our constitution. The republicans are using it to derail this country for their own extreme right wing (rich white guys) agenda PUT A STOP TO IT!!! This watered down bill has a good chance of failing in it's purpose because of this kind of stuff.

[feyangel]

He should blame the Republicans. They made no effort to get on board even WITH the concessions. And, Obama needed some Republican votes to get it passed at all. NO stimulous was not an option. BTW, do YOU have a better idea/plan on what to do???

[patwal]

Which is better for people in need of jobs right now? A diluted bill that is passed and gets things moving, or an undiluted bill that doesn't get passed while precious time goes by and more people join the ranks of the unemployed?

[InLosAngeles]

Public schools are overfunded and "under-disciplined" (sic). This stimulus plan is adding close to 50B of new funding. Public education has become a racket on par with defense spending/a­ppropriati­on. When ,oh when will we demand real accountability from our public schools educators and administrators. We need IRS hardened auditors to look into our public schools.

[wayoutleft]

thanks middlebury, rev. sharpton, and huffpo! rev. sharpton has been a strong social justice advocate away from the political spotlight.

[Seven7s]

"It seems they were more concerned about midterm elections than vision."

^^^ Al Sharpton is usually right about issues its just that he makes people uncomfortable with truth. Americans generally hate civil rights leaders regardless of their positions because they speak out for minorities.

Malcolm X, MLK, Evers, etc... You can tell how sincere an activist is by the people who hate him. And since it's mostly those in the dominant group that hate him then he must be doing something right.

And he is spot in with this also.

[pearl89]

I can't believe I'm saying this, but I agree with Al. If the repubs can't be appeased unless they get everything they want...the­n don't give them anything. Let them filibuster 'till they turn blue in the face while America watches. Let 'em act like spoiled brats while Americans are losing their jobs and their homes.

America spoke loud in clear in the last election..­.we want change, we deserve change, and we will demand change.

[patwal]

And while some in America watch the filibuster, what happens to those who need the jobs the stimulus would provide? They sit on their hands for the next 2 years till the Democrats get enough seats to override the filibuster before they get help?

[POLINUT]

Al Sharpton, Sr. (ASS) is a drama queen and publicity opportunist. I have rarely ever observed him adding positively or substantively to public debate. That said, this may be one of those rare times.

[alnc]

Sharpton for all this negatives is really on point more than he is given credit for. He is right most of the time and on most of the issues.

Focus on the inner city and low hanging fruit issues is still important and needs an advocate and voice and he has been outstanding on debating Fox personalities and does not take a back seat to them.

Just Watch him take down Sean Hannity everytime he goes on. He just kills that dude when others can't get a word in.

[katielady]

While I am not a big fan.. I do think all of our elected Congressional Representative need to stay after school and write 100 times; I WILL LEARN TO CO-OPERATE! I WILL LEARN TO FOCUS ON WHAT IS BEST FOR THE WORKING CLASS (as they are the backbone of the country)! THEY ARE WORSE THEN CHILDREN..­.

AND TAKING THE BANK BONUS PACKAGE AND PAY CUT OUT OF THE BILL IS HEINOUS!

[Wallysmom]

Normally I dislike this guy but on all of the points in his message, I totally agree. Someone is speaking out for our inner cities and underfunded educational institutions in them.

[Dupree]

The problem with the republican party is that they lack a vision for the future. They actually see investing in young people as "waste." They do not understand the fundamental principles of preparing the young to take over this country and that requires imparting to them wisdom and sound judgment that can be springboarded from a good education. It is not only a matter of protecting this country regarding making sure that the new generation is qualified to take over the helm when those in charge needs to be replaced..­but it is a defense mechanism just as much as our military base is. Our young people ability to think on their feet and be intelligent is crucial to our defense and strength as a country. If we continue to have a huge number of drop outs and illiterates ...it is just a matter of time for the "honor roll" students of China and other Asia country (who scores extremely high academically) will outsmart them and take over....th­is country. Or any other nation that puts a high premimum on education and accomodate that objective. Unfortunately, the republicans can't see this as a legitimate investment. It is too complex for them to comprehend this profound reality. And I also believe that they do not want a thinking and growing wiser nation...f­or then it would be much harder for them to manipulate the votes and uses tactics that entertain and attracts the low informed among us.

[murderBYzeN]

I agree that the government should borrow much more money from capitalist nations. The greater our debt becomes the quicker our nation fails and the sooner we return to good ole full bore capitalism like China and Russia have done. I like it!!!!

[puffhost]

Why would repubs want to help people get educated?