EDITORIAL: Sherrod resignation, a controversy and a shame

It’s a shame when in an era of the 24/7-news cycle, reporters are being rushed to produce stories rather than taking the necessary steps to confirm them.

Ignoring the code of ethics, bloggers without any objectivity are being relied upon for gathering news and breaking stories.

How that became part of the game is puzzling.

Andrew Breitbart’s aggregating Web site posted a 38-second clip of Shirley Sherrod this past week speaking to a local Georgia chapter of the NAACP, passing off a fabricated angle, as she was telling the group that she did not give a white farmer the “full force of what I could do,” when he asked for assistance.

Sherrod, a former Georgia director of Rural Development claimed she was told to pull over during a phone call from the USDA’s deputy undersecretary Cheryl Cook and submit her resignation via Blackberry.

"My point in telling that story is that working with him helped me to see that it wasn't a black and white issue," she said of the matter that took place in 1988.

Immediately when the story broke, Sherrod said her words were taken out of context. It was quickly discovered that she indeed provided assistance to the farmer, Robert Spooner, as he and his wife both went on record to confirm their ongoing friendship with Sherrod.

Ironically, it was the NAACP among the first to voice their displeasure supporting Sherrod’s resignation, condemning the remarks made in the bogus video clip. 

Breitbart’s post “Video Proof: The NAACP Awards Racism-2010” didn’t hide the fact that the intentions were to cause a backlash at the NAACP’s request that conservatives and Tea Party leaders condemn racists elements in their organizations.

Sherrod’s personal story, that includes a brutal chapter of experiencing racism as a child and the murder of her father, sparked a fire and determination to work in the south and commit to bringing about change in society. Not to mention, her personal growth and faith allowed her to move on with her life and find the courage to help others. The lesson she learned is that racism is not the total struggle effecting Americans … it’s poverty.

The White House later offered an apology and Sherrod was offered her job back, but the conversation continues and Sherrod said on the “Today” show on NBC that she would like to have one with President Barack Obama.

“I’d like to talk to him a little bit about the experiences of people like me, people at the grass-roots level, people who live out there in rural America, people who live in the South,” she said on the show. “I know he does not have that kind of experience. Let me help him a little bit with how we think, how we live, and the things that are happening.”

“This is a good woman, she’s been put through hell and I could have and should have done a better job,” Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said Wednesday.

Sherrod’s controversy turned from tragic tale to redemption. Just like the events that transpired in her life, Sherrod remained faithful in the truth and had the strength to withstand the mounting pressure and accusations.

It would be a great thing if more people could be as a courageous.