The nation was just starting to move past the specter of Viet Nam, and we were learning to live with our collective selves. Time, as usual, had healed some wounds, but others were left open and festering, especially in New York.
As the city moved into the 1980s, the Dinkins administration was swept away by Rudy Giuliani, and President Carter was banished to Plains by Ronald Reagan. Wall Street was growing and even the kids shining shoes were getting rich.
Shared prosperity, even in it's usual disproportionate form, sat well in the city. By 1986, even the lowly Mets were riding the wave. Yet, below the surface, things were not all that they seemed. And it all came to a head in the town of Wappingers Falls, New York. It was the tale of a child who was allegedly kidnapped, sexually abused and left covered in fecal matter. Those of you who are not familiar with the Tawana Brawley episode need to study up. For this is not about Tawana Brawley, but the rise of her spokesperson, The Rev. Al Sharpton.
Sharpton moved quickly, blaming local law enforcement and prosecutors for what had happened. Protest marches and media events were staged. Charges of cover-ups and corruption came forth daily.
None of it, however, was ever proven.
Flash forward to today. The Rev. Sharpton is a major player on the American political landscape. He has a strong following. His words are given credence and respect. He can be seen on national, political talk shows and can be heard on the radio. Some may say he is divisive in word and deed. Others may say he is something worse, while others may say he is something better. Who is to say?
You, me, anybody! That's who! For the Rev. Sharpton, like you or me or anybody is protected by the Constitution to say whatever he likes.
We're getting to quick to condemn words these days. I am not sure why, but I believe it has to do with the way we ingest information, opinion and (occasionally) news.
Who cares! You, me, everybody should!
The only person truly forced to listen to me is Kathy and most of the time she tunes me out. Others choose to listen to me. Usually, it's because I promise to buy the next round of drinks or have taken their shoes. That, my friends, is what the Constitution provides for.
You see, my friends, we are all guaranteed the right to free speech. None of us has the right to be heard. That must be earned.
So, I'm OK. You're OK. Sharpton, Limbaugh, Olberman and O'Reilly are OK. If you like them, listen. If you don't turn them off. It's time to move on!
Quo fata ferunt!
