Sharman’s column has no place in the Star-Exponent
Published: November 2, 2008
Updated: November 3, 2008
No one enjoys a rousing debate more than I do during an election year. It is great fun to read the commentary in newspapers and magazines, watch the political pundits on TV and examine the spirited debates of candidates.
However, there are some opinions and commentaries that cross a line, not necessarily because of politics, but because of common decency. J. Michael Sharman’s column Oct. 22, “Power must be used properly,” has crossed that line.
Mr. Sharman has created a separatist table with his writings. Anyone who is anti-gay, anti-Planned Parenthood, anti-liberal, anti-gun restriction, anti-Democratic Party, anti-immigrant, and anti-Muslim are welcome to sit at his table.
I recognize that Mr. Sharman is devoted to his beliefs. After all, the Star-Exponent provides him with a forum every week. I can only assume that the Star-Exponent must support his views, but to compare Planned Parenthood, Sen. Obama, and the Klu Klux Klan? To insist that Planned Parenthood and Sen. Obama are associated with killing or supporting legislation that makes them both worse than the KKK?
One cannot believe that his poignant story of growing up in a racist community did not have more of an impact than to create hypocrisy.
I defend the right to speak in our democratic society. I defend Mr. Sharman’s right to his opinion. I do not defend the Star-Exponent’s actions in allowing the newspaper to become his bully pulpit.
You have chosen to support an independent columnist who espouses a divided America in such a way that it offends the sensibility of its citizens and strikes to the very core of our being. There is no place for hate politics in your newspaper.
Jeanne Grimes
Culpeper
Advertisement
Reader Reactions
mst, how about the old Republican saying? If we can’t win it on a popular vote let’s amend the Constitution.
I’m certain that the CSE does not “support” Mr. Sharman’s views. The only views on the opinion page that they “support” are their own which are identified as “our view”.
Having said that, even though Mr. Sharman is an independent writer, that column does nominally represent the CSE editorial board in that his column (as all the columns) are placed at the pleasure of that board.
While I think the Klan reference was outlandish, I appreciate that the board allows a wide latitude on subject matter. I just would like to see some more variation from Mr. Sharman than the incessant smears of Mr. Obama.
Quote: Mr. Sharman has created a separatist table with his writings. Anyone who is anti-gay, anti-Planned Parenthood, anti-liberal, anti-gun restriction, anti-Democratic Party, anti-immigrant, and anti-Muslim are welcome to sit at his table. SAVE ME A SEAT!
Jeanne, maybe they should replace Sharman with Rev. Wright. To liberals he’s considered pretty centrist. Reminds me of an old liberal saying - when the truth hurts, ban it.
I guess I am not alone.
Advertisement