Van Jones says he knows the feeling of being caught up in the type of media swirl that cost Shirley Sherrod her joband nearly destroyed her reputation.
Jones resigned as the White House Green Jobs Czar last year, after he, too, was attacked by the conservative media for allegedly signing a petition that blamed the U.S. government for 9/11. Then came the report of him using vulgarity to describe a Republican and his past as a radical in California.
Jones, in a New York Times op-ed, says that he never signed the petition and the website organizers used his name without permission; however, in the media scrum that followed, none of that information came out. With the downsizing of the U.S. media, stories aren't properly vetted and little tidbits are overblown into scandals because its cheaper than real reporting.
Jones writes:
Our situations aren't exactly the same. Ms. Sherrod's comments, in which she, a black woman, appeared to admit to racial discrimination against a white couple, were taken far out of context, while I truly did use a vulgarity.
But the way we were treated is strikingly similar, and it reveals a lot about the venal nature of Washington politics in the Internet era. In my case, the media rushed to judgment so quickly that I was never able to make clear that the group put my name on its Web site without my permission. The group finally admitted that it never had my signature, but by then it was too late.
The imperative to immediately and constantly churn out news on even the most minor bit of controversy leads news organizations, and partisans posing as news organizations, to cross the line from responsible reporting to dangerous rumor-mongering. This is exactly what happened to Ms. Sherrod. Andrew Breitbart, a prominent Internet conservative, promoted a misleadingly edited video of her speech; within hours, news outlets of all stripes were promoting it as truth.
Jones is right. If anyone had bothered to review the original material and not rely on the edited clip provided of Sherrod, they would have seen that the spin put on the material was patently false. Instead, Fox News went all out with the "news" and the Obama Administration buckled and quickly fired Sherrod.
It's frightening that this story could go national without being properly vetted. Unfortunately, news is becoming more and more slanted. Outlets like Fox News, which should be clearly branded as opinion, declare that they are fair and balanced. Other networks are now trying to do the same thing from a more liberal perspective.
The "gotcha" news culture is also a problem. The Sherrod story seems like a desperate search for a "gotcha" story. Sherrod was not a high-ranking administrator and her comments were not new.
Jones writes:
We have to understand that no one can be defined by a single photograph, open-mike gaffe or sound bite. Not even our greatest leaders could have survived if they had to be taken to task for every poorly conceived utterance or youthful demonstration of immature political views. When it comes to politics in the age of Facebook, the killer app to stop the "gotcha" bullies won't be a technological one - it will be a wiser, more forgiving culture.
Unfortunately, it seems like we are a long way from that.
14-July-10 - An Iowa Tea Party group recently caused an uproar by creating a billboard that compares President Barack Obama to Adolf Hitler and Vladimir Lenin.
14-July-10 - An Iowa Tea Party group recently caused an uproar by creating a billboard that compares President Barack Obama to Adolf Hitler and Vladimir Lenin.
14-July-10 - Cad-about-town Tiki Barber has been hit with a $1-million lawsuit by a fitness company that has rendered him "worthless overnight" as its spokesperson, because he cheated on his pregnant wife.
14-July-10 - Fox News reporter Megyn Kelly (pictured) and New York Post columnist Kirsten Powers went at it recently regarding charges from a former Justice Department lawyer who claims that civil rights cases in which whites are the victims are ignored.
13-July-10 - A criminal investigation should be opened for two officers who Tasered and pepper-sprayed a 57-year-old Georgia woman who called police to report a prowler.
13-July-10 - Aimee L. Sword, 36, pled guilty to having sex with the biological son she gave up for adoption, whom she later tracked down on the Internet via Facebook.
13-July-10 - The Gay-Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) has gone hard against ABC and "The View" about recent comments made by host Sherri Shepherd and guest host D.L. Hughley.
08-July-10 - In many ways, Gary Coleman, Maia Campbell and Michael Jackson represent a major tragedy of the black community: undiagnosed and untreated mental health issues, especially clinical depression, in all its variations. It would be a waste to not learn lessons from these stars, so that we can help so many others.
08-July-10 - Johannes Mehserle, a former Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) officer (pictured), has been found guilty of involuntary manslaughter in the case of Oscar Grant, whom he shot and killed on a train station platform in Oakland, Calif., on New Year's Day 2009.
07-July-10 - According to Peace FM Online, "The Juice," O.J. Simpson, is tying the knot behind bars. The once-upon-a-time gridiron great is all set to marry a lady love, whom he has never even met face to face.
02-July-10 - The real hypocrites oath will forever be linked to University of Georgia Athletic Director Damon Evans, who got busted for drunk driving after cutting an anti-drunk-driving public service announcement for the university
There's a huge difference between Van Jones and Shirley Sherrod's stories. Van Jones had a job in the White House "Inner Circle" where he could push policy. Sherrod had a job in the government that had no impact on policy. Van Jones had every opportunity to defend himself or to be defended, but he couldn't. Sherrod was denied due process and was vindicated. Neither one is "Squeeky Clean."
It's one rule for some and another rule for others?
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack like a good soldier, took responsibility, apologized to Sherrod and offered her her job back. Sherrod says she's considering it. But she told CNN that the USDA official who "harassed" her into resigning told her that the White House wanted her gone.
What's more, some administration officials get second, third and fourth chances. (Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner didn't pay his own taxes but now supervises the Internal Revenue Service; Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano falsely declared that the 9/11 hijackers came through Canada when all 19 came through the United States, and has made a series of other misstatements.) With others, it's one strike and you're out.
Conservative bloggers and media outlets like Fox News only have as much power as we give them, and the White House gives them too much.
"I don't feel good about it because I know I didn't do anything wrong," Sherrod said of her departure. "During my time at USDA, I gave it all I had."
Another thing that Sherrod doesn't feel good about is the over-the-top statement the NAACP initially rushed to release backing Vilsack in a transparent attempt to portray itself as colorblind. "Racism is about the abuse of power," said Benjamin Jealous, NAACP president and CEO. "We are appalled by her actions, just as we are with abuses of power against farmers of color and female farmers. Her actions were shameful."
Oh, please. Talk about overcompensating. Abuse of power? Did Jealous even understand the story? Sherrod's dealing with the white farmer happened long before she went to work for the USDA. What's really appalling is the ease with which Jealous -- and the White House -- threw a black official under the bus to serve their own petty political interests.
The NAACP later walked back Jealous' statement and said it was reviewing its handling of the case. But the damage was already done. If this is what we can expect from an organization pushing the "advancement of colored people," I'd hate to hear from someone who wants us all to go backward.
The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of Ruben Navarrette.
PC, you choice to call Mr. Johnson a racist is misplaced. I don't Mr. Johnson believes that anyone race is inherently superior to another which is the true definition of racist. I'm only pointing this out so you can select another word.
I regularly use vulgarity to describe [r]epublican party officials and the right. I think its appropriate. To describe you I have a few choice words. President Obama should have said f you Republicans. Fox [News] is nothing more than a mouthpiece for the [r]ight. You are a right wing piece of s%%%
These cases are very different because Ms. Sherrod did not do anything-as the full 20 year-old tape used to discredit and tarnish her name has revealed.
The problem with the media is not it's lack of ability to properly vet a story. There are select media outlets that edit or altar information INTO propaganda and packaged it as news. We now know for sure that TMZ is a more credible source than FOX "news".
I have been saying it since the US had a president of color elected.
This is what I said in Feb of 2010.
There will be a backlash by some powerful white forces for electing a president of color.
He will be blamed for everything wrong in the US and more.
CNN will not place blacks in any prime time newscasting role fearing their influence.
There is no real black voice of any influence on CNN
Bankers and some rich business persons (white males)will take it out on the president and there is no differnce between CNN and the banks since the great Ted Turner sold the network to the New York ....
To all you black brothers and sisters TURN OFF CNN because you are being belittled and it is in your face racism.
They just hired one of their own who was disgraced after paying a prostitute for sex. TURN OFF CNN
I have been saying this for a while Bet should set up a news channel it has the money!
Keith Oleman of msnbc did a speacial comment on mrs sheppord take a look, with news channels such as cnn fox news and others, it's about political influence, we can get the same if you get our own news channel and get everything vetted, have we keep going to black man to get news, mrs sherrod said all her life she worked for the good of black people and the naacp who bitterly let her down, president obama lost touch with black people once he stepped into the oval office, in fact people sused him out a long time ago, it was just some of us who were blind folded, and realise he doesn't really care about us and left to it he leaves others to throw us on the bus and back tracks and to save face that he didn't really know what was going on, when deep down he knows the score!
The right wing in the Tea Party movement and the Republican Party will deny they are racists and that Obama’s race has anything to do with them working day and night to tear him down It’s driving them crazy to have a Black man in the Oval Office. The right wing in the Tea Party movement and the Republican Party's deep seated racial antipathies towards Obama is what is hampering our recovery and our greatness as a nation. Let the truth be told.
It is interested to read the speculation by bloggers regarding the Shirley Sherrod matter. The issue and bottom line is Breigart and his attempt to demean and scandalize the NAACP and the Obama Administration. This backfired for him and his so-called Tea Party which has eaten plenty of crow for the racist signs at rallies and their other leader named Williams who produced racist satire about the NAACP. My fellow Americans, the statements and actions by the NAACP and the government response is very serious however do not take your eye off of the very serious problem initiated by Tea Party advocates. The leaders of the Tea Party and their racial actions are deeply imbedded within and that's the Issue!!
The Issue and the bottom line is Breigart's failed attempt to scandalize and defame presenter Shirley Sherrod. This is a basis for a lawsuit and our group strongly encourages Mrs. Sherrod to file!! This man has to be stopped since he has a history of harrassment and not telling the truth!!
Van Jones says he knows the feeling of being caught up in the type of media swirl that cost Shirley Sherrod her job and nearly destroyed her reputation.
Comments: (23)
Add a comment
By: Cecil Jones on 7/26/2010 2:05PM
There's a huge difference between Van Jones and Shirley Sherrod's stories. Van Jones had a job in the White House "Inner Circle" where he could push policy. Sherrod had a job in the government that had no impact on policy. Van Jones had every opportunity to defend himself or to be defended, but he couldn't. Sherrod was denied due process and was vindicated. Neither one is "Squeeky Clean."
Reply to this Comment | Report This
By: rightorwrong on 7/26/2010 3:28PM
Squeeky clean? speaking of squeeky clean!
It's one rule for some and another rule for others?
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack like a good soldier, took responsibility, apologized to Sherrod and offered her her job back. Sherrod says she's considering it. But she told CNN that the USDA official who "harassed" her into resigning told her that the White House wanted her gone.
What's more, some administration officials get second, third and fourth chances. (Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner didn't pay his own taxes but now supervises the Internal Revenue Service; Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano falsely declared that the 9/11 hijackers came through Canada when all 19 came through the United States, and has made a series of other misstatements.) With others, it's one strike and you're out.
Conservative bloggers and media outlets like Fox News only have as much power as we give them, and the White House gives them too much.
"I don't feel good about it because I know I didn't do anything wrong," Sherrod said of her departure. "During my time at USDA, I gave it all I had."
Another thing that Sherrod doesn't feel good about is the over-the-top statement the NAACP initially rushed to release backing Vilsack in a transparent attempt to portray itself as colorblind. "Racism is about the abuse of power," said Benjamin Jealous, NAACP president and CEO. "We are appalled by her actions, just as we are with abuses of power against farmers of color and female farmers. Her actions were shameful."
Oh, please. Talk about overcompensating. Abuse of power? Did Jealous even understand the story? Sherrod's dealing with the white farmer happened long before she went to work for the USDA. What's really appalling is the ease with which Jealous -- and the White House -- threw a black official under the bus to serve their own petty political interests.
The NAACP later walked back Jealous' statement and said it was reviewing its handling of the case. But the damage was already done. If this is what we can expect from an organization pushing the "advancement of colored people," I'd hate to hear from someone who wants us all to go backward.
The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of Ruben Navarrette.
Report This
By: Politically Incorect on 7/26/2010 2:29PM
Van is a racist piece of Sh*t and FOX news exposed him so now he hates Fox News. Just anotha thug...
Reply to this Comment | Report This
By: girlking on 7/26/2010 4:26PM
PC, you choice to call Mr. Johnson a racist is misplaced. I don't Mr. Johnson believes that anyone race is inherently superior to another which is the true definition of racist. I'm only pointing this out so you can select another word.
Report This
By: XtheRight on 7/27/2010 8:54AM
I regularly use vulgarity to describe [r]epublican party officials and the right. I think its appropriate. To describe you I have a few choice words. President Obama should have said f you Republicans. Fox [News] is nothing more than a mouthpiece for the [r]ight. You are a right wing piece of s%%%
Report This
By: misslayde on 7/28/2010 10:18AM
These cases are very different because Ms. Sherrod did not do anything-as the full 20 year-old tape used to discredit and tarnish her name has revealed.
The problem with the media is not it's lack of ability to properly vet a story. There are select media outlets that edit or altar information INTO propaganda and packaged it as news. We now know for sure that TMZ is a more credible source than FOX "news".
Reply to this Comment | Report This
By: hilroy on 7/27/2010 10:21AM
I have been saying it since the US had a president of color elected.
This is what I said in Feb of 2010.
There will be a backlash by some powerful white forces for electing a president of color.
He will be blamed for everything wrong in the US and more.
CNN will not place blacks in any prime time newscasting role fearing their influence.
There is no real black voice of any influence on CNN
Bankers and some rich business persons (white males)will take it out on the president and there is no differnce between CNN and the banks since the great Ted Turner sold the network to the New York ....
To all you black brothers and sisters TURN OFF CNN because you are being belittled and it is in your face racism.
They just hired one of their own who was disgraced after paying a prostitute for sex. TURN OFF CNN
Reply to this Comment | Report This
By: rightorwrong on 7/26/2010 3:42PM
I have been saying this for a while Bet should set up a news channel it has the money!
Keith Oleman of msnbc did a speacial comment on mrs sheppord take a look, with news channels such as cnn fox news and others, it's about political influence, we can get the same if you get our own news channel and get everything vetted, have we keep going to black man to get news, mrs sherrod said all her life she worked for the good of black people and the naacp who bitterly let her down, president obama lost touch with black people once he stepped into the oval office, in fact people sused him out a long time ago, it was just some of us who were blind folded, and realise he doesn't really care about us and left to it he leaves others to throw us on the bus and back tracks and to save face that he didn't really know what was going on, when deep down he knows the score!
The right wing in the Tea Party movement and the Republican Party will deny they are racists and that Obama’s race has anything to do with them working day and night to tear him down It’s driving them crazy to have a Black man in the Oval Office. The right wing in the Tea Party movement and the Republican Party's deep seated racial antipathies towards Obama is what is hampering our recovery and our greatness as a nation. Let the truth be told.
Report This
By: The Issue on 7/26/2010 3:47PM
It is interested to read the speculation by bloggers regarding the Shirley Sherrod matter. The issue and bottom line is Breigart and his attempt to demean and scandalize the NAACP and the Obama Administration. This backfired for him and his so-called Tea Party which has eaten plenty of crow for the racist signs at rallies and their other leader named Williams who produced racist satire about the NAACP. My fellow Americans, the statements and actions by the NAACP and the government response is very serious however do not take your eye off of the very serious problem initiated by Tea Party advocates. The leaders of the Tea Party and their racial actions are deeply imbedded within and that's the Issue!!
Reply to this Comment | Report This
By: The Issue on 7/26/2010 4:14PM
The Issue and the bottom line is Breigart's failed attempt to scandalize and defame presenter Shirley Sherrod. This is a basis for a lawsuit and our group strongly encourages Mrs. Sherrod to file!! This man has to be stopped since he has a history of harrassment and not telling the truth!!
Reply to this Comment | Report This