Rev. Al Sharpton's Summit with Black Leaders in New York Call for Gov. Paterson to Stay in Office

Rev. Al Sharpton convenes summit of "influential" black leaders in New York to talk about Gov. David Paterson's fate and whether he should serve out his term.

 

NY Post/Christopher Sadowski

Rev. Al Sharpton gathered a group of New York City's influential black leaders to discuss the mess Governor David Paterson has found himself in. Why am I not surprised that some of these same so-called black leaders want Paterson to stay in office and serve out the rest of his term. Sharpton stopped short of endorsing Paterson to serve out his full term, but we know that's what he believes. Why am I not surprised by this open-arms attitude towards Paterson, but the result would be far different had this been a white politician.

According to the NY Post, Thursday night's meeting came after several new revelations about the governor's administration and after some of his aides decided to jump ship. This powwow Sharpton convened lasted two hours and occurred behind closed doors at Sylvia's restaurant in Harlem. Sharpton later told reporters that no-one was condoning violence against women by doing that, which was a reference to the domestic-abuse case involving a gubernatorial aide at the center of the scandal, but he acknowledged that that opinion wasn't unanimous, but said all participants agreed they didn't want to do anything that would interfere with Paterson's "due-process rights." Gee, I wonder if they felt the same way about Eliot Spitzer's high-priced hooker drama or even when President Bill Clinton lied to the American people about his relationship with Monica Lewinsky. How would they feel about a white guy in a similar circumstance as David Paterson. I have heard Al Sharpton call for the resignation of white people who have been accused of less.

According to the NY Post, among those who took part in the meeting were former Mayor David Dinkins, ex-state Comptroller Carl McCall, one-time NAACP chief Hazel Dukes, and Rep. Gregory Meeks of Queens. Let's see, David Dinkins presided over a city with the worst homicides rates during his tenure and Rep. Gregory Meeks have been accused on some shenanigans involving funds transferred to non-profits who have nothing to show for getting the money. So, I don't think either of those two men are in a position to stand behind anyone.

Sorry, but besides the fact that Governor Paterson has done nothing of significance during his tenure in office, his departure will not have an adverse effect on the functioning of New York State.