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I recall both saying years ago that they only show up at events where they are explicitly asked to participate. People can believe this or not.
Regarding the Imus controversy, I know that Sharpton (and maybe even Jackson) was contacted directly by the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) to bring publicity to the situation. The same is true in the Amadou Diallo and Sean Bell case (Sharpton) and the incident involving students from FAMU (Jackson) during the 2000 presidential selection. Both men were seen at the Jackson funeral and memorial events because they are long-time family friends who were explicitly asked by the family to participate.
Again, people can believe this or not.
As for this "funny feeling:"
"I also have the funny feeling that they don't like Obama taking over their role as the leaders of the Black community."
Last time I checked the majority of black people, including me, who support Obama do not view him as the leader of the "black community," but as the duly-elected President of the United States. Plus, the black community is large and diverse enough to have more than one, two, or even three "leaders." Hell, I think of myself as a "leader" in the black community and I'm sure as sugar that many people never have heard of Coffin Ed before.
Now I would imagine that if Van Jones or the Color of Changed reached out to Sharpton and Jackson for assistance, either or both men would be more than happy to lend their support. But until that invitation is extended, don't expect to see either man jumping on the "down with Glenn Beck" bandwagon anytime soon. As for silencing Limbaugh, what would people have Jackson and Sharpton do? Obama is a public figure who knew that the right-wing would be hurling a tanker-load of crap his way if he became president.
Whether or not people respect Jackson or Sharpton, one thing you cannot accuse them of is caving in to hostile mobs or "withering criticism" from their opponents; especially if they think their positions are fair and just.
Just to be clear, I am not trying to be unnecessarily disagreeable, just offering my humble opinion.
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