Why are so many people appalled by what was said at the funeral?

[Tim4319]

I was reading the AJC this morning, and there is a section where people wrote explaining their dissatisfaction with what was said about Bush's policies and how this was the wrong time. I thought Martin Luther and Coretta Scott King were both anti -- "unnecessary" -- war. I thought they both were victims of being "wire tapped".

What puzzles me more, many of the people who wrote in the column are African-American.

Please enlighten me! Maybe I am not understanding something?

[LeftNYC]

1. truth hurts-say ouch...nt

[Theres-a]

2. Beat me to it.

[Just Me]

19. There are those who prefer denial. It's more comfy. eom

[SammyWinstonJack]

103. That's it in a nutshell! nt

[blm]

3. The corporate media exaggerated the outrage - some people will ALWAYS buy

what corporate media sells them.

[underpants]

6. As pointed out elsewhere-Remember "Justice Sunday"?

I and II?

Remember the Reagan funeral?


No outrage from the left or at least none that you heard about.

[BushOut06]

4. Nobody's really talking about WHAT was said

They're all up in arms about the venue. But like another poster pointed out, her life WAS political. It's the classic case of attack the messenger, not the message.

[Clark2008]

5. It's Propaganda.

It's the new Reich-wing talking point. I saw Kate O'Beirne spew it on Tweety last night.

It's their newest way to try to make any strong Democratic message sound like it was inappropriate. They even enlist their token African-Americans to shout it, unfortunately, to try and give it legitimacy.

In short, it's bullshit.

[Name removed]

12. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[WinkyDink]

23. The Republicans are the ones who regard "their" African-Americans

as tokens, not Dems, pal. They are trotted out only for photo-ops and PR.
Nice post total, though.

[Sydnie]

26. Not to mention a pResident that refuses to meet with the NAACP

He is reaping what he has sown. He won't give the CBC the time of day, unless there is a good photo-op involved.

Yes "token" is a good description. Armstrong Williams is a good example. He wouldn't give the NCLB policy the time of day, until they BOUGHT his opinion from him.

[wicket]

35. ahhhhhhhh, I missed the fun!

:D

[Clark2008]

52. That's what I said.

The token African-Americans on the REPUBLICAN side. The REPUBLICANS are trotting out their tokens. Not the Dems.

What part didn't you understand?

[FreedomAngel82]

86. Remember the RNC convention?

Prime example.

[azurnoir]

28. I think the token comment was

referring to Black political pundits who can be depended on to support any thing (almost) the GOP does such as "phasing out" affirmative action, cuts in health care, education etc. La Shawn comes to mind and I've heard Dem or liberal black bloggers call her far worse than token.

[Clark2008]

53. Exactly what I meant.

Thank you.

[RufusEarl]

29. All politician are liars, and thieves!

I don't hold that view, and the democratic party have very strong views. And one more time, the Dem's did not take money from Abermnoff. so don't lump them in with Republicans when you call all politicians thieves. Me thinks you my be out trolling around this morning!

[bigscott]

15. i dont think i could hate anyone more

than Kate Obeirne - who the fuck is she to call Jimmie Carter classless? Fucking bitch

[Tim4319]

31. I heard Fucker Carlson had said the same thing.

[FreedomAngel82]

87. This shows you than

it's pure BS. It's all for the same reason they do everything. To take away from what's really going on.

[TheDebbieDee]

32. I totally agree with you....it is propaganda!

Only, it's not new - the repukes have been using it since the run-up to the 2000 Election.

They use it to re-write history.....and it works! People actually start repeating what the CCM pushes out to us.

Case in point: David Koresch and the Branch Davidian incident. This debacle morphed from the ambush of ATF agents attempting to serve a warrant to Janet Reno's attempt to stifle the Davidians' practice of their religion!

[cmd]

7. Because the right wing phone chains have to them to be outraged

Really, how many right wingers do you think actually watched the funeral? They are just following marching orders.

[FreedomAngel82]

88. They ALWAYS have to be a victim

:eyes: It's really getting old and immature.

[robbedvoter]

8. here's a smilie that may assist you with understanding:

[Tim4319]

102. That does bring somethings to light!

[Klukie]

9. The last word

I would love to know what the King family thought of the remarks. I would bet that they have no problem with it. They knew this woman better than anyone claims to so I say let them decide what is appropriate or not.

[dogfacedboy]

14. That's my reaction.

Who's to say that the way things went at that funeral wasn't exactly as desired by the King Family?

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

16. Very true

and welcome to DU :hi:

[Klukie]

22. Thanks for the welcome

Does anyone know if the King Family issued any statements in reguard to the controversy?

[Binka]

27. The Crowd And Family Erupted In Applause This Is A Manufactured

Controversy. Little Chimperor had to listen to people say truthful things about him and his minions feel the need to lash out. They are throwing out the inappropriate card because Bush had his little pecker slapped in public by Carter and Rev Lowery.

Charlie Rangel Says

[Klukie]

30. Democratic response

If the King Family has no problem with the remarks why do you? Again I think the family reserves the right to have the last word. End of controversy.

[Binka]

33. Whatever

I have a problem with the BS controversy. The King family isn't outraged by the funeral the Corporate Media Whores and Repukes are. A bit new to be pressing so hard on a subject that has brought the trolls out in droves don't ya think?

[Klukie]

57. New or not I will press on

Look I didn't start this thread and if you look at the general discussion board I think you would have to agree that there are many more like it. I don't know if you misnderstood what I was saying, but my whole point was That I didn't think the King Family was outraged and that lack of outrage was the perfect simple response to squash the BS controversy. Should I take your post to mean that any response to the BS controversy only perpetuates it? If that is the case then I have to disagree. I think that this is where the repukes get us. They take stock in the fact that we will turn the other cheek while they define history with their BS controversies. I say take them head on and squash the BS at the root. Sorry for being so new.

[Flubadubya]

62. Klukie, Klukie, Klukie...

My dear, I'm afraid it is you who have misunderstood. Please re-read Binka's initial response post to yours. She AGREES with you! Calm down now and make sure you've got your facts straight. You could probably contribute a lot here. :)

[Klukie]

67. Misunderstanding?

Sorry, I don't understand what is being said in the third sentence of the reply in reguard to my newness and the trolls. Never meant to offend.

[Flubadubya]

70. I'm sure you didn't mean to offend...

but perhaps it was when you challenged her in the "Democratic response" post regarding her having "a problem". I don't know where you came up with that. I don't see anything in Binka's post that indicates she had a "problem". Anyway, I do think it was all a misunderstanding and hope that any ruffled feathers are now straightened.

In all sincerity... Welcome to DU, Klukie... many happy posts! :hi:

[Klukie]

74. sorry sorry sorry

I see the error of my ways. I will be more careful in my replies. My statement about democratic response was meant as a reponse to anyone who has a problem with the statements made at the King funeral. It was a general statement of how I thought democrats should answer critics not a reply to binka's thread. Sorry again.

[Klukie]

75. And thanks for the welcome

[Z_I_Peevey]

44. That is the best Charlie Rangel quote EVER.

I am committing that to memory immediately.

[Marie26]

51. I love Charlie Rangel

That quote cracks me up.

[Tim4319]

107. Can't agrue with that!

[FreedomAngel82]

90. Welcome to DU

:hi:

[FreedomAngel82]

89. Doesn't the family mostly choose who speaks and who doesn't?

:shrug:

[cry baby]

10. the only people appalled are * supporters.

Maybe young African-Americans wrote in the AJC - maybe since they haven't had the struggle of the civil rights movement, they don't understand.

Other than that, I just can't understand either.

[Laura PourMeADrink]

11. who said something against Bush's policies?

[Sydnie]

20. That is the framing right there

They didn't talk about blivet's** policies at all. If they bristled at the mention of wiretapping, it is because they went there in their own head. THEY equated nixon and Hoover with blivet** and Tenet/Goss. It is because THEY saw the paralell. If they bristled at the mention of no money for the poor, it was because THEY made the connection to the budget cuts and the Katrina debacle.

It was the guilt of the talking heads that drew the pictures with the lines and arrows showing just "where" in those speeches they were supposed to have insulted blivet**.

Would they still feel that way if blivet** hadn't been there to hear it live and in person? I don't think so. They would be saying that no one watched it anyway so it didn't matter.

The man has a 2% approval rating with African Americans, and even that is within the margin of error. It could be a -2% approval rating. They can't spin that and it was there like an open sore for all to examine yesterday. It's his own fault. His policies put him there now he has to live with it. No amount of "white" spin is going to make that go away.

[tanyev]

13. They are appalled because our Exalted President, who

is usually so carefully protected from the truth, was forced to sit there and listen to it. Outrageous!

[ewagner]

17. From Miles O'Brien this AM:

"Some People say....the funeral was a WELLSTONE MOMENT! "

The spin has started ...actually it never quit...

[wtmusic]

18. When you air an opinion at a funeral

about anything besides the deceased and his/her life, you risk being accused of using it for your own purposes, especially when it is as high-profile as this one.

There are many here who argue that the comments *were* about CSK and her life. Maybe so (IMO that's a stretch). In any case, the comments did nothing to bring the country together. Republicans were offended; (most) Democrats already agreed.

[Spazito]

37. Why was Coretta King's service supposed to "bring the country

together"? I thought it was to celebrate her life, her work, her beliefs, what she fought for and against and what she and Dr. Martin did all their lives and that was speaking truth to power which was exactly what occurred at HER service. Her FAMILY AND FRIENDS obviously would disagree with you given they gave the criticized speakers STANDING OVATIONS.

It is interesting that those who did NOT know Mrs. King feel they KNOW what she would have wanted, feel free to critique those in attendance who DID know her and were quite happy with the service and the speakers.

[wtmusic]

91. it wasn't

their comments could have. They didn't.

[Spazito]

97. And their comments were supposed to be to the world and

not to and for the family and friends of Mrs. King even if those comments related directly to the issues and concerns of Mrs. King? Wow, who knew one must tailor their comments for the television viewers instead of celebrating the person's life in the manner in which the family would approve while attending that person's service. Again, who knew!

[WinkyDink]

21. They are told to be?

Just a guess.
That, and basic American racism.

[Lex]

24. False Outrage. Same thing with Wellstone's funeral.

Their false outrage is sooo transparent.

[Idylle Moon Dancer]

25. Yes, manufactured outrage,

and I hope many others see the transparency as well.

[Beausoir]

50. Absolutely. They are trying to 'Wellstone" the sevice. They got busted.

Soon, the GOP will have their own brand of Homeland Security Rules about what we can say at funerals.

[Neecy]

34. This is how Republicans behave, though...

When they don't like the message, they shout it down in faux outrage and attempt to drown out whatever impact it might have had. They're like a pack of wild animals.

I'm sure we'll be hearing this shit for weeks. Remember, they also attacked the Wellstone children who had just lost BOTH of their parents in a sudden tragic "accident"...they have no shame whatsoever. They'll go after the King children, too.

[Marie26]

36. It's a little inappropiate

I didn't see it, but I feel uncomfortable when people bring up politics at a funeral. I loved Paul Wellstone, but didn't like how his memorial service was turned into a political rally. It's a little tacky, IMO. And Coretta Scott King had so much grace & class that it seems inappropiate to me to use her funeral to attack a current political figure. She may have even agreed w/the sentiments, but it just didn't seem like the time. Just my opinion, though. I do think this has been spun to feed the right-wing outrage machine; and that's even tackier. I doubt many of these Rush Limbaugh callers really cared about King's civil rights work, but jump at an opportunity to attack Democrats for not being "respectful." If anyone should protest, it's the King family, not Fox News. If they're OK w/it, I guess I'm OK w/it.

ETA - OK, changing the headline, not quite "tacky" but maybe inappropiate.

[Sydnie]

39. You can't honor someone who walked the walk without talking the talk

she didn't sit at home and make pies for god's sake. She led marches! She spoke out! It would have been a hollow service and not a fitting tribute to her to do otherwise.

[Marie26]

59. Definitely agree

There's no way you could honor her life w/o talking about all her political work, her marches, & her tireless work for civil rights. She was definitely not sitting at home & baking pies. But I just felt that to the extent the remarks were about Bush, not about Coretta Scott King, it's taking the focus off of the person who should be the true subject of the eulogies. But it doesn't matter what I think. Ms. King's family & friends are who truly decides if something is appropiate or not. If they aren't upset by the remarks, the media needs to shut up about it & stop trying to create a controversy where none exists.

[Solomon]

69. Marie26, you lost any credibility with your first statement, i.e.,

that you did not see the funeral. If you didn't see it, where do you get your opinion from? It wasn't about Bush despite what the talking heads are telling you. Why don't you try to see something for yourself before stepping in doo-doo. Jeeeeez. I'd thought everyone would have learned this lesson by now.

[Marie26]

73. I saw many clips of the funeral

on TV, which they rotated basically non-stop. Since those were probably the most political comments, I think you can at least comment on those statements, knowing that there is a larger context. So, I was basing my comments on the statements I'd seen. Now if I just commented based on what Sean Hannnity was saying, then it'd have no creditability at all. Most of the time in the news we don't see the entire event, just the most "news-worthy" highlights. But I think people can still comment on, say, the excerpts of the NSA hearings w/o being expected to have watched the whole thing. Hardly anyone has the chance to experience the entire larger context of a news story - that's what reporters are for.

[Spazito]

40. Wow, so the family and friends of Mrs. King aren't supposed

to celebrate her life and her work how they see best because some, those who did NOT know her, deem their views as "tacky". Wow.

[Marie26]

42. They can honor her life

in the way they see as best. And I can't deny that it was kind of nice for Bush to finally be confronted w/some uncomfortable truths. I think it's wonderful to talk about all the political work she did, and all she did for civil rights. But it does bother me a little if someone used a funeral to take political swipes at Bush. That's just my (wildly unpopular) opinion, though. And it doesn't really matter what I think, or what anyone else who didn't know her thinks. That's why it bothers me that the media has jumped on the outrage bandwagon. Her family & friends should decide what is appropiate.

[Pathwalker]

43. Tacky? So, you wouldn't mention a surgeon's work,

a teacher's work, a policeman's work, at their funeral - because it would be TACKY? Politics was part and parcel of BOTH Mrs. King and Paul Wellstone's LIFE; it was very much a part of THEM, their passion, their life's MISSION, so why the hell does mentioning it make it TACKY?
By that measure, no child could speak at their parent's funeral, because parenting was part of their life's work, and having their child speak would be tacky.
No past student of ANY teacher could speak at a teacher's funeral, because that student was part of that teacher's life's work. TACKY.
No heart surgeon could have a patient whose life was saved by the surgeon could tell how the dead surgeon saved his life, because it was part of the surgeon's LIFE'S MISSION, and to mention THAT would be...TACKY?

Denying Mrs. King the right to have whomever she wished to speak and say whatever they wished to say at HER funeral is AS TACKY AS IT COMES, and the tsk-tsk manufactured outrage coming from the blond-haired paper white skinned ARYAN ARMY of the press is freaking ORWELLIAN!!!!!!!!

[Marie26]

47. Sorry to upset you. nt

[Pathwalker]

54. Tacky response!

n/t

[Marie26]

55. Why? nt

[Pathwalker]

61. Why is it tacky to mention those things a person felt

so deeply about - at their funeral? Why is it only tacky if politics are involved? It was part of HER life's passion, and to have remained silent about it at HER funeral would have dishonored HER.
Does anyone KNOW for a fact that Mrs. King did NOT choose the guest list herself? That's very common for older folks to do, and she KNEW those people well enough to know what they might say - she knew Rev. Lowrey for over FORTY years, and I'm sure she - and her children - had an idea that he might speak his feelings.

Why is it wrong for something political to be said at the funeral of someone who spoke with politicians ON A DAILY BASIS, someone whose very life was entwined with our nation's politics for FORTY YEARS?
Frankly, I find these objections FROM THE ARYAN MEDIA to be blatantly BIGOTED: first they complained about the political comments at the funeral of a Jewish POLITICIAN and Senator, and now these same Aryan press are complaining about a Black Lady's funeral. Yet, when Reagan was eulogized, we were forced to watch Peggy "mean drunk" Noonan have an ON AIR ORGASM!!!!!! THAT was tacky.

How is mentioning those subjects which were an ingrained, integral part of a person's LIFE'S WORK tacky?
Could you please answer THAT?

[Marie26]

65. We sort of agree

Ms. King's family has an absolute right to choose who will speak at her funeral, and she may have even done so herself. And her family & friends decide what is appropiate, not us, & certainly not the media. Ms. King was very political & an activist, and there's no way to properly remember her w/o speaking about that aspect of her life. But if a comment focuses on Bush, rather than Ms. King, it feels like a distraction from who should be the real focus of the service. I was sorry to upset you, I'm not trying to make people mad, just expressing my opinion on this issue. But I'm a little uncomfortable even writing so much about this because I feel like it's really none of our business.

[Pathwalker]

72. I'm upset because I feel the press is Wellstoning Mrs. King's

funeral. I find THEIR behaviour BIGOTED, their words sound like they're still ON the plantation, and longing for the bad old days when slavery was still legal. They did it to a Jewish Senator, they did it to this priceless jewel who was black, and I don't think that is a coincidence. They're ALL blonde, fair-skinned rich white people, and I don't think that is a coincidence either. And I also think THEY are being far more political that Reverend Lowery was, or Jimmy Carter was - they are the ones doing a dirty political trick worthy of of Nixon's CREEP.

Considering that people are inserting their contempt for Bush into their own obituaries these days, a few comments that lasted a few minutes in a funeral that was over four hours long, doesn't seem that big a deal. After all, they WERE wiretapped, and there WERE no WMD, so they only spoke the truth. For all we know, Mrs. King may have spoken to Reverend Lowery about those very subjects shortly before she died, and she expressed her opinions to him.

As far as I'm concerned, the ONLY thing that was tacky at Mrs. King's funeral was...George Bush.

[cry baby]

56. You should watch the funeral. You would see that the political

statements were appropriate and they came from close friends of the deceased. They weren't advocating that anyone vote for someone, but merely pointing out that things that the Kings worked for and gave their lives for still need work.

The anti-war no WMD comment came from a life long friend who knew her heart. She was anti-war and a pure peace advocate. The Kings were also about speaking truth to power.

In 6 hours of speakers, about 2 minutes of that were political.

And as you say, if anyone should protest, it's the King family, not Faux news - I totally agree with that!

[Marie26]

60. I really should watch it

I only saw brief clips on the news. I'm probably just projecting my own feelings about the Wellstone Memorial (which I did watch in full) onto this event, as well. Thanks for the information about what people actually said; I do agree that the media is making it seem much more political than it really was.

[Spazito]

66. Given it was Paul Wellstone's son who was castigated for

making the Wellstone Memorial 'political', why, again, is it that those who loved and knew the Wellstone family were not supposed to celebrate and remember their family as they saw fit? Since when is it the right of anyone of us to make judgements on how the family and friends choose to remember their loved ones, I actually find such long distance judgements appalling and, dare I say, tacky.

[Marie26]

68. OK then

I'm tacky. I was watching Wellstone's memorial because he is such a hero to me, and was happy to see so many Republicans crossing party lines to attend. But I became uncomfortable when it seemed to focus so much on the 2004 elections rather than Wellstone's life. But, like you say, since Wellstone's son agreed, they're the ones who should decide how best to honor their family member.

[Spazito]

71. I am glad we DO agree on the most important point and that is

it is up to the family and friends to celebrate someone's life as they choose, full stop. I will now pull in my claws, lol.

[cry baby]

79. Watching the comments in context really does make a difference.

BTW, you might find yourself inspired beyond belief! Malcom X's daughter, Ms. Shabazz, was incredible as were the other speakers. It's really long, but some of the best expressions of humanity and nobility I've ever heard!

6 hours well spent!

[FlaGranny]

78. Almost nothing that a family does

at a loved one's funeral is "inappropriate." It is their funeral, their wishes, their beliefs, their guests, etc., etc. It is the business of no one else - period. If outsiders and a couple of guests don't like it, well, that's just too bad. It's none of MY business nor is it anyone else's.

[EstimatedProphet]

38. Because it takes the focus off Coretta Scott King's life

The memorial service is about her, not about Bush's politics.

However, I can't at all blame the speakers for what they did. This is what happens when the president continually hides from any kind of discussion like Bush does. I'm sure they all looked at it like this was their one chance to speak their mind. I know I would.

[Marie26]

46. Yeah, Bush is in such a bubble

that this is probably the first time he's been in front of an un-screened group in years. That's probably why he looked so uncomfortable. So I can really understand why people would think this is their last shot to reach him. It's almost like an intervention! That's why this bothered me much less than it would have otherwise. Bush has been so unreachable that people end up using any occasion you can find to try to tell the truth.

[Rainscents]

96. Marie26... you really need to see what really happened at funeral

before judging. Most of what happened to Mr and Mrs King in 60's by Nixon and FBI. it's happening to people today. Carter was referring to what Nixon and FBI did back than to King's family, wiretapping, spying and etc... they still fought the fight and moved country forward. This is what Carter was talking about... It just happened, what is going on back than IS going on today with Bush WH! Of course, MSM (Corporate whores) are spinning this shit way out of control and you're one of them who is buying into this bullshit!

[Marie26]

100. You are judging as well, right?

Everyone posting here is judging the appropiateness of the remarks - some people have just come down on different sides of the issue. I saw Carter's speech, and I understand what he was saying, and it's a valid point. It just didn't seem, perhaps, the right time to say it. But that's just based on my personal experience w/a recent funeral. I am incredibly sorry that I even posted on this thread. One of the worst things about DU, in my opinion, is the way that people will gang up on someone who has an unpopular opinion. I understand your position, but I don't agree. And that doesn't necessarily mean that I'm buying the MSM propaganda, or that I'm uninformed, or a Republican. I just disagree.

[Wordie]

82. But it puts the focus on Coretta Scott King's life's WORK.

What more appropriate tribute could there be?

[EstimatedProphet]

84. Yes, it does.

[Love Bug]

41. They are appalled because Rove tells them to be appalled.

[teriyaki jones]

45. Chimpy's attendance MADE it a political event

The King family is permanently woven into the political fabric of this country, and those eulogizing the deceased had the right to speak their minds. Too bad Bubble Boy was uncomfortable with it.

We all know that the Repugs, including their MSM propaganda arm, are issued their talking points, and we need to stop dignifying them by taking their bait.

[Tim4319]

106. But wait, this is a liberal media!

[Bridget Burke]

48. Because they are Republican mouthpieces.

Yes, I know that's all to obvious.

[Sparkly]

49. Most of them probably never even HEARD what was said

One of the ways this is like Wellstone's memorial is that the media is blowing it out of proportion! They plucked out the FEW references to Chimpy's disasters, and play them as if it's representative of the entire event.

Or worse, they describe, rather than show, these remarks and make it sound as though one person after another took to the podium, pounded their fists, and ranted about how horrible George W. Bush is -- by name.

In short, they don't know what they're talking about.

[leftchick]

58. Drudge and Rush put out the RW talking point before the funeral was over

I heard jeff greenfield talking about it this AM with the biggest loud mouth librul hater Miles obrien on cnn. He didn't point out that certainly drudge and rush were doing it at the behest of the WH. AND that the US Corporate controlled media was following those RW talking points and directives to the letter! That is what is driving public opinion.

When you have RW operatives on every fucking show on TV denigrating a wonderful human being like Jimmy Carter and defending a puss bucket like the chimp you know the media and your country are gone. Forever

:(

[OneBlueSky]

63. because that's what they heard on the "news" . . .

as others have noted, most probably didn't even see or hear the speeches . . . they're just parroting the propaganda being fed them by the BushCo house organs (i.e. the corporate media) . . . most people have long ago forgotten how to think for themselves . . .

[mattclearing]

64. Because the media told them to be. n/t

[Frank Cannon]

76. This is a wholly manufactured controversy by the MSM

Make no mistake about it. The Monkey King meant to make political hay with all those black people he otherwise couldn't care less about on any other given day. This day was supposed to be a "win" for him. It ended up being much less than that, because he was rightly (and very tactfully) put in his proper place, and he was pretty much checkmated politically.

The mainstream media, wholly owned and controlled by the GOP, just can't stand that their Monkey King didn't have his special photo op. They are trying to foment "anger" where there is none.

[FlaGranny]

77. How do you know that

many of the people who wrote were African American? It's easy to say so in a letter.

[Mayberry Machiavelli]

85. There was ONE letter where the person identified themselves as

African American, where they said they were appalled. There were a couple more "outraged" people who didn't say anything about their race. And there were a few who were outraged that Bush spoke at the funeral.

I'm "appalled" that "so many people" would promote this kind of right wing spin here on DU, LOL.

[Rainscents]

99. I don't buy it either!

I want to see the real face of the people who wrote it... I bet, they were all white!

[Wordie]

80. There have ALWAYS been concerns about Social Justice in Christianity

in this country and those concerns have always been particularly strong in black churches (for good and obvious reasons). The early calls for abolition arose in white northern churches, long before the Civil War (the reporters and Bush and others who are complaining should take a lesson). These reporters' complaints are therefore ahistorical and obviously politically motivated themselves.

How dare they tell anyone how to organize their own funeral?

It strikes me, however, that there is a plus side to the complaints. They are airing the statements of Carter and others on msm. That ultimately may turn out to be a good thing.

[Mayberry Machiavelli]

81. There was ONE letter to the editor writer, who self identified as African-

American, who said they were appalled.

I don't know how that translates into "so many" unless you've got some other links.

[Rainscents]

98. You know what? I hardly doubt, it was AA wrote it.

It probably was some white guy who pretend to be AA. If you can't attach writing with face, I don't buy into this crap!

[KyuzoGator]

83. People are not appalled...the Noise Machine is just telling people to be.

The Machine tells people how to think. That's how it works.

[radio4progressives]

92. unfortunately they're probably paid functionaries...

Some wealthy African Americans are apparently co-opted, it's unfortunate.

[in_cog_ni_to]

93. KING GEORGE WAS EXPOSED ON NATIONAL TV AND THE WHOLE WORLD SAW IT!

:bounce: That's why! The world now knows WE, the Democrats and the AA community, DO NOT support that tyrant. The repukes can't handle the truth. They can't handle when they don't have FULL CONTROL over the propaganda. The idiot has been EXPOSED. :bounce:

[Tim4319]

95. So true! Imagine if Cindy Sheehan would have gone.

I would love to see if someone like Cindy Sheehan showed up? She could not have been arrested! I would love to see Bush's reaction.

[Tierra_y_Libertad]

94. Most Americans never get beyond the headlines.

"Coretta Scott King funeral politicized by Democrats" Hell, most Americans would have been unable to identify Martin's wife by now until now.

[KAT119]

101. *justifiably eviscerated for vicious crimes against Civil Rights of ALL nt

[LynnTheDem]

104. FAMILY weren't appalled. They gave a STANDING OVATION.

And isn't the FAMILY of the deceased & the wishes of the deceased themself who really matter...even if the rightwingnuttery don't approve?

[Tim4319]

105. My point exactly!

[proud patriot]

108. because they were told to be appalled

:think: