From Publishers Weekly
"I am running to take out the DLC, which I call the Democratic Leisure Class, because that's who it serves-the leisure class and the wealthy," professes the ubiquitous and controversial reverend. In keeping with this theme, Sharpton's 2004 presidential campaign platform is an uneven political manifesto that concentrates more on race relations than on the complexities of foreign policy. Unfocused sections on the Middle East and Cuba lapse into repetitive highlights of the effects of racism within many of our domestic institutions without seriously addressing the issues at hand. Egocentric stories about lunches with Castro and Arafat result in grandiose statements claiming that only Al Sharpton has the ability to bring the moral leadership and religious aptitude necessary to resolve world crises. Foreign policy aside, what Sharpton does offer (aided by newspaper columnist and Queen Latifah co-author Hunter) is a glimpse of the driving factors, inspirational voices and career highlights that have helped create the man once known as "Alfred Sharpton, boy preacher from Brooklyn." The latter half of Sharpton's book seems more inspired, offering insight into the lack of integrity in hip-hop, his admiration for mentor James Brown and his personal reflections about the infamous Tawana Brawley fiasco. On the Brawley case, Sharpton is unapologetic and goes so far as to claim: "to me there is still reasonable doubt in that case." Overall, despite a lack of focus, Sharpton proves he is one of America's most passionate and controversial thinkers: "I had to be me, regardless of what anyone else felt or thought about me. That's true power."
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From Booklist
With journalist and coauthor Hunter, Sharpton, a man generally viewed as politically radical, seeks to reposition himself for a possible presidential candidacy in 2004. On hot-button topics and issues, Sharpton postures himself as a statesman and liberal. His peace efforts in the Middle East with Ariel Sharon and Yassir Arafat have been balanced. Yet his involvement with the controversial Louis Farrakhan at the Million Man March reflects a reality for many blacks that defies easy political definition and the perception of a balanced approach. While in Vieques, Puerto Rico, protesting the navy bombing exercise, and eventually serving an unanticipated 90-day prison sentence, Sharpton found himself leaning toward a more inclusive approach to politics. Given the events of September 11, Sharpton raises some basic concerns regarding partisan politics and national loyalty. And given the racial and ethnic tensions that continue to prevail in the U.S., Sharpton questions the propriety of extending our national insensitivities to international arenas. Readers interested in politics and this controversial figure will enjoy reading Sharpton's own views on his platform. Vernon Ford
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
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