05-07-2014, 12:23 PM
I think the NAACP looks almost as bad as Sterling in this whole shit storm.
I support some of the work they do. But, it's hard not to believe that their applause can't be bought by high donations from people who use them to create an image that they support minority causes publicly -- regardless as to whether the donators' known words and actions contradict the goals of the NAACP (while affording the donators a nice charitable tax deduction in the process).
Sterling had already settled suits for housing discrimination when the NAACP gave him his first award, and long before the planned life-time achievement award. He didn't lose those discrimination suits. So, actually, that shouldn't have prevented him from getting an award from the NAACP if Sterling truly deserved it ahead of all those who put their time, effort, and hearts into it -- IMO. But, that's not the basis for the awards -- it's clear that those awards are based on donation amounts alone, IMO.
Having said that, I wouldn't have thought less of the NAACP if they'd been honest about it and kept the money. No chance I'd ever be elected as an NAACP spokesperson. I'd have said something like, "We are aware of past allegations of discrimination against Mr. Sterling and find his latest publicly-disclosed remarks indefensible. But, his money is as good as anybody else's and we're going to use it to continue our works towards fighting discrimination and elevating minority status. We realize that we were mistaken in basing NAACP achievement awards on monetary donations alone and we will be changing our award criteria and processes immediately. God bless America."
I support some of the work they do. But, it's hard not to believe that their applause can't be bought by high donations from people who use them to create an image that they support minority causes publicly -- regardless as to whether the donators' known words and actions contradict the goals of the NAACP (while affording the donators a nice charitable tax deduction in the process).
Sterling had already settled suits for housing discrimination when the NAACP gave him his first award, and long before the planned life-time achievement award. He didn't lose those discrimination suits. So, actually, that shouldn't have prevented him from getting an award from the NAACP if Sterling truly deserved it ahead of all those who put their time, effort, and hearts into it -- IMO. But, that's not the basis for the awards -- it's clear that those awards are based on donation amounts alone, IMO.
Having said that, I wouldn't have thought less of the NAACP if they'd been honest about it and kept the money. No chance I'd ever be elected as an NAACP spokesperson. I'd have said something like, "We are aware of past allegations of discrimination against Mr. Sterling and find his latest publicly-disclosed remarks indefensible. But, his money is as good as anybody else's and we're going to use it to continue our works towards fighting discrimination and elevating minority status. We realize that we were mistaken in basing NAACP achievement awards on monetary donations alone and we will be changing our award criteria and processes immediately. God bless America."