In the wake of the Shirley Sherrod incident various news sources are trying to contextualize the numerous apologies and mia culpas by taking this travesty out of context.  The Seattle Times wrote, “When it became clear that Shirley Sherrod's comments had been taken out of context, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack apologized …” even Fox anchor Bill O’Reilly apologized and stated, “I owe Ms. Sherrod an apology for not doing my homework . . .

 The conservative spin machine is at it again.  The attack on the USDA’s former Georgia director of Rural Development, Ms. Shirley Sherrod by conservative blogger Andrew Breitbart is the most recent example of the dangers that come from reactionary sound-bite politics being put in the context of race.
 

Once again RNC Chairman Michael Steele has taken the rhetoric a bit too far.  Last Thursday while speaking at a Republican fundraiser Steele said he found the dismissal of Gen.

In Seattle on Monday, Jun 14th while arresting 19 year old Marilyn Levias, Officer Ian Walsh was pushed by a 17-year-old friend of Ms. Levias’, resulting in Officer Walsh punching the 17-year-old in the face. Both Ms. Levias and her friend were placed under arrest. Levias has since been cited for jaywalking and charged with obstruction. Her friend has also been cited and charged with third degree assault.