Yesterday, the USDA criticized the Department of Agriculture and NAACP for not allowing Shirley Sherrod to tell her side of the story. Thanks to the release of the full video of her entire speech at an NAACP event in March, Sherrod is finally speaking her truth. Department of Agriculture head Tom Vilsack says he is reviewing the USDA’s decision to pressure Sherrod to resign. Except Sherrod isn’t so sure she would return. During an appearance on CNN, Sherrod said the experience has been “bittersweet.” “Had the department taken the time at the very beginning, we wouldn’t be doing this today,” she said. “If they had taken the time to look at me, to look at what I’ve stood for, to look at what I’ve done since I’ve actually been at the department, I don’t think they would have been quick to do what they did and be so insistent.” The NAACP has since apologized and recanted its previous position on Sherrod. In a statement posted on its website the organization said:
“Having reviewed the full tape, spoken to Ms. Sherrod, and most importantly heard the testimony of the White farmers mentioned in this story, we now believe the organization that edited the documents did so with the intention of deceiving millions of Americans.”
Meanwhile, Sherrod is getting support from the most unlikely of sources: conservative pundit Glenn Beck. “When was the last time the NAACP didn’t give someone the benefit of the doubt right away?” he asked on his talk show. “Here’s my take on Shirley Sherrod: She should not have been fired or forced to resign. Again, based on the facts we have right now. And clearly, there’s something else going on here. First of all, she said herself that it isn’t about pitting the races against each other, it’s about pitting the classes against each other,” he added.