The Brian Lehrer Show

One may disagree with Al Sharptons methods, but you have to admit he speaks out when no else does, Most of us "white people" just complain but do nothing to remedy the problems that lead to these reoccurring incidents.

Sorry, but Al Sharpton needs to clean up his act before I can take him seriously. He doesn't pay his bills. He rented space from two people that I know in Brooklyn (ordinary people, not rich landlords) and neer paid his rent. During his presidential campaign he didn't pay his drivers. If he wants to be a credible voice for social justice he needs to start with his own behavior.

For all New Yorkers who have been around longer than a few years, Al Sharpton is well known as a anti-Semitic race baiting opportunist. He doesn't speak for anyone but himself, and to treat him as a legitimate reasonable voice is ridiculous. Yes, he does speak for the black community, but they would be well advised to get someone who possess the integrity to make the kind of statements he makes. Blaming the police and white people is as biased as the accusations he constantly makes of everyone else. It's ironic that the man who accuses everyone else of racism is a racist himself.

And for the people who give Mr. Sharpton the benefit of the doubt, read a little of New York political history before you open your ignorant mouths. Your embarrassing yourselves.

Attack...Attack...Attack, but were are all the solutions the outrage? This is about Sean Bell and solidarity in a time of injustice. Not about our tribalism impulses.

The acquittals in this case may have been correct, but it's hard to know because Justice Cooperman did such a superficial job of delivering it. A better opinion also would have better served the police and public in dealing with the non-criminal consequences of the tragedy.

The judge should have laid out all the evidence and explained which evidence he believed and disbelieved and why. He should have at least mentioned the 50 shots fired and explained how 50 shots could not have been the result of criminal intent. That may be the case, but the public should not have to do the work of analysis that was the judge's job.

It is Easy to deny, ignore, denounce, and even hate!

It is difficult to understand, embrace, and Love.

which are the choices most of you will make?

We can't have reckless, incompetent people on the police force; plain and simple. Too much power in the hands of such is something a free civilized society cannot afford or tolerate. If you can't competently handle a car, you should not get a driver's license. If you can't exercise competent judgement, or judiciously handle weaponry, or have problems dealing with individuals not of your class, ethnicity, etc., you SHOULD NOT BE A POLICE OFFICER.

Is that demanding too much? No, it is not.

Al Sharpton probably had good intentions when he joined Martin Luther King’s fight and marched right beside him. But somewhere something steered Al completely in the wrong direction. Is this “stop New York day” about Sean Bell or Al Sharpton? I think to most people who will be involved, it’s about Sean Bell. But for Al Sharpton, you can unfortunately probably bet the farm that his day of civil disobedience is all about Al Sharpton. Did King die for King or did he die for his beliefs that effected the freedom of all minorities? Even though he knew he would eventually be assonated I would say he died for what he truly believed in. Would Al be willing to die for the people that look up to him as a leader? Sadly from what I can see in his character I think he would be running as far away and as fast as possible if it ever came time to make the ultimate sacrifice. I think its time the black community picks a new leader. One that embraces all people of all races and not just their own political advancement.

I was extremely impressed with Mr. Adams. It was great to hear such a thoughtful perspective on these issues, from someone with both political and police experience. Please have him on again.

Just pick on Sharpton, and forget about the horrible incident that lead to Sean Bell's death, and the outrages outcome of this trial. This is very rational!

Disappointed. Brian's question was not answered. The Police incompetence was not spelled out for the Public. The tactics used to effect the search for the Gun(s) were poorly executed. No cop wants to do a nite time car stop. They had a 9 member team on the scene. Why did the undercover who had been drinking initaiate the stop? The Police managed to endanger innocent civilians in the Skytrain terminal and the Jamaica LIRR. Imagine if one of the bullets that entered the Skytrain terminal had hit a European tourist.

The Public needs to hear the straight story-- This was not good police work at all.

as an ex-pat living temporarily in canada, i can say it is refreshing to live where there's far less gun violence... i don't miss the hype of al sharpton but he does bring jesse jackson-like attention.. which can at least get discussion going.