I’m certainly not excusing anyone (or any “side”) for hateful comments. I happen to agree that comediens are so of the worst offenders.

However, I do think that “lynch” still has connotations from the post-Civil War days that “gang up” will never have. I didn’t even read Mr. Sharpton’s comments until after I read your post.

The popular though over-used phrase today is “fair and balanced”. To that end Sandy Mitchell bogies the subject. In a sense Ms. Mitchell’s comments are equally inflamatory and offensive. Her attempt to “balance” her view references the eradication of sch comments at “cocktail parties, in the clubhouse and in the locker room”. However, by omission, she exempts non-minorities rather than referring to all (regardless of race and in whatever forum) who engage is such comments and behavior.

I make no excuse for Kelly’s comment. She is a professional broadcaster and her statement deserved action by her management. However, for many of us, we were only made aware/reminded of the “lynching” link to racism through Mr. Sharpton’s comments. The context of Kelly’s statement following Nick Faldo’s “gang up” comment was not presented – and it certainly does not justify Kelly’s statement. I’ll bet the phrase “gang up” is also viewed offensive by a paranoid few.

To the point, when is the broadcast and print media going to address the racism and insensitivity exhibited by some minority, and specifically, the minority comedic community and the self proclaimed minority spokesmen who engage in offensive racist comments that separate, divide and insult all of us. (Ms. Mitchell; Mr. Sharpton: that is the “fair and balanced” that seems to be missing).