NYPost

SHARPTON BOUND & ‘DETERMINED'

By DAVID SEIFMAN, MARIA ALVAREZ, ZACH HABERMAN and BRAD HUNTER

May 27, 2001 -- The Rev. Al Sharpton's 90-day jail sentence for his Vieques bombing protest has firmed his resolve to run for president, his lawyer said yesterday as protesters demanded his release.

At a demonstration attended by about 200 people at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, Sharpton's wife, Kathy Jordan Sharpton, appeared teary-eyed and drained after meeting for six hours with her husband of 21 years.

"The reverend is fine, and we just need to get him out. Keep the faith," she told the crowd, who chanted, "Let Al Go!"

"My beloved Rev. Al said he has been treated with the utmost respect, but he wants you to maintain focus on the people of Vieques."

Sharpton, along with Bronx Councilman Adolfo Carrion, Assemblyman José Rivera and Bronx Democratic leader Roberto Ramirez, were sentenced to jail last week for trespassing on the U.S. military base in Vieques to protest bombing exercises.

Sharpton lawyer Sanford Rubenstein told a group at Sharpton's National Action Network headquarters that his client has a "moral obligation" to stop the bombing.

"And as a result of what has happened, Rev. Sharpton is more determined than ever to mount a presidential campaign," Rubenstein said.

Former mayor David Dinkins, who during his term was often at odds with Sharpton, visited the activist in jail yesterday.

But at least one politician suggested too much attention was being focused on Sharpton. Carmen Quinones, Democratic leader for the 68th District and a National Action Network member, said "I love Rev. Al Sharpton, love him. I just don't want anybody to forget the other people."

Congressman Charles Rangel, at the demonstration outside the jail, described the prosecution of the foursome as "mean-spirited and stupid."

Meanwhile, Carrion has seen his fortunes in the Bronx race for borough president boosted by his incarceration.

"It's not even debatable about whether this helps Adolfo," said political consultant Jerry Skurnik. "He's now the symbol of principled opposition to a policy the vast majority of Bronx voters oppose."

-- Anonymous, May 27, 2001

Answers

In a way, I hope he does keep making himself a public spectacle. The ultimate power brokers that always end up with making the final decisions on who we will have for candidates are more than willing to flush any unwelcome candidate down the toilet. After such a "colorful" career, Sharpton must have lots of skeletons in the closet and the closet will be thrown open real wide if he persists.

-- Anonymous, May 27, 2001

No bones about it, Gordon. heh

What are the chances of a black man who has been in jail being elected president?

-- Anonymous, May 27, 2001

Hey....if ya'all will put him out on that island's bombing range, we will ship you Reno to keep him company!

-- Anonymous, May 27, 2001