Despite calling it a “non-political” event to celebrate America’s heritage, the event also featured consummate and controversial conservative Sarah Palin as a guest speaker. Although Beck carefully avoided political references or his typical “Obama-bashing,” many called his decision to proceed with the rally a crafty gesture in poor taste.
Critics, including Rev. Al Sharpton and various other civil rights activists, called the rally extremely disrespectful toward the legacy and memory of Dr. King, particularly since the “I Have A Dream” speech is such a monumental moment in black history.
But Beck countered that he did not realize the historical relevance of the date when he booked the Lincoln Memorial. And even if he had, blacks don’t “own” Dr. King and he has every right to rally wherever and whenever he wants.
Still others drew a comparison of the rally to the planned Islamic mosque near Ground Zero, asking why is it disrespectful for the conservative Beck to hold a rally on the steps where Dr. King spoke 47 years ago, but not disrespectful to build an Islamic monument in the vicinity where Muslim extremists committed the greatest act of death and terrorism on U.S. soil?
Who’s right?
This guy is just a attention grabber. He knew what he was doing. I don't pay him any attention.