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Dear President Obama,
Secretary Vilsack's decision to fire Shirley Sherrod in response to Andrew Breitbart's fabricated attack on her is unacceptable. That the White House has endorsed that action, given the facts that have come to light, is unconscionable.
It's one thing to rush to judgment. It's another to refuse to correct the error when it becomes clear that you were wrong.
Andrew Breitbart is a right-wing con artist with a reputation for attacks on Black leaders and institutions. We cannot afford an administration that is unable to deal with likes of Breitbart or others who engage in race-based attacks. Every time you fold to right-wing smears, those perpetrating them are given an incentive to continue their lies and fabrications. This is not just a problem for Ms. Sherrod, or for Black America, but for America on the whole.
To enjoy the respect of the American people, it is critical that your administration admits when it makes mistakes and rectifies them. That is what is called for here.
I therefore respectfully demand that Ms. Sherrod be reinstated to her position, and that your administration seek the truth before emboldening the far-right by caving to their baseless smears.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
cc: Secretary Tom Vilsack
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