Al Sharpton’s “National Action Network” is pressuring General Motors to pull its sponsorship of Kid Rock’s summer tour, because the musician has expressed support for the Confederate flag.
In the typical Sharpton-shakedown style, the activist group has been calling for boycotts and harassing companies associated with the outspoken musician after he defended the display of the Confederate battle flag.
National Action Network Detroit chapter president, the Rev. Charles Williams II, told The Associated Press Tuesday that “the best resolution is for GM to pull their sponsorship.”
Because, obviously, free speech isn’t nearly as important as Sharpton-endorsed political correctness.
Fox News reported on Tuesday that GM had no plans to withdraw their sponsorship of Kid Rock, noting that so far the Confederate flag hasn’t even appeared on stage. Activists, however, are not letting up.
Kid Rock, meanwhile, isn’t likely to be bullied into walking back his defense of the flag. Last week, when Sharpton first began attacking the musician over his support of the Confederate symbol, Kid Rock responded with a concise and typically “rocker” response:
Kid Rock to Al Sharpton #ConfederateFlag Protesters: Kiss My A** #WakeUpAmerica http://t.co/2w3BBfELav #tcot pic.twitter.com/dDXTxl9IWC
— Linda Suhler, Ph.D. (@LindaSuhler) July 11, 2015
Unsurprisingly, his comments rallied defenders of free speech on Twitter.
@LindaSuhler @suartcat4 Kid Rock has bigger balls than most Most see the flag as History-Heritage is not HATE — Milk&Cookies (@MilkandCookie11) July 13, 2015
@LindaSuhler Finally someone in the spotlight who can’t be pressured into being a pussy..and neither will I!
— Dan Miller (@Dano9375KOH) July 11, 2015
Social media users seemed to have a similar take on Sharpton’s latest scheme to stir up trouble for the rock artist.
@USABillOfRights That is typical of Sharpton. Harrass someone over a piece of US history. — Nurse John, BSN, RN (@JohnRacher) July 15, 2015
@USABillOfRights I pray I don’t have to boycott @GM as well. My list is growing because businesses stick their nose in our rights!!!
— Kianeira (@Kianeira) July 15, 2015
@USABillOfRights Al Sharpton should be in Chicago pressuring the city to get a handle on all of the violence — Paulie Pennino (@PauliePennino_) July 15, 2015
@BobG231 Sharpton needs to worry about paying his damn taxes.
— tweetnwithtwits™ (@martydrinksbeer) July 13, 2015
@BobG231 Don’t cave GM!! Sharpton didn’t bail you out, WE did! #GoHomeAl — BRH1964 (@brh1964) July 13, 2015
@BobG231 Sharpton is an idiot, who listens to him other than Obummer? Go @KidRock!!
— Mustang Sally (@MustangSally47) July 13, 2015
Of course, one user put it quite nicely when the controversy began last week.
Kid Rock wrote a song “Born Free” do you think he is going to let Al Sharpton tell him what to do? — oBoLa CrAcKa (@HouseCracka) July 11, 2015
Jeb Bush stirs up HORNET’S NEST attacking Trump; Trump’s army fires right back!
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