Why do so many people seem reluctant to condemn the act of hanging nooses from a so-called “white tree” in Jena, Louisiana? Is it because a race-baiter like Al Sharpton has joined with the thousands of protesters who have descended upon the tiny town?

If so, they’re allowing the well-deserved tarnished reputation of “Reverend Al” to cloud their judgment.

Good and decent people shouldn’t stand for white teenagers hanging nooses or burning crosses in order to intimidate and terrorize black people.

The story of the “Jena Six” isn’t nearly as complicated as some would have us believe. Amazingly in today’s America, there existed a “white tree” in Jena where white teenagers gathered under the shade of the central Louisiana sun. One day, a black teen had the temerity to ask a school official at the local high school if he would be allowed to sit under “the white tree.” Of course you can, said the administrator. You should be able to sit wherever you want to.

Not everyone agreed. The following day, three hanging nooses were tied to the tree, a chilling message reminiscent of Ku Klux Klan rallies and lynch mobs.

It didn’t take long to discover the culprits, three white kids who attended the high school. They were given three day suspensions for their hideous act.

And then all hell broke loose.

For nearly a year, fighting and brawling and name-calling erupted between the white kids and the black kids. The tension, say many in the town, was almost suffocating. One of the acts of violence involved six black teenagers beating up a white student. Thankfully, that act of cowardice didn’t result in serious injury to the victim. He was treated and released at a local hospital and even attended a school function that same day. Continued...