The New York Times has just reported that PETA has joined forces with former Democratic presidential candidate and (former?) antisemitic rabble-rouser Rev. Al Sharpton.
The cause in this case is not AgriProcessors/Rubashkin.
The Rev. Sharpton was recruited to bring pressure on Yum! Brands, owner of Kentucky Fried Chicken to force the clean up poor growing and handling of chickens by Purdue and other suppliers.
Rev. Sharpton has a long history of antisemitism, including a role as provocateur of the Crown Heights Riots, the first – and, thank God, so far the only – pogrom on American soil.
The Times reports that PETA chose Rev. Sharpton because of the predominance of KFC restaurants in black neighborhoods.
Due to the late hour, PETA could not be reached for comment.
Also joining the new PETA campaign is rap mogul and possible new NAACP head Russel Simmons, who – unlike Rev. Sharpton – has a positive relationship with the Jewish community.
Coming less than a week after the 60th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz, and in light of PETA's ill-fated (although, well intentioned) Holocaust On Your Plate campaign, PETA's alliance with Rev. Sharpton will most likely further worsen the animal right's group's already shaky relationship with the Jewish community.