Rev.Jackson calls Hannity out

Rev. Jackson warns Hannity, 'You are using very deceptive language' David Edwards and Muriel Kane The recent appearance of a noose on the office door of a black Columbia University professor is only the latest in a series of similar incidents which have given rise to fears of a wave of resurgent racism. Rev. Jesse Jackson told Sean Hannity on Fox News Wednesday that a number of civil rights groups have asked the Department of Justice to declare these incidents "hate crimes" but were told they were merely "deplorable." "When the Department of Justice is silent and does not act to deter hanging nooses and swastikas and burning crosses, it gives a kind of permissiveness," Jackson warned. Jackson was asked about Don Imus's rumored return to radio after having been banned for calling black basketball players "nappy-headed hos," a possibility which has already evoked statements of condemnation. "What he did, while it was very racist and offensive, he showed contrition in his apology to the young women," Jackson stated. "I do not think what he did warrants a life without parole." Jackson said he believes that contrition, forgiveness, and redemption are always possible and emphasized that Imus deserves a chance to redeem himself. Hannity finally asked Jackson about his previous endorsement of the Duke lacrosse team rape allegations, saying, "Turned out those boys were innocent. Do you owe them an apology?" "I never attacked the young men," insisted Jackson, telling Hannity he was "using very deceptive language" in implying that Jackson thought the young woman who brought the charges ought to be rewarded. Jackson explained, however, that he still believed it was wrong for the woman to have forced to become a stripper just to afford an education.