This story is pretty embarrassing to me, as I’ve become known as the guy who once somewhat defended Michael Richards’s outburst.

The man has hired a public relations expert to get Al Sharpton and “race hustling poverty pimp” Jesse Jackson on his side. This isn’t the action of a man sincerely sorry; this is someone who wants to rescue his reputation and keep making money.

Jesse Jackson, for starters, is known for capitalizing on “racism,” extorting money for his organization in exchange for the “black community’s” support. There’s no evidence of a Richards “donation” yet, but we’ll see.

Both “civil rights activists” are also known for their anti-Semitism. Wonder what Jerry Seinfeld thinks about this.

If the “Kramer” actor was truly sorry he’d shut up and disappear for awhile to let the wounds heal. He’d do some volunteer work, maybe get anger management therapy. He’d get to know some everyday blacks. Maybe he’d start some kind of organization, or even just donate to one, sincerely meant to help the black community.

He most certainly would not start with the PR-not-personal side of things, and he wouldn’t ingratiate himself with the two most self-interested, race-baiting black politicians in American history. If Richards’s fans read his behavior accurately, they’ll stay away for a long time.

Robert VerBruggen blogs at http://robertsrationale.blogspot.com.