I agree that this is going to give ammo to the HB's, but a guy can only take so much provocation before he gives in to the anger.

Plus there may have been a bit of fear in Aldrins actions... he's 72, a good deal shorter than Sibrel, and a lot lighter. Sibrel must have been a little threatening. He was also blocking the entrance to what was basically Aldrins home, which to me would add to the justification for a little force.

I taped the news report of the Aldrin/Sibrel incident. I watched it a couple of times and recorded as accurate a transcript as I could.

Sibrel confronts Aldrin in the street.

Sibrel: "Why don't you swear on the bible that you walked on the moon?"

Aldrin turns to walk away.

Aldrin: "Why don't you turn those off... turn them off..." (talking to the camera operators)

Hotel staff get between Aldrin and Sibrel and attempt to ask Sibrel to leave.

The video cuts to Aldrin and Sibrel standing at the top of some stairs at the hotel entrance.

Aldrin: "Will you get away from me?" (the strain in his voice is evident)

Sibrel: "You are a coward and a liar and a..."

At this point Aldrin punches Sibrel in the jaw with a right hook and then enters the hotel.

Sibrel: "Did you get that?" (looking at the camera with a strange smile on his face)


Kel