You're missing the point. Truth is a complete defense against a charge of libel or slander. It doesn't matter whether or not FrightFart edited the tape. He posted a public statement that, if false, is defamatory under civil laws of libel and slander. Furthermore, he added the opening four text frames I quoted, earlier:
Those are his own words, not the words of whoever gave him the tape, and the last two lines are his declaratory statement that Ms. Sherrod, in her federally appointed position overseeing over a billion dollars, discriminates against people due to their race.
1. Ms Sherrod was NOT a Federal employee when she spoke the words on the tape.
2. Her words were presented out of context. She was explaining to that NAACP the events and thought process that brought her AWAY FROM her own biases to a more enlightened viewpoint. That has been confirmed by the very white farm owners against whom she was alleged to have discriminated.
FrightFart is responsible for knowing whether his own statements and any materials he presents through his public platform are true or false before he posts them in public. He failed in that responsiblity, and he should be held to account for any harm he caused to Sherrod and anyone else.
I'd hope the alleged ACORN actors he libeled sue his lying ass, as well.