In response to a question raised by Tavis Smiley before a crowd of more than 5,000 people at Chicago State University, Min. Louis Farrakhan warned Americans not to harm President Barack Obama. Farrakhan was one of 12 distinguished panelists who participated in Smiley’s “We Count: The Black Agenda is the American Agenda” symposium.
The Nation of Islam’s venerable leader addressed how the rhetoric spewed by an ultra-conservative, radio talk show host and a cartoonist in a conservative, right-wing publication, created an environment where extremist fringe supporters feel it’s OK to bring physical harm to Obama. In addition to mentioning the radio talk show host who referred to Obama as a socialist, demonizing him by illustrations with Hitler-style moustaches, he also referenced Arizonan Baptist Min. Steven Allen, whose perverse interpretation of the Psalm 58 Scripture incites violence from the pulpit by praying for the death of the president.
“America, if you do not agree with his policy, vote him out of office in the next election. But we cannot make Michelle and his two daughters, a widow and fatherless like we did Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s [wife and children],” Farrakhan said.
Farrakhan also questioned the president’s security force, “And to the American government, tighten up your security measures. How did you let two people enter a White House party that were not supposed to be there?”
Attendees gave Farrakhan a standing ovation. –al weems
