The invitation of rapper Common to the White House this week is drawing the ire of the union representing New Jersey state police.
While even casual hip-hop fans wouldn’t characterize him as a controversial rapper, Common found himself under the microscope after First Lady Michelle Obama invited him to the White House for an arts event. In question: the lyrics to “A Song for Assata,” about convicted cop-killer and former Black Panther Assata Shakur.
FOX News and Sarah Palin condemned the decision after the Daily Caller published some of Common’s lyrics, including some that criticize former President George W. Bush.
For New Jersey police, the outrage centers on “A Song for Assata” lyrics like “Your power and pride is beautiful. May God bless your soul.”
Shakur, formerly known as Joanne Chesimard, was convicted for the 1973 slaying of Trooper Werner Foerster on the New Jersey Turnpike. She escaped prison in 1979, and is living in asylum in Cuba.
“The young people who read this stuff, hear this stuff, are getting a very dangerous and deadly message,” said David Jones, president of the State Troopers Fraternal Association union.
Known for being more of a brainy poet type than a thug or a gangster, Common seemed to be amused by the dust-up Tuesday, tweeting and retweeting the various news items, such as FOX News’ description of him as a “vile rapper.”
He also tweeted, “So apparently Sarah Palin and Fox News doesn’t like me.”
The White House appearance comes during the same week that lawmen from across the nation, including Jones, make their annual trek to Washington to honor their fallen comrades at the National Law Enforcement Memorial.
Sal Maggio, a retired troop commander with the state police, said his colleagues still talk about Shakur and the million dollar bounty the FBI has put on her capture.
“Hopefully someday she’ll be caught,” Maggio said in reaction to news of this invitation.
There was no comment from the White House late Tuesday afternoon. A representative for Common could not be reached.
(Source: NBC New York)
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6 Responses
No surprise that the Obamas would invite someone like him.
Please correct the headline to reflect the fact that it is the NJ State troopers’ union, rather than the NJSP as an organization, that has expressed displeasure with this invitation.
fwiw – A very good point;
AinOhdMilvado – No surprise that you would say something like this;
Obama’s staff – next time do your homework!
Yonason,
How is it ppl with no brains to start with do any homework? Also even if they did and informed Obama would he even care? We are forgetting that this is Disney World for Obama and company. First black to hold the highest office in golus and he does whatever he can to reap the rewards such as using Air Force 1 as he does at taxpayer expense.
So yeah he would not care.
michelle and barak are using thw white house as a kindegarten and what is worst is the liberals love it. This is a disgrace that michelle would invite somebody like this to the white house. “Since obama has been in the white house
I am ashamed to be an American”
Moochele and Barack Hussein Obama are making the Clintons look like malochim. This rapper – who was there on “Poetry Night” – is among the evil of evil. He was also indoctrinated in the smurch of rev jerry wrong. Are we shocked? NOPE!