It's amazing how far a well-used slur can travel.
When Al-Qaida's second highest-ranking leader called President-Elect Barack Obama an "abeed al-beit", which translates into a "house slave" or "house negro," you would have thought he was standing on the corner of 47th Street about 40 years ago.
Everybody's talking.
Ayman al-Zawahri put secretaries of state Colin Powell and Condoleezza Rice in the same category with Obama, and labeled them "house negroes" as well.
That phrase has been thrown around a lot since Malcolm X first used it to describe black leaders who refused to stand up against white racists. At that time those were darn near fighting words.
Decades later, actor and civil rights activist Harry Belafonte's use of the racial slur to condemn Powell and Rice for going along with George W.'s War on Iraq was barely noticed since blacks overwhelmingly opposed the war.
If Al-Qaida wants to insult Obama, it has to do a lot better than that. Given his mixed-raced heritage, upbringing in a white household, and Harvard education, the President-Elect has been called a lot worst.
Besides, Obama isn't going to the White House to serve the man. He is the man.
Still, al-Zawahri made the point Obama has been trying to make for the past two years.
Maybe now, Americans who are still insisting that Obama is a Muslim can stop flaunting their ignorance.
Mary Mitchell is a columnist for the 
You can't really expect much else from Al Qaeda and its leaders. And Malcom X's comments (which can be heard below) are pretty radical and racists. They also don't really carry over to Obama situation...
http://www.entertonement.com/clips/7491/Malcolm-X/History-Historical-People/House-negro
Nice insight!! It really does sound like a desperate call from a sinking ship doesn't it?
Wow, Al Qaeda kills 3,000 Americans, kills and blows up our soldiers, beheads them, burns their bodies, but it takes calling Obama a naughty name for the liberals to get up in arms.
Best you all run and cry to the UN. Maybe have a group hug and form a committee. Maybe send Al Qaeda a invitation to racial tolerance training.
Yup, that should do it! People must be baffled why Al Qaeda has not started singing Obama songs and wearing Obama buttons.
Didn't they get the memo that the world changed? I guess not!
The harsh racist remarks from the cowardly goat herder will leave Obama with few options so early in his presidency.
To prove his leadership in these dangerous times, Obama must authorize the deployment of Rapid Response Community Organizing Teams to Pakistan at Once!
Harry Belafonte is well familiar with the term house negro since he was Otto Premingers house negro when the film "Carmen" was made.
Harry Belefonte is well familiar with the term house negro. After all, he was Otto Preminger's house negro when the film "Carmen" was made.
Although al-Zawahri put Former Secretaries of State Colin Powell and soon to be former Secretary Condoleezza Rice in the same category with Obama, and labeled them "house slaves", the only solace I take from an alleged Arabic knuckleheaded radical extremist (not terrorist though many will call him this) is being knowledgable researching my previous history.
This al-Zawahri slave holding ancestors would have taken Powell's, Rice's and Obama's male ancestors and made eunuchs of them during that time. Therefore why would I expect him to respect either of them or their off-spring in 2008 or in the future? The Northen part of Africa still have issues with the Middle and Lower halfs of Africa based on centuries old wounds from the Arab slave trade.
Americans know who Malcom X is but does he really know who Malcolm X was? I doubt it, he saw the clip and used it the same as the Reverend Wright clip was used during the previous election cycle. To promote fear and disharmony among people. He does it to promote doubt amongst Muslims there or around the world to not live peacefully.
That is all I took from it!
Here is what al-Zawahri is - a small petty man who hides behind others by demoralizing, subjugatting and pressuring them with FEAR to believe WHAT HE BELIEVES instead of dispensing information and allowing them to critically analyze it, then engage with others astutely coming to a hypothesis for theirselves.
This is done in America as well, but at least we have the freedom to speak out about it, though there was a time in our history you could be tortured, maimed and killed for it too. Though there is still some suppression, we in America can find the information if taking the time to research.
Understand this al-Zawahri guy is making a much broader point too. He knows President-Elect Obama is about to become the HMIC(Head Man In Charge) and there are Muslims who respect our new President-Elect! And when that happens their will be attrition to the cells of terrorists who will began to see with their own eyes, there is a better way to get along with people, if you simply take the time to talk out your differences.
Although I view the terrorist's carnage on the nightly news and know it is done to promote fear and violence, nobody is going to make me believe another individual REALLY WANTS TO BLOW THEMSELVES UP and kill large numbers of innocent people!
Assalamu Alaikum Ms. Mitchell
Well said. Unfortunately ignorance is tightly held by many as a security blanket. Many will still find some ridiculous reason to justify their rejection of the President Elect.
You, Mary Mitchell, fall into the likes of Jackson, Sharpton, Wright, et al. You are a rabble rousing racist.You keep the pot boiling and the fire fueled with healthy doses of toxic venom and do the Blacks of this country no good.
Whatever positive is done in this country by black and white working together, you can be sure the racist minds of you and your team, as mentioned above, will keep us apart.
i am a person thats an avid reader of your column Mary, and it's a pleasure when i read, and see you in person in a political forumn, exel, in delivering the most complete understanding of the way that the american culture whether
black or white is defined and especially the defence you gave in the
Rush Lambaugh comment, i saved that piece and framed it.
keep it up because its the only way the
white race, the ones that are the bigots will respect you.
i am a person thats an avid reader of your column Mary, and it's a pleasure when i read, and see you in person in a political forumn, exel, in delivering the most complete understanding of the way that the american culture whether
black or white is defined and especially the defence you gave in the
Rush Lambaugh comment, i saved that piece and framed it.
keep it up because its the only way the
white race, the ones that are the bigots will respect you.
"Besides, Obama isn't going to the White House to serve the man. He is the man."
He is the President-elect, and he was elected to SERVE the people of this country.
Funny, now that the election is over, you admit to his being biracial and raised by white people.
Mary Mitchell, shame on you!
There is a hint of, "worry" in al-Zawahri's comments.
"A lot worst." That is spectacular copy editing.
PRESIDENT ELECT BARACK OBAMA,COLIN POWELL,CONDY
RICE,ARE GOING ABOUT THEY'RE BUSINESS,FLYING HERE AND THERE,SLEEPING IN THE BEST HOTEL,EATING IN THE BEST RESTAURANT AND LIVING THE GOOD LIFE.
MR AYMAN AD-ZAWAHRI,IS SOME WHERE HOLD-UP IN A CAVE,EATING SCORPIONS AND SALAMANDERS.
SO I ASK YOU ,WHICH IS GREATER,A DEAD LION OR A LIVE DOG?
PS WHEN IS THE LAST TIME HE HAD A BATH?
how mad will all the black people that voted for Obama be when the change that they are expecting is NOT the change that they are going to get?? I bet they will then be calling the half white president an Uncle Tom,
Thank you, Mary, for making the very important point: "Obama is not going to the White House to serve the man, HE IS THE MAN." Your columns are always timely and "on target."
"stop flaunting their ignorance"
"been called a lot worst."
Mary, just how nieve are you? Answer me this (I know you won't)?
What did you expect? Who were the people who SOLD African slaves back in the 17th century, who went out and caught them for the Europeans? ANSWER: North African Arab muslims.
Who STILL in the year 2008 practices 'chattel slavery of African blacks' in places such as Sudan and Mauritania? ANSWER: North African Arab muslims.
.....What, you don't believe me: Here's 3 sources for you, Mary.
...I'm sure you know Joe Madison, the popular African-American radio talkshow host. Well he and former Washington DC congressman, Walter Fauntroy, have been involved for years in trying and buying to free African blacks from Southern Sudan from their arab owners.
....Mary, also ask Christian Solidarity International. Like Joe, they've also been involved in freeing blacks.
... Finally, Amnesty International is also angered and involved in this tragedy and trying to free blacks.
So Mary, what did you expect? Really, just how these jerks treat the women and non-muslims there should have sent up signals to you. Oh, I forgot, you columnists can't criticize those folks because it isn't politically-correct to do so.
If he is not sworn in on the Koran as he was as senator, then you have my vote he is not muslim.
quite possibly the funniest blog topic title I've ever seen!
You don't have to go to the Middle East to see the "mammy" of all race cards played out. All you have to do is check out the CPS system. There is a slave plantation mentality running rampant throughout the system. Some Principals run the schools as if slavery had never ended. Whatever the slave master says is gospel. The poor field hands don't have a voice in this system. There are plenty of "house negroes" around to do the master's bidding. Our children and their education is the not a priority with the CPS system.
"Besides, Obama isn't going to the White House to serve the man. He is the man."
Reading this line is the best thing that has happened to me all day.
AL-ZAWAHRI IS ONLY RUNNING HIS MOUTH BECAUSE HE WANT SOME ATTENTION PRESIDENT ELECT OBAMA DURING OUR HARD FOUGHT CAMPAIGN MR. OBAMA WAS CALLED EVERY NAME BUT THE CHILD OF GOD BY EVERY ONE IN AMERICA AND AROUND THE WORLD SOME GOOD SOME BAD. HE SURVIVED THE WORST ELECTION THAT WAS NASTY AND DIRTY EVERY BIT RACISM WHILE WE ALL WATCHED AND SAID NOTHING AND IT WAS FOR THE BEST THAT HE CARRY HIS SELF WITH CLASS AND GRACE LIKE NO OTHER CANDIDATE HAD EVER DONE MY HAT IS OFF TO HIM . HE SHOW WHAT A REAL MAN IS MADE OF COURAGE.
It is interesting to observe how the world now sees the United States. From the vile rhetoric of people like Al Zawahri to the ignorance of Ahmadinejad there is a joy, maybe a fear, if not a recognition that the U.S. is changing. They will not be able to rant about the US's abusive policies anymore. President-elect Obama has not only dignified the image of the nation but presents a mindset that will raise the standing of our nation in a way that will more than marginalize the tyrants, villains, and would-be terrorists who would like to do us harm.
Who are they going to demonize now? They can't claim, "White devil." "House negro" just seems out-dated if not ridiculous. The mantra that the U.S. does not sympathize nor understand other countries is made useless. Obama is a world class president. Unfortunately those that harbor hate will try and find some way to justify their venomous ideology. Let us hope that sane, clear heads prevail in the regions where the U.S.'s image has been so badly tarnished over the last eight years.
I THINK IT IS A BLESSING IN DISGUISE THAT THIS
GUY DIDN'T ENDORSE PRESIDENT-ELECT OBAMA, LIKE
YOU SAID MAYBE NOW SOME PEOPLE WILL STOP SAYING
HE IS A MUSLIM, BECAUSE THESE CRAZY GUYS DON'T
APPROVE OF HIM, SO THEY SAY ANYWAY, ISN'T IT
AMAZING THAT THESE TAPES CAN BE SHOWN, BUT WE
CAN'T FIND THE GUYS WHO MAKE THE TAPES, UNBELIEVE
ABLE ISN'T IT!
5 MILLION EXPECTED AT THE INAGURATION!
Happy Thanksgiving Ms. Mitchell. Keep up the emotion stirring reporting!
I don't think the Muslim leader, al-Zawahri, was attempting to be degrading when he made the 'house negro' comment but was challenging the new president elect's intellect as the whether it would be one of continuing the bidding and mindset of the current and past administrations or if the new president-elect will have the audacity to be 'hue-man' enough to hold to his own political/international/human values in the midst of the chaos and crap that he is inheriting.
All those "over-seas" Muslims are sun drunk...too much sun and heat on the brain. They're the eptomy of STUPID-NESS, by their behaviors and words they speak. I laugh at ignorance everyday and this is another example of pure ignorance. And for that person who thinks Black People are going to be mad at Obama --you're foolish too. We can't blame him for things that can't happen, and we know he (Obama) can't do it without the help of the American citizens----WE ALL HAVE A JOB TO DO TO MAKE THIS CHANGE HAPPEN. He has been elected--GET OVER IT FOR HEAVENS SAKE!!!
Everything that comes out of your mouth is disgusting and opinioned. The thing is your opinions are read by Chicagoans and they believe this crap. When you were growing up as a kid I can only imagine the topic of conversation at your dinner table. Residents of the U.S. will never move on or get better with people like you always reminding them of the tragedies that occurred years ago. The world has been a lot better since then why don’t you write about how things have gotten better and give your people some encouragement. Instead you remind them of a horrible past. What you’re doing and writing is wrong. I wonder sometimes how you stay on the payroll of the Suntimes Media Group and I have come to the conclusion that you drive up sales of the print version of the paper and you may even aid in the traffic to the website with your opinions and race talk. You’re a disgrace to your people in my eyes.
Does anybody know who STILL in the year 2008 practices "chattel slavery of African blacks" as a enterprizing business? Answer: North African arab muslims ! Especially in Sudan, Chad, and Mauritania........so why should anybody be surprised by comments from any Al Qaeda spokesmen........besides, why does this irritate you (al-Zawahri comments) but you weren't as irritated by 3000 innocent people being killed on 9/11?
is time we stop using the terms biracial and multiracial. TheIt re is only one race on the planet earth and that is the human race. Anthropologist and scientist who study DNA all attest to the fact that there is no such things as multiple races. We may be multiethnic, multicultural or multicolored but we are not multiracial. The concept of multiple races was a social construct. The media and the U.S. Census Bureau needs to inform the public with correct information and stop using this misinformation.
It is time we stop using the terms biracial and multiracial. TheIt re is only one race on the planet earth and that is the human race. Anthropologist and scientist who study DNA all attest to the fact that there is no such things as multiple races. We may be multiethnic, multicultural or multicolored but we are not multiracial. The concept of multiple races was a social construct. The media and the U.S. Census Bureau needs to inform the public with correct information and stop using this misinformation.
This probably isn't new news but having traveled the world, I think it's safe to say people in other countries see the issues in the black community in the US as an extension of the violence in Somalia, Darfur, etc. All they read about and see on TV is violence...
Is the "White House" going to be called the "Half White House"? That's right, I forgot the election is over he is the first Black President. I guess the other half doesn't matter.
I guess the "White House" will be re-named. The question is, half black or half white?
Only takes name calling to get people mad. What about the slaughter and murder of not only Americans (of ALL races), HUMAN BEINGS!
Kevin, Right On!
I am as Republican as it gets, and we intelligent conservatives never believed the Islamic/Muslim rumors...they are what they are, dirt and lies. Maybe words like these from the terrorists themselves will create some resolve in Obama to deal with them harshly. The idea of Obama giving these idiots (Taliban, Al-Qaeda and the Shia governing Iran) any substantive negotiations, is ridiculous.
Two thoughts; Your phrase "Obama isn't going to the White House to serve the man. He is the man". was dead on. And when Pelosi and the far lefties show up at the White House door, I hope he remembers that he is the man, and calls the shots his way.
I have no way of knowing this, but I'll bet that for the last 60 years, the phrase "house negro" has never left the speech of blacks, except that it isn't "negro", but the "N" word that gets used.
I am on the fence, I am waiting for two years to see what Obama does, especially with foreign policy. I hope it is just not talk, talk, talk, which is typical for Democrats. If the former Democratic president had done more than talk, maybe we would not be in the wars we are currently dealing with.
HEATHER...that was so true and hilarious!
I'd like to thank all the tough guy Repubs who talk smack about weak liberals.
You hide at home, while liberals go and fight your wars. The worst part? You're too stupid to find Al Qaida, so you invade a country that has nothing to do with 9/11 so you can "bait" them with the thousands of american lives and 100's of billions of american dollars.
It's easy to be "tough" when its not your butt on the line. Unless you volunteered for the armed services, you are the worst kind of hypocrite and a coward.
You actually still believe in Al Qaeda? The U.S. has been at war with them for 7 years now -- shouldn't we have completely demolished each and every last one of them by now?? We defeated Nazi Germany AND the Japanese empire in less time than its taken to defeat Al Qaeda. Give me a break!
CHANGE???This is what we have to look forward to??To all of the fools who couldn't see through the Chicago Machine politics behind Obama....Your going to get what you deserve more taxes and corruption corruption corruption.God Bless Patrick Fitzgerald.
chuck your ignorance and you white sheet are showing. You are no better than al-Zawahri. This is a diverse nation that has come a long way and you are one of the leftover neanderthals who are living with you head up your own.
Obama is NOT the man. For all of you "change-zombies" out there who are expecting the clouds to open and the Glorious Messiah Barack Obama to solve all of your problems, you will be waiting a while. He is NOT like us. He wants to turn our great nation into a welfare state. Some of us are satisfied working for a living and aren't looking for handouts. How many times have you heard the black community say that "welfare checks keep the poor man down"? Now we are all about those welfare checks, aren't we? You can thank George Bush for the safety you now enjoy. Also, just because one Muslim said something bad about Obama, doesn't mean Obama is not a Muslim. He associates with extremists, therefor he is one.
Please don't be upset that Al-Qaida might be racist. Al-Qaida is a terorist organization. They are not suppose to make you feel warm and fussy. They want to kill you regardless of what your race is.
Amazing. We're talking about a group of people known more for their extreme intolerance not just of other religions but even one another (observe the centuries old Sunni vs. Shiite hostilities), their shocking degree of violence (probably the only group on the whole planet that still practices beheadings), well documented oppression of women and children, hiding among civilians while waging war on everyone around them, and perhaps the most controversial tactic, these radical imams touting jihad while remaining in hiding. Cowards.
If you're willing to buy "Islam" as a religion of peace, I've got some swampland in New Mexico I'll sell you CHEAP.
I too, think Jews have outfitted O with a red coat and lantern. I voted Obama - but when he appointed Rahm [bomb bomb Iran] Emanuel as his chief of staff, I knew the fix was in.
The Jews have bought themselves a house negro this time around.
We are all Palestinians - but only those in Gaza are free to call themselves prisoners of this evil bunch.
I've been so busy with no time to read a newspaper or browse the net -that practically a month after all the "buzzing," I finally get to read an actual article on al-Zawahri's comment. I am so glad that it was Ms. Mitchell's article. The "he IS the man" line sent chills down my spine ,,, and brought a knowing smile to my lips.
What I am most pleased about is that this President-elect is a world class gentleman and can be a world class leader. My fervent hope and greatest expectation is that although he "is the Man," he - unlike so many others - will never abuse that privilege, and will take this nation through the upcoming turbulence with the humility, genius and grace that he has exhibited thus far. It seems that he was born to lead.
I think Al-Qaida has noted this, too, and is indeed worried.
it takes a mouse, living in the caves of Pakistan to finally make the liberals realize the truth about who they elected??
PE Obama is not "The Man"... The Man would be able to walk and talk his own life. He has no idea who he really is because he owes so many people and groups favors.
Bringing in Clinton was the biggest debt to be paid off. The others are being paid off in his plans for "Change" and his upcoming Executive Orders he has already said will be unpopular, but we need to trust in his unproven leadership.
The executive orders will be used to payback favors to the groups and interests that paid for his election and hired his handlers...
Is the sonaf a jewish man a jew ?
If he does not practice the religion is he no longer jewish ?
HE IS STILL JEWISH.
AN OFFSPRING(OBAMA) OF A MUSLIM IS ALWAYS A MUSLIM
IS ALWAYS A MUSLIM (OR PARTIAL) EVEN THOUGH HE DOES NOT PRACTICE OR BELIEVE IN ISLAM.
SO WHY DO YOU CALL PEOPLE IGNORANT WHEN THEY SAY OBAMA IS A MUSLIM...WHO IS THE IGNORANT ONE ?
OBAMA IS AT LEAST PART MUSLIM.
Mary, You just don't get it.
Dr. Z was referring to the notion that Zionists own Obama, as they did with Powell and Rice.
That is why they showed Obama wearing a yarmulk in the video.
They also mentioned the fact that he is a muslim apostate...that is, he was born of a Muslim father, but has renounced his religion in thename of Chritianity...that gets you the death penalty in Saudi Arabia, my friend.
to Anonymous (November 23, 2008 8:45 PM)
"If he is not sworn in on the Koran as he was as senator, then you have my vote he is not muslim."
I know this is a month after you posted to this commentary and may never read this, but you need to get your facts straight. Obama DID NOT take the oath of office using a Koran. He used a Bible.
Just a moment or two using any search engine will lead you to several sites which discuss this rumor and debunk it.
www.politifact.com goes on to say, "We suspect this false claim was inspired by the 2007 swearing-in of Rep. Keith Ellison, D-Minn., an American convert to Islam and the first Muslim elected to Congress. Ellison used a Koran that once belonged to Thomas Jefferson, borrowing the rare book from the Library of Congress."
All of which leads me to a question for the moderator of this site. You say, "Your comment needs to be approved before it will appear." Does that mean someone at the Sun-Times made a decision to let Anonymous' totally incorrect comment be published here?
I wonder if al-Zawahri has cable tv in his cave?
In January 2007. Keith Ellison D- Minnesota, the first Muslim member of US Congress, took a ceremonial oath with a Koran once owned by Thomas Jefferson.
Did I read this correctly? A muslim insults Obama and that means Obama is not Muslim? Where is the logic in that?
Assume for the sake of argument that Obama is a Catholic. Assume also for this argument that for some reason, some people are convinced he is Jewish. A Jewish leader who disagrees with American policy concerning Palestine and Israel insults Obama by calling him a house Negro. How in the world does that "prove" to those who belive he is Jewish that he is not? He may in fact be Catholic (given the assumption in this example) but how does an insult from a Jewish leader "prove" he is not Jewish? Mary's reasoning would only be valid if it were a fact that Muslims never, and I mean never, disagree with or insult other Muslims.
If you follow Mary's logic, the fact that a black man (Belafonte) called Rice a "house negro" proves Rice is not black. Absurd.
And Phil, calm down. We have "the tapes" because the enemy gives them to us. Would you prefer we go to war with Pakistan and occupy it so we can flush the rats our of their holes? Think about it. And there can't possibly be 5 million at the inauguration because there isn't enough Kool-Aid in Washington D.C.
It will be very interesting to see how bloggers such as yourself deal with massive disapointment.
The President elect has only two paths.
1. He can do the things he promised - which means the standing democrats will do their best to oppose him or kill him.
2. He do the things the democrats in congress want.. in which case his own people (all the special interest groups that make up the democratic party) will try to oppose him or kill him.
In general he is screwed...
Every mistake will be pointed out by the right... if his agenda is not flat out socailism the press will eventually turn on him.. and he cannot accomplish all he promised and keep the house and senate democrats on his side.
He is set up to fail.
I predict even this blogger will find fault with him within the first 6 months.
"Maybe now, Americans who are still insisting that Obama is a Muslim can stop flaunting their ignorance."
Don't bet on that, Mary...ignorance gives its practitioners a grip on stupidity that's tighter than Homer Simpson locked in a beer brewing tank.
Remember the old adage about "You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make it drink"?
When dealing with the ignoramus contingent, I explain it thus: "You can lead a soul to wisdom, but you can't make it think".
MS Mitchell. This is NOT a racial issue; it is a war issue between freedom and terrorism. Must you so often (if not always) make it (and other comments) a racial issue?
Thank you makeda, I knew some one would come to Al Qaeda's defence and try to "understand" the comment from its leader. Also, thanks for finding a way to blame Bush and with only 2 more blaming days left until Obama takes over! This is change?
Mary Mitchell... read about Barry's past and his education. You think he is a Christian? If so, then you dont really know what a Christian is. Im not talking about people who talk the talk.. but people who walk the walk. Abortions and gay marriages. These are two things that are NOT supported by REAL Christians. Im sure many people will try to say how wrong I am. They have that right. Just like I have the right to say what I just said.
Now we all know ignorance is world wide,but we all don't have to participate.
Ms Mary - in one of your articles recently, you said you would have preferred that President Obama not have white clergy for the inaugural invocation. Is that not a somewhat racist comment?
You do yourself an injustice by feeling inferior to "whites" and then displaying it in your articles. The only one to make you inferior is yourself.
"Hail to the Chief! Hail to President Obama!
You can't very well say that Malcolm X was the first to use terms such as 'house negroe' and so forth. Those terms were used during the times of slavery and were very much a part of the socio-political climate of the era. Those terms were in place hundereds of years before Malcolm came along. I find it deplorable that people (especially reporters-who are supposed to report on objectivity) continue (almost 43 years after Malcolm's assassination) to skew his public transformation on the issues of race, how he denounced his previous hardlined seperatist beliefs, and came forward with new plans of action to fight racism in this country and world. Malcolm said something else numerous times that I don't ever see cited...he discussed how the plight of desecendants of the African Diaspora weren't even considered to full fledged 'Americans'. If they were, they wouldn't need legislation to 'give them' rights. They wouldn't need to amend the constitution to offer them their human rights, particularly if the Constitution already calls for it. Therefore, even over focusing on the 'fact' that Barack Obama is the first 'African-American' President hardly strays from this. These PC terms still struggle for identity in a country where 'African Americans' are still fundamentally NOT perceived as plain old American. But I suppose Native Americans never received that 'honor' either. I'm a 4th generation removed American of German immigrants. I'm just called American when I go overseas. Hypocrisy is still around you. Look at his appointments to cabinet, not his skin tone. This type of garbage is still playing 'the race card'-just quietly and passively. By the way, why have they been airbrushing Malcolm out of all of the pictures they have been airbrushing of the living president shaking MLK's hand. I've seen it multiple times from the same photo of the two of them (MLK and Malcolm). Stalin used the same tactic. And don't get it screwed up, I'm not comparing Obama to Stalin, I'm comparing this type of media operation to the same tactics that Stalin sometimes employed. Use your brains people. This is a more critical time thatn you could ever guess, and if you make yourself blind because of Barack's race, you are still making yourself blind. Just becasue you now have an 'African American president', doesn't mean that racism is over, doesn't mean that MLK's 'Dream' is accomplished, and it doesn't make your judgement unbiased...Wake Up...
al-Zawahri is still sore that McCain didn't get elected; a president McCain would have given a big boost to al-Qaida's recruitment numbers.
Dr King called for justice. Will you now criticize your darling while he authorizes killing of innocent Afghan civilians? While he talks about Mumbai and then silent on Gaza? Ask yourself! I am afraid that "African-Americans" are going to become intoxicated with Obama and will fail to criticize him even if he is obviously doing wrong.Think about it! Your mindset is going back 1960s. Your "black" nationalism is blinding you.
Think you all are reading way too much into this. What struck me is the obvious time warp that other countries operate in when compared to America. I mean, "house negro"?? How many decades old is that? Even the Europeans crack me up when they try to be clever and throw up an American slang expression. And anyhow, it's al-Qaeda doing the talking, what can you expect? Cave dwellers!