Obama Dissed By al-Qaeda #2 Zawahiri

President elect Barack Obama hasn't even received the final electoral college votes to certify him as the official U.S. Commander-in-Chief before being globally dissed by al-Qaeda's number two leader, Ayman Zawahiri. In an audio message posted on militant websites across the world, Zawahiri, often referred to as the 'brains' behind the al-Qaeda organization, hurled the ultimate insult at Obama by referring to him as the equivalent of a 'house nigger'.

This was the first direct message from Osama bin Laden's spiritual mentor and mouthpiece since Obama put all terrorists, and those who mean to harm U.S. interests on notice, during his presidential acceptance speech on November 4th.

Zawahiri boldly criticized Obama for turning his back on his Islamic roots and for siding with the 'enemies' of Muslims and supporting Israel, according to the Telegraph.co.uk web news link. The Telegraph went on to report the Zawahiri message to Obama as follows:

"The [Zawahiri] tape features audio extracts from Malcolm X’s speech in Selma, Alabama, in 1965, in which he unfavourably compared the “house negro” — a docile slave ingratiating himself with his master — with the embittered “field negro” who laboured outdoors. Still images on the video that accompanied the audio message showed a picture of Malcolm X, an advocate of black power who was also a Muslim convert.

Zawahiri’s message, entitled “The departure of Bush and arrival of Obama”, warned Mr Obama of a “heavy legacy of failure” awaiting him in office. It also juxtaposed a portrait of Zawahiri wearing a white turban next to Mr. Obama praying at the Western Wall in Jerusalem during a pre-election visit to Israel.

He scolded Mr Obama for “choosing to be an enemy of Islam and Muslims”, saying that the Muslim “nation had bitterly received” the President-elect’s pledge of support to Israel.

"It is true about you and people like you ... what Malcolm X said about the house negros,” he said, naming Colin Powell, the former US secretary of state, and, Condoleezza Rice, the incumbent." Isambard Wilkinson, Nov. 20, 2008

Quick to defend Obama and the United States' honor, government spokesperson, Sean McCormack, of the state department condemned the “despicable” comments by saying:

“If anybody needed more of a contrast between what the West and the United States stand for, in terms of democracy and what these terrorists stand for, I don’t think you need to go any further than those comments.”

Obama has chosen 'not' to respond to this blatant taunt at this time. And... while his composed restraint is admirable, as a Black man who lived on Chicago's Southside for the past 20-years, Obama knows he can't let this verbal challenge to him––and all African-American people who support America and the war against terror––go unanswered too much longer. Just like he came out after Pastor Jeremiah Wright crossed the line and dissed him at the National Press Club earlier this year... Obama needs to recognize that Zawahiri's recent statements warrant the same level of indignation.

Now, as a world leader, it would not be expedient for Obama to flip-the-bird to Zawahiri and al-Qaeda, as he did Clinton and McCain when they insulted him on the campaign trail. But he is going to have to say something in response to this verbal affront... lest he, and America likewise... becomes the global 'whipping boys' for the next few years.

The Plight of Black Republicans... GOPs Need To Worry

The national spotlight is quickly focusing on what has customarily been an ignored ... and often "unappreciated" constituent base: Black Republicans. With Senator Barack Obama's foot literally on the doorstep of the White House, some Black Republicans find themselves betwixt and between in this election cycle.

In a nutshell, here is the complexity of the situation: How do Black Republicans reconcile supporting the liberal Obama/Democratic platforms that basically go against every long standing, deep-rooted, typical "Black Church", social value of Black conservatism, i.e.: don't kill your babies just because you become pregnant; general opposition to gay marriages (remember what the preacher said, "God made Adam and Eve, not Adam and Steve"); and an overall toughness on crime: (if you do the crime you do the time... and even your mama will turn you in!)

Long term GOP talk radio host, Armstrong Williams, articulated the present Black Republican conundrum in regards to Obama in this manner, “I don’t necessarily like his policies; I don’t like much that he advocates, but for the first time in my life, history thrusts me to really seriously think about it,” Williams explains. He adds: “I can honestly say I have no idea who I’m going to pull that [lever] for in November. And to me, that’s incredible.” (digitaljournal.com)

The angst so many Black Republicans now face is: 1) not wanting to be on the wrong side of history by not casting their vote for someone who looks like them and whose very cultural roots are entwined... and, 2) not wanting to be viewed––––any worse than already labeled by Black Democrats–– as "Uncle Toms".

Colin Powell, former Secretary of State, and one of the highest ranking Black Republicans in the world, issued a 'tease' over the weekend, stating that he had not ruled out voting for Senator Obama in November. Powell, who served in both President Bush 41 and 43's administrations quickly clarified that IF he votes for the Black senator from Illinois, it would not be simply because both are Black. "I will vote for the individual I think that brings the best set of tools to the problems of 21st century America and the 21st century world, regardless of party," Colin Powell said.

Well, that is a noble statement by Secretary Powell... but most Black Republicans–– while torn between what Obama's liberal positions will do "to" and/or "for" this country–– still face the question of whether to support this brother-- primarily because he is Black. PERIOD.

The flip side of this complex issue for Black Republicans... and which may make the decision easier, as they toy with the possibility of voting for Obama... is that many feel this Republican administration has not, and did not, share the financial spoils, such as major contracts, subcontracts, and grants to African Americans (Democrat or Republican) in an equitable manner. Consequently, would they fare better by putting their "hope"/vote with Obama? Indeed, President Bush appointed some key cabinet posts to "individual" African Americans. But overall, Black Republicans, who worked hard and voted in big numbers in 2000 and 2004 to deliver the highest African American voting percentage ever to a Republican candidate, admit being chafed over the past seven years, as their support, by and large, went ignored.

So, with that in mind, maybe... just maybe, as Black conservatives ponder who to give their votes to over the next few months, a Black Obama maybe an option that remains on the table. The GOP may need to be worried....