Does a grassy area on the lawn south of the White House count as part of the White House? Because that’s where rap star Common stood as he hosted the National Christmas Tree lighting for the Obamas, their children and other political bigwigs in Washington back in December.
If Common was on the south lawn handling his tree lighting duties, then I’m sure he must have been invited inside the White House as well for some eggnog at some point.
Right wing pundits and other critics in the media are “enraged” that U.S. President Barack Obama invited rapper Common to a “night of poetry” event at the White House last night.
The 2-time Grammy Award winning Hip Hop star is catching heat because of rap songs and poetry he recorded years ago that contained some references to former president George W. Bush and Osama bin Laden.
But where was all the outright indignation and gnashing of teeth from the right-wing pundits and media critics when Common was invited to the White House in December 2010?
Did I also mention that Common was an invited guest at the White House Christmas tree lighting in December 2009 too?
What’s bigger: hosting the National Christmas tree lighting at the White House or participating in a little poetry event, both of which took place only months apart?
Personally, I don’t see the difference. Common is the same rapper today that he was in December. So if you’re going to pull your hair out over his invitation to the White House last night, then the hair pulling should have started in December.
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One of Common’s poetry, titled “Letter To The Law”, which he recited on a 2007 episode of HBO’s “Def Poetry,” contained the lyrics:
“Why they messing with Saddam? / burn a Bush cause’ for peace he no push no button / killing over oil and grease / no weapons of destruction”
Fox News refers to Common as a “vile” and “misogynistic” “thug” for words he spoke in 2007, but isn’t most of Hip Hop music vile and misogynistic? Is this new? And who are the purveyors and distributors of this vile and misogynistic music? Why not go after the heads instead of the tails?
I’m not an Obama fan by far, but as a blogger, I can’t just sit idly by while the Obamas are raked over the coals for inviting a house guest whom they also entertained in their home just 5 months ago. Are the Obamas supposed to stop being his friend because some uptight right wingers don’t like rap music?
I understand pointing out Mr. Obama’s flaws, but let’s be fair and balanced in our criticism of him.
(AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)
