The New Jersey Police Association are outraged that the Obama administration has invited rapper Common, a member of Barack Obama’s former ‘church’, to the White House.
Common wrote this lovely ballad “A song for Assata” in dedication to Black Panther Assata Shakur, formerly known as Joanne Chesimard, who was convicted for the 1973 slaying of Trooper Werner Foerster on the New Jersey Turnpike.
NBC New York reported:
The invitation of rapper Common to a White House this week is drawing the ire of the union representing New Jersey state police.
While not even casual hip-hop fans would 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.
FOX News and Sarah Palin criticized the decision after the Daily Caller published some of Common’s lyrics, including some that criticize President George W. Bush.
For Jersey police, the outrage centers on a song by Common about Assata Shakur, formerly known as Joanne Chesimard, who was convicted for the 1973 slaying of Trooper Werner Foerster on the New Jersey Turnpike. Garden State police take offense at “A Song for Assata,” which includes the lines “Your power and pride is beautiful. May God bless your soul.”
For David Jones, president of the State Troopers Fraternal Association union, the White House invitation to a rapper who seems to celebrate Shakur is disturbing.
“The young people who read this stuff, hear this stuff, are getting a very dangerous and deadly message,” Jones said.
