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Title: As Obama's star rises, fears for his safety Memories of 1968 assassinations evoked
Source:
International Herald Tribune
URL Source: [None]
Published: Feb 26, 2008
Author: International Herald Tribune
Post Date: 2008-05-09 15:09:50 by Jethro Tull
Keywords: None
Views: 2508
Comments: 208
Poster Comment: Twinkle, twinkle, little star.....
As Obama's star rises, fears for his safety Memories of 1968 assassinations evoked
International Herald Tribune
02-26-2008
As Obama's star rises, fears for his safety Memories of 1968 assassinations evoked
Byline: Jeff Zeleny The New York Times Media Group
Edition: 1
Section: NEWS
DALLAS --
There is a hushed worry on the minds of many supporters of Senator Barack Obama, echoing in conversations from state to state, rally to rally: Will he be safe?
In Colorado, two sisters say they pray daily for his safety. In New Mexico, a daughter says she persuaded her mother to still vote for Obama, even though the mother feared that winning would put him in danger. And at a rally here, a woman expressed worries that a message of hope and change, in addition to his race, made him more vulnerable to violence.
"I've got the best protection in the world," Obama, of Illinois, said in an interview, reprising a line he tells supporters who raise the issue with him. "So stop worrying."
Yet worry they do, with the spring of 1968 seared into their memories, when the Reverend Martin Luther King Jr. and Senator Robert Kennedy were assassinated in a span of two months.
Obama was 6 at the time, and like many of his admirers, he has only read about the violence that traumatized and polarized the nation. But those recollections and images are often invoked by older voters, who watch his candidacy with fascination, as well as an uneasy air of apprehension, as Democrats inch closer to selecting their nominee.
Obama has had Secret Service agents surrounding him since May 3, the earliest a candidate has ever been provided protection. (He reluctantly gave in to the insistent urging of Senator Richard Durbin, Democrat of Illinois, and others in Congress.) As his rallies have swelled in size, his security has increased, close to rivaling that given to a sitting president.
His wife, Michelle Obama, voiced concerns about his safety before he was elected to the Senate. Three years ago, she said she dreaded the day her husband received Secret Service protection, because it would mean serious threats had been made against him.
Among friends and advisers, danger is something Obama rarely mentions.
"It's not something that I'm spending time thinking about day to day," said Obama, who has been given the Secret Service nickname Renegade, a way for agents to quickly identify him. "I made a decision to get into this race. I think anybody who decides to run for president recognizes that there are some risks involved, just like there are risks in anything."
Not long ago, his advisers worried that some black voters might not support his candidacy out of a fierce desire to protect him. It was a particular concern in South Carolina, but Obama said he believed the worry was also rooted in "a fear of failure."
Now that he has won a string of primaries and caucuses in all corners of the country and built a coalition of black and white voters, failure would seem to be less of an issue. The fears, however, remain.
Representative Bennie Thompson, a Mississippi Democrat and chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee, raised concerns in a letter in January to officials who oversee the Secret Service. Obama was already receiving protection, but Thompson said the intense interest in the election had prompted him to make sure that Obama and the other candidates were offered adequate security.
"The national and international profile of Sen. Barack Obama gives rise to unique challenges that merit special concern," Thompson wrote. "As an African-American who was witness to some of this nation's most shameful days during the civil rights movement, I know personally that the hatred of some of our fellow citizens can lead to heinous acts of violence. We need only to look to the assassinations of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and 1968 presidential candidate Robert Kennedy as examples."
In an interview, Thompson declined to elaborate on any specific threats that had come to the attention of his committee or the authorities. He said he wrote the letter to the Homeland Security Department without discussing it with Obama, whom he has endorsed.
"His candidacy is so unique to this country and so important that the last thing you would want is for him not to have the opportunity to fulfill the role of a potential presidential nominee," Thompson said. "It's out of an abundance of caution that I wrote the letter, rather than keep our fingers crossed and pray."
Before Obama decided to run for president, he discussed his safety with his family. His campaign employed a team of private security guards before he was placed under Secret Service protection. Since then, he has grown fond of the agents who surround him, inviting them to watch the Super Bowl at his home in Chicago and playing basketball with them on the days he awaits the results of an election.
Obama was reluctant to speak about his security or the period in American history that is often raised, without prompting, by voters who are interviewed at his campaign events. Mentions of the fate that befell President John F. Kennedy and Robert Kennedy only increased after Obama was joined on the campaign trail by Caroline Kennedy and Senator Edward Kennedy of Massachusetts.
"I'm pretty familiar with the history," Obama said. "Obviously, it was an incredible national trauma, but neither Bobby Kennedy nor Martin Luther King had Secret Service protection."
Indeed, the assassination of Kennedy in 1968 prompted Congress to pass a law authorizing protection of major presidential and vice presidential candidates. In this campaign, Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton of New York has had Secret Service protection from the beginning because she is a former first lady. None of the other candidates accepted it during their primary campaigns.
Gerald Posner, author of books on the assassinations of John Kennedy and King, said he did not believe that Obama was under a significantly higher risk than President George W. Bush or Hillary Clinton. The fears are more openly discussed, he said, because he is the first black candidate to come this close to winning a major party's presidential nomination.
"Barack scares those of us who think of the possibility of an assassination in a different way," Posner said. "He represents so much hope and change. That is exactly what was taken away from us in the 1960s."
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#43. To: aristeides (#42)
Yep, we're good old fashioned Commie-Fascist despising Americans that have had enough...way more than enough.
We can and you're in commander. I'll be in touch as the skirmish lines develop.
Zapruder.
If I were an agent provocateur wanting to get the crazies to entrap themselves, I would do precisely what you're now doing.
To reason, indeed, he was not in the habit of attending. His mode of arguing, if it is to be so called, was one not uncommon among dull and stubborn persons, who are accustomed to be surrounded by their inferiors. He asserted a proposition; and, as often as wiser people ventured respectfully to show that it was erroneous, he asserted it again, in exactly the same words, and conceived that, by doing so, he at once disposed of all objections. - Macaulay, "History of England," Vol. 1, Chapter 6, on James II.
Silly goose. Hoping for a Change in the state of American politics is what Obama is all about. Hell, I'd argue what I'm Hoping for is pure Americana.
"It does not take a majority to prevail, but rather an irate, tireless minority, keen on setting brush fires of freedom in the minds of men." -- Samuel Adams (1722-1803)‡
There, how does it feel to be honest? Yes, most Americans are communists now, and most representatives and judges as well. It sucks. I can't wait for this socialist republic to collapse just like the Soviet Union. Only I hope the collapse is much more catastrophic and that we see a major thinning of the communist herd.
I shall not vote for evil, lesser or otherwise.
That's about my take on it. Satan's having a ball in his world.
That's just the way Hitler talked (in private) about Germany in his last weeks in power.
To reason, indeed, he was not in the habit of attending. His mode of arguing, if it is to be so called, was one not uncommon among dull and stubborn persons, who are accustomed to be surrounded by their inferiors. He asserted a proposition; and, as often as wiser people ventured respectfully to show that it was erroneous, he asserted it again, in exactly the same words, and conceived that, by doing so, he at once disposed of all objections. - Macaulay, "History of England," Vol. 1, Chapter 6, on James II.
He wants to do it constitutionally and legally. You know, the American way.
To reason, indeed, he was not in the habit of attending. His mode of arguing, if it is to be so called, was one not uncommon among dull and stubborn persons, who are accustomed to be surrounded by their inferiors. He asserted a proposition; and, as often as wiser people ventured respectfully to show that it was erroneous, he asserted it again, in exactly the same words, and conceived that, by doing so, he at once disposed of all objections. - Macaulay, "History of England," Vol. 1, Chapter 6, on James II.
You were there? I didn't think he liked commies.
I shall not vote for evil, lesser or otherwise.
Yeah, like expanding the unconstitutional welfare state, raising unconstitutional taxes, passing unconstitutional gun control... I shall not vote for evil, lesser or otherwise.
I wasn't there. I've read a few biographies, and memoirs (by people like Traudl Junge and Henriette von Schirach who were there). Maybe you should inform yourself too.
To reason, indeed, he was not in the habit of attending. His mode of arguing, if it is to be so called, was one not uncommon among dull and stubborn persons, who are accustomed to be surrounded by their inferiors. He asserted a proposition; and, as often as wiser people ventured respectfully to show that it was erroneous, he asserted it again, in exactly the same words, and conceived that, by doing so, he at once disposed of all objections. - Macaulay, "History of England," Vol. 1, Chapter 6, on James II.
"It does not take a majority to prevail, but rather an irate, tireless minority, keen on setting brush fires of freedom in the minds of men." -- Samuel Adams (1722-1803)‡
You know that a US president can't do any of the above. Yes? You need to look at the other 2 branches.
Antiparty - find out why, think about 'how'
I don't really care what Hitler was thinking at the time. What I am curious about though, is why Oxford produces so many commies? Is that a commie institution?
I shall not vote for evil, lesser or otherwise.
You can have all the loot you want, just leave us a free country when it's over.
I shall not vote for evil, lesser or otherwise.
The Pin Oak is not a native tree of Oregon. They have them in Tom McCall park in Portland, but I didn't climb and defend any taken during the widening of Front Avenue when I lived up there because of this and because it is undeniable that the project made the street safer and better for all users. Living in a city does have it's considerations to weigh when one contemplates doing an action. I would submit that assassination is more a LBJ and Bush family tradition, nothing good can come out of it regardless of the target. I find your mental masturbation here repugnant and foolish.
Oxford has the reputation of being the more conservative of the two ancient universities of England. Looking back, I can think of one person I knew there that called himself a Marxist. I'm sure I'm missing some people. But just who are these numerous Communist graduates of Oxford that you have in mind?
To reason, indeed, he was not in the habit of attending. His mode of arguing, if it is to be so called, was one not uncommon among dull and stubborn persons, who are accustomed to be surrounded by their inferiors. He asserted a proposition; and, as often as wiser people ventured respectfully to show that it was erroneous, he asserted it again, in exactly the same words, and conceived that, by doing so, he at once disposed of all objections. - Macaulay, "History of England," Vol. 1, Chapter 6, on James II.
You should. Remember what happened to him soon thereafter. And remember how history -- including history written by German historians -- has treated him ever since. Germans are no longer particularly fond of someone who ended up hating them as much as he did.
To reason, indeed, he was not in the habit of attending. His mode of arguing, if it is to be so called, was one not uncommon among dull and stubborn persons, who are accustomed to be surrounded by their inferiors. He asserted a proposition; and, as often as wiser people ventured respectfully to show that it was erroneous, he asserted it again, in exactly the same words, and conceived that, by doing so, he at once disposed of all objections. - Macaulay, "History of England," Vol. 1, Chapter 6, on James II.
Can you say Paraguay and Dubai? Their exit strategy is already in place.
Communists rarely admit being such. I think they would rather admit to being homosexual, or to being a porn producer, or even a drug dealer, rather than admit they are commies. A former president, a poster on this forum...
I shall not vote for evil, lesser or otherwise.
Your colors -- and grease paint -- are the same as Krusty the Clown. Go figure.
Oh, yes, I'm a Communist. Whereas the people who are hinting broadly here about the idea of assassinating a leading candidate for the presidency are real true Americans. Sure.
To reason, indeed, he was not in the habit of attending. His mode of arguing, if it is to be so called, was one not uncommon among dull and stubborn persons, who are accustomed to be surrounded by their inferiors. He asserted a proposition; and, as often as wiser people ventured respectfully to show that it was erroneous, he asserted it again, in exactly the same words, and conceived that, by doing so, he at once disposed of all objections. - Macaulay, "History of England," Vol. 1, Chapter 6, on James II.
"It does not take a majority to prevail, but rather an irate, tireless minority, keen on setting brush fires of freedom in the minds of men." -- Samuel Adams (1722-1803)‡
Oh My...
"It does not take a majority to prevail, but rather an irate, tireless minority, keen on setting brush fires of freedom in the minds of men." -- Samuel Adams (1722-1803)‡
Yeah, you moles haven't for the most part been honest for a long time about your intentions...but it appears it's getting safer each day to 'come out'.
See, even red, white and blue gets perverted by you perverts...
That's the first step to recovery...
Those guys don't have extradition treaties...
Given a choice between being stuck in Paraguay and being imprisoned in a jail in a country that has civilized prisons (and I'm afraid that's not true of this country,) I'm not sure I would choose Paraguay.
To reason, indeed, he was not in the habit of attending. His mode of arguing, if it is to be so called, was one not uncommon among dull and stubborn persons, who are accustomed to be surrounded by their inferiors. He asserted a proposition; and, as often as wiser people ventured respectfully to show that it was erroneous, he asserted it again, in exactly the same words, and conceived that, by doing so, he at once disposed of all objections. - Macaulay, "History of England," Vol. 1, Chapter 6, on James II.
"It does not take a majority to prevail, but rather an irate, tireless minority, keen on setting brush fires of freedom in the minds of men." -- Samuel Adams (1722-1803)‡
Where's the beef of your argument? You are harping a one note song over and over, and you are enough of an embarrassment to yourself your tastes bad, less filling style in here doesn't bother me. Thanks for sharing, I am much amused.
You get what you deserve Corn Flake Girl...
Why is it that you hate filled wingnuts always go for the cheap smear when lack a rational argument? Why don't you post your proof that ari suppots a communist cabal? I've never seen any evidence of this. But I have seen plenty of cases where you go into silly tirades and call people names like a spoiled nine year old. The present case is an excellent example of this.
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Are you hate filled rapture monkeys capable of anything beyond this silly name calling?
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And now what are you going to do about your maturity issues? Stamp your foot and call people names? LOL!!
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FOHillbilly getting posting ideas from his family at breakfast.
He's slunk off again. He doesn't do well when people stand up and call him on his shit. And most would be bullies are like that.
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Comments (83 - 208) not displayed.
Top • Page Up • Full Thread • Page Down • Bottom/LatestLooks like they've dropped any pretense of being anything other than what they are.
#44. To: karelian (#36)
PS. If the new confederate army can use a vet in a wheelchair, I’m their man!
#45. To: X-15 (#39)
Camelot, Camelot.....puddle of vomit.
#46. To: Jethro Tull (#45)
#47. To: aristeides (#46)
#48. To: aristeides (#42)
#49. To: ghostdogtxn (#30)
Dude, you've just described EVERYONE in DC, and pretty substantial majorities of your fellow citizens across America.
How does it feel, then, living in a communist country?
#50. To: FOH. the thread (#38)
The NeoCon-NeoCommie matrix the Establishment has trapped the sheeple in may never be broken until the Lord returns, but it won't be for lack of effort by the few (and fewer)...
#51. To: Critter (#49)
It sucks. I can't wait for this socialist republic to collapse just like the Soviet Union. Only I hope the collapse is much more catastrophic and that we see a major thinning of the communist herd.
#52. To: Jethro Tull (#47)
Hoping for a Change in the state of American politics is what Obama is all about.
#53. To: aristeides (#51)
That's just the way Hitler talked (in private) about Germany in his last weeks in power.
#54. To: aristeides (#52)
He wants to do it constitutionally and legally.
You know, the
American Communist way.
#55. To: Critter (#53)
(Edited)
#56. To: Critter (#49)
#57. To: Critter (#54)
Yeah, like expanding the unconstitutional welfare state, raising unconstitutional taxes, passing unconstitutional gun control...
#58. To: aristeides (#55)
Maybe you should inform yourself too.
#59. To: ghostdogtxn (#56)
they're usually in other countries living from the loot they've stolen on their way out the door.
#60. To: Jethro Tull (#35)
Perhaps a long stroll atop a pin oak will calm you down?
"Only those who dare to fail greatly can ever achieve greatly." Robert F. Kennedy
#61. To: Critter (#58)
#62. To: Critter (#58)
I don't really care what Hitler was thinking at the time.
#63. To: ghostdogtxn (#56)
In fact, by the time the herd gets thinned, they're usually in other countries living from the loot they've stolen on their way out the door.
#64. To: aristeides (#61)
I can think of one person I knew there that called himself a Marxist.
But just who are these numerous Communist graduates of Oxford that you have in mind?
#65. To: FOH (#26)
"Only those who dare to fail greatly can ever achieve greatly." Robert F. Kennedy
#66. To: Critter (#64)
#67. To: Critter (#59)
#68. To: Ferret Mike (#60)
I find your mental masturbation here repugnant and foolish.
#69. To: lodwick (#63)
#70. To: aristeides (#61)
Oxford has the reputation of being the more conservative of the two ancient universities of England. Looking back, I can think of one person I knew there that called himself a Marxist.
#71. To: Ferret Mike (#65)
#72. To: aristeides (#66)
Oh, yes, I'm a Communist.
#73. To: ghostdogtxn (#69)
Yup. Any country where the officials can be bought and where they give plenty of warning before any attempt at extradition.
#74. To: ghostdogtxn (#69)
(Edited)
#75. To: aristeides (#74)
#76. To: FOH (#71)
"See, even red, white and blue gets perverted by you perverts..."
"Only those who dare to fail greatly can ever achieve greatly." Robert F. Kennedy
#77. To: Ferret Mike (#76)
#78. To: FOH (#10)
The CFR World Communist Cabal that you support leaves no drama out !!
#79. To: FOH (#77)
You get what you deserve Corn Flake Girl...
#80. To: FOH (#72)
That's the first step to recovery...
#81. To: ... (#79)
--
"Only those who dare to fail greatly can ever achieve greatly." Robert F. Kennedy
#82. To: Ferret Mike (#81)
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