Neither God, nor Allah, on Their Side

Ayman al-Zawahiri, second in command of al-Qaeda, has issued his first taunt towards Barack Obama. Invoking the words of Malcolm X, he referred to Obama, Colin Powell & Condoleeza Rice as "house Negroes." His attempt, of course, was an effort to deal with the popularity of Obama and the effect that has on the appeal of al-Qaeda.

Ironic in his appeal was his invocation of the words of Malcolm X. Ironic, in that one of the right-wing, fear monger rumors being spread around election time, was that Obama was secretly the son of Malcolm X. It is somehow fitting that the fanatics on both sides should so mutilate the legacy of one great man in order to undermine another man they fear may be even greater.

In attempting to provoke a racist response to Obama, al-Zawahiri shows himself to completely misunderstand the legacy of Malcolm X or Malik el-Shabazz, as he was correctly referred to in the video. The reference to Malcolm as Malik el-Shabazz is relevant in that it demonstrates awareness of his final days. Subsequent to going on hajj, Malcolm returned from Mecca transformed. He began to preach racial harmony and wanted to bring American Islam more in line with that he saw practiced worldwide. Alienating both the Nation of Islam and the white racist who thrived on his old rhetoric, he became too dangerous to live.

The bigots who manufactured the "Obama is Malcolm X's son," demonstrated both their ignorance and desperation. First, they fail to comprehend that were this to actually be true, it would only enhance the already larger than life image of Obama. What next, must he have pulled a sword from a stone? Can he fly?

Beyond the ridiculous, this rumor also betrays both an ignorance of history and an overt racist assumption. The historical ignorance is that Malcolm was fanatically dedicated to his wife and FBI efforts to get something on him confirm these assertions (please refer to the FBI website to view its file on him). The overt racist assumption herein plays on old stereotypes about sexuality. Their desperation lies grounded in seeing the nation begin to turn its collective back on the old lies and the old guard.

So here we have it. Two backwards, bigoted groups, both trying to play upon racial hatred, in order to support their beliefs in their own superiority. Unable to convince the world based on the truth of their arguments, they are left with only treachery, distortion and deceit.

Be aware, the cornered animal fights the hardest.