General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: Alan Dershowitz: I'll Resign From the Democratic Party if Keith Ellison Named DNC Chair [View all]Mc Mike
(9,116 posts)" ...
Ellison was a NOI supporter 25 years ago as a young civil rights lawyer and organized a group attending the 1995 Million Man March on Washington a nationwide protest organized by Farrakhan.
But Ellison has repeatedly denounced Farrakhan since then, as both anti-Semitic and homophobic and has been forced again to restate his position on Farrakhan as he vies for the DNC seat.
These men organize by sowing hatred and division, including anti-Semitism, homophobia and a chauvinistic model of manhood, Ellison wrote again in a December 6 Star Tribune op-ed, referring to NOI. I disavowed them long ago, condemned their views and apologized.
...
But Farrakhan did speak highly of Trump in multiple interviews, notably with Infowars, the pro-Trump website run by conspiracist shock-jock Alex Jones.
In those interviews, Farrakhan praised Donald Trump, saying he appreciated the Republicans brash style and the fact that he did not appear beholden to political lobbyists. Not that Im for Mr. Trump, Farrakhan said, but I like what Im looking at. "
http://forward.com/news/356573/nation-of-islam-keith-ellison-a-coward/
The NOI and Farrakhan have been in bed with the birchers since the '50's, under Elijah Muhammed. Not surprising that they're in bed with bircher Alex Jones as he backs dRumpf, now.
As a catholic, it's not for me to forgive anti-semitism, but a large number of progressive American Jews forgave Jackson for his '84 associations and hymietown statement, when he apologized and denounced NOI. He won NYC overwhelmingly in '88. A lot of times, with Jackson, Conyers, or Ellison, I think that proximity to the NOI's chicago power base makes these good Black politicians say and do things they shouldn't, not to grab power, but to cope with being in the sphere of influence of that powerfully bad group.
If the NAACP forgave Byrd, accepted his apology and judged him by his post-'65 political performance, the same could hold true for Ellison.
My opinion is that this is a proxy fight between Obama retaining some influence and Sanders wanting some recognition. Sanders is not in favor of anti-semitism, the birchers, or dRumpf, any more than Prez O. is.
And as I said, I find you a very respectable post-er, any disagreement is meant respectfully.