I QUESTION THE DFL'S DECISION

According to the most recent DFL Dispatch, State Representative Keith Ellison is moderating a discussion at the DFL's booth at the Minnesota State Fair on Tuesday, August 30.

7:00PM - Minnesota Stories. Minnesotans talk about why they are Democrats, part of an ongoing summer-long project of the DFL Party. Moderated by State Representative Keith Ellison (Minneapolis).

Based on some of Ellison's previous statements and activities, I question the DFL's decision to have him moderate this event.

In 1997, Ellison came out in support of Joanne Jackson. Jackson was the executive director of the Minneapolis Initiative Against Racism, and was threatened with losing her job for saying "Jews are the most racist white people I know." Ellison said that the board's first initiative against racism should "be directed at itself, or at least the 11 board members who voted to dismiss Joanne Jackson" for her comments. Source: Star Tribune, February 3, 1997

In 1995, Ellison coordinated the Nation of Islam's Million Man March for Minnesota. He appeared with Khalid Abdul Muhammed at an organizing rally at the University of Minnesota. Muhammed said, "I'm sorry. I'm just hard on the white man. I was born to give this cracker hell from cradle to the grave." Source: Star Tribune, September 14, 1995

In 1995, Ellison spoke out on the Qubilah Shabazz trial. Shabazz, daughter of Malcom X, was charged with conspiracy to commit murder against Louis Farrakhan. Shabazz is known to believe Farrakhan was behind the assassination of her father. Ellison said of the case, "I would call the government's conduct into question." Source: Pioneer Press, May 1, 1995

In 1993, Ellison ridiculed the DFL, "The DFL, the so-called party of the common man, is not raising questions about the punitiveness of this legislation." (Referring to a federal crime bill that put 100,000 more police on the streets and build more prisons.) Source: Star Tribune, December 17, 1993

At a rally in 1992, Ellison claimed, "Black people do not live under a democracy. You don't have an obligation to obey a government that considers you to be less than human." He was joined in the rally by Spike Moss, who threatened the attendees, "If there is one uniform sticking it to a black man and there are six of you seeing that uniform stick it to him, bring it to him. If I find out your name, and you didn't bring it to him, I'll bring it to you." Source: Star Tribune, May 1, 1992

Wow. I encourage you to stop by the booth and ask Ellison about these statements. Does Ellison think he "was born to give this cracker hell from cradle to the grave?"

Does Ellison still think someone who says "Jews are the most racist white people I know" should be able to keep their job as head of an organization dedicated to fighting racism?