The pattern and evolution of destroying black leadership in America continued when Congresswoman Cynthia McKinney was defeated in the Georgia Democratic primary by an opponent less threatening, and ‘less outspoken’ then the Congresswoman.. Congresswoman McKinney appeared on the radar of conservative and pro-Israeli activist by being one of the first to ask what the Bush administration knew prior to 9-11, and whether or not the administration had its collective noses so deep into its oil interest that it missed obvious clues and warnings of the 9-11 catastrophe. Including warnings from foreign intelligence agencies from France to Morocco to Russia.

The Bush administration and its lackeys criticized the Congresswoman for questioning their omniscient regime and dared all to challenge that it knew of the terrorist attacks before 9-11. Soon thereafter the major American press began to break the FBI and CIA intelligence failures prior to 9-11.

The Bush administration also had another vendetta against the Congresswoman she held hearings on the Florida election debacle and the disenfranchisement of Black voters in Florida by the date of Florida Gov. Jeb Bush and his operatives purging voter rolls of felons using a statistical method that criminally over-included African American and Democrats with the full knowledge of the Florida Governor and Katherine Harris. (See Author Greg Palast, “The Best Democracy Money Can Buy” Greg Palast)

But as for the Congresswoman the proverbial damage was done. A prominent and intelligent black woman without the fear of criticizing the government would not be allowed to grow and lead. Rep. McKinney was challenged in the Georgia Democratic primary by another African American woman who received an enormous amount of funds from Pro-Israel groups (McKinney also criticized the Israeli government a no-no in America). A week before the primary the news wires indicated that the Bush administration was investigating her campaign for contributions by those with Arab last names who may have connections to terrorist organizations. Race over. The Congresswoman was defeated in the open primary which means that in Georgia Republicans are allowed to vote in the Democratic primary (a rule that makes no sense–essentially Republicans can choose their November democratic opponent and vice-versa; the rule especially in the south primary serves to discriminate and disenfranchise on color lines).

The government’s power to destroy the character of a noble African American is not new it just evolves and changes overtime. The great W.E.B. DuBois was investigated for his alleged communist ties, Marcus Garvey was deported, Malcolm X and Martin Luther King, Jr. were killed. The Black Panther party dismantled and destroyed by the FBI.

Despite the oratory skills of Rev. Jesse Jackson, Al Sharpton and Louis Farrakhan the common perception is that their has been a void in black leadership in America. Despite the emergence of African American Mayors and Congressmen and State officers and legislators. In the eyes of some Congresswoman McKinney presented a unique threat to fill that void.

We encourage other African American leaders in Congress, Barbara Lee (who stood up against the administration and voted against the Patriot Act) and John Lewis and Maxine Waters to continue the fight of Congresswoman McKinney in questioning the Bush administration and challenging the leadership of the Democratic party.

Do not disappear Congresswoman continue to speak out continue to give voice to the voiceless and for a Democratic party who has prove to be shockingly gutless in its ability to get its message out and stand up to an administration that loss the popular vote and the electoral college and yet managed to seize power.