Common indecency?
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Rapper Common
Republican strategist Karl Rove and 2008 GOP vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin have expressed displeasure at the White House for inviting the rapper known as "Common" to participate in a poetry event.
They say the musician has glorified the killing of police officers with his lyrics. The line they find offensive? "Your power and pride is beautiful. May God bless your soul."
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That might not seem offensive at first, but the title of the song in question is "A Song for Assata," about convicted cop-killer and former Black Panther Assata Shakur.
According to the Associated Press, the White House is standing by its decision to invite the rapper. Spokesman Jay Carney says President Barack Obama has spoken out
against violent and misogynistic music lyrics, and that media reports about Common's participation in Tuesday night's East Room event distort what the rapper stands for.
One media outlet suggests conservatives should actually be thrilled with Common's participation, as one of his songs is anti-abortion.