Government

Update: Rep. Clyburn Defends Appearance with Farrakhan

Update: Rep. Clyburn Defends Appearance with Farrakhan

Rep. James Clyburn, D-S.C. (AP)

A spokeswoman for House Minority Leader Jim Clyburn, D-S.C., has confirmed to The Blaze that the Democratic leader will be attending Friday evening’s forum on “The Disappearing Black Community and How We Can Get It Back” in Pittsburgh as we reported earlier this week. The event drew widespread criticism over the inclusion of Nation of Islam Minister Louis Farrakhan.

“No one should interfere with minister Louis Farrakhan’s right to speak, but his appearance in Pittsburgh this evening at a forum on “The Disappearing Black Community” bestows on him unwarranted credibility,” Rabbi Abraham Cooper, associate dean of the Simon Wiesenthal Center in California wrote Friday in a Pittsburgh Post-Gazette op-ed. “Rev. Farrakhan does not deserve the respectability of having Rep. James Clyburn of South Carolina sit along side him.”

After Farrakhan’s keynote was announced, fellow forum participant Melanie Campbell, president and CEO of the National Coalition on Black Civic Participation, withdrew her RSVP. However, Rep. Clyburn defended his decision to participate in the event, hosted by radio host Bev Smith who blamed Jewish and white Christian organizations for Campbell’s decision.

In a statement from spokeswoman Kristie Greco, Clyburn insisted that appearing in a forum with someone who doesn’t represent his own point of view is “nothing new.”

“He served side-by-side in Congress with arch segregationist and fellow-South Carolinian Strom Thurmond, as well as many other Members whose views and beliefs are starkly different from his own,” Greco said. “He will participate on this panel to add to the meaningful discussion about the future of the black community, nothing more and nothing less.”

Clyburn has received positive and negative feedback over his planned appearance from people inside and outside his district, Greco added.

“One of the beauties of America is that free speech is protected,” Clyburn said earlier this week. “Although I had no idea who all the participants in this program were until yesterday, I look forward to an open and civil discussion at the forum. I will be representing my views and will not hesitate to express and defend my convictions, which are grounded in the Judeo-Christian doctrines I practice.”

Comments (155)

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  • Fina Biscotti
    Posted on March 11, 2011 at 11:56pm

    Why did blacks go after a young group of men who were offering college scholarships to white males – when the United ***** College Fund exists?

    Report Post »  
    • justice
      Posted on March 12, 2011 at 5:12am

      Exactly, they would have a cow if a young white person applied. All hell would break loose.

      Report Post »  
    • mill
      Posted on March 12, 2011 at 3:28pm

      because only blacks are supposed to suck the tax payer dry with freebies…why should blacks work for anything/ After all 200 years ago someone in their family may have been a slave. You k now those blacks that were sold into slavery by their own people..remember that part…

      I was never never prejudice until Obama got into office…it seems all hell has broken loose in our country due to this man.

      This is only a symptom of what liberal blacks have done to America

      Report Post »  
  • pwatkins
    Posted on March 11, 2011 at 11:54pm

    What about Rep. Ellison, he is a Farrakkan follower too, oh forgot, we can’t profile him…….he’s a ********.

    Report Post »  
  • Fina Biscotti
    Posted on March 11, 2011 at 11:54pm

    Clyburn mentions Strom Thurmond – the white separatist – (who had a bi-racial daughter, who he adored) –

    while people like Clyburn attend forums for black separatists.

    Report Post »  
  • UpstateNYConservative
    Posted on March 11, 2011 at 11:51pm

    If the ‘black community’ is disappearing (it’s not), then who is really to blame except liberals? You know–like Clyburn, Jacjson, Sharpton, Obama, Reid, Pelosi, Biden, et.al.

    I’m sick to death of hearing about blacks, gays, blacks, women, blacks, gay blacks, gay women blacks, gays, blacks, gay women, blacks, gay women blacks, blacks, gay men, blacks, gay blacks, blacks, and….onward into infinity.

    I get along just fine with my neighbors, thank you very much Congressman Clyburn. None of us need YOU around here. Now, Cly (such a Southern racist bigoted name) go to Wisconsin and drum up some more union money for your next election campaign.

    We really don’t need or want people like YOU.

    Pfft!

    Report Post » UpstateNYConservative  
  • pwatkins
    Posted on March 11, 2011 at 11:49pm

    Hey Clyburn, you people can stop looking, I found some of the black community in NC. Most were here protesting kids going to neighborhood schools. We could save a little money on busing them across town when they don’t care to learn no matter where they go to school. I think the other half of the community have been attending Vann Jones’ revolutionary camp, so find him and you will be able to avoid Farrakkan. I didn’t think anyone listened to him anymore but Jackson, Obama, and Rev. Wright.

    Report Post »  
  • henryKnox
    Posted on March 11, 2011 at 11:30pm

    The enemy of my enemy is my friend. These two have many common enemies, including the Tea Party.

    Report Post » henryKnox  
  • sheik
    Posted on March 11, 2011 at 11:30pm

    Clayburnkhan, just another black racist who teams up with a delusional, genocidal hate-preacher?

    Why am I not surprised?

    The coming race war is inevitable. White America has been looking away for much too long/

    Report Post » sheik  
  • hogtrashhd
    Posted on March 11, 2011 at 11:25pm

    The Disappearing Black Community

    I think they’re in Somalia dude.. or Yemen.. unfortunately they are being killed by their jihadist trainers.. looks like the jihadists can’t take their rapping crap either..

    Report Post »  
  • MUDFLAPS
    Posted on March 11, 2011 at 11:23pm

    Listen, Farakan could be videoed having sex with a snake and broadcast it world wide and these people would still be friends with him. Birds of a feather flock together. How these pigs get to where they are just amazes me. What a pack of idiots these people are.

    Report Post »  
  • Ben__Franklin
    Posted on March 11, 2011 at 11:09pm

    Clyburn is the same moron that said Alvin Greene, who won the Democratic primary last fall, was an illegitimate winner of the ticket because the electronic voting machines do not work right and are unreliable. What Clyburn failed to remember is his own election was won on those same machines. What a moron and it cannot be said enough!

    Report Post »  
    • Blazergirl
      Posted on March 12, 2011 at 12:02am

      @ Ben__Franklin
      Read my post above. This is why uneducated blacks in South Carolina keep voting for him. He preys on keeping those in rual South Carolina poor and uneducated so that when he tangles a small carrot before an election,they take the bait and vote for him. Thank God for Tim Scott. He will lead and make South Carolina proud for once.

      Report Post »  
  • Ben__Franklin
    Posted on March 11, 2011 at 11:05pm

    The disappearing “Black Community”???? Have you seen them? No wonder they are leaving them. Hell, any sane person would leave that crap behind and this Race Baiter wants all of them back into the Ghettos. My, Clyburn sure has the bar raised high…..seriously folks, why do you keep electing this fool? There has to be better in his district.

    Report Post »  
  • ARealCharliesAngel
    Posted on March 11, 2011 at 10:53pm

    Let’s get this straight….

    ….So if Rand Paul decided to attend a KKK Rally, you’d be okay with the civil discussion there, Clyburn??

    Report Post » ARealCharliesAngel  
    • Ben__Franklin
      Posted on March 11, 2011 at 11:10pm

      Clyburn has more crap in his head than his diaper

      Report Post »  
    • Devil Dog 7175
      Posted on March 12, 2011 at 7:45am

      Hey… Robert Byrd was a Klan leader, and it was just fine with the dems…

      Report Post » Devil Dog 7175  
    • starman70
      Posted on March 12, 2011 at 10:40am

      I‘m from South Carolina and all I can say that I’m thankful that this idiot doesn’t represent my district. He is a disgrace to America.

      Report Post »  
  • miles from nowhere
    Posted on March 11, 2011 at 10:52pm

    Birds of a feather flock together

    Report Post »  
  • Rickfromillinois
    Posted on March 11, 2011 at 10:37pm

    What would Clayburn say if Boener started hanging out with the leader of the KKK? Somehow I think that is different.

    Report Post » Rickfromillinois  
  • US Anthem
    Posted on March 11, 2011 at 10:24pm

    Cheezwhiz got it right, Dittos!

    Report Post » US Anthem  
  • Its Gonna Getcha
    Posted on March 11, 2011 at 10:12pm

    This “perfect” culture Black people had before they came to America. Does anyone have any proof of it? With all due respect, we are all putting energy into making today a better day, much less trying to get something “back” that never was, (and if was, has never been defined). Let people be who they want to be today!

    Report Post » Its Gonna Getcha  
  • psycodad36
    Posted on March 11, 2011 at 10:03pm

    @ cheezwizz
    once again on point and direct.thanx

    Report Post »  
  • Grandpa's Attic
    Posted on March 11, 2011 at 9:59pm

    What The Future??? Com’on Clayburn why Farrakhan?? Why did you have to go there?? GEEEEZ.. man. Please put on your big boy pants and quite signing up with radicals.

    Report Post »  
  • Robert-CA
    Posted on March 11, 2011 at 9:44pm

    Stop drinking .

    Report Post » Robert-CA  
  • Showtime
    Posted on March 11, 2011 at 9:43pm

    Simple solution, Clyburn: Do not fund abortions!

    Report Post » Showtime  
  • hillbillyinny
    Posted on March 11, 2011 at 9:37pm

    Wait a second–I though integration and post-racial Americal was supposed to “get rid” of the “black community”–we are all one, irregardless of color. “All men are created equal. . . ” I don’t think we need seperate communities, why do these racists?

    Report Post »  
    • Grandpa's Attic
      Posted on March 11, 2011 at 10:07pm

      Well Rep. Clyburn does and he thinks that we should keep separating ourselves into groups to be stereotyped for the rest of our lives.

      I am of the firm belief that it is identity from within that drives the person’s soul, not the external color of his/her skin. If you think the latter then you are still shallow as a puddle.

      Report Post »  
    • ihveit
      Posted on March 12, 2011 at 12:00am

      ihv actually they didnt want to get rid of the black community.. they wanted to do a way with the white community… same with religion .. they want to do away with christianity..
      will

      Report Post »  
    • ReardenSteel
      Posted on March 12, 2011 at 1:49am

      That is an excellent point but please do not say “irregardless”. You meant “regardless” , so say that.Or you could say “irrespective”, if you have to put “ir” in front of something.
      To Whom ti May Concern :
      Once and for all, it is “better thAn you” not “better thEn you”.
      Still you made the best point yet so carry on.

      Report Post »  
    • teachermitch32
      Posted on March 12, 2011 at 11:33pm

      ReardenSteel

      The “irregardless” and the “then, “than” thing does get pretty frustrating, does it not? There are many others. For example: their, there, they’re. Those are good. I could go on and on. Spell check just will not cover everything, will it?

      Report Post »  
  • ladyda
    Posted on March 11, 2011 at 9:37pm

    How about teaching that we were all created equal, but that does not guarantee an equal outcome later in life, but maybe if we put more effort into making something out of ourselves, instead of believing the b.s. that we are all victims, even though we have been given all the extra advantages of Affirmative Action, which oh so entitles us to play the race card any time we want, and because of this we were able to obtain positions we were really not the best qualified for, but that was alright, because we were taught that we never had to do our best, which has contributed to mediocrity in America, now we are mad because we are entitled to more, even though the Government was kind enough to become our Daddy, and to destroy our families by removing our fathers responsibility in our young lives…….oh I could go on and on. We are all American’s…….time to get over it and send these Race baiters to the Unemployment line.

    Report Post » ladyda  
  • Mateytwo Barreett
    Posted on March 11, 2011 at 9:22pm

    Just shufflin’ the deck! Yep, I can‘t count the number of times Ol’ Jim and Strom buddied up for an evening.

    Report Post » Mateytwo Barreett  
    • Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra
      Posted on March 11, 2011 at 10:00pm

      But Strom always wondered why the butler wasn’t bringing him a drink and insisted on being called Congressman.

      (satire people, take a chill pill)

      Report Post » Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra  
  • heavyduty
    Posted on March 11, 2011 at 9:15pm

    That’s what gets me with these other races. They always try to elevate themselves above everyone else. Instead of just being an AMERICAN. That’s the problem with AMERICA today is that they think they are better than others. When God says everyone is created equal.

    Report Post »  
    • TruthTalker
      Posted on March 11, 2011 at 9:23pm

      Agreed. What would be the buzz around “ The Disappearing White Community and How We Cant Get it Back” ? Gee, I guess that would be racist, hmmm?

      Report Post »  
    • Tnredneck
      Posted on March 11, 2011 at 9:46pm

      “ these other races” now isn’t that a racist statement? To these people….. Oops there I go…. The simple fact you were born white makes you a racist. And being a red neck from the south equates me as kkk. Next these people will be telling us they bleed a different color.

      Report Post »  
    • NoRoomForSocialismHere
      Posted on March 11, 2011 at 11:15pm

      No God did not say all men were created equal and they are not
      RE: HEAVYDUTY, what you say is true*. Any defeated people always try to conquer their conquers. I believe except in the case of America all nations have fought for a few thousand yrs on a racial bases often joining forces to overcome a more powerful foe then eventually turning on them in the end as did Adolf.

      LBJ liberals gave what was not theirs to give in the sixties and that would be giving the MINORITY favor over the MAJORITY, which is unconstitutional as the MAJORITY are to rule by law. So they continue to today usurping that which is not theirs to have or gain.

      *Another note: God did not say all men were created equal, as we are not. Jefferson’s Italian friend wrote that bit of false doctrine. However, the very special Untied States of America provided a place to blend or melt and be one nation though many races providing all abide by the same constitution and laws or decency. This is being abandoned for mult-culturism, which again is not American and is true separation, which causes internal war. I am actually looking forward to it to get this nation back to the way it we invented it.

      Report Post »  
  • Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra
    Posted on March 11, 2011 at 9:08pm

    Hey I played with the devil, shared a photo op with him, but you know, I am not a bad person. Just because he’s my BFF. Just saying.

    Report Post » Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra  
    • Gold Coin & Economic News
      Posted on March 11, 2011 at 9:14pm

      I wonder if Clyburn will get a tour of Calypso Louie’s space ship?

      Report Post » Gold Coin & Economic News  
    • Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra
      Posted on March 11, 2011 at 9:17pm

      No, but for his pennance, he will have to wax Michael Moores back for eternity.

      Report Post » Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra  
    • sissykatz
      Posted on March 11, 2011 at 9:24pm

      Well it didn’t bring him down much in my eyes, because I don’t like him any better than Farrakhan.But looks to me like this would be politcal suicide. Maybe,,,,,,,,

      Report Post »  
    • cheezwhiz
      Posted on March 11, 2011 at 9:37pm

      Democratic leader will be attending Friday evening’s forum on “The Disappearing Black Community and How We Can Get It Back” in Pittsburgh
      ——————-
      Translation :
      Race hustler will be attending Friday evening’s forum on “The Disappearing Black Community and How We Can Get It Back” in Pittsburgh to find a way to STOP black community from escaping the race-pimp’s plantation and becoming independents or conservatives .

      Report Post » cheezwhiz  
    • CatB
      Posted on March 11, 2011 at 9:40pm

      “You are known by the company you keep”……

      at least that is what I have always heard and tried to live my life ….guess that is why I would never be in politics.

      Report Post »  
    • Thatsitivehadenough
      Posted on March 11, 2011 at 9:41pm

      I’d love to see a journalist (be allowed) to ask Obama about this.

      Report Post » Thatsitivehadenough  
    • Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra
      Posted on March 11, 2011 at 9:49pm

      @cheezwhiz
      One point on yours. Statistics show more blacks have been going to school, and starting business’s over the last 20 years, therefore, they are leaving the “Black” communities. How do we revive the black community, I guess their solution would be to wipe out the opportunities and “Keep” their people poor, therefore dependent on the likes of Sharpton, J. Jackson, and the rest. (dangit, I stepped in Sharpton again, people, pick up after your dogs).
      A good friend of mine grew up in a ghetto, joined the military and has achieved a degree in Eng. and a Masters. Does he want to go back to the ghetto and raise a family, hell no.
      So in the grand scope of a disappearing black community, it’s not a bad thing, just bad for the race baiting ghetto leaders

      Report Post » Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra  
    • Large Eagle
      Posted on March 11, 2011 at 10:02pm

      Just Like Ellison and CAIR – Islamic Extremist in slow motion infiltration

      Report Post »  
    • MAULEMALL
      Posted on March 11, 2011 at 10:46pm

      Just another racist hideing behind his color..

      You are known by the white devil you damn..

      Report Post » MAULEMALL  
    • restorehope
      Posted on March 11, 2011 at 11:24pm

      Clyburn does not feel the need to disassociate himself from Farrakhan’s hate-filled rantings against America. As a member of Congress, that is appalling. At some point, one has to draw the line at who you associate with or that association will bring you down as well. When you lie down with dogs, you will most certainly wake up with fleas.

      Report Post »  
    • NancyBee
      Posted on March 11, 2011 at 11:28pm

      How could “ anyone” defend themselves if they hang out with Farrakhan?

      Report Post » NancyBee  
    • Land of the free
      Posted on March 11, 2011 at 11:29pm

      F-con does not love America. He does not realize everyone here had to fight to be free, no exceptions, and we have been to he’ll and back…that is why we appreciate what we have and love God and our country. He needs to grow up or get out.

      Report Post »  
    • exdem
      Posted on March 11, 2011 at 11:30pm

      @DARMOK
      The Micheal Moore visual you created is going to give me nightmares tonight.

      Report Post »  
    • AzDebi
      Posted on March 12, 2011 at 12:00am

      There is absolutely NO DEFENSE for this…NONE! Hang it up Clyburn…you’re done!

      Report Post » AzDebi  
    • techengineer11
      Posted on March 12, 2011 at 12:01am

      I hope they discuss ways to prevent their people from gage raping 11 year olds.. Like the 15 to 20 that had their way with the little 11 yr old girl from TX a few weeks ago.. Even ABC had the courage to cover it.. even printing how the boys family made excuses for their actions.. lol Good luck Mr. Cyburn and Farakann.. Hope you get your people straightened out.. I really do.

      Report Post » techengineer11  
    • AzDebi
      Posted on March 12, 2011 at 12:04am

      @cheezwhiz:
      “Democratic leader will be attending Friday evening’s forum on “The Disappearing Black Community and How We Can Get It Back” in Pittsburgh
      ——————-
      Translation :
      Race hustler will be attending Friday evening’s forum on “The Disappearing Black Community and How We Can Get It Back” in Pittsburgh to find a way to STOP black community from escaping the race-pimp’s plantation and becoming independents or conservatives .”
      ___________
      Cheez: You win the POTDA (Post Of The Day Award)!
      Absolutely priceless! Thanks!

      Report Post » AzDebi  
    • Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra
      Posted on March 12, 2011 at 12:17am

      Glad I could do my part to generate energy for Monsters Inc.

      Report Post » Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra  
    • banjarmon
      Posted on March 12, 2011 at 12:54am

      After that meeting with Farrakhan will Clyburn be welcome in SOUTH CAROLINA???

      Report Post » banjarmon  
    • godlovinmom
      Posted on March 12, 2011 at 1:03am

      really…if you hang out with farrakhan…you most likely think like him…so that brings me back to obama…how could obama attend reverend wrights church for twenty YEARS…I’ve heard this so called reverend a couple times…and he’s just like farrakhan…and apparently clyburn…TWENTY YEARS…amazing!…the great deceivers these men are…blazergirl…you make alot of sense!

      Report Post » godlovinmom  
    • watchtheotherhand
      Posted on March 12, 2011 at 1:18am

      Since we met
      We have been as thick as thieves
      And you could bet
      When they say you then they saw me
      Not far away
      Probably holding down the beat
      To your licks
      Cause that’s the way we told them it has to be

      So say hello
      To my little friend
      Where he goes
      I’ll be right there til the end
      So say hello
      To the closest bestest friend I ever had
      And I don‘t know where I’d go
      Or what I’d do without you

      Report Post » SLEAZYHIPPOs ILLEGITIMATE OFFSPRING  
    • Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra
      Posted on March 12, 2011 at 1:49am

      @watchtheotherhand
      Awesome.

      Report Post » Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra  
    • JayCee
      Posted on March 12, 2011 at 8:21am

      You are known by the company you keep, racist.

      Report Post »  
    • staggerlee32
      Posted on March 12, 2011 at 8:23am

      @Blazergirl

      You hit the nail on th head!

      Report Post » staggerlee32  
    • orchidman
      Posted on March 12, 2011 at 9:01am

      He was targeted in the last election and we almost defeated him. He had the tightest race he has ever experienced. SC gets a new Congressional District this year so maybe by the next election his constituency will change enough to get rid of him. Many of us in SC are not happy with him or his views.

      Report Post »  
    • ishka4me
      Posted on March 12, 2011 at 9:23am

      some things just can’t be defended. farakahn is an evil hateful man.

      Report Post »  
    • orchidman
      Posted on March 12, 2011 at 10:00am

      We targeted him in 2010 and gave him a run for his money. He had the tightest race he’s ever faced. SC gets another Congressional District this year so we hope the new District lines will reduce his base enough that we can defeat him in 2012. An awful lot of people in SC don’t like him, his views, or how he conducts his business.

      Report Post »  
    • MOVETERAN
      Posted on March 12, 2011 at 10:51am

      Free speech is protected for everyone that isn’t white. Who is it that demands that PC be maintained? Who is it that PC applies to? Who is it that is being monitored for actions, behaviors, and speech? Who gets to say what they want and who is it that has to watch what they say?

      Report Post » MOVETERAN  
    • Ruler4You
      Posted on March 12, 2011 at 11:01am

      Look, IMHBLO, it‘s all about the getting even with ’whitey’ mentality. And fits in very well with the sweeping tribalism and ‘the enemy of my enemy is my friend’ philosophy we see in bold relief in the world today.

      Report Post » Ruler4You  
    • Sinista MACE
      Posted on March 12, 2011 at 12:29pm

      Neither Clyburn nor Farrakhan represent the American people of African descent.

      Report Post » V-MAN MACE  
    • AProudConservative
      Posted on March 12, 2011 at 1:15pm

      “Rev. Farrakhan does not deserve the respectability of having Rep. James Clyburn of South Carolina sit alongside him.”

      Really? Respectability …… of James Clyburn? Seriously? Clyburn…

      If the black community really wants to get back whatever is supposedly lost, one of the first steps would be to replace James Clybum and disassociate itself with those like him and Calypso Louie Farrakhan.

      Report Post » AProudConservative  
    • orkydorky
      Posted on March 12, 2011 at 2:38pm

      Clyburn is no more than a bigoted opportunist who’s false charges that he was spat upon by a teapartier has brought him out of the progressive closet and in his mind catapulted him to one of the black leaders role. I’m however in the belief that his miscalculations will lead to his professional doom!

      Report Post » orkydorky  
    • holeinthehull
      Posted on March 12, 2011 at 6:13pm

      Sissykatz…Well it didn’t bring him down much in my eyes, because I don’t like him any better than Farrakhan.But looks to me like this would be politcal suicide. Maybe…

      I am from his state and he is in one of the most gerrymandered district in the country. This moron couldn’t lose his seat if he burned the capitol of SC down and was sent to prison for 15 years…his district would vote him back in (while in prison) just like they voted to acquit OJ 16 years ago

      Report Post »  
    • titan
      Posted on March 13, 2011 at 4:01am

      he will be voted out in the next election. people will remember this.

      Report Post »  
    • Miguelito
      Posted on March 14, 2011 at 10:05am

      Have we not learn yet that it is who we associate and hang with? Evil of display!

      Report Post »  
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